Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums

Thought I'd share these from Saturday in Delaware..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9mtLHqdnRE
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxpLbeCWiaw

Good flix.  That skills park is great.  Gotta do a field trip down there when it warms up.

I am heading to Baltimore for work tomorrow and will be bringing my bike. I plan to ride WC/MR around 3 or 4 pm. Let me know if you wanna join me!

I was in fairhill today with Nick, Neil, and Tom.   Damn nice out thats for sure.

Everyone knows that you park in front of McGlynns when you ride Middle Run.   Then beers after....or before....or both.   :)

Did you hit up the new log section?

We usualy park in the Natural Area lot near the bird sanctuary.  That's near the skills park too.  We gotta get down there again soon - sounds like they're doing a lot of new trail building.  It will probably be too wet this weekend after two days of rain, though.

Hell yea. They have incorporated many new log rides features as well as some pretty big dirt jumps! It helps that the land manager (Dave B) is a hardcore mountain biker.

FYI: The place was really dry, dusty actually. I think it will be ok to ride this weekend as long as we just get showers.

The new section (to me) I am talking about is called Judge Morris, Chestnut Hill Trail. (See attached) 4 miles of awesome singletrack!

The loop behind Judge Morris estate has bene there for a while. I remember someone showing it to me either last spring or fall year before, and even then it looked like 1-2 year old trail.

dz

Some dude's done and awesome detailed PDF map of the MiddleRun/White Clay parks, including all the skills features:

http://www.kencox.net/map/wcc_middlerun_map_1.1.8.pdf

and he's accepting donations here: http://www.kencox.net/?page_id=29

I think I'm heading down there on Sunday morning.  Let me know if anyone else is interested. 

After looking at the map, I obviously don't want to hit the advanced trails where I could possibly go off a cliff.  Can someone recommend a good place to park with a decent starting point?

I was planning on starting by McGlynn's like Chuck mentioned.

Rico - a link to the parking lot where we usually park is here: <http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109336382237328317081.0004496e341c30f14876d&ll=39.717157,-75.725884&spn=0.018618,0.046778&z=15>

The Middle Run area starts there, and White Clay is across Paper Mill Road. 

Let me know when you're going on Sunday - I may be able to join you.

I think I could make Sunday, what time?

Rico,

If you go alone or without someone that knows the area, def print that pdf map that Jesse linked to above.   

I wouldn't worry about tech trails, only the skills trail and maybe cork screw trail are really that bad if you are used to the Wiss.   It can be dangerous because the place is so fast, but that is up to you how fast you go.  Most of tech stuff is totally optional and placed all through the park.

Also, Jon's parking link is a great central point for the park.   I normally do McGlynn's, which is the Polly Drummond shopping center on Jesse's link.   You go across from the shopping center down the hill on Fox Den Rd. and can enter at the bottom left or right.  Left will take you quickest into the heart of the single track.   McGlynn's is great for food after and now that it's getting warmer they do have a small amount of outside seating.

Thanks for the replies!

We are planning on leaving NE philly around 9:00, so we should be down there by 10:00 I am guessing.  There are three of us going, all about my riding skill level.  None of us have been there, so I was planning on bringing the map.


Jon - that link isn't working for the map.  That sounds like it may be a better, more central place for us to park.  Is there an address I can put in Google maps for it?

If anyone wants to meet up there call my cell (267) 980-7628.  I can't promise my group will be able to keep up, but it'll still be fun.

Watch out for Mountain Goat trail, that is definitely the most difficult trail there. But it is super fun and I would say single black diamond. Give it a try. Worst case is you fall down a small rivine and get some cool scratches.  ;D

I parked at a church off of Polly Drummond Hill Rd. and started from there. Not sure where McGlynn's is? But the church allows you to park in their lot in certain area.

You can hit all of the trails in both diections and they are equally as fun. I rode Chestnut Hill Trail both ways yesterday becuase I never rode it and wanted to see what direction is better. It's a toss up. Both ways have great flow.

I may be able to head down Sunday. I will Email you if I can make it...

Lou,

McGlynn's is in the Polly Drummond Hill Shopping Center.

....yeah, call or email me if you are gonna go down there.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=11397994099248876874,39.714766,-75.730176&saddr=19128&daddr=19711&sll=39.714532,-75.719426&sspn=0.014509,0.033817&ie=UTF8&ll=39.710752,-75.723653&spn=0.01451,0.033817&t=h&z=16 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=11397994099248876874,39.714766,-75.730176&saddr=19128&daddr=19711&sll=39.714532,-75.719426&sspn=0.014509,0.033817&ie=UTF8&ll=39.710752,-75.723653&spn=0.01451,0.033817&t=h&z=16)

Super link, maybe that will work, that gets you right to where you turn left into the lane that goes to Jon's parking recommendation.    Can't get it to go closer....

I've done the corkscrew part but haven't see the Mountain Goat section. I'm scared already!

Chuck, that didn't work either.  Not sure if my work computer or what.  I'll try it at home, if not I'll see if I can mapquest it to one of the intersections mentioned.

Fwiw, I just googlemapped zip code 19128 to 19711 and it went right to the entrance.....

I'll try that later tonight.  Thanks.

When I clicked on the link you posted before the google maps site came up, but it just said, "Loading..." and no map ever came up.

Not sure what's wrong with my map link - you need to take out the <> characters at either end, maybe.  Chuck's map is good - you then follow the road that takes you back to that parking lot.  It's an easy turn to miss.  If you get to the bird sanctuary you've gone too far. 

I'm gonna try to go.  I've ridden it a bunch of times but have no sense of direction so I'll probably get lost.  Have all of the routes on my GPS, though, so eventually I'll make it back to the parking lot.  There's a LOT of biking down there - you might consider bringing some lunch and taking a mid-day break.  We've done that a few times and it has worked well.

Jon

Hmmmm....I love it down there. I'm gonna try and make it.

I have a great picture of TC splashing thru the stream crossing that's unfortunately not there any more.  Bring Kelly and Mariana - this is a great beginner ride area.  No big hills, lots of roots and logs but few rocks.  Much easier than Wiss.

There must be something wrong with my (very old) work computer.  I even did what Chuck did....went to Google maps typed in two zip codes and in the bottom left of the window I get the yellow triangle with a ! in it and it says Error on Page.

Here's a JPG of the map.  You should be able to see that.

I'm in for Sunday.  See you guys down there at the parking lot at 10.

Thanks Jon.

So, is the parking lot you are referring to on Milford Crossroads?  That's where there is a pointer on your map.

I am guessing that we may be there a little after 10:00.

Mapquest said it was 1 hour 12 minutes to the shopping center.  Just guesstimating.  I'll print out the kencox map too.

The turn off of 72 is on to Possum Hollow Rd....parking lot is off of that.

Thanks, Chuck!

Rico, once you turn onto Possum Hollow Rd. drive about 1/4 mile and look for gravel road on the left. You must take this gravel road about 1/4 mile to get to the lot. If you get to the bird sanctuary on Possum Hollow Rd, you went too far.

I used to park in this lot, but the church off Polly Drummond Hill Rd. is closer and a better starting point IMO.

See my attachment

here's the satellite of the park entrance road off Possum Hollow RD. If you follow the park rd to the right the oval is where you park

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=135+possum+hollow+rd,+Newark,+de&t=h&ie=UTF8&ll=39.715341,-75.725005&spn=0.011273,0.019956&z=16

Thanks for all the maps.   ;D

I was right, every link to a map on my home computer worked.  Damn crappy, old, piece of crud, work computer!  >:(

WOW!!!!  Middle Run was fun as hell!!!!!

Jon, I, and two of my friends logged in about 12 miles, hit the skills park and had a great day.  I fell a bunch in the skills park, but finally made the double teeter totter, suspension bridge....well, almost  fell off at the very end before hitting the drop and fell onto Jon.

Great Day!!!!   ;D ;D ;D

Rico thats awesome. the trails down there are superflowicious...

Pictures from today's ride are at http://picasaweb.google.com/jpearce08055/MiddleRun3_30_08 .  I'm still trying to upload the video of Rico falling off of the bridge in the skills park.  Seldom is such a graceful endo caught on video.  If I can't get it into Web Picasa I'll upload it to my website and post the link here.

And we found that Mountain Goat trail by mistake.  Wow - what a great loop.  Scarey enough to be exciting but not particularly dangerous.  Gotta add that to my regular loop.

Update - here's a link to a WMV file of the run thru the skills park.  It's about 10 mb.  http://cid-a157a1578b02eb96.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/Skills%20Park.wmv

DE Trailspinners do a great job on those trails!
daaaaamnn.. we missed those trails at Middle Run.. I didn't recognize those pics where you're walking across the creek!

Going to White Clay/Middle Run on suday 6/1/08. Get there @10 ride Middle Run. Take lunch and then do White Clay. Pace will be laid back, meaning we may have different paces but nobody is in a hurry. Beginner friendly.

Weather permitting. Gonna park at the Possum Hollow rd lot. Use Chucks Super link for directions.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=11397994099248876874,39.714766,-75.730176&saddr=19128&daddr=19711&sll=39.714532,-75.719426&sspn=0.014509,0.033817&ie=UTF8&ll=39.710752,-75.723653&spn=0.01451,0.033817&t=h&z=16

Damn, if I had a bit more notice, I would have liked to join you guys for this one, maybe next time.
I have a hard time with my endurance on some of the climbs there, but I DO like playing on the technical stuff! ;D

This was from my ride with Bonkers there a few months back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWrkwhplZCE

Jonathan

I hear ya Fightnut! I just saw this post today. We're gonna have get back down there or maybe hit Fairhills over the summer.

I'd like to roll out around 8:50 (gotta get gas) if anyone wants to tag along...    I'm still not 100% though and if I go I'll have to start heading home around 2pm, but let me know if any of you want to carpool... 267 934 1676

sorry folks, not going after all. I reckon the moisture will dry up well tonight and it will be perfect out there. Have fun...

I went there yesterday and had a blast.  I did David English to Whiley Farms to Bryan Fields to Lenape and back on the other half of the same loops.  I liked it alot.  I like more technical stuff but there are lots of fast turns and waterbars for jumping so it still was fun.  The Skills park itself was worth going there. 

I'm going to be going to White Clay Creek tomorrow around 4pm if anyone wants to meet up.

Looks like I missed some trails at Middle Run like that log near the bridge. I did the Skill Trail clipped in and I thought it was pretty awesome.

I know they just put in a new 'mountain goat' section somewhere too. I haven't' been down there in a while. We'll have to plan a trip...

we're you able to ride with anyone?

Here's a helmetcam clip from the skills section from a trip there a couple weeks ago:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/repoman/2625136566/

Unfortunately, right after that clip my friend ate it off the end of that bridge and separated his shoulder. Cut the ride short and we missed our trip to Total Wine for cheap cases of Dogfish Head.  :'(

I did what I think is the Mountain Goat section a couple of months ago when I was down there with Rico.  It's a tight contour trail along a steep hill, right?  Very cool.  That area has just about everything.  They're also planning a new bridge to replace the 3-stone crossing.

yeah, little miffed about the bridge. Maybe it floods or something? Can't they just throw some planks over the existing stepping stones and a couple of anchor blocks on the ends? For $40,000 they must be building a floating restaurant!

As long as it has beer on tap, then I am ok with it.....     ;D

Yeah, that Mountain Goat trail was fun.  It is the one you are talking about Jon, with the steep cliff on the side of the trail....well that's what they call it on the trail map.  More of a steep incline, if you fall off and manage to unclip the fall wouldn't be too bad.

I rode alone, but I had my full arsenal of tools and tubes so I would be alright. I would be down for a ride if anyone wanted to plan  a meet. 

I'd be up for getting back down there but I don't know the trails at all. Last time I was there we were only focused on getting to the skills section that we missed a lot of nice riding. July's weekends are pretty full at this point with maybe the Sunday after the TMD being open for me.

Keep that idea alive Bonkers. Maybe we can put that date on our schedule; trip to White Clay/Middle Run. I love that place.

Count me in - maybe Sunday the 27th?  We've spend an entire day riding down there - ride the Middle Run loop, go back and eat lunch (gotta bring food - there's no place to get it nearby) and then ride the White Clay loop.  It's a great day of biking.

Cool. Jon would you like to lead this ride? If there are no objections I'll put it on our calendar...our very full calendar.

Well, I can organize it, and I'll lead it if no better leader is available.  But my sense of direction is abysmal and I generally need to rely on my GPS to find my way.  But I do have pretty decent GPS tracks of the park, so I should be able to plan and follow a route.

 I know some of the older trails but the new ones I'm lost. Last time I led a ride there I just printed out the map.

I think we rode like 3 trails to get to the skills section & that was it. So I know there's a ton we missed.

I just posted it to the MeetUp site.  We'll organize at 10 and ride at 10:30, doing the Middle Run section first.  I'll try to work out a route that gets over to the Mountain Goat section which we found last time by accident.  We can then head back to the parking lot and have lunch - bring your own because there's no local place to get anything.  Then we'll head to White Clay for the skills park and the rest of the area.  The Middle Run section will probably be about 7-8 miles, with the White Clay section being a little shorter.  Feel free to come for the Middle Run and then leave - it's a great place for new bikers.

This sounds good!

What is the pace of this ride going to be?  I'd like to come, but I'm a beginner.  I'd probably be in for both rides, if the pace allows (I've been assured there are ride-arounds for the skill sections). 

There are ride arounds for most of the parts of the skill part. The hard stuff for the most part.

We'll rde this at the pace of the slowest rider, or we'll split up if we get a large group.  This is a great place for an intro rider - the loops are pretty short, there are few rocks, no large killer climbs - just a nice area to ride.  The skills area only occupies part of the trail - you can walk around it except for the large planked beginning which you can walk instead of riding it.  Assuming good weather, this will be a great ride for everyone.

This trip is this coming Sunday.  Assuming good weather we should have a great ride for all levels of bikers.  At this point (Tuesday) the weather is a little uncertain, so check this message thread later in the week for any changes.  Hope to see a big turnout for this great biking area.

Jon

Where can I find an exact map of where everyone is meeting? I click on the link and it shows the whole United States. I'm 50 50 on if I'm going to go.

Check this here  (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=117386519570370236015.00044d8411d58e6a88904&ll=39.71544,-75.724854&spn=0.022778,0.037422&z=15) and look at the satellite image. You can see the entrance to the gravel rd follows off Possum Hollow Rd, I think the entrance is right across from a Korean church.

I moved that link over to the event desription so it's easier to find. Click on the text that says "map to parking area" For some reason I cannot edit the other links so it just keep going to us map. Oh well.

It's less than an hour from philly...of course that depends on how fast you drive.

What a great ride!  Riggs guided about a dozen riders through parts of Middle Run that we had never seen.  After lunch we headed over to the Skills Park at White Clay.  Unfortunately the thunderstorm, which we had avoided all day, hit just as we arrived and we ended up racing the rain back to the parking lot.  Pictures are at http://picasaweb.google.com/jpearce08055/MiddleRun72708

great pics Jon. good times...good times

That was fun. Too bad the rain cut us short a little, but cruising thru a thunderstorm with thunder and lighting and branches falling around us was an experience. Couldn't even see where you were going. Along with Jeremy's bloody crash we had it all. Good times.

Yeah, it got so dark that I couldn't see the trail with the amber lenses in my sunglasses.  And I couldn't take them off because it was raining too hard.  I lucked out when I found an exit from the trail onto the access road, rode across the grass back to the car and saved about 5 minutes of riding in the rain.  There was some serious lightning out there too. 

glad all worked out well aside from the rain, which ended being interesting - nothing like hearing loud lightning claps in the trees. The rain was coming down hard!!!
Good parking area, fun to lounge around for lunch. The trails were in great shape and fast. Peeling down the hills was excellent. riding the log piles up top near the water tower was a blast. I really enjoyed showing everyone around, good riding, fun to ride in a pack. Another notable PMBA event, imagine if we did that whole place. Next time no problem.. thanks heidi tom j pierce & friend chuck kelly borey imbas 'pin of valor' jeremy & wife