For the past few weeks, I've been really stoked on this loop in Rothrock State Forest---up Tussey Mountain Trail and along the ridge, then back down to Thickhead Mountain Road and John Wert Path. It's about 11 miles, doable in 2-3 hours, and is full of stunning views and challenging rock gardens. And, only about …
Ride guide.
Yesterday, I did my first "ride guide" gig for Rothrock Outfitters. Though I've been riding mountain bikes regularly for a couple years now, I know most of the trails in the area, and I've done plenty of river guiding and have helped lead group rides a few times in the past, I was nervous. I …
Twenty (something) miles of Frozen Fat.
I awoke a little too soon after I'd gone to bed, to the sound of Dunk banging on the windows of the Subaru to ask Evan where the water was to make coffee. I extracted my arm from the warm down of my sleeping bag to reach for my phone and check the time. 7 …
One of those really great mountain bike rides.
It's been a little while since I've had a really great long mountain bike ride. The kind of ride that beats you up but makes you giddy with laughter, the kind that makes your legs burn but your body and soul feel alive, the kind that leaves you feeling exhausted yet truly satisfied and happy. Today …
Continue reading "One of those really great mountain bike rides."
Returning to Coopers Gap.
The weather was perfect. One of those days that still carries the warmth of summer but hints at the crisp coolness of fall. The sun shone through the leaves, illuminating the hues of red and yellow that were just beginning to color the forest with the sure signs of an impending autumn. We pulled off …
Where not to be in a thunderstorm.
I guess I had asked for it. I said a storm might be nice. Really, all I wanted was some rain to cool me off a little. It was one of the first warmer days of the spring, and my body was rebelling against the drastic change in temperature as I sweated my way up …
A return to the love of mountain biking.
As a preteen to young teenager (about ages 11-14), I went through an intense mountain biking phase. I biked nearly every day, having fun pushing myself to get better and better. I got into racing for a while, which resulted in several medals that are still hanging somewhere in my old room at my parents …
Running with the boys.
On a Thursday evening in mid-March that was a lot colder than it should be for the time of year, I found myself stumbling up a trail that bore a slight resemblance to an ice skating rink after a group of serious runners. Runners who were talking about the 15-mile run they did a few …
helena kotala 