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GRAVE RIDGE -- August 9, 2016
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Just the name of the trail makes anyone who loves mountain biking want to ride it. Grave Ridge. Rocks emerging from the top of the ridge resemble tombstones of all shapes and sizes. Labeled for ATV riders as "Most Difficult"...the trail is a mile of technical mayhem! Mark Lentz first took me there in 2006 but I haven't been back since 2010. Grave Ridge, which is located in the heart of Michaux State Forest, straddles the boundary of a recent timber sale. Logging, which closed the trail for public use, began in December of 2010. Today, Tim and I found our way back for the first time since the trail reopened last year.
Taking a breather with Tim halfway through our ride today -- August 9, 2016
Tim snaking his way through the ferns in Michaux State Forest -- August 9, 2016
I had a couple of routes mapped out in my head for how to get there today. I really did have to think about it. It's been over five years since I've ridden that part of the forest. Tim and I opted to start our ride on Tom's Run, make our way across the ridge, ride the fun rocks on the west side of Woodrow Road, which then would dump us off near the base of today's ultimate destination: Grave Ridge.
Yep...Grave Ridge is labeled with a Black Diamond. That's for ATV riders, though! As Mark Lentz says: "If it's too tough for everyone else...it's just right for us!" -- August 9, 2016
Don't let this pic fool you! A brief reprieve from the technicality of Grave Ridge. The unusually cool breeze felt amazing! -- August 9, 2016
This rock looks huge...but it's actually about a thin as my bike! It's sticking out of the ground like a huge grave marker. So cool! Got to love Michaux! -- August 9, 2016
Even the best of bikes will take a beating in Michaux. At least I had what I needed to keep things moving forward! -- August 9, 2016
Descending from the top of Grave Ridge down towards highway 233 -- August 9, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised that the mile long trail had once again regained the appearance it had before the area was logged. It was also reassuring that, even after all the logging, Grave Ridge was just as technical, rocky, difficult, and fun as I remember. Honestly, after not riding it for so long, I couldn't remember which direction it flows the best. Today, Tim and I rode it from north to south and then doubled back on the snake like trail that meanders between Grave Ridge and highway 233. From there we found familiar single track that would quickly take us back to Pine Grove Furnace.
For me, the best part of today's ride was connecting the old and the new...riding trails that we rode ten years ago in combination with trails we've more recently found. I think it's safe to say that it won't be too long before the two of us are back in that neck of the woods taking on Grave Ridge again.
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- August 9, 2016
After a ride at Michaux the Stumpjumper's going to have a sleep over at the shop. Thanks to Jay and Clark for keeping things moving! -- August 9, 2016
A day off of the bicycle doesn't mean a day spent inside. With the end of summer in view, and the school year encroaching soon, I took my sixteen year old son, Alex, and his buddies (Robby and Austin) to Michaux State Forest for a day of hiking, picnicking, and exploring. Our day today was split into three parts. We planned to hike up through Tumbling Run Game Preserve, have a picnic lunch at the furnace stack in Pine Grove Furnace State Park , and then hike up to the top of Pole Steeple. Although the trail head at Tumbling Run is not marked, it is easy to get to if you know what you are looking for. After passing Pine Grove Furnace State Park on state route 233 (headed South) you will be looking for a obvious gravel parking area located on the right between Woodrow Road and Dead Woman's Hollow Road. It is important to know that the last "nice" bathrooms are located at the furnace stack at Pine Grove Furnace ...
Upside-Down covered bridges, canals, flamingos, nuclear power plants, paper mills, Underground Railroad Stations, battlefields, National Parks, gnomes, wild turkeys, deer, lighthouses, airplanes, snow, rattlesnakes, Mountain Laurel, museums, ugly sweaters, rivers, rocks, the ocean, spectacular views, great company, and of course...ice cream. These are just a fraction of the things I’ve experienced along the trails in 2024. What follows is a synopsis of my favorite bike rides and hikes of the past year. Happy New Year and see you along the trails in 2025! David Raymond in Ohiopyle State Park. -- June 10, 2024 SWATARA RAIL TRAIL FEBRUARY 11, 2024 Swatara State park has been a mountain biking destination for me for over 15 years (and it was again for Ben and I this year)... but, in 2024, I decided to check out the rail trail that runs through the 3,520 acre park. The Swatara Creek meanders its way through forests and wetlands of the park....
My wife took me to Alaska this year. I had never been to that part of the world, nor have I ever seen such immense natural beauty in my entire life. For our 10th wedding anniversary we took a six day cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Alaska and back. Along the way, we visited the Alaskan cities of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. We took a train ride into Yukon Territory, Canada. We saw whales, bald eagles, and countless salmon. Robin and I had the opportunity to hike along Bennett Lake, explore Glacier Bay National Park, and sail through Tracy’s Arm Inlet. It truly was one of the “bucket-list” trips that I could only dream of and it was fitting that I got to visit the 49th state during my 49th year on the planet. Thank you, Sweetheart! Robin and David Raymond. Welcome to Alaska! -- July 18, 2023 David and Robin Raymond in Tracy's Arm Inlet -- July 17, 2023 Approaching a glacier in Tracy's Arm Inlet -- July 17, 2023 ...
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