Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums

Would seem like a good place for me to start but cant seem to find anything.

<------I'm new

Welcome newbies!  Hehe, no seriously, nobody should feel like they can't post or should be worried about being ridiculed on here.  This is a friendly zone. 

(http://www.aeropause.com/archives/noob_yoda.jpg)

I just know no one yet and was trying to find if there was one thread where it said who everyone was.  Im proud of my noob status, for now.

Looking forward to hitting the trails with you guys in the coming months and certainly giving back via trail maintenance.

Sup DAG. You came to the right place. I'm Lou. I live here.  8) THere was a post way back when we started with this type of info, but it might be buried. Anyway, this club is a bunch of cool people who love to ride and help out the cause by doing trail maintenance and running special events. There really aren't any cliques here that think they are the shit or anything. It's low key and if you wanna ride and meet cool people who also ride you're in for a treat... Let's ride!

Maybe it would be a good idea to put a "Welcome Mat" thread for new people to introduce themselves.  I've seen it in other forums and seems to work well.

Just a thought.

I would say "First Timers" or something similar forum would be cool.

like this: www.mtbnj.com/forum (http://www.mtbnj.com/forum)

dz

Yeah, Dmitri.  That's exactly what I was talking about. ;D

Hi I'm Tom, I enjoy long walks on the beach and loud trance music.

Hi Tom.  I'm Rico, I enjoy sailing, backgammon and men who aren't afraid to cry.

($5 to anyone who can name the movie that is from)

If I knew what movie it was, I'd never admit having watched it...

It was from Airplane.  Elaine the stewardess said it.   ;D

Hi im Dave and I have a hairy back

Hi, I'm Mark, I enjoy Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.........

Well I didn't know we were being frank: I'm Lou and I like to dance in my garage, around my bikes, when no ones around.

i'm Da Yellow Bike Rydah

sort of like this dude but with my bike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPNJjL9iznY

This is like AA - I am standing up and saying "I shower with my bikes to clean them..."

I'll try not to let any of the above influence my first impressions of you guys...

I'm Karl, around gear wayyy too much and have been known to talk about how well my bike shifts in post coital moments.   

I can see this introduction post really held up wonderfully.

I think the point was to see if we should create a Welcome Mat, Hello, I'm a Newbie, etc section or stickied thread on the site, not to have just one thread.

Yea Kman, don't be a dick all your life!  :-*

I am Thad, I live in Graduate Hospital and I like to ride bikes.

Yo Thad.  I saw your posts over on mtbr.com about riding in philly.

Welcome to the group!

Oh word, how are you Rico. I believe I saw you over there before to. Sorry, I just saw that you replied. I would be down to ride whenever. I am new to the game, with some bike issues, but I am working them out (hopefully). My girlfriend is getting in the game too, and I am getting her a hard rock to start on and we will see how she likes it. Let me know if you would like to go ride. We are also trying to get into volunteering, (maintenance and helping kids read) though I don't know if this weekend will work, cause we are moving (8 blocks).

Hey all. I'm Luke. I'm new to the area, and mountainbiking in general. I just moved here in January to start grad school. I haven't had time to get out and see any trails yet, but once finals are done next week I'll be looking to get outside and do something and meet some people.

I have to admit, there's a lot to take in on this forum. Any tips for finding some beginners rides?

I'd be up for helping out with trail work too if there's anything coming up.

Luke welcome to Philly and the greatest sport on earth. Our thursday group ride which meets at Valley Green is very beginner friendly pace wise. The ride schedule is located on the right hand side of the home page complete with maps on meeting locations.

Welcome to Philly, mountain biking, and PMBA!!!!!!!   ;D

The weekly rides are posted on the home page on the right hand side about midway down, with the skill levels listed as well.

Look for posts in the Wiss, Pennypack, Belmont and other area rides for some weekend excursions also.

Hey Luke, glad you found us. 4th Saturday of every month we have trail maintenance days, (TMDs), so look for that every now and then on the home page (I think it's listed under events). Dmitri, our volunteer coordinator, can also add you to his mailing list.

Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) who we work with all the time, have work days on the second Saturday of each month, but not always devoted to the trails. You can check them out here (http://www.fow.org).

Tonight's ride is All Levels, however not necessarily a total beginner ride. If you're a speed demon it's no problem, but a group ride can be intimidating for first timers. You are welcome to come along, but you are also welcome to schedule a ride with me at another time, just so we can go your pace and introduce you to the park. Other PMBA members will do the same so just ask if you're looking for a ride, and sometimes rides there may be just a small group and if you check with them they may be happy to have newbies tag along.

We also recommend that you talk to your doctor and have a physical. The hills at the Wiss aren't super big, but there is intense riding at all levels, so if you haven't had your yearly check up now is the time to do it.

We should have a varied group out tonight so a couple of different pace rides will evolve.

Oh.. you  mean under 'Weekly Group RIDES'....  ::) <-- at self

Well my next week or so is pretty busy, but after that I'll definitely be looking for something to do.

Thanks for the welcome and the tips! Hopefully see you all on the trail soon :)

Hey man.  I'm a newbie too so don't worry.  I joined my first group ride last week and my inexperience definitely showed, but it was still a lot of fun. 

I'll be riding the group ride every Thursday, and I will probably check out the Wed. ride too, so when your done with finals come out.  I normally ride by myself on other days so if you ever need a bike partner just hit me up.  I live right next to the Wiss so its easy for me.

Yeah, I need to get out for a Beginner ride.

If I can make it out next Thursday night the three of us (Danny and LC) can do our own pace.

That sounds great. 

I will definitely be riding next Thursday anyway so let me know if either of you guys will be making it. 

Well next Thursday night is my last busy night. After that all my classes are done, so I'm definitely down for the following Thursday, or any day the following week for that matter. It would be good to find the park and see the trails with other beginners, though.

I'd say I'd be up for something tomorrow afternoon, but it looks like it might be a little wet  :(

welcome to the group!

I maybe up for a beginner ride next Thurs as well. I'm still nursing the wrist so it's making it difficult to do speed & most climbs right now.

I'm actually planning on a Saturday morning ride at Wiss..early like 8am.. I have wife's permission to go since 1)it's close by and 2) IT'S CLOSE BY!! WOO HOO! Not looking to do any speed Saturday just total chill ride to get my wrist back up & running again if anyone's interested.

You talking about this coming saturday?

I'd be up for that. I have to study all weekend for a final Monday. That would be a good excuse to get up and get moving saturday morning!

I'm not familiar with the park yet. Where should I meet you?

I can't ride on Saturday because I have to head up to Jersey for my fiance's mom's bday...joy....

I will definitely by riding next Thursday though.

i have too much work around the house this Saturday morning, plus I just got new shifters and brake levers that I need to finish installing.  I know I won't have the installation done by Saturday morning.  Dammit, I wish I could make it, but hopefully I'll have everything up to snuff for next Thursday.

Yes tomorrow around 8a LC. I'll meet you at Valley Green Inn, look for a green Jeep. My cell is 484-994-5010. 

Sounds good. I'll find you.

I'll be in an old white chevy step-side.

Cool, see you then..

Hi guys.  I'm John.  I am not new to mountain biking, but I have only ridden the wiss once, and I have just begun riding with groups (my first group ride was at the wiss about a month ago).  It is a blast and I would love to get out and ride the wiss more.

I am not entirely sure how to assess my level.  Should I start out with a beginner group ride and if I leave them all in the dust just keep moving up the ladder until I find a group that suits me? 

Thanks!

hey boaty! glad to see you came aboard to the PMBA! this group has grown since I jumped on board as well..

"we're gonna need a bigger boat.."  ;D

Thanks bonkers!

I am still figuring out this site ... but I think I read something about some trail maintenance on the 17.  Who do I talk to about helping out?  You gonna be there?

Thanks!

Hey Boaty, email Dmitri at tmday@comcast.net and let him know you wanna volunteer. He is the volunteer coordinator for our work days (4th Sat of each month, except this month becuase of Memorial Day.) Kevin Groves is FOW's volunteer coordinator and to get on his email list send him a message at kgroves.fow@verizon.net and tell him you are a PMBA member and want to help on the 17th.

Not sure on trail day yet.. it'll depend on babywatch on whether I make it.

Hey, belated thanks for a good ride Saturday bonkers! I hope everything went well Sunday!

Is this like speed dating?

Like um, I'm 5'5, I like long steep drops and I like to ride dirty and hard! 
=D

Anyhows, I'm JohnnyPhive and I'm Alive!!

See ya guys on the trails.

I should be out this Thursday (May 8).  Danny and LC.....do you guys think you can make it?

Rob......how is the babywatch coming?  You a new Daddy or what?

I'm afraid I'm probably out for Thursday, although that may change so we'll have to see.. but YES I'm a new daddy as of TODAY at 6:30p! I have a daughter now- names are still pending for now but holy crap I'm a dad!! :o

No prob LC, we'll ride again soon..maybe next time I won't endo w/only 200ft to the end! Man that sucked doing that, I'm gonna upload the big arse bruise I gave myself from that..

Hey Rico,
Yes I can make it out on Thursday.  I got my first pair of clipless pedals this past weekend and I have been getting used to them the last few days.  So far so good.  I bought the Shimano M520's and the ability to adjust the tension on the pedals is great for a guy starting out I've realized.  I'm going to ride the trails today and I'm sure I'll be fine so I will definitely be riding tomorrow (I have no excuse not to ride really).

Bonkers congrats dude!  That sounds awesome.  You should definitely update us on her name.  I can imagine you're going to be busy for while but don't worry I know I'm not going anywhere.  We can meet up for a ride soon.

Unfortunately, tomorrow is my last busy evening. I'm definitely in next week though!



Yea that was rough. And maybe next time I'll keep my breakfast :-X  ::)

   

Cool.  Let me know where and when you want to meet up.  My email is ricocpa@yahoo.com.

Yeah, I have the same exact pedals and love them.

CONGRATULATIONS to you and your wife!!! My wife is not too far behind (she's due June 21st). I think we need to have an official "New Father's Ride" to celebrate the addition to your family.............

Thanks dirtmerchant! 

Congrats bonkers!

CONGRATULATIONS to you and your wife!!! My wife is not too far behind (she's due June 21st). I think we need to have an official "New Father's Ride" to celebrate the addition to your family.............
[/quote]

Thanks Mtrostle, & everyone else too for the congrats, her name's Aubrey & man she's gonna be a handful already! You know if you have boy or girl coming? I'm still in system shock! haahaha.. I'd be up for that "new father's ride" too! Let me know!   

As my wife like's to tell folks when they ask, she responds with "it's a human" ;D Her reasoning for not wanting to know is, you go through life with too few "good" experiences. I can't argue with that.

Aubrey is a good name. Now enjoy your last full nights worth of sleep  :'(

Good ride last night, Dan.   ;D

I gotta try and get out at least one night a week along with the weekend.

Hey Rico, Dan.

Good to run into you last night. Sorry, if I sounded short, but I was getting killed by Max and Chuck and had to go chase them!

Now I can put the face to your DannyC21 ide, Dan.

dz

Rico,

Great ride last night.  Definitely let me know when you can come out.  As you know I live right there so just give me heads up and we'll head out again.

Dmitri, it was nicing seeing you last night.  now I can put a face to your ID, haha.  Hope to run into you again.

Dan

Hey, I'm Jonathan 39y/o. I found this group thanks to Bonkers.
I've only ridden at Wiss once before, last year when I first started riding. It was  definately out of my league at the time, so I'm looking forward to getting back there and see how I've progressed ( or "if" I've progressed! LOL!).

I live in Yardley so it's a bit of a drive getting down there (I usually ride Core Creek since it's only 5 minutes away), but I'll try to hook up on some easier rides if I can.

Later.

Hey Jonathan,

I live in Yardley as well, don't let the distance stop you from hitting Wiss often. There are other fun options besides Core Creek localy tho. Neshaminy is good, going into NJ Mercer county park and Clayton are both fun and only 25-35 mins away.

Actually, depending on the traffic I've gotten to the north end of the Wiss (northwestern and germantown) in about same 30-35 minutes.

dz

Hey Jonathan ...

This is John.  Bonkers got me over here at the PMBA web site as well.  They are having a trail maintenance at the Wiss this Saturday morning and if you want to come by my house in Huntingdon Valley in the morning we can carpool over there.  I would have loved to stay for a ride in the afternoon, but I have stuff going on so I will be cutting out around noon.

Let me know.  :)

Boaty

Hey Dmitri, small world. Yeah, I've hit Neshaminy (once) and Mercer a few times. Haven't been to Clayton yet, but have hit Pennypack, White Clay, High Rocks, and Belmont, so I get around once in a while.
Like I said, I only started riding last fall and I'm a bit out of shape (still) but I'm loving it! I just have to choose rides with slower people or rides that I can bail out on if need be so I don't slow anyone down.
(so slower riders and noobs hit me up when you want a riding partner!).

Also,

Remember that you can update you personal file on
this site, add your name and upload some pictures,
thats a good way to introduce yourself to others if
you want, there is a lot going on besides riding and
trail building, so any noobs who want to get further
involved, attend the meetings and volunteer your time
 if you can.

This is your club, so take advantage of the opportunity to make a real difference on the future of Mt.biking in the Philly area, and PA! You got to grab life by the handle-bars a ride it for all it's worth!

Stay safe.

Rob Krotee
PMBA- Vice Pres

hhheeeeeeyyyy ALLLLLL IM A NNNOOOODDD AND AM PROUD TO BE NAMES JOE NICE TO MEET YALL

I feel like this is AA or something. Hi Joe, nice to meet ya. Is that NOOODDDD or NOOBBBB?

I'm new here too. Just posted up for the first time a little while ago.

Name is Dave. I already know a few of you on here. Looking forward to meeting more of ya. I'll get some pics up on this thing soon enough. Peace all

I'm Nick.

I'm not so computer savy so I probably won't be on here much. I build trails near my house in Yardley, PA and I ride at Neshaminy, Bald Pate, and Wissahickon. (sp) My current rides are a 2005 Specialized Rockhopper (flat pedals) and a 2008 Gary Fisher Hifi Deluxe (clipless). I work at Bucks County Bicycle Company as a bike mechanic and our shop has Wednesday night rides behind Neshaminy High School if anyone is interested in joining. Hope to see some of you out on the trails.

Sup Nick, thanks for that info! I love those trails over there, and will make it for a ride for sure. (I wanted to race there this year but I am layed up) Plus I wanna come see your shop and meet the owner becuase he hooked us up big time for the Rally. Welcome aboard

Yeah Scott is a good guy. I wanted to race with 2 of my co-workers, but I wound up working that day.
Just got back from Bald Pate today did about 12 miles there.

Nick,

I live in Yardley, and am curious to know where in town did you find enough land and woods for the trails. Unfortunately, I don't spend as much time in Yardley now days as I do in Mt. Airy/Chestnut Hill area and Wiss, but still...

Let me know.
dz

Where Black Rock Road crosses the canal path. You can park there and head south. At the first bench you come across there is a path into the woods and the trails are on the other side of the bridge crossing the creek.

I'm the guy on the green Santa Cruz Heckler, yeah, the one with the cowbell hanging under the seat.

I've been involved with mountain bikes since 1990 or so.  Been involved in MTB advocacy in three countries and four cities.  Done race timing for a few races, including one from the 1997 World Cup.  One of my dubious claims to fame is possessing Cadel Evan's autograph on the official timing sheet.

I'm involved with a few MTB groups around the Philly area.

See you on the trails.

aka Dan Dan the Cowbell Man!!

Welcome Dan!

Dan- You finally made it in here! I was waiting how long it'd take me to keep throwing the PMBA name on the meetup before you came in to join!  ;D

Hey Dan!   I gotta say, people get upset that my bell rings all the time, but your cow bell is enough to drive someone insane! However, I did notice more than one pedestrian trail user thanked you for it!

I have a mod for that bell that would work as a great compromise between ringing all the time and ringing continually when you need it, but I just haven't invented it yet.  ;D

Some people are annoyed by the bell.  Others think it's great.

I feel others have two choice if they don't like it: ride faster.  Or ride slower.  I'm not forcing anyone to ride with me.  ;)

 Newbee!  Mike/ 33 bristol reformed bmxer just tryin the mtb thing likin it rode pennypack and corecreek.I def. need to get a different bike bought a diamondback response from dicks it's alright but I can tell It's gonna get thrashed quick.I'm lookin at a Specialized p-2 kinda a mix of mtb/bmx.i don't wanna get to crazy$$$ I need to get into better shape so startin out slow workin my way into it.Great site.Hope to meet up with some of the people on here.

Hey Mike, I'm from Yardley and ride Core Creek and Pennypack a good bit. Hit me up if you ever want to ride.
Also, check out http://mountainbikes.meetup.com/137/

Welcome to the group Mike! I actually will be riding Sunday at Core. Pace will be sorta slower since I'll have my dog out but you're welcome to come out. We'll prob leave Duchess Lane parking lot around 9:45ish.