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ADVICE FROM A SQUIRREL (or...THE MOUNTAIN BIKER MANTRA)
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With new cycling socks in hand, and heading for the checkout at Hunters & Gatherers, I spotted a brown sign on the wall. "ADVICE FROM A SQUIRREL." It wasn't the only sign of the kind...apparently you can get advice from just about any from any furry, four-legged creature...but, seeing that I was in Brevard, North Carolina, a mecca of mountain biking (and the home of the White Squirrel), this sign, in particular, grabbed my attention.
These seven simple sentence, provided by a squirrel, could be called "The Mountain Biker's Mantra." They reminded me of why I love mountain biking and it instantly became obvious to me how each of them are relevant to my passion. Seven pieces of wisdom that I believe...if adhered to...could have the ability elevate an ordinary ride into something extra special. So...without any further delay...here is some advice I accidentally learned from a squirrel.
LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET
Not something you would think of when mountain biking...but trails often intersect with main roads. This simple advice, which we all learn in kindergarten, will keep even the best mountain biker from ending up as what squirrels fear becoming most...road kill.
Taking a break to look both ways before crossing the main road at the Lakes. Mark Lentz, Kristian Hains, Mike Nardelli, Brent Shirt, & Tim Sindlinger -- November 26, 2011
There's no way for Tim to avoid a highway crossing while riding the 30 mile look around Blue Marsh Lake -- September 2009
PLAN AHEAD
Even Mark believes in maps...especially in unfamiliar territory. Planning ahead also means having what you need to keep your bike MOVING FORWARD. No one wants their ride to turn into an all day HIKE-A-BIKE.
After a long day a riding near State College, PA, Mark gets out the trail book to prepare for tomorrow's ride -- June 28, 2014
Mark taking time to make sure we are still on the correct path on a "new to us" section of trail in Michaux State Forest -- July 16, 2014
Planning ahead also means bringing what is needed to keep your bike moving forward -- August 2, 2016
I always carry plenty of CO2, extra tubes, and just anything else needed to keep my ride from turning into a hike-a-bike -- August 9, 2016
STAY ACTIVE
Tim and I once wondered if we would still be doing this when we hit the age of 30. Over 15 years later we all are going strong. In my mind, staying active is the key to life. Every day you just have to keep on moving.
More than a decade of riding together and no signs of slowing down...top left, Glenn Medice; top right, Mark Lentz; center, Kristian Hains; bottom right, Dave Raymond; bottom left, Tim Sindlinger -- All pics taken in 2016
EAT PLENTY OF FIBER
I love food. I try to eat it at least three times a day. That includes while riding. Whether it's FINDING SUSTENANCE on the trail, packing plenty of beef jerky, or taking time for a picnic afterwards...meals bring people together. Even while mountain biking.
There is something super kool about picnicking after a ride. Our usual parking area near the furnace stack in Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers an awesome place to hang out and relax -- July 24, 2014
Count on Kristian to carry bacon jerky with him. Yes...bacon jerky! So freakin' amazing! -- October 30, 2016
SPEND TIME IN THE WOODS
Spending time in the woods and mountain biking go hand in hand...but the best trips are the ones span multiple days. There's nothing like a good meal and relaxing around a campfire with friends after a day of hard riding.
Relaxing by a campfire in State College, PA with Mark after an amazing day of riding -- June 28, 2014
Bill Graves and I managed to snag one of my favorite tent sites (Hickory Loop site 180) in Ohiopyle State Park -- April 2009
A week of camping and mountain biking in Pisgah National Forest, NC with Mark, Glenn, & Kristian -- August 2-5, 2008
Our first mountain biking/camping trip as a group. Mark, Mikey, Glenn, Billy, and I spent 4 adventurous days mountain biking around Blackwater Falls, West Virginia -- June 2007
GO OUT ON A LIMB
Literally...climb a tree. What was fun when we were ten still is fun as an adult.
Bill Graves in Ohiopyle State Park -- April 2009
Go out on a limb...even if you look ridiculous. Dave Raymond, Kristian Hains, Glenn Medice, and Mark Lentz in Dupont State Forest, NC -- August 2008
IT'S OK TO BE A LITTLE NUTS
Mountain biking affords me the opportunity to do what 99% of the human race (more than likely) would never attempt...so let loose, hang on tight, and enjoy the ride!
Going nuts! Clockwise starting top left: Dave Raymond (2016), Mark Lentz (2006), Kristain Hains (2016), Glenn Medice (2008)
A below freezing December ride in Patapsco Valley State Park, MD ended with a ride down Cascade Falls Trail. With only half a mile to go I did my own "polar plunge". Brent Shirk thought I was a little nuts! -- December 28, 2015
Glenn Medice "Going A Little Nuts" trying a stream crossing above Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest, NC -- August 2008
Mikey didn't just GO nuts trying to ride this log in Patapsco Valley State Park, MD...he ended up CRUSHING his nuts. Love you, Mikey! -- August 9, 2011
The only things in my bag when I walked out of Hunters & Gatherers that day were multiple pair of white squirrel socks. I had decided against purchasing the sign (I did; however, take a pic of it). The advice, though, wasn't left in the store. Those seven sentences...
LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS THE ROAD
PLAN AHEAD
STAY ACTIVE
EAT PLENTY OF FIBER
SPEND TIME IN THE WOODS
GO OUT ON A LIMB
IT'S OK TO BE A LITTLE NUTS...
provide a mantra not just for mountain bikers and mountain biking...but for just about anyone regardless of their passions. Sometimes the best advice can come from the least expected source...in this particular case...it came from a squirrel.
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- January 15, 2017
If you've enjoyed reading this...please feel free to TWEET IT
Left: the ADVICE FROM A SQUIRREL sign hanging in Hunters & Gatherers in Brevard, NC which provided me with so much inspiration. Right: One of the three pair of white squirrel socks I purchased. You can never have too many pair of white squirrel socks! -- July 22, 2016
ADVICE FROM A SQUIRREL is credited to Your True Nature. Check out their website: yourtruenature.com
Here is a list of GARMIN maps and stats from a few of the rides featured in this post:
Riding Rothrock State Forest with Mark -- June 28, 2014
Riding Michaux State Forest with Mark -- July 16, 2014
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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 ...
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 ...
In the early 1980s my mom and dad began taking my brother, Jake, and I camping at Rocky Gap State Park near Cumberland, Maryland . During the summer months we seemingly went every weekend. I loved it there. Rocky Gap was just a short drive from our home in Bedford, Pennsylvania. We spent our days playing on the beach and fishing in the lake. My mother made incredible meals for us at the campground and each evening my dad would make a campfire. The campfire was my favorite part. My dad made mountain pies, my mom would make popcorn over the fire, and my brother and I would roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Our camping trips ended in the late 80s when both my brother and I reached high school. Our schedules were just too hectic. That was the last I would see of Rocky Gap for 25 years. Rocky Gap State Park and campgrounds sits at the base of Evitts Mountain in western Maryland -- May 30, 2016 When I began dating m...
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