Crouching in the weeds like an animal stalking its prey, I wait. I hear the bugs talking to each other around me, but I ignore their chatter and fiddle with my telephoto lens. The only thing I?m hunting for today is a killer photo.
My other half rides his Specialized mountain bike religiously. I?ll often catch him just caressing his tangible fun and drooling over the mud that covers the gears. He gets restless if he hasn?t ridden his bike in a while, flying downhill at rapid speeds. Curiosity finally overcame me and I asked to come along to catch a glimpse of the madness? And take a few pictures too.
Pennsylvania ? although far from on par with the mountain biking trails of British Columbia or Colorado ? does offer more cross country trails than most states in the east. We hail from Pittsburgh so whenever Brad (my other half) gets anxious for a local ride he will explore the many wooded trails of Frick Park or test himself on the newly constructed downhill course at North Park. Dr. J?s 4 foot wide downhill course at North Park snakes it way through a wooded area tempting new riders and experienced riders alike to try their hand at the ladder bridges, drops, and berms.
But when my adrenaline junkie can?t get his fix from local rides, he straps his Enduro mountain bike to the roof rack and heads southeast of the city to Seven Springs Mountain Resort where the downhill terrain lets advanced bikers experience trails with rock gardens, table tops, banks, and 20 foot jumps. The downhill course is open from May to October, which means the trails are maintained during that time and a chairlift is being operated to take riders to the top of the mountain.
As soon as we arrive at Seven Springs, I noticed all the other enthusiasts have just as much gear as Brad. This sport is dangerous, so don?t skimp when purchasing or renting your gear. For this type of downhill recreation you?ll likely need a full face helmet, chest pad, knee pads, a leatt brace (or neck brace), goggles, gloves, pants, and a jersey material shirt. But of course if you?re just going on a casual mountain bike ride through the woods, less gear will suffice.?If you have yet to cough up the dough for your own body armor, no problem. You can usually rent gear at any resort that offers downhill terrain.
A few words of advice before you hit up the course at Seven Springs: scout ahead before you take on a big jump, allow yourself a few warm-up runs prior to sending the big stuff, keep your eyes off the obstacles under you and focus on what?s ahead. ?Have those fingers on the brakes at all times because you will need them, hot shot. Some grip strength workouts are a good idea if this is your sport. After a day of riding your hands will feel fatigue. May I recommend rock climbing with friends to get your hands in shape for riding??Your stance should be in an attack position: knees and elbows out, head up, strong wrists, so basically mimic a push up on top of your bike.
Essentially, this is not a sport for the weak at heart. If you?re attempting it for the first time, then embark on some easier downhill terrain first, and steer clear of the infamous rock garden until you?ve had some rides under your belt. ?Rock and Roll? trail at Seven Springs Resort is designed for beginner mountain bikers. The entire bike park has over a dozen runs for all levels. Recent additions to the terrain include a new slope-style area with bigger jumps that the crew has been working on over the past few years to enhance your experience. When you?re dialed in and ready to ride, get after it! Slash berms, scrum tables, zone out and enjoy your day with the dirt.
I wait in the weeds, camera positioned at the last 25 foot jump before the course comes to an end. Quickly snapping photos, I watch the brave souls launch not only their bodies but their equipment in the air. It?s hard to tell through the full face helmets, but riders range in age from adolescent boys to middle-aged men. All of them exhibiting fearlessness as they gain more air with each run.? After a few hours at the course, Brad has worked his body to exhaustion and begins peeling the gear, drenched in perspiration, off his body. I offer water, a proud hug, and a brief look at the shots from his day of downhill biking.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a sweet spot to live for mountain bikers. If you?re enticed by the sport and want to start asking questions or shopping, most bikers will recommend Pro Bikes with shops in both Squirrel Hill and Mount Lebanon. The crew is renowned for their expertise and wide selection of gear and bikes. You could just stop by to gain some general knowledge.
Hone your skills at the new indoor park in Pittsburgh: The Wheel Mill in Wilkinsburg.
Or just read up on the sport in Dirt Rag Magazine, published in Pittsburgh and circulated nationally.?Needless to say you?ve got options for epic rides in the east and plenty of places to quench your thirst for mountain biking knowledge.
Chelsie K is a freelance writer and photographer from Pittsburgh, PA.? Over the last three years she has trekked to Mount Everest base camp, rode a camel in the Thar Desert in India, photographed the temples of Angkor Wat, kayaked in Halong Bay Vietnam, and taught a classroom full of wide-eyed Korean children.
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