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helena kotala

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Tag: Pennsylvania

Posted on January 6, 2020January 6, 2020

Adventures in Coal Country: Exploring the Houtzdale Line Trail.

*I started this post last spring but never published it. I found it as I was cleaning out old post drafts and figured it was worth a share, better late than never! Last spring, I was dealing with some hamstring injury issues, meaning I was forced to cut back on the intensity of my bike …

Continue reading "Adventures in Coal Country: Exploring the Houtzdale Line Trail."

Posted on October 31, 2018January 24, 2020

Unks to Tinker Hill: My first solo double century.

I knew around mile 50 that, barring anything catastrophic happening, I would make it. The first quarter of the ride flew by. Evan and Shannon joined me for the initial 10 miles, then left me to fly solo as I headed due south down Rt. 522. The sun was dropping, the clouds turning pink and …

Continue reading "Unks to Tinker Hill: My first solo double century."

Posted on February 4, 2016February 4, 2016

Exploring Centralia.

I like running across pictures from the past that I never really had much of a chance to do anything with or look at much. Right after an event or trip, sometimes many of the photos get glossed over, because the memories are still so fresh and perhaps the images don't do the experience justice. …

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Posted on October 11, 2014

Leaves and woodsmoke.

It's that time of year. Mornings are chilly, and smell like leaves and woodsmoke. I can see my breath as I sip coffee on the porch, hands and feet numbing in the cold air but myself unable to step back inside. It is too crisp and beautiful, and that smell of leaves and woodsmoke---it's my …

Continue reading "Leaves and woodsmoke."

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. πŸŽ‚ 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 πŸ’© 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 πŸ™‹πŸ»β€β™€οΈ). 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 β€” 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 β€” deep in the middle of the woods, staring off into the trees.

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