Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums

I'm considering going, as part of preparation to SM100. But I'm torn, being that this Saturday is the 28th and PMBA TM day...


dz

I was all set to do this as my first Marathon. There is technical but from what I understand it's nothing like the Stooopid 50.

But after being off the bike last week with my shin injury, and then killing my SS bike this weekend, well, it looks like it's out of the question.

Meanwhile I got to talking with a couple riders who wanted to do it too but because of other commitments couldn't handle the 5 hour round trip.

So we tentatively planned our own 50 mile ride in Mercer County Park on that day. (about 20 minutes past Neshaminy)

Mercer County is really flat. But it's not without it's excitement. First there are these mini forests that are out of a fairy tale , and there are tons of sections with logs and bridges, though nothing overwhelming. There is also this really neat section of the tight single track track through a dense thin forest. It's impossible to go faster than walking pace as it just keeps zig- zagging back and forth often less then handlebar length wide. The object is to try to make it around without dabbing. It's challenging and unique at the same time.

Depending on the track my buddy lays out it will be between a 10 and 15 mile loop. We'd leave at the parking lot and use that as our feeding/base station. He's even trying to figure out a way he can temporarily mark it, and that combined with cell phones would allow people to ride their own pace yet still not feel isolated.

Hopefully I'll have a bike running by then but there is no way I'm prepared for 50 miles. This is not a sanctioned event of any kind, and no one has to do 50 miles. I mean, if I do it I can assure you I'll be stopping for lunch. But it does seem to be a good way to get some experience with a long ride without the risks and investment of a full race.

Let me know if any of your are interested. But I don't want to tempt anyone away form trail day, for form the Rambling 50 for that matter. I may just compromise with a bit of trail work and heading to Mercer the rest of theday... .

Oh I know Mercer very very well, bene riding there for years, perfect place for recovery rides and to take beginners to, or just clear your mind.
The tight section is the Maze. Literally there dozens of places where my 26" bars do not fit between the trees.
The log pile section is 1001 Logs
There is an absolutely beautiful overgrown section right before log section we call it Holy Trail. We found it few years ago for the first time, wanted to go back and spent months looking for it, lol thus it was A Quest for the Holy Trail! :-)
If you do the complete loop around the lake it's about 18 miles.
But it is flat as a pancake. TH ebiggest climb is about 15-20 yards long and 25' tall to get on the dam!

If I don't do the race, I'll be working the TM day in Wiss.

dz

After reading this post......I must go there! :o :o :o

Maybe next week, as I am doing the TM day also.

Ok.
I'll bite. Regardless whether I do the race or TM day on Saturday, I'll lead a ride at Mercer on Sunday. I can show people good trails there.

Details to come later.

dz

yo - re: Mercer County Park... I haven't ridden there since like last year but may be by there in near future for work and plan on brining my bike.   I used to do the whole loop around the park (and buzz the golf course)..  can you still do the whole loop around?  (I know your not supposed to ride by the golf course but.... ::) wondering if the trial is still there)

Thanks

Holy Crap, steve posted! 

Posts: 1

Nice.

I"m planning on a couple hours of Trail Maintenance Saturday followed by riding 25 or so in the afternoon at Mercer while my buddy completes his 50.

If I get motivated I'll head there with DZ on Sunday but I don't think I'll be that motivated...

Yes, you can still do the whole loop all around the lake and skim the edge of the golf course.

Wait a second, you want to do the TM in Wiss in the morning and then drive all the way to Mercer in the afternoon?!

dz

I can't ride at all this week or weekend.....I gots no shoes!   >:(

I just started riding clipless and after wearing my shoes three times the eyelet holes ripped off!  I sent back the shoes and ordered another pair and am waiting for them to come in.

If any of you guys go out to Mercer County Park later next week or later in August, please post it.  I'd love to check it out.

yeah, that is the plan, just a 1.5 hours of TMD or so then I'll dart off to Mercer and ride till I'm done...

I'm just going to miss the BBQ at Dirts and that sucks.

rico, make sure you practice practice practice popping out of the pedals until your brain automatically knows to kick sideways rather than pull up. I'd un-clip 50 times a ride the first few times just to make sure you will do it by default when the unexpected happens.

I have been practicing.  After I installed the pedals I practiced in my driveway, then while riding around the neighborhood, then on the IMBA Demo Trail off Wises Mill Rd.

I know I will still have my share of falls, I know it will just take time.

too bad my SS is out of commision. Sounds like my Ti Hardtail would rock there!