GEARING UP

I'll admit that I've spent a lot of the winter window shopping at the bike shop.  Fortunately for me (and my wallet) there really isn't anything major that I need to purchase this year for mountain biking.   Currently, I'm three years into a four to five year commitment with my bike (which I still love).  Likewise, no new helmet this year...I can't yet seem to part ways with the florescent green helmet I purchased in 2017.  I'm at the point where a new pair of mountain biking shoes wouldn't be unreasonable...but besides the typical small stuff that needs to be replenished (CO2 cartridges, orange energy chews, and a few extra tubes) I think that I'm pretty much set for Spring riding.

The snowy hillside and low sun angle make for a cool background in this pic.  My Stumpjumper on the trails behind the Hershey Medical Center.  No need to replace it yet!  -- February 16, 2019

It's February in Pennsylvania...statistically, the coldest and snowiest month of the year.  I've been riding as much as possible...but I can't hide the excitement in knowing that March is right around the corner and with it comes more sunshine, warmer weather, and the yearly reunion of all of my mountain biking friends.  Sure, we keep in touch over the winter...but it's the Spring time when we start getting together for rides...and nothing can replace a good dose of GROUP THERAPY.  In anticipation, not only have I been window shopping...I've been planning and mapping out new adventures for the guys in the crew.  It really should be a great year.  So...only one more week until my unofficial start of Spring...and I'm more than ready.  I thought I'd see how some of my friends are getting geared up for riding this year.  Here are their responses in the order in which they replied back to me.  Thank you, gentlemen, for your input...and I'm glad to see that you all are gearing up, in your own ways, for the Spring!  I'll be seeing all of you on the trail really soon.


BEN KELLY

Ben Kelly riding in Michaux State Forest. -- July 10, 2018

HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY NEW EQUIPMENT FOR BIKING THIS YEAR?  --  I bought a new bike.  2018 Specialized Fuse Comp Carbon.

BESIDES HELMET, SHOES, AND GLOVES, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING?  WHY? -- A tube, tire lever, and Co2....just in case of a flat.  I also carry a shock pump in case I blow out a pump.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BIKING IN 2019? -- Going to different parks and riding new trails.


CHRIS KELLER

Chris Keller riding in Michaux State Forest. -- September 16, 2018

HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY NEW EQUIPMENT FOR BIKING THIS YEAR? -- No.  I have kids in college.

BESIDES HELMET, SHOES, AND GLOVES, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING?  WHY? -- A grin.  It's just fun.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BIKING IN 2019? -- I hope to get out much more than 2018.


TIM SINDLINGER

Tim Sindlinger riding on the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Trail System. -- December 2, 2018

HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY NEW EQUIPMENT FOR BIKING THIS YEAR? -- A new bike (first one in 7-8 years).

BESIDES HELMET, SHOES, AND GLOVES, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING?  WHY? -- A chain tool (I've broken a few chains), patch kit (thorns love my tires), and friends (rides are more fun when they're shared!)

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BIKING IN 2019? -- Trying the new bike and seeing the friends I miss over the winter!


MIKE ALICEA

Mike Alicea on a winter adventure. -- February 11, 2019

HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY NEW EQUIPMENT FOR BIKING THIS YEAR? -- I recently bought 5 ten rider mountain bike shoes which I really like, as well as a small hydration pack.

BESIDES HELMET, SHOES, AND GLOVES, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING?  WHY? -- Of course...my smart phone just in case of an emergency.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BIKING IN 2019? -- I'm definitely looking forward to trying new places to ride that test your skill lever and make you want to go back for more.


GLENN MEDICE

Glenn Medice riding in Michaux State Forest. -- July 25, 2017

HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY NEW EQUIPMENT FOR BIKING/HIKING THIS YEAR? -- Hiking boots.

BESIDES HELMET, SHOES, AND GLOVES, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING OR HIKING?  WHY? -- Shorts...I'm modest that way.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST IN 2019? -- Hiking and biking in 2019.


BRENT SHIRK

Brent Shirk riding in Michaux State Forest. -- August 14, 2018

HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY NEW EQUIPMENT FOR BIKING THIS YEAR? -- I bought a new wheel set during the summer of 2018.

BESIDES HELMET, SHOES, AND GLOVES, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING?  WHY? -- Phone for emergencies.  Multi tool...just in case.  Hydration...usually water.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BIKING IN 2019 -- Hopefully getting out to ride at least once a week.  I would love to get to some places I don't get to often.


MATT LINNANE

Matt Linnane taking a break during our "Ugly Sweater Ride" in Hershey, PA. -- December 2, 2018

HAVE YOU BOUGHT ANY NEW EQUIPMENT FOR BIKING THIS YEAR? -- Handlebar mounted speaker to let bears know I'm coming around the corner.

BESIDES HELMET, SHOES, AND GLOVES, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS PACK FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING?  WHY? -- Self stick white medical mesh tape.  I was able to apply pressure and stop a gaping elbow slice with it once and I've had it on board ever since.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST ABOUT BIKING IN 2019? -- Seeing the SUN again!  Hopefully it will come out more frequently than ever 6 days this year!



Life is a journey...not a destination.



David A. Raymond -- February 23, 2019

It may be cold and snowy...but I've been riding.  Last Saturday the trails at Hershey Medical Center were a very interesting combination of snow, ice, and mud.  It made for some really interesting...and fun...riding. -- February 16, 2019


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Here are the GARMIN maps and data from rides and hikes featured in this post.  #OptOutside
















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