Sunday I traveled two hours to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capitol, to ride in a group training ride for Team Clydesdale. Meeting me were Ben and Herb, two Team members and Bike Forums posters.
Meeting us also was the rain. I first turned the car wipers on by the time I'd reached the Turnpike exit for Hershey, and the rain was a steady downpour by the time I'd reached Ben's house. Despite the weather, we decided to set out. Herb, like the good Boy Scout, was fully prepared to ride. I hadn't brought any rain gear, and Ben didn't own any. So Ben hastily constructed trash-bag rain ponchos for he and I, and shortly thereafter the three of us set off.
Our destination was Harrisburg's Greenbelt, a series of parks, paths, and roads that encircles much of the city. I began to have problems immediately, as the rain intensified and my confidence in my riding ability diminished. I walked part of the first major hill climb because I'd hit a red light and I didn't feel I could get a safe start continuing uphill. Being cold and underdressed for conditions didn't help.
Nor did the course. Once we crossed the Susquehanna River and entered Harrisburg, I began to feel more confident. Here was a paved bike path, and the ride along the river was very scenic, with some spectacular views of the mountains around the city. I could enjoy this, despite the rain beading on my glasses and pinging on my trash-bag covering. And then.....
"This is now the mud portion of the ride," Ben announced.
The Harrisburg Greenbelt was constructed piecemeal, like many bike routes, and so trail conditions varied from place to place. For the next few miles we rode on pea-sized crushed stone, made sloppy by the rain. The path was made 'interesting' by the Greenbelt planners with lots of sharp turns. I wasn't interested in those hairpins; I'd rather be bored and safe, thank you.
Shortly thereafter we passed a bridge spray-painted with a "death to pigs" logo. It took me a moment to reflect that the spray-painter probably didn't have pork in mind. Our guide began to explain just how much crime took place in this area. "So, this is the urban adventure section of the ride, Ben?" I asked.
Once out of the 'Hell's Kitchen' part of Harrisburg, we stopped at an underpass and had a team meeting. The rain showed no sign of letting up, and as I was squeezing water out of the arch supports in my cycling shoes, we decided to cut the ride short. Our plan had been to ride 50 miles, circling the Greenbelt twice. Once was going to be enough today, we decided. So off we went, riding through puddles and overflowing ponds in what could be called the streamcrossing part of the ride. The rain picked up, banging against my trash bag covering. I got drenched on one street crossing from spraying water, and when I put a foot down at a stop light, I found the middle of a small stream.. "Something wrong, Neil?" Herb asked me as I tentatively climbed uphill from the crossing. "Yeah Herb, I just got half the Susquehanna in my right shoe."
Climbing the hill, Ben warned us "there's always broken glass at this gate, so carry your bikes over it."
"So this is the cyclecross portion of the ride, Ben?" I asked.
Off we went, crossing streets and turning back onto gravel as we passed through a local park. One hairpin turn nearly caused me to fall. For the rest of the ride I dismounted and walked through sharp turns. One place I didn't dismount was at a 10 per cent downward grade - it came with little warning, and I didn't trust my MTB shoes to keep me from falling on the rain-slicked surface. "This is the roller-coaster portion of the ride" I thought as I headed downhill.
Meanwhile, the rain was letting up. However, I was so busy dealing with the technical aspects of riding under these adverse conditions, and with catching up to my companions, that I didn't notice. By the time I'd climbed out of a local nature center and gotten back onto Harrisburg's streets, the rain had stopped completely. The final portion of the ride was back on the path along the Susquehanna, and shortly thereafter we were back at Ben's place drying off and congratulating ourselves for riding through that mess.
As usual, I wasn't pleased with my riding, although my companions thought it was fine. Ben's choice of a route was probably influenced by his experience riding a mountain bike; I'd never have thought a thin-tired road bike, such as Herb and Ben ride, would have handled as well as they did on gravel and mud.
Thanks to the horrible weather, I have no photos during the ride, and the only group photo of the riders is on Herb's cellphone. Until we figure out how to get that posted to Bike Forums, here are three photos from the Greenbelt to hold you over. After I left Ben's place I headed back into town and took some shots. First, some interesting statuary along the river.
It certainly was an adventure wasn't it? Mud sections, river fording, cyclocross, puddle jumping, steep grades, hairpin turns, Harrisburg traffic, and a ghettotastic section all in downpour. We'll have to ride it again when the weather is a bit more agreeable.
Nice report and nice pictures too, I'm glad your camera didn't short out for good after riding in a pannier full of water.
The Historian
05-19-08, 08:36 AM
It certainly was an adventure wasn't it? Mud sections, river fording, cyclocross, puddle jumping, steep grades, hairpin turns, Harrisburg traffic, and a ghettotastic section all in downpour. We'll have to ride it again when the weather is a bit more agreeable.
Nice report and nice pictures too, I'm glad your camera didn't short out for good after riding in a pannier full of water.
Can you get the photo of us taken on Herb's cellphone posted to Bike Forums? I don't know how to do it.
bautieri
05-19-08, 08:44 AM
Can you get the photo of us taken on Herb's cellphone posted to Bike Forums? I don't know how to do it.
I can only speak on behalf of verizon cell phones, but yes it is quite possible. All he has to do is save an email address (most likely his) in his contacts list on the cell phone, go to the picture, then forward it to the email address. The picture will show up as an attachment in the email message where it can be saved and resent via email at no charge. This process will inherit the picture message fee unless he has a texting package which may cover it.
The Historian
05-19-08, 08:47 AM
It certainly was an adventure wasn't it? Mud sections, river fording, cyclocross, puddle jumping, steep grades, hairpin turns, Harrisburg traffic, and a ghettotastic section all in downpour. We'll have to ride it again when the weather is a bit more agreeable.
Nice report and nice pictures too, I'm glad your camera didn't short out for good after riding in a pannier full of water.
The jogger we collared to take the photo hit the video button instead.
jsb_hburg
05-19-08, 07:23 PM
Shortly thereafter we passed a bridge spray-painted with a "death to pigs" logo. It took me a moment to reflect that the spray-painter probably didn't have pork in mind. Our guide began to explain just how much crime took place in this area. "So, this is the urban adventure section of the ride, Ben?" I asked.
Hello!
I saw that too last Thursday after work for the first time. It goes something like: "Crime pays and death to pigs." That bridge is adjacent to a project and its playground. Being by myself, I turned around.
We have travelled from the PennDOT building to Wildwood Park to the State Game Commission via the spur from the old state hospital grounds and then to the Capitol before returning home via the Harvey Taylor Bridge. These segments are night and day different than that bridge adorned with red spray paint.
vXhanz
05-20-08, 03:30 AM
Hey guys, I think I figured out how to get the picture up now that Ben gave the instructions. I'm a wee bit technically inept when it comes to cell phones.
So here is the picture of the three of us.
The Historian
05-20-08, 06:49 AM
Hello!
I saw that too last Thursday after work for the first time. It goes something like: "Crime pays and death to pigs." That bridge is adjacent to a project and its playground. Being by myself, I turned around.
We have travelled from the PennDOT building to Wildwood Park to the State Game Commission via the spur from the old state hospital grounds and then to the Capitol before returning home via the Harvey Taylor Bridge. These segments are night and day different than that bridge adorned with red spray paint.
The jogger we collared to take the photo hit the video button instead.
Both photo posted below and video clip show Ben to be 20 pounds lighter than the photo in his avatar. He's too modest to post about it, so I'll do it. Congratulations Ben!
The Historian
05-20-08, 06:52 AM
Hello!
I saw that too last Thursday after work for the first time. It goes something like: "Crime pays and death to pigs." That bridge is adjacent to a project and its playground. Being by myself, I turned around.
We have travelled from the PennDOT building to Wildwood Park to the State Game Commission via the spur from the old state hospital grounds and then to the Capitol before returning home via the Harvey Taylor Bridge. These segments are night and day different than that bridge adorned with red spray paint.
Hey, wanna join Team Clydesdale?
bautieri
05-20-08, 06:53 AM
Hello!
I saw that too last Thursday after work for the first time. It goes something like: "Crime pays and death to pigs." That bridge is adjacent to a project and its playground. Being by myself, I turned around.
We have travelled from the PennDOT building to Wildwood Park to the State Game Commission via the spur from the old state hospital grounds and then to the Capitol before returning home via the Harvey Taylor Bridge. These segments are night and day different than that bridge adorned with red spray paint.
Hi jsb_hburg,
I believe the quote was "crime pays when pigs die". Going by that little project area is the only spot that makes me uncomfortable although i have passed through that area alone many times. The majority of the time I see young adults supervising their children as they play in or near the stream so I never felt threatened. If I had to guess the spray painted message was some 9 year old trying to impress his/her buddies. I don't feel the area to be any real danger but I can say that I wouldn't hang around it too long to find out.
If you ever want to go for a ride sometime let me know. I'm up in Enola.
Bau
bautieri
05-20-08, 06:56 AM
Both photo posted below and video clip show Ben to be 20 pounds lighter than the photo in his avatar. He's too modest to post about it, so I'll do it. Congratulations Ben!
Thanks Neil, try not to make my head swell up any larger than it already is. I'll have to buy a new helmet :lol:.
I'll change the ol avatar once I get below 200lbs. 13lbs to go!
jsb_hburg
05-20-08, 11:12 AM
Hey, wanna join Team Clydesdale?
If you are referring to the 175 mile MS ride (I did some searching first), I am not yet up to the challenge. Though, I wish I were.
Hi jsb_hburg,
I believe the quote was "crime pays when pigs die". Going by that little project area is the only spot that makes me uncomfortable although i have passed through that area alone many times. The majority of the time I see young adults supervising their children as they play in or near the stream so I never felt threatened. If I had to guess the spray painted message was some 9 year old trying to impress his/her buddies. I don't feel the area to be any real danger but I can say that I wouldn't hang around it too long to find out.
If you ever want to go for a ride sometime let me know. I'm up in Enola.
Bau
Great! I will PM you in advance. I am commuting to Harrisburg by bike from East Pennsboro Twp.; so, I am trying to get in 14 miles a day. On the weekends, I would like to do a 15 to 20 mile run. I have only started up in the last three weeks; but, I hope I can improve my pace with each commute day.
Is anyone planning on participating in the Tour de Belt in Harrisburg?
bautieri
05-20-08, 11:43 AM
If you are referring to the 175 mile MS ride (I did some searching first), I am not yet up to the challenge. Though, I wish I were.
There are several starting points that varry the lenght of the ride from 10 miles to 175. If your not up to it this year it gives you something to shoot for next year.
Great! I will PM you in advance. I am commuting to Harrisburg by bike from East Pennsboro Twp.; so, I am trying to get in 14 miles a day. On the weekends, I would like to do a 15 to 20 mile run. I have only started up in the last three weeks; but, I hope I can improve my pace with each commute day.
Is anyone planning on participating in the Tour de Belt in Harrisburg?
Not a problem, I would be happy to ride with a fellow EPBer. If you want a nice little ride thats relativly car free take valley road to tower, then turn right onto Belle Vista which goes all the way to the tunnel in Marysville. It follows the river front and has some beautiful scenery along the way. You can even see the statue of liberty in the Susquehanna. From there you have a choice, you can take 11/15 back home or you can take 850 to 34 where you pick up 944 and come in the back way to EPB. Let me know if you would like to take a little adventure with me some time.
Ben
bautieri
05-20-08, 11:44 AM
Is anyone planning on participating in the Tour de Belt in Harrisburg?
Not this year, I can't see paying to ride a trail I can ride any time of the year for free.
vXhanz
05-20-08, 02:49 PM
Not this year, I can't see paying to ride a trail I can ride any time of the year for free.
I concur. I think if the path was mapped differently vs. the public trail that would be different. Is the money used to help try to pave the entier trail? Or are they just planning on leaving it sand/rock/etc.?
The Historian
05-20-08, 08:49 PM
If you are referring to the 175 mile MS ride (I did some searching first), I am not yet up to the challenge. Though, I wish I were.
There are 25, 45, 75 and 100 mile routes the first day. Plus for those hardy souls ( and butts) there is a 75 mile return trip on Sunday. You don't have to ride both days. And the ride is as flat as you can find outside a velodrome.
Also, I know of an overweight, middle-aged guy with crooked legs, a fellow who had only learned to ride a bike ten months before, who went on to ride a century. If that loser could do it, almost anyone can. So reconsider joining us. It'll be fun.
We have another group training ride, from the Philadelphia suburbs into town and back, The Great Cheesesteak Hunt. Come on out for some sloppy, greasy fun. :)
The Historian
05-20-08, 09:06 PM
Thanks Neil, try not to make my head swell up any larger than it already is. I'll have to buy a new helmet :lol:.
I'll change the ol avatar once I get below 200lbs. 13lbs to go!
Speaking of which, Ben got me with a real zinger this weekend. I love a good scoliosis slam:
Neil: Guys, how do you ride when your hands are so cold you can't bend your fingers?
Ben: I don't have that problem. My hands are small and compact.
Neil: Along with other things, I understand.
Ben: Well, we can't all be as big as you. You must be so well-hung it causes you to lean to the left!
Neil: BWHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Herb: So are you going to use what Ben said under your avatar, Neil?
jsb_hburg
05-21-08, 06:24 PM
We have another group training ride, from the Philadelphia suburbs into town and back, The Great Cheesesteak Hunt. Come on out for some sloppy, greasy fun. :)
Quite tempting. What is the route like? Bike paths? High traffic routes?
heckler
05-21-08, 06:55 PM
Do tell about the Philly ride. Harrisburg is a hike, but philly i would love to ride with you guys. Especially if there is cheesesteak involved.
The Historian
05-21-08, 08:41 PM
Quite tempting. What is the route like? Bike paths? High traffic routes?
That depends on where you start. The bulk of the ride will be on the flat Schuylkill River Trail. Starting from the Pawlings Road trailhead in Audubon, it's 24/25 miles to Philadelphia. 3 or 4 of them will be on roads in Manayunk, which isn't any worse than downtown Harrisburg. The hardier folks are starting from my home, 12 miles off the trailhead out past Phoenixville, bringing their total ride to 74 miles. How far we have to travel in Philadelphia depends on how far it is to find a good cheesesteak. This is a tough job. :)
Ben can tell you about the route - he rode it with me in November. We didn't get cheesesteaks, however.
BigUgly
05-21-08, 09:02 PM
mmmmmm Cheesesteaks!!!!!!!!
When in Manayunk hang a left on Walnut Lane (I can't remember if it makes it down to Main Street in Manayunk but you can certainly get to it from there). It will be a hell of a climb up. Follow Walnut Lane to Henry Ave, hang a left and there is one of, if not the best Cheesesteak shop called Delassandro's that will be one block up on the right. There will probably be a line but it will be worth the wait (and the climb up out of Manayunk). There is also a place across the street that is a bit larger called Bubba's(I think) which has more room to sit down and makes a good chicken cheesesteak. When at Delassadro's order it with fried onions and sauce and get a Black Cherry Wishniak soda to go with it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!!!!! Delassandro's doesn't use that cheese whiz crap that the touristy spots(Pat's or Geno's) use, they use real cheese. I used to work in East Falls and I went to Delassandro's almost everyday for lunch which helped get me to the Clyde status.
jsb_hburg
05-22-08, 06:24 AM
That depends on where you start. The bulk of the ride will be on the flat Schuylkill River Trail. Starting from the Pawlings Road trailhead in Audubon, it's 24/25 miles to Philadelphia. 3 or 4 of them will be on roads in Manayunk, which isn't any worse than downtown Harrisburg. The hardier folks are starting from my home, 12 miles off the trailhead out past Phoenixville, bringing their total ride to 74 miles. How far we have to travel in Philadelphia depends on how far it is to find a good cheesesteak. This is a tough job. :)
Ben can tell you about the route - he rode it with me in November. We didn't get cheesesteaks, however.
Okay, I'm in. Though, I will start from the trailhead. Please let me know as to when.
The Historian
05-22-08, 07:02 AM
Okay, I'm in. Though, I will start from the trailhead. Please let me know as to when.
9:00 AM my house, 11:00 AM from the trailhead. June 28. We will try to keep a good pace, but no one will be dropped.... for long. We will wait and regroup if we become separated. The peleton will ride together in Manayunk, since it's an urban area and I don't want to lose people. Rest stops will be Pawling's Road, Betzwood (if needed), Conshohocken, and the Art Museum. Keep in mind the Schuylkill River Trail can be VERY busy on a Saturday in summer, so be prepared to pass joggers, other cyclists, walkers, etc. Ben has ridden the trail near Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, and he probably recalls maneuvering around sculling crews. (We will bypass THAT area this time, so no scullers to get around.)
Since Big Ugly posted about the cheesesteak places in Manayunk, we'll get lunch there on the way back, 5 miles after the midpoint of the ride. Midpoint will be the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so folks can pose at the "Rocky" steps. Bring locks with you, and cash for lunch and snacks.
Neil F. and his old bike on the Art Museum steps doing a Stallone impersonation:
So I didn't steer you guys in the wrong direction I checked google maps. It is actually Shurs Lane you want to make a left (if you are coming down Main Street heading towards Center City) on coming off of Main Street in Manayunk. I can't recall how steep the hill is to get up out of Manayunk on Shurs lane but Manayunk is home of the legendary 'Wall' on Lyceum ave which is just a few blocks over. Although I don't think Shurs Land is as steep. It's a short hill, less then half a mile. Shurs Lane turns into Walnut Lane at Henry Ave. Henry Avenue is a 4 lane road and it would probably be easier to cross there. Delassandro's is on the corner of Henry and Wendover. There will be a small football/soccer field across the street from it. It is a small place that is acually the bottom level of a house on the end of a row of houses. According to MapMyRide.com Delassandro's is .87 miles from Main Street in Manayunk and only about a 250ft elevation change. You guys should have some nice weather for the ride, enjoy the cheesesteaks!!
jsb_hburg
06-18-08, 09:39 AM
[QUOTE=The Historian;6740060]9:00 AM my house, 11:00 AM from the trailhead. June 28. We will try to keep a good pace, but no one will be dropped.... for long. We will wait and regroup if we become separated. The peleton will ride together in Manayunk, since it's an urban area and I don't want to lose people. Rest stops will be Pawling's Road, Betzwood (if needed), Conshohocken, and the Art Museum. Keep in mind the Schuylkill River Trail can be VERY busy on a Saturday in summer, so be prepared to pass joggers, other cyclists, walkers, etc. Ben has ridden the trail near Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, and he probably recalls maneuvering around sculling crews. (We will bypass THAT area this time, so no scullers to get around.)
Since Big Ugly posted about the cheesesteak places in Manayunk, we'll get lunch there on the way back, 5 miles after the midpoint of the ride. Midpoint will be the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so folks can pose at the "Rocky" steps. Bring locks with you, and cash for lunch and snacks.
Neil F. and his old bike on the Art Museum steps doing a Stallone impersonation:
QUOTE]
Since you are on the DL, have you come up with a new date and time?
The Historian
06-18-08, 09:42 AM
[QUOTE=The Historian;6740060]9:00 AM my house, 11:00 AM from the trailhead. June 28. We will try to keep a good pace, but no one will be dropped.... for long. We will wait and regroup if we become separated. The peleton will ride together in Manayunk, since it's an urban area and I don't want to lose people. Rest stops will be Pawling's Road, Betzwood (if needed), Conshohocken, and the Art Museum. Keep in mind the Schuylkill River Trail can be VERY busy on a Saturday in summer, so be prepared to pass joggers, other cyclists, walkers, etc. Ben has ridden the trail near Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, and he probably recalls maneuvering around sculling crews. (We will bypass THAT area this time, so no scullers to get around.)
Since Big Ugly posted about the cheesesteak places in Manayunk, we'll get lunch there on the way back, 5 miles after the midpoint of the ride. Midpoint will be the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so folks can pose at the "Rocky" steps. Bring locks with you, and cash for lunch and snacks.
Neil F. and his old bike on the Art Museum steps doing a Stallone impersonation:
QUOTE]
Since you are on the DL, have you come up with a new date and time?
I'm going to try riding this week. If it goes well, we'll be on, although I think most of the team members have bailed on me.
derecola
06-18-08, 04:57 PM
Hi guys I live in Pottstown If you guys ver want to ride over here we can go from Pottstown to Reading on the Schuylkill trail/path.Or we can meet at Valley Forge sometime.Shoot me a Email at derecola@comcast.net
jsb_hburg
06-18-08, 07:21 PM
I'm going to try riding this week. If it goes well, we'll be on, although I think most of the team members have bailed on me.
Don't push yourself too hard!
The Historian
06-21-08, 04:00 PM
Don't push yourself too hard!
I did OK. If you want to meet for a ride, PM me and we can set up something.
The Historian
06-23-08, 07:26 AM
[QUOTE=The Historian;6740060]9:00 AM my house, 11:00 AM from the trailhead. June 28. We will try to keep a good pace, but no one will be dropped.... for long. We will wait and regroup if we become separated. The peleton will ride together in Manayunk, since it's an urban area and I don't want to lose people. Rest stops will be Pawling's Road, Betzwood (if needed), Conshohocken, and the Art Museum. Keep in mind the Schuylkill River Trail can be VERY busy on a Saturday in summer, so be prepared to pass joggers, other cyclists, walkers, etc. Ben has ridden the trail near Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, and he probably recalls maneuvering around sculling crews. (We will bypass THAT area this time, so no scullers to get around.)
Since Big Ugly posted about the cheesesteak places in Manayunk, we'll get lunch there on the way back, 5 miles after the midpoint of the ride. Midpoint will be the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so folks can pose at the "Rocky" steps. Bring locks with you, and cash for lunch and snacks.
Neil F. and his old bike on the Art Museum steps doing a Stallone impersonation:
QUOTE]
Since you are on the DL, have you come up with a new date and time?
I'll have to reschedule the Great Cheesesteak Hunt. I'm not going to be able to ride a half-century this weekend. I seem to have had a setback as far as pain goes, although it could be I just slept badly.
The Historian
07-21-08, 10:30 AM
[QUOTE=jsb_hburg;6901256]
I'll have to reschedule the Great Cheesesteak Hunt. I'm not going to be able to ride a half-century this weekend. I seem to have had a setback as far as pain goes, although it could be I just slept badly.
I've asked Bautieri for a new date for the Great Cheesesteak Hunt. Guys, the ride is back on!