Tag Archive for: mountain biking

Tamsin Venn

Coasting Most Of The Way

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Senior Cyclists Love Gravity And Vice Versa.

Franconia Falls offer a cooling off spot. Bring your bathing suit! Credit: Tamsin Venn

Pedaling up and down hills on a mountain bike has its rewards, but we prefer trails that have an emphasis on the downhill. We suggest three great places in the White Mountains of New Hampshire at or near ski areas to do just that. Important: We use suspension mountain bikes that absorb the bouncing over roots and rocks.

The Lincoln Woods Trail off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) just west of Lincoln, N.H., is one good trip. You cross the suspension bridge over the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River and follow it on a gradual climb 2.8-mile bed of an old logging railroad (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recarea/?recid=74669). At the next bridge, you turn left up the trail to Franconia Falls, which is spectacular with a natural water slide. Go ahead, jump in and cool off. The return trip is a screaming downhill all the way back to the parking lot. You dodge some of the old ties and rails still visible. Total trip 6.5 miles up and back.

Another good coaster is The Franconia Notch Recreation Path (https://www.traillink.com/trail/franconia-notch-recreation-path/). The asphalt path runs the length of the Franconia Notch State Park, following the Pemigewasset River for nine miles, ending at the Flume Gorge, then merging onto Route 3 for the last five miles back into Lincoln. The first leg is a bit of a climb up to Cannon Mountain, then the path drops, tempting you to whiz down the hills after you’ve crawled your way up, but there is a 20 mph speed limit (!)

The path passes Echo Lake, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram, The Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site, where you can use a brilliant visual gizmo to recreate the old stone face above you (the Old Man tumbled down in 2003). You also pass Lafayette campground (ice cream anyone?), The Basin (icy water cool down?), and finally the Flume Gorge. Bring a lock for your bikes. This trip is eminently doable thanks to Rodgers Ski & Sport (http://rodgersskiandsport.com/) which will shuttle you from its store in Lincoln to the path’s start for $10 a person.

Remember the Old Man? Here’s a unique tool to bring him back, sort of. Credit: Tamsin Venn

Next day, we zipped south to Waterville Valley Resort via I-93. The extensive well-maintained cross-country ski trail system is a blast for biking. You cut through the woods and explore a variety of trails for all abilities through the National Forest. Everything from meandering dirt fire roads to gnarly single-track is available, plus lift access to biking trails on Snow’s Mountain, the first ski trails in Waterville Valley. (http://www.waterville.com/adventure-center/).

Our favorite run is to take the Snow’s Mountain Chair ($9 single ride and $21 all day pass) and zoom down the wide Livermore Road back into town, crossing babbling brooks and wood bridges, in an Eden-like setting. We branch off onto Swan’s Way, a single track, which leads you back to the Town Center. More scenic is to follow the Connector past the Mad River. Then relax outside with live music and cold drinks, even if you didn’t necessarily break a sweat.

Trail junctures post YOU ARE HERE maps (a good printed map is also available), graded beginner, intermediate, expert in XC ratings, so you always know where you’re going.

Do you have a coasting trip you could recommend? We’re open to suggestions.

At the top of Snow Mountain Chair at Waterville Valley. Credit: Tamsin Venn.

Pat McCloskey

Fat Bikes Are A Boon For Senior Cyclists

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New Technology In Mountain Bikes Can Keep Seniors On The Trails.

Here’s a Fat Tire bike; carbon frame has room for wider tires. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Remember when you first bought your first pair of “shaped” skis?  I do.  I jumped on them to take advantage of an easier turn and less work.  Fast forward, I have a nice quiver of skis now with some 107s under foot for powder, loose snow, and crud.  Just point and shoot with total confidence.  Equipment keeps senior skiers in the game.

Same thing with mountain biking.  For several years now, the rage has been “fat” bikes and plus size tires with lower pressures for traction and control. Recently, while watching some friends maneuver very easily over tombstone like rocks and greasy roots here in the East, I marveled at the control that the plus tires and full suspension give the rider.

For those of you who are not familiar with the plus tire revolution, the description of plus refers to any tire width that is basically 2.6 inches and wider in diameter.  Most mountain bike tires have traditionally been in the 1.95-2.3 inch diameter range.  But in recent years, the technological advances in mountain biking have developed carbon frames which are compatible with wider .35 mm rims that accept a wider width tire.  With lower tire pressures around the 12-psi to 15-psi range, the plus technology allows the rider to have a more plush ride with suspension that grips gnarly terrain like glue. For the senior rider who wants a challenge but wants to maneuver safely through rocky, rooty, terrain, the plus bikes are just like our wider width skis—just point and shoot.

Knobby Fatties grip any kind of trail and make the going smoother. Credit: Pat McCloskey.

While riding behind one of the best riders I know who happens to be in his late sixties, I noticed that he didn’t even pick his lines anymore on a technical trail.  He just points the 3-inch tire and rolls over everything.  So, I recently purchased a 29er plus, full suspension bike from Salsa and VOILA, I do the same.  I feel much more confident with the plus technology.  A definite “plus” for a senior rider who still wants the challenge.

Many of the current generation of the plus bikes now (either 27.5 or 29ers) come equipped with the SRAAM Eagle components.  Simply put, they have a wide range of gearing with a 50 tooth cog in the back that allows for easy climbing of virtually anything that is thrown at you on the trails.  Even though the plus 29ers, for instance, are a little heavier than the standard carbon full suspension bikes, the Eagle gearing makes it easier for a senior rider to maneuver the plus bikes up a steep, rock strewn trail.  Personally, I love the “old man” gear and even though my local bike shop employees say I don’t need it, I definitely want it, and I use it.  I will take every advantage I can—on the slopes or on the trails.

So, take a look at plus technology.  Those 3-inch width tires may be a little excessive for your local trails and you may want to scale back to 2.67 or 2.8, but the lower pressures, enabled by wider profile rims, make life a lot easier and more enjoyable on the trails for a senior rider.  Modern equipment keeps you in the game, folks.  Take advantage of it.

Here’s the big 50-tooth inside “old man” gear that provides mega leverage. Credit: Pat McCloskey

 

Pat McCloskey

Cycling Series: Black Diamond Mountain Biking In WV

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Correspondent Pat McCloskey Rides With Cycling Pro Over Technical Trails.

Not easy these WV rock pots. But that's why correspondent Pat McCloskey and his senior cyclist pals took them on. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Not easy these WV rock pots. That’s why correspondent Pat McCloskey and his senior cyclist pals took them on.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

What in the world is an ex-World Cup mountain bike racer doing leading a bunch of old guys around the rock strewn trails of West Virginia?  Well, that is exactly what happened when Sue Haywood graciously agreed to lead our group of aging warriors around some of the most challenging trails you can ever ride.

Davis, WV, is a sleepy little town in the Monongahela National Forest which has been host to the grueling 24 Hours of Canaan back in the days of all-day and all-night team mountain bike racing.  It is also a beautiful destination area for other reasons beyond challenging mountain biking.  There is world class fly fishing in the area as well as the famous Blackwater Falls.  Hiking is superb, and there are a lot of quaint little shops and cafes that have sprung up in Davis and nearby Thomas, West Virginia.

Here's correspondent Pat McCloskey with cycling pro Sue Hayward. Credit: Pat McLoskey

Here’s correspondent Pat McCloskey with cycling pro Sue Haywood.
Credit: Pat McLoskey

But back to the mountain biking.  The trails here are challenging and to have a guide like Sue with her background lead us was a real treat. She was NORBA (National Off Road Bicycling Association) Short Track Champion in mountain bike racing and has many NORBA wins to her credit as well as 24 Hour Solo records and wins in China, Costa Rica, and all over the U.S.  She makes her business in Davis, WV, and if you ever want to take part in her many clinics and workshops, look up information on her website. 

To compliment your visit to Davis, check out Blackwater Bicycles for any assistance that you may need. Rob Stull, the owner is a friendly and very helpful guy who will rent mountain bike equipment and also has all the clothing, bikes and accessories that you may need to take on the Moon Rocks and other challenging trails in the region.  The pizza at Sirianni’s Café is a “must stop” location along with Hellbender’s Burritos.  Lots of nice places to bunk down for the night or weekend including the Bright Morning Inn with its charming rooms and delicious and sumptuous breakfasts.

After several long rides on the world famous trails, we took in the Brew Skies Festival  which hosts really talented local and nationally famous bands with a country rock flavor.  Coupling a mountain bike weekend with the Brew Skies Festival is a great way to spend some time in the Canaan Valley.

As followers of www.seniorsskiing.com,  it is worthy to note that the Canaan Valley is also well known for Nordic skiing, and a visit to the White Grass Touring Center is a must for any visits to this area in the winter.  The Whitegrass Café which is associated with the touring center also has wonderful cuisine which is comprised of healthy choices of local meats, fish and vegetables and fruit.  Get their cookbook when you visit.  Very user friendly and great recipes.

 The Canaan Valley, the Monongahela National Forest and Davis, WV, should be on any outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.  If you come to ride the world famous trails, bring your “A” game.  In skier lingo, the trails here are black diamond plus, but you will never forget the experience and the beauty of the area.

Editor’s Note:  This is the last Cycling Series article for the non-snow season. We publish these because our surveys tell us cycling is a popular off-season sport for our readers.  If anyone has places and experiences that are noteworthy, please let us know. Thanks to all who contributed this year.

Senior cyclists made the trip to the rock-strewn trails of West Virginia and found "Black Diamond" biking. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Senior cyclists made the trip to the rock-strewn trails of West Virginia and found “Black Diamond” biking.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

Pat McCloskey

Cycling Series: Riding With A Mountain Biking Legend

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Scot Nicol, A Founder Of Mountain Biking, Is A Heck Of A Rider In His 60s.

Scot Nicols keeps "just keeps riding", a great lesson for seniors. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Scot Nicol “just keeps riding”, a great lesson for seniors.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

Dirt Fest is an annual event that is presented by Dirt Rag Magazine and always takes place in May at Raystown Lake, Pa. The nationally known Alligrippis Trails are there, and it is an opportunity for 5,000-plus people to attend, ride the trails, and intermingle with industry types who set up shop with demo equipment.  One of the exhibitors is Ibis Bicycles of Santa Cruz, California headed up by their founder Scot Nicol.  Scot is an icon in the world of mountain biking and at 61 years old, one heck of a good rider.  One of the stops on their way from Santa Cruz is always in Pittsburgh, Pa to North Park which is a county park north of the city that has 42 miles of very enjoyable trails.  An added attraction is the OTB Café which is situated in the boat house on North Park Lake.  A great meeting place with great food and fellowship with the active set.  The scene was set for an enjoyable stop and demo on the way to Dirt Fest by the Ibis crew.

Fast forward to the ride. It was quite a vision to see the trails filled with about 30 riders on Ibis Ripleys, MojoHD3, and other new versions of dual suspension and hard tail design.  The local trails did not disappoint, and the riders eventually split into separate groups but riding with Scot was a priority for me since we were both senior riders of the same age.  Interestingly, we were the elder statesmen of the ride by a good 20-plus years, but, as an industry icon and a guy who takes his fitness seriously, Scot has the ability to ride a great line on trails with which he is not familiar.  The younger set were amazed as Scot and his California crew rode at the front of the group. As we descended the final trail, I was at my limit with a fast and furious pace driven by a guy who is a very talented senior rider.

Now most people our age would consider flying over the rocks and the roots of Eastern single-track impossible.  Many of them would even scoff at why we would even be interested in “punishing” ourselves rather than kicking back and enjoying our older years.  When I discussed this on the road back with Scot, he looked at me with that California cool and said, “Just keep riding and don’t even think about it.”  Validation for me for what I think is a healthy lifestyle that I would like to continue for a long time.

Every year you have benchmarks where you can compare and test yourself.  Skiing the chutes and the black and double black diamonds are always a benchmark test for me and other  senior skiers.  Riding with Scot Nicol and the younger set of our mountain bike group is always another benchmark test.  “Just keep riding.”  So true for all of us in so many ways.

Dirt Fest Riders on the Alligrippis Trails in Raystown Lake, PA. Dirt Fest is an annual event sponsored by Dirt Rag magazine. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Bike Riders in North Park, PA, a warren of 42 miles of trails just north of Pittsburgh. 
Credit: Pat McCloskey

Pat McCloskey

Cycling Series: Finding And Riding The Lost Coast Trail

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Senior Skiers Shift To Mountain Bikes To Ride Coast Of California.

Cycling By The Sea, the Lost Coast Trail has spectacular scenery. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Cycling By The Sea, the Lost Coast Trail has spectacular scenery.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

So, my ski buddy Eric says to me, “Patrick, let’s ride the Lost Coast of California”.  The next thing I know I am winging westward to Sacramento with my mountain bike packed securely in my bike box and looking forward to a week of “van camping” with my good friend from Tahoe.  Now when I say van, the vehicle is really a Sportsmobile—a van conversion that is an amazing off road vehicle equipped with everything including a pop up compartment on the roof which was my room for the week. We have used this vehicle for skiing, but it also serves to house two old guys wandering around the Lost Coast which is about 160 miles north of San Francisco.

Fast forward: We have our RV spot right on the ocean in Fort Bragg, CA., and are ready to ride 150 miles of single and double track which is easily accessed from the camp site.  Most of the trails are in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Woodlands State Park, and Big River State Park.  We were amazed at the variety of trails which are loamy and smooth and give you a great appreciation for Redwood trees which are ever present and ancient.  You can even ride through an old Redwood which is called “The Drive Through Tree,” a fun diversion from the standard mountain bike trail.

SeniorsSkiing.com correspondent Pat McCloskey switched a mountain bike for his skis and headed out up the Lost Coast Trail. Credit: Pat McCloskey

SeniorsSkiing.com correspondent Pat McCloskey switched a mountain bike for his skis and headed out up the Lost Coast Trail.
Credit: Pat McCloskey

The amazing thing about riding in this area is the lack of riders and general feeling of remoteness.  The only riders we encountered were the original designers of the trail and are the current trail stewards.  They are all in the late 60s and 70s—amazing senior mountain bike riders.  Jack Columbe, a 74-year-old ex fireman and World Senior Games champion and Roo Harris have mapped out, carved out, and maintained this 150 mile network of trails that stretch from Mendocino to Ft. Bragg.  At 48,652 acres, Jackson State Demonstration Forest is one of California’s crown jewels and is maintained by CalFire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection).  In speaking with Pam Linstedt, a 24-year veteran of CalFire, we learned that although tourism is replacing some of jobs lost after the 2002 closing of the GP lumber mill in Ft. Bragg, research and logging are still first and foremost priority in the California forests.  With the efforts of the senior cycling community under the guidance of Jack and Roo, mountain biking is becoming an attraction which they hope will once again put Ft. Bragg and Mendocino on the map for riders all over the world.

The amazing advantage of riding in this area is that you have access to the coastal mountains but you can camp or stay right on the ocean in Ft. Bragg or Mendocino.  Lots of available bed and breakfast options as well as an abundance of RV parks which seems to be the preferred way for Californians to see the coast inexpensively.

As we made our way northward, we rode a trail called Paradise Royale near the Lost Cove area in Humboldt County.  The trail is filled with berms and features and one wonders who maintains this nationally known trail literally in the middle of nowhere.  After finishing our time in Lost Cove, we drove our way through the Redwood National Forest which was truly a visual cornucopia of thousand year old gigantic trees.  Camping out under those behemoths really make you understand that you are only passing through life in a very short time period.  These giants have been around for over a thousand years and still flourish today under the California sunshine and coastal mists.

Lot to Trails

From any campsite or Bed and Breakfast on the coast, the access is available by bike in only a matter of a few miles. We rode to the McDonald’s for breakfast in Ft. Bragg and were on the trails in less than 15 minutes.

Terrain

None of the trails in this area are overly technical.  I would rate them intermediate with the exception of the Paradise Royale trail which had a killer of a climb stretching over 4 miles of vertical ascent.

For More Information

Fort Bragg Cyclery (707-964-3509) can provide rentals and accessories like complete maps to the area.  Most of the rides are currently on MTBProject.com

Also, Mendocino Bike Sprite can provide tours at a nominal fee.  707-962-4602.  Ask for Amy.

Not too often can a couple of 62 year olds van camp and ride trails as pristine as these, and the only guys we ran into were older than us.  Senior riders rule!

Remote and beautiful, the Lost Coast Trail had few other cyclists. Credit: Pat McCloskey

Remote and beautiful, the Lost Coast Trail had few other cyclists.
Credit: Pat McCloskey