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Packin’ it In!

So, our one and only, Jack, was married a week ago and we were so happy for him and his new bride Marisa. Our friend Mark Sauers was the celebrant as he is studying for the ministry in the Assembly of God Church. The Apple Blossom Resort was an outstanding venue in New Buffalo, Michigan and the town itself is a real gem situated on Lake Michigan. We took advantage of seeing the town and spending some time on the beach and at the Stray Dog Cafe which had a great view from the rooftop dining area. We always make the most out of visits and Michigan was no different.

Riding at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We drove from home and brought our mountain bikes. In typical Jan and Pat style, we tried to pack in as much as we could including some rides in and around New Buffalo. We found a nice county park right near the venue with some nice singletrack trails and found a wonderful overlook that rose high above a marsh. Wonderful way to get a little exercise between wedding duties and festivities.

From the overlook to the marsh-
New Buffalo Beach
Sunsets in Traverse City.

Heading north after the wedding, we made our way to Traverse City which, if you have not been there, make a point to visit some day. Sitting on the Great Traverse Bay, it has some wonderful restaurants for fresh, lake caught seafood. Recommending the Apache Trout Restaurant, The West End Tavern, and The Cove in a nice little beach town called Fishtown. Janet and I like fresh seafood and the walleye, whitefish, and perch were second to none.

Staying at the Tamarack Lodge which was right on the bay, we were treated to spectacular sunsets and nightly visits from our friend and her babies pictured below.

The evening visitor

I love nature and when nature comes right up to you looking for a snack, you can’t help but oblige.

The highlight of packing it in was our visit to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The bike path through the park was smooth and pleasant and it offered views of the bay as well as an entry to great little towns like Glen Arbor. Typical beachy town with cool little shops and cafes. We would recommend the Good Harbor Grille with an excellent squash soup and a blackened whitefish sandwich. It was cool to see the expansive dunes and also the large dune which people climb and descend. We just rode our bikes and saw the dunes from the parking lot to the Dune Climb, and also from the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

The expansive dunes overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay and into Lake Michigan.
View from the Apache Trout Restaurant.

I have this tendency to try to see as much as I can whenever I travel. Janet goes along, but sometimes I wear her out trying to pack it in. But my view is that there are no guarantees once you get older, and you better take advantage of as much as you can – especially in a new place. We were quite busy for the wedding, as you can imagine, but it was nice to get out and get some exercise, see some new places and eat some delicious seafood. We even saw a badger at Sleeping Bear Dunes. He crossed the path right in front of us and I knew immediately what he was. They apparently are part of the population and are rarely seen according to AI. However, we got to see him/her although I was happy not to startle him/her for fear of their reputation as ferocious when cornered. All part of the experience and as we settled in for the last sunset at the Tamarack, we were amazed to think that our Jack is now married and that the wedding, which we had talked about for over a year, was here and gone. Marisa was a lovely bride, and Jack was a handsome groom and as they made their way to their honeymoon, Janet and I eventually made the long trek back to Pittsburgh.

Settling in at home again, we both said, experiences are the spice of life. Being with your friends and family. and seeing new and exciting places is what makes life wonderful. As we move along in this life where we are truly empty nesters, we will continue to pack it in and make the most out of life’s experiences. Hoping to share it with grandchildren someday. Thanks for reading.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb
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Dirt Church Base Camp

Greg Nass put together a great visual from AI for this version of Dirt Church. The Christian men’s mountain bike group has had 4 outings so far this year and the fifth Base Camp version in the Laurel Highlands of Western Pa had a lot of surprises. The annual Adventurefest was cancelled this year, but the crew from Dirt Church wanted to at least get together for some rides, some overnight camping at Boyers Pond, and some fellowship that would be missed without Adventurefest. So, a group of us packed all our stuff, and headed to the Laurel Highlands Friday afternoon to set up the camp sites, ride, and then have a great dinner at the Fat Squirrel in Jennerstown

We didn’t count on the torrential thunderstorm that came blowing in right after we set up our tents. The rain fly on my tent held up under Biblical storms, and fortunately the inside of my tent was dry. We made the call to head to the Fat Squirrel for dinner and as usual, we were not disappointed. The food there is superb and if you find yourself in Jennerstown Pa, their vegan options as well as regular fare are second to none.

Vegan mushroom tacos are not to be missed at The Fat Squirrel.

Sometimes you just have to punt, go eat and re-arrange the schedule a little bit. The next surprise was when we were discussing the nearby Flight 93 Memorial. Many of us had been there and it is a somber and emotional experience if you have never been. But Greg told us about the memorial rose garden just up the road and we called another audible and visited what was one of the most beautiful rose gardens I have ever seen. We went on a little hike through and around the gardens and again, Dirt Church Base Camp had another surprise for us. It gave us all something to think about and we said a prayer for that brave flight crew and passengers who will always live in infamy in the Laurel Highlands.

My surprisingly dry tent
The obligatory campfire

Returning from a great meal and an unexpected hike after dinner, we built a camp fire, sat around and had a lot of discussion about the state of country, what we can do as Christian men to advance the Kingdom, and reminisced about our friend Bob Anderson who is now two years passed. Bob attended Adventuremen two years ago, and had his camper parked right in our spot this weekend. He was tragically killed in North Park riding his mountain bike over a downed high voltage electric line. I posted on this previously, but we all remarked how Bob was with us and then 8 days later was gone. But he had a strong faith and although we miss him, we know he is with the Lord. There are no guarantees in life and the Adventuremen and Dirt Church discussions testify to that…….around the campfire.

Saturday morning greeted us with brilliant sunshine and although we expected muddy trails and slimy roots and rocks, we knew that riding the Q or the Quemahoning Reservoir Trails would be a real treat. Another surprise awaited us in the current Base Camp mode, as John Casuccio led us on the ride in the reverse direction to which we were all accustomed to riding. There were some pretty nasty climbs that tested this old guy who is still riding on an analog mountain bike. E- Bikes are looking attractive, but I have not gone there yet. However, there were some climbs where I could have used a little assist. But then again, no pain- no gain as they say.

Riding through the creek at the Q

Dirt Church riding is challenging because usually good riders show up. Along with challenging places to ride, the Dirt Church events are not for the faint of heart. But the good thing about this group is that it is no drop, and everyone waits for each other because racing is not the theme of the event. Riding with friends and having fellowship on the trails is first and foremost. If you come to a Dirt Church event, you can be prepared to be challenged. But know that you will never be left behind, in more ways than one. These guys are regular guys and are happy to discuss faith, families, and will assist, as you let them, with personal struggles. They are a caring group of sinners who can ride. Come out to one of the events and join a fun group. You will sleep under the stars sometimes, ride some challenging routes, eat some fabulous food and enjoy an overall experience that will bring you back – over and over again. Plus- Dirt Church has some pretty sweet swag thanks to Greg Nass. Hats, shirts, stickers, etc. Thanks for reading and follow the blog at http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com. It helps me.

” Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Starlit Canopy
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An Aquatic Reunion

The reunion of Allegheny YMCA swimmers.

Thanks to Mary Jo Geyer Burdett, a group of folks who swam at the Allegheny YMCA swim team got together this past weekend for a fun reunion. I am not much one for reunions, but I wanted to attend this one because many of these folks I have not seen in close to 60 years. At least 57 years. One of the reasons for my enthusiasm was that I spent a lot of time as a kid with a lot of these people and their families. The swim team at the Allegheny Y on the Northside of Pittsburgh and the community swim clubs in the North Hills of Pittsburgh were actually joined at the hip. You swam in the summer for the teams in the community swim clubs, and at the YMCA and that league in the winter, and it really was the lifeblood of all of our families. Swim practices and meets were the focal point of social relationships for many families at that time, and the anchor founder of that movement was Don Geyer- Mary Jo, Claudia, Joe, Jeff, and Don Jr’s father.

Coach Don Geyer on the right back in the day.

As we all gathered around in the Allegheny Y gym this weekend, we told countless stories about our fun times at the community swim clubs and at the Y, but most of the stories were focused around what Don Geyer had done for all of us. There were great stories about how he was a famous square dance caller, a coach and teacher at Shaler High School, but most of our stories centered around his work with us as young swimmers. He encouraged us and our families to come to the Allegheny Y after the summer swim season was over at the community pools. People like Don Geyer are legendary in their status. His selfless attitude and willingness to coach and help young people is a trait that few people are willing to commit to. Don did that and more and the stories were countless among people who came from all over the country for the reunion.

The Allegheny Y was a special place to me. I went there originally when I was about 7 or 8 years old with my grandfather who was a member. Then I started to swim there on the team coached by Don Geyer, Pat Phelan and Cliff Quigley. Those days were really my first entry into organized competition and swimming the breaststroke was my contribution to the team. Johnny Kane, Dru Duffy, the Roses, and I were the duckfooted breaststrokers, and it was so much fun to reconnect with John Kane at the reunion. It was also great to reconnect with Jimmy Manning, my childhood pal at Valley Brook. We swam together and it had been 57 years at least since I had last seen him.. He and his wife Sandra came up from South Carolina. The Kane girls were all there. Joan, Karen, and Debbie,and we had great laughs and remembrances about how special Valley Brook, The Y and Don Geyer were to all of us. Bill Ford came all the way from Eugene, Oregon because he wanted to see all of this and be with his pals from long ago. Colleen Trew Geyer was there along with Ray Burdett, who is married to Mary Jo Geyer. Ray and Colleen and I skied together for many years and they are still active in different athletic pursuits. I met some people that I did not know at the reunion but by the time we finished our meal at Max’s Allegheny Tavern, we felt as though we had been friends all along.

The story circle

I must admit that when I went out to my car after the great tour of the Y, and the fellowship of my fellow swimmers after all these years, I was a little overwhelmed. I actually started to tear up a bit, because my memories came flooding back after all these years. I am not sure whether the emotion was because I was remembering a lot from my youth and now I realize that I am in the fourth quarter? Or, perhaps it was the joy of seeing all of those old friends who even after all these years, still seem close to me and a big part of my life? This was one reunion I was not going to miss, and I was so happy Mary Jo, Ray and Claudia put it all together.

The Allegheny YMCA is 100 years old this year and it was great to see the renovations that have made the building a recreational focal point on the North Side. The staff there was so welcoming to our group and were taken back a little bit when they heard all the old stories and how much the Y had meant to us. They also were touched by all the memories of Don Geyer, who they did not know obviously, but could appreciate the dedication of a life- long coach and teacher.

I remember Don teaching me to swim as a 5 year old at Valley Brook, and then, a little later on, at my mother’s instruction, throw me in the deep end so I could pass my swimming test. This was much to the chagrin of my mom’s friends but as she said, ” that water will get deeper and deeper every year.” To this day, I am glad my mother prevailed and glad that Don threw me into the deep end – in reality and metaphorically. His coaching will always be a part of my character- 58 years later. Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me.

“Have the courage to face weakness. God’s power is made perfect there.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

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Not Boomer Friendly

As in Not Baby Boomer Friendly. So, I went over to Tom Florcik’s big bash for Highline Bikes and was astonished at the shenanigans and amazing riding taking place at Tom’s facility over near Deer Lakes, Pa. This farm has been altered to include some tight twisty trails connecting to some of the most amazing jumps I have ever seen. And like I said, this style of riding is not Baby Boomer Friendly. This is for the young guns with mega skills and no fear.

I have ridden a mountain bike for a long time. I have ridden all over the place, raced in a lot of events, seen the World Cup Cross Country and Downhill events, but never have I seen skill like these guys have- all concentrated in what Tom and Highline Bikes call Jamfest.

Again- this is a different style of riding. A lot of these guys ride E- Bikes not to loaf uphill, but to get them there faster so that they can rip the trails and hit all the jumps – over and over again. My group rides trails and keeps the rubber on the ground. This group has big air contests and tries to see how high they can clear a measuring bar at the top of the jumps. Believe me when I tell you that my group of older mountain bikers were perfectly happy watching and admiring this new generation of phenomenal, and skillful riders. It kind of makes me realize how time has marched on and how the baton has been passed to the younger, set.

Tom Florcik- Highline Bikes – organizer of Jamfest and an amazing rider in his own right.
Tom – jumping through the fire. Yikes.

Like Dirty Harry Callaghan once said……..” a man’s got to know his limitations.” A lot of these guys don’t know who Dirty Harry was or Clint Eastwood for that matter. Hell, I have boxer shorts older than most of them. But sitting on the side of the trail with my group and watching what we watched, I just felt a little old and in the way. However, I am happy that I can still ride with my group and have the health to do so. Blessings from above for sure and nothing of my doing at all. I just try to stay in the game and………keep doing it. Not like these guys though. Not even close. This style of riding is almost another sport. And yet, they welcome us with open arms and are happy we are all one big mountain bike community- no matter how old or young we are. That is the cool thing about mountain biking.

Don’t ever feel like Pittsburgh and Western Pa. has to take a back seat to riding and riders in other parts of the country. We have amazing talent right here in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. And some great riding around the city and county and also in the nearby Laurel Highlands. And West Virginia is not that far away either. And, if you are a younger and energetic type and this style of riding floats your boat- go to Highline Bikes and talk to Tom. He can set you up with the finest equipment and also introduce you to a really talented group of riders out of his shop.

Keep your eyes peeled for Jamfest next summer. You can sit next to me and see some amazing talent and meet a really friendly group of riders and their clan. All part of the Highline Bike family. Thanks for reading.

Photos courtesy of Brandon Barber- and Highline Bikes.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

Mountain Bikes and Bluegrass Music
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History Rolling Down the Tracks

In my lifetime, I have seen a lot of technology. From desktop computers, to laptops, to I- Phones, to Smart Watches, to nuclear power, to electric vehicles, to new lunar video by a manned spacecraft. This, and so much more have been transitioning our way of life into more efficiency, more comfort, and more reliability. But sometimes you get a glimpse back in time and see something that was truly avant garde for the period and a mechanical wonder built in 1941 and still rolling. The Union Pacific Railroad’s “Big Boy” is the largest steam powered train in existence today and I got to see if live and up close this past weekend.

Built to transport heavy freight in the mountains at the beginning of WWII, the Big Boy weighed in at 1.2 million operating pounds and roughly 133 feet long. Originally designed as a steam locomotive, running on coal, it now has been transitioned to number 5 fuel oil, but still the largest steam powered engine in the world. At one time is held between 28 and 32 tons of coal, with a water capacity of 25,000 gallons.

Photo by Mark “the Shark” Sauers
Photo by Mark “Shark” Sauers

I really made an effort to go down to Leetsdale, Pa to see the Big Boy rolling through on it’s way back out west to where the tour began in California. The trans- continental run was celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, and it was a welcome sight with a little bit of effort on my part after a mountain bike ride up at Laurel Mountain, and various and sundry subsequent errands on a Saturday afternoon. I was sure happy to see this piece of mechanical history rolling through, not far from my home.

I have always been fascinated by steam powered locomotives like when I took a ride on the Shay locomotives in Cass, West Virginia. The Shay #4 was built in 1922 and the Shay #6 was built in 1945 and were primarily used to haul logs for the operations of the West Virginia Paper Company. Like the Big Boy, Shay #6 is heavy, weighing in at 162 tons and similarly used to haul heavy payloads in the mountains. The cool thing about the Shay trains is that you can ride them in an open -air passenger car. My group would load our mountain bikes on the train and sit in the open -air car and experience the power of the Shay engine up the mountain to the top of Bald Knob. From there we would exit the train and ride the 25 mile MTB route back to Cass and eventually the Elk River Touring Center where we were staying in Slaty Fork, West Virginia. We had many rides on that train as part of the Elk River’s West Virginia Fat Tire Festival. Oftentimes on the descent, there was a lot of rain, and the comfort of the covered passenger car was soon replaced by the roaring Elk and Greenbrier Rivers at crossings that were manned by the Snowshoe Ski Patrol to make sure we could get safely across. I remember those days when the ski patrol had ropes stretched across the river crossings and we had to carry out bikes on our shoulders and grab the rope at the same time in order not to be swept downstream. The West Virginia Fat Tire Festival was always eventful and for me, the highlight, even ahead of the riding, was the ride on the Shay locomotive powered train in Cass.

The Shay locomotive in Cass, West Virginia.

Getting back to the Big Boy viewing for a moment, perhaps one of the most memorable things, aside from the raw power and noise of the engine, was the huge crowd that had gathered to witness the passage. I had heard that all along the route, from coast to coast, people would line the tracks, carrying US flags, and having and unbridled enthusiasm for the celebration. The crew on the train commented that everywhere they had traveled on the tracks all over the country, people were so enthusiastic about the event of Big Boy coming through their town. As I looked at our crowd, I saw Americans. I didn’t see political or philosophical differences, but we were all happy to be Americans cheering on a machine that represented all that was good about America. As the 250th has come and gone, it was refreshing to see everybody with the same happiness and enthusiasm for the Big Boy and it’s crew. There was something in that moment that made me think that with all the division in this country, we still have a lot of similarities in that we recognize America as our home and something to be proud of. The smiles on the faces of the children, the adults, and the crew of Big Boy told me that all was somehow good with the world. I felt part of a big event that was larger than the differences that we all have. Saturday, we all transcended that and we all became one as we waited for the whistle signaling the arrival of the Big Boy.

My group at one of the Fat Tire Festivals.

For all of you mountain bike riders out there, take a trip to Cass, take in the history videos there and then board your bike and ride the Shay locomotive to the top of Bald Knob. And if you are not a hiker or a mountain bike rider, go anyways. Experience the history of the country’s steam powered locomotives and enjoy history on the tracks in the mountains. Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me.

” How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. Psalm 133:1

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The End of an Era
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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

The Colorado Relay