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helena kotala

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Tag: bikepacking

Posted on August 5, 2019January 24, 2020

The Eastern PA traverse.

When I learned of a work commitment in Scranton the Thursday before a family commitment in Malvern, my brain that has been jonesing for another long ride adventure started scheming. The D&L Trail travels a big chunk of the length from northeast PA to southeast, and it just seemed silly to drive 3 hours back …

Continue reading "The Eastern PA traverse."

Posted on February 12, 2019January 24, 2020

Always forward: A weekend of biking and camping in the Pine Creek Gorge.

Winter camping is not for the faint of heart. Especially not winter bike camping. You ride all day, get sweaty (read: cold when you stop), then need to try to stay warm all night using only what you can carry on your bike. Then wake up in the morning and ride some more. But there's …

Continue reading "Always forward: A weekend of biking and camping in the Pine Creek Gorge."

Posted on August 21, 2018January 24, 2020

The things worth doing.

The things we are most scared of are often the things most worth doing. Evan reminded me of this last week as I was having a meltdown and freaking out about going on a 3-day bikepacking trip with a group of women that I barely knew. I was scared I would somehow be in over …

Continue reading "The things worth doing."

Posted on August 1, 2018August 1, 2018

A weekend in Quehanna, part 3.

In late February, I spent a weekend hiking and biking in the Quehanna Wild Area with my friend Emma. Check out part 1 here and part 2 here if you missed them. Day 3: Solo.  Monday promised sun and warmth at last. The day before, after Emma made the decision to head home, I continued …

Continue reading "A weekend in Quehanna, part 3."

Posted on April 14, 2018

A weekend in Quehanna, part 2.

In late February, I spent a weekend hiking and biking in the Quehanna Wild Area with my friend Emma. If you missed Part 1, check it out here for a history of the area and rainy day exploration on foot.  Day 2: Change of plans – again. Something felt off on Sunday morning. Maybe it …

Continue reading "A weekend in Quehanna, part 2."

Posted on November 22, 2015March 7, 2019

Sleeping outside.

I woke up at dawn, on the ground in a sleeping bag, the warm down surrounding me like a fluffy cloud, the trees reaching for the sky above, the first rays of sun glinting through the branches. The evening before had seen the thrill of flying through the darkness on a bike, the peacefulness of …

Continue reading "Sleeping outside."

Helena Kotala

Outdoor adventurist. Mostly bikes, also runs, paddles, hikes, and more. Map-maker & other duties as assigned at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Central PA based.

Bikes + friends to celebrate 33. 🎂 I can’t say enough good things about the inaugural @lulackawyco Starrucca Crossing. The route was beautiful, remote, and challenging with over 10k feet of elevation over 100 miles and unrelenting, punchy climbs. My legs felt like 💩 by mile 45 but I was determined to do the entire course and kept it rolling slow and steady. As is my usual M-O, I got a second wind and my legs loosened up at mile 70ish (naturally an endurance athlete through and through 🙋🏻‍♀️). There were cool old bridges and impeccable stone walls, SO much gravel (probably 85-90% of the route?), and continuous lovely views of rural Susquehanna County. Word is the course will be different next year but I have no doubt it will be just as great. Put this one on your calendars! Some more from Virginia! A sampling of photos from my MTB trip to Virginia with @_whit_green_ this past week. I can’t pick a favorite ride or trail — the highlight was in the variety. There were plenty of vistas, lots of rocks but not too many, and a healthy amount of climbing (almost 17k ft of gain in just over 100 miles over 5 days). Been very excited about mixing it up with more foot-powered adventures lately. Sometimes off-trail, often steep and rocky, always good views. Seeking snow last weekend. I’ll probably always complain about the shuttle, but the Red Mo long run sure is fun. Under the railroad, over the river, and up the hill. An H in her natural habitat — deep in the middle of the woods, staring off into the trees.

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