For the first time in a long time, the sun was shining over south-central Pennsylvania on Sunday as I headed to
Michaux State Forest to meet my buddy, Chris Keller. I rarely go mountain biking on the weekends...(which might seem odd to some). The fact of the matter is that I really enjoy hanging out with my wife...so weekends are usually set aside for the two of us. Besides, I have plenty of time after school and in the summer to satisfy my mountain biking fix. Nevertheless, with my wonderful wife headed to North Dakota for a business trip, I found myself, with the Stumpjumper on top of the Cruz, headed towards Michaux for an unexpected ride.
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| Enjoying an unexpected weekend ride in Michaux State Forest. -- September 16, 2018 |
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| This was the first time Chris had ever ridden up to the Vista in Michaux State Forest. The view is well worth the climb! -- September 16, 2018 |
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| Chris Keller and I enjoying the view from the Vista looking northeast over Michaux State Forest. -- September 16, 2018 |
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Chris Keller taking on some of the rocks on top of the ridge near Route 233. -- September 16, 2018
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| Spending some quality time at one of my favorite spots on Earth. -- September 16, 2018 |
It's been a few years since Chris has been able to make the trip to Michaux with me and I was eager to show him some of the trails that have become standard for Tim and I over the past few years. We pedaled past Fuller and Laurel Lakes and then headed straight up towards the vista. The cool forest air in the valley near the lakes gave way to the heat and humidity of the day as we climbed nearly 600 feet up to the Vista overlooking the forest...one of my favorite spots. I promised Chris that the view from the vista was well worth the effort of the climb...and, as I figured, he wasn't disappointed. Chris and I lingered there for a few moments before continuing our loop. For the next ten miles the two of us rode nothing but single track...some that were technical, some that were swampy, and some that included rocks the size of my truck. Chris received a pretty good tour of some of the trails I've been riding the past few years. It was typical Michaux magic on a day that I normally wouldn't be riding. I hate when my wife travels...but I'm glad I got to spend the day doing something I love with a friend.
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| Chris Keller and I, all smiles and thumbs up, after wrapping up our ride. -- September 16, 2018 |
Life is a journey...not a destination
David A. Raymond -- September 19, 2018
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| No post-ride ice cream today...instead I drove the hundred miles from Michaux to Kutztown, PA to have dinner with my son, Alex. It was an unexpected, but really nice, surprise. -- September 16, 2018 |
@mountnbiker73
Here's the GARMIN map and data from the ride Chris and I went on in Michaux last Sunday...Happy riding!
"WRITE SOMETHING WORTH READING OR DO SOMETHING WORTH WRITING..." Ben Franklin
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