Coming to Town - Wissahickon Park
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Flyinelvis
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« on: July 02, 2008, 02:52:17 PM »
Hi folks, I'm Tom Mathews, recent past president of the Tarheel Trailblazers ( www.tarheeltrailblazers.com ), an IMBA / SORBA affiliated mountain bike club in Charlotte, NC.

Along with my girlfriend Cathy, we'll be in the area for some of the WXPN Xponential Music Festival and we'd be interested in riding Wissahickon Park on the morning of 7/10, 11 or 12.  Is the trail well marked?  Is the trail head easily accessible?  Anything we should be aware of?

I am a 50 year old sport rider, Cathy is a little younger and would be more of an intermediate level rider but she regularly rides aggressive trails in the Pisgah Forest of NC...

Any info would be greatly appreciated...

(BTW, last week I attempted to contact Lou Harris through your website feedback and I'm not certain that it is working properly - not b*tching, believe me, I understand volunteerism)...
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Dmitri
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« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2008, 03:16:33 PM »
Hi Tom,

Trails aren't exactly well marked, tho it's pretty hard to get lost.

Do you want to ride all three days or one or two of the three?

On the 10th you should stop by Belmont for "thursday night races" an grass roots unofficial even that has been running weekely for 20 years now.

I will be out of town on Saturday, but will be around on Thursday and Friday. Check back on this thread and lets schedule a time when someone would be able to give you a tour and lead a ride in Wissahickon and/or Belmont

Dmitri
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PS Lou is around, but might not have checked his email recently. He's recovering from a pretty bad crash.
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Flyinelvis
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« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2008, 03:42:52 PM »
We'll be staying with my sister's family in Haddonfield, so we're hoping to make one foray to Wissahickon and try to find something a little closer for a second ride (suggestions?)...

Love to check out the Belmont Races, but have to have some family time, also...We have a very popular Wed night race series (revolves between 5 parks) so I share your excitement and enthusiasm...But for 20 years, now that's awesome!

I'll keep you posted of our schedule as it unfolds...

Thanks for the interest...And send my best to Lou...I took a header in Nov and wok up 1.5 hrs later in an MRI...I feel his pain!  And I'm not getting any younger...
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Lou
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« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2008, 05:23:05 PM »
Hey Tom! IT's LOU! I am sorry I have been down for the count since Friday the 13th (that fucking date) when I bashed my head and collar bone and ribs and knee. I have so many emails to catch up on but I sleep about 12-14 hours per day and the rest of the time I'm at the hospital getting more tests yadda, yadda, yadda. Oh and I have been out hiking the trails when I have the energy because I miss them so much... Man this is the longest I haven't ridden the bike in YEARS! Oh well, shit happens...

Hey I'm glad you found our forums as there are lots of people who will point you in the right direction. You are going to have a great time riding here. Check out Mercer County Park in NJ but that is near Trenton and I'm not sure where Haddonfield is. But you are gonna love riding here. Have fun and good luck! Nice picture BTW!

Lou
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Flyinelvis
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« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2008, 06:55:34 AM »
Damn Lou, sorry to see you're down for the count...The upside of MY crash is that I have absolutely no recollection of it or the hour and a half after it happened...That's not to say it didn't have an effect on those that were with me  Wink  Seems like your issue is going to follow you around for a little while...

Just talked to my bro-in-law and he's familiar with the park...I'll post up when I know more of our plans...

Thanks again for the responses...
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jpearce
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« Reply #5 on: July 03, 2008, 07:34:42 AM »
Tom, I don't think that there's anything in NJ that's closer or better than Wiss.  It's pretty easy to get there from Haddonfield (where I grew up - nice place) - about 1/2 hour.  The other NJ areas aren't much closer and aren't as "interesting" as Wiss.  I haven't made plans for 7/12 yet but if I'm riding Wiss I'll reply here and let you know.  I'd be glad to show another 50-year old rider the park.

BTW - I did some great riding in Pisgah and Tsali a couple of months ago.  I think the Thompson loop at Tsali is the best riding that I've ever done.

Jon
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JDurk
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« Reply #6 on: July 03, 2008, 09:01:20 AM »
Hey Tom, I grew up in Haddon Heights, and now live in Audubon.  You might want to try Gloucester County College for a ride closer to where you're staying.  About 15 mins from Haddonfield.  It's a 6 mile loop that has a little of everything.  Single track, but nothing too challenging.  Lot's of roots.  Marked pretty well.  A lot of the trail markers are still up from the race back in May.  You could also try the trails at Camden County College.  Also about 15-20 min drive.  More trails than GCC, but not marked as well, and it gets sandy.

John
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mtrostle
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« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2008, 11:25:01 AM »
Tom, a large portion of PMBA riders live in the neighborhoods next to Wissahickon, so you shouldn't have a hard time trying to hook up with a trail guide.

Depending on my new parental duties, I may be able to help out with a ride. It's been 2 weeks since my daughter was born and I haven't been on my bike, so I'm climbing the walls to hit the single track. Will have to see how the new mother in my house hold feels and I'll try to get away for a few hours. Keep checking in/posting.
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« Reply #8 on: July 05, 2008, 10:46:26 AM »
TOM,

From one person to another who has take more than their fair share of crashes I would like to say "OUCH!" sweet carnage, NO one
likes crashing but its part of the sport.

Personally I don't think there is better riding in the Wiss. for more that 300 miles, and then maybe, but if you get a chance ride Belmont too. Unfortunately my girl took an extremely bad crash last week, was slow speed, but her bones above her ankle broke bad, she has been in the hospital since Monday, and she is still deep in the woods, I think she has a calcium deficiency which caused the horrible break, she wasn't even on the trails.  Like Lou said "shit happens"---So I am a "?" for any scheduling, otherwise I would commit to meeting with you and showing you the the great rides in the area.

Rob Krotee
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Flyinelvis
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« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2008, 08:57:12 AM »
Hey guys, thanks for all of the responses!  I started my vacation in Asheville (my girlfriend’s house) and we’ve been hitting the trails around this area, Pisgah and DuPont…DuPont State Forest has innumerous waterfalls, east coast slick rock climbs and descents, a little something for everyone…Portions of Last of the Mohicans were filmed there…

Quote from: jpearce on July 03, 2008, 07:34:42 AM
… I don't think that there's anything in NJ that's closer or better than Wiss.  It's pretty easy to get there from Haddonfield (where I grew up - nice place) - about 1/2 hour. 

As it turns out, I have visited Wiss in the past…I had several kids along with me, so I wasn’t able to explore the way that I really wanted to…Hopefully this time…

Quote from: jpearce on July 03, 2008, 07:34:42 AM
I'd be glad to show another 50-year old rider the park.

I just keep hoping for one more year in the saddle!

Quote from: jpearce on July 03, 2008, 07:34:42 AM
BTW - I did some great riding in Pisgah and Tsali a couple of months ago.  I think the Thompson loop at Tsali is the best riding that I've ever done.

Tsali is a blast, a little over used and abused, but a great system of rolling trails and scenic vistas…If you ever visit the southeast again, please contact me!


Quote from: JDurk on July 03, 2008, 09:01:20 AM
Hey Tom, I grew up in Haddon Heights, and now live in Audubon.  You might want to try Gloucester County College for a ride closer to where you're staying…
You could also try the trails at Camden County College….

Thanks John, I’ll look into them…


Quote from: mtrostle on July 03, 2008, 11:25:01 AM
… It's been 2 weeks since my daughter was born and I haven't been on my bike, so I'm climbing the walls to hit the single track. Will have to see how the new mother in my house hold feels and I'll try to get away for a few hours. Keep checking in/posting.

Congrats on the birth of your daughter!  I KNOW you’re itching to get out!  My kids are 22 and 19, so I deal with other issues…

Quote from: Kman on July 05, 2008, 10:46:26 AM
From one person to another who has take more than their fair share of crashes I would like to say "OUCH!" sweet carnage, NO one likes crashing but its part of the sport.

I have been on the trails since the late 1980’s and this was only my second serious crash…Shit does happen and the good thing about this one is I have no memory of it even happening…Cathy will tell you differently, though…

Quote from: Kman on July 05, 2008, 10:46:26 AM
…my girl took an extremely bad crash last week, was slow speed, but her bones above her ankle broke bad…

So sorry to hear this…Cathy broke an ankle in Bent Creek (Pisgah) and we played hell getting her out of the woods…I feel your pain…

Quote from: Kman on July 05, 2008, 10:46:26 AM
…So I am a "?" for any scheduling, otherwise I would commit to meeting with you and showing you the the great rides in the area.

I’ll keep you posted of my schedule and hope that your girl has recovered sufficiently for you to sneak off for a ride…

Again, thanks for all of the responses, we’ll be arriving in the area on 7/9…I’ll have a better feel for our schedule at that point…

We’re getting some much needed rain in the NC mountains, doubtful we’ll be riding today, but here’s hoping for good riding weather for you folks!

-tom
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jpearce
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« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2008, 10:28:06 PM »
Quote from: Flyinelvis on July 06, 2008, 08:57:12 AM
Quote from: jpearce on July 03, 2008, 07:34:42 AM
I'd be glad to show another 50-year old rider the park.

I just keep hoping for one more year in the saddle!

I've got about 7 years more than you do, so you should have plenty of time left.  You can still ride - you just don't heal as quickly.
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2008, 08:25:56 AM »
Quote
Again, thanks for all of the responses, we’ll be arriving in the area on 7/9…I’ll have a better feel for our schedule at that point…

Hey Tom
I lead a ride every wed at 530 from here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=livezey+st.+and+Henry+ave.+philadelphia,+pa&sll=40.045193,-75.216136&sspn=0.025166,0.052743&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=40.045193,-75.219398&spn=0.025067,0.054588&z=15&iwloc=addr

You're welcomed to join. We meet at the pavillion.
« Last Edit: July 07, 2008, 10:59:35 AM by Lust4singletrack » Logged
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Tom Coyle
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« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2008, 09:48:00 AM »
Hi Tom- I'm from Haddonfield and as the others have suggested Wissahickon is the best choice in the area. If you need a breather from the in-laws or want to stretch your legs ride to Crows Woods/Mountwell Park in Haddonfield (your wife can tell you where it is). Very small but fun parks and trails for about 30 minutes of riding.
Jon
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Flyinelvis
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« Reply #13 on: July 10, 2008, 08:40:28 AM »
Well, we successfully traversed the mazes that comprise Washington and Baltimore and we're safe and sound in Haddonfield.  We're going to give local rides at Glouchester and Crows Woods/Mountwell Park a try...

It seems as if our schedule would allow a ride at Wissahickon on Saturday in the 10:00 time frame.  We're off to see the Phillies in the mid afternoon (Sat), and this seems to be our best bet. According to my bro-in-law, he generally enters the park from Valley Green...Would this put us at the right location?

Anybody available?
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Lou
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« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2008, 08:46:37 AM »
Valley Green is a great central location to start. Basically when you sit at Valley Green, you are in the middle of a figure 8, so you can hit any of the four sections of the park. Have a blast!
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Dmitri
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« Reply #15 on: July 10, 2008, 09:14:24 AM »
Yep, VGI is a good starting point. Except that no matter which way you go from there, you start with a climb.  Wink

Unfortunately at 10 AM on Saturday i'd be in the car navigating the mess of NJ, NYC and CT on my way up to Massachusetts...

I'm sure someone will be around to show you the way.

One good way to start is head north on Forbidden Drive (if you're sitting on the VGI steps facing the creek, head left on the main gravel path) past the paved road that drops in, and up the gravelish climb on the left about 30-50 yards further down. It's relatively shallow climb for a good warm up.

At the top of the climb, where there is a Y intersection, bare left, come out to a street, follow it to the left, past a stop sign, down the hill, at the bottom of the hill pick up the trail head on the left, just as rusty guard rail ends.

From there on, just follow the trail, it's pretty difficult to get lost from there. and at any time if you take a sharp left on any intersecting trail, it will dump you back down to the main gravel path by the creek.

You might want to print the PDF map available on the front page right bellow the Weekly rides schedule.

dz
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Dmitri
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« Reply #16 on: July 15, 2008, 03:27:18 PM »
Tom,

Did someone come out to ride with you? Did you ride? How was it?

dz
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