Clipless Fail

I love my clipless pedals. There is no better feeling than hauling up a hill out of your seat so fast you want to puke. This feeling is facilitated by clipless, which allow you to charge hills like a battle-hungry warrior. There is really only one disadvantage I see to riding in this manner, and I experienced that disadvantage just the other night.

Riding clipless means just the opposite really...you are clipped in to your pedals, so to speak. This means that, every once in a while, you don't properly eject your feet from your pedals. This happened to me (pre-tequila mind you)the other night at the busiest intersection on Butler in front of a line of traffic and 4 of my friends. While biking (actually we were stopped at the light) to the bar I slow-motion crashed to the pavement. Skidding my knee, hands, and slamming my thigh into my frame, all I could do was humbly laugh.

Really if I learned anything from this experience, it is simply this: don't stop at intersections! That and everyone should always have a video camera attached to their helmet.

-The Velodict

Tour-ito

Went on a fantastic tour with a few fantastic people the other week. The great state of Pennsylvania (and, in actuality, some fantastic non-profits in PA, WV, MD) implemented a trail that runs between Pittsburgh and D.C. This little gem is, by far, the most forgiving trail in existence today. Okay, I don't have the authority, nor the breadth of knowledge to make that previous statement, but just flow with me here.

ANYWAY. two novice bikers rocked this trip so everyone should give it a shot (though, these two are exceptionally cool cats). Here is a short summary of the extravaganza camp/bike fest we had:

1. Left for trip at, approximately too late (7:30 p.m.)
2. Treated to a free drink/dinner at June Bug's in Sutersville (Thanks Rex! You rock!)
3. Biked in total darkness until we pass out in a park.
4. Wake up to realize campground is 10 seconds further down from where we parked our butts.
5. Pick up a fourth badass biker in Connellsville.
6. Hiked Ho Chi Minh Trail II in Ohiopyle to second campground.
7. Swam in ice water and then raged at 1 of the 3 bars in Ohiopyle.
8. Passed the eff out (complimentary drizzle included).
9. Took a shortcut around Ho Chi Minh Trail II (complimentary mountainous terrain and absurd high graded and intense traffic road included).
   
10. Biked in downpour.
    
11. Ate salvation sandwiches in Connellsville (eggncheeseawesomeness!)
12. Biked the rest of the BEAUTIFUL trail home to the 'Burgh.

I highly recommend this trail to anyway on the area. One of the best weekends and rides I've ever done, hands down!

-The Velodict