Cooler Buddy

Christmas Eve Day Elf Ride - Saturday, December 24

2011-12-16T07:55:00.000-05:00

Jason Hoegle on the BABE facebook page:
I want to institute a holiday elf ride. we can makeit part of the new years ride if necessary. we should dress up as out favorite elf and tour the county and spread cheer. I think we should have 8reindeer and a Santa and as many elves as we can muster... I have antlers for 2 so far....
rsvps please....

I don't have much in the way of specifics yet, best bet is to check with the BABE facebook page for updates...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/262233181522/

Ride on.
Frank

22nd Annual Dirt Rag Punk Bike Enduro - Sunday

2011-11-28T02:13:00.000-05:00

Let's meet at Hollywood Gardens, 8am, sharp. We'll load up and head out to ride. YES!

BABE meeting. It's time.

2011-11-14T03:26:00.000-05:00

In a January, we"ll mark our 7th year as a cycling "club". Of course, we've been way more than a club. We've been friends. While we've had many "members" come and go, we've remained friends throughout. There was a time when we met monthly. Discussed rides, events, trail maintenance, and most importantly, had a regularly scheduled time to ride, and hang out. I'm thinking its time to do that again. Anyone else? I'm thinking January. In honor of the first time. I'll pick a date. We'll ride. Like back when we used to gamble... just a little more.

Love somebody, in the middle of the day. - Saturday, October 22

2011-10-10T08:13:00.001-05:00

The BABE Filthy Fifty October Ho Down is less than two weeks from today. I really do hope you come out for a day of riding and fun times with friends.

Here's some general information that may help you make decisions about the ride:

Bring a sturdy reliable bike that can be ridden both on-road and off-road
I estimate 80% of the ride will be on the road.
The off-road sections will not be "extreme" and will be something a skilled rider could do on a cyclocross bike.
You may have to pee in the woods at some point.
You must be at least 21 years of age.
Weather may play a factor in the distance and duration of the ride.
I don't always make good decisions.
Dress for the weather.
We will start the ride from Hollywood Gardens parking lot in Rochester, PA around 10am-ish.
We will finish ride at Hollywood Gardens parking lot in Rochester, PA around 6pm-ish.
Helmets and blinky lights are recomended, but not required. We're adults and can make our own decisions.
Bring plenty of water and some food and snacks. Some tools and bike supplies would be a good idea.
I'd prefer not to hear any whining.
We will be making stops at places where food and beverages can be purchased.
For those who ride the entire event without whining will get a free beverage at Hollywood Gardens after the ride.
It's Halloween time, feel free to wear a costume or some item of flair.
Bring a change of clothes ferchristsake!
And don't take off your sunglasses.

Call or email me with questions.
Frank

412-417-7513

babeclub@comcast.net

Ride on.

Trail Maintenance - This Sunday - 10am - 20111016

2011-10-10T07:08:00.000-05:00

Bring sturdy shoes, water, food and any BABE tools you may have. I think a few are floating around out there. Pick axes, shovels and rakes will be good. If anyone wants to bring some lopers, those are always handy out there.
Oh and bring your bike if you want to ride afterwards.

Facebook invite here.

BABE Filthy Fifty October Ho Down - 2011

2011-09-02T17:41:00.004-05:00

It's two years down the road, but only the date has changed... this year, Saturday, October 22... we ride... and ride... and ride...

http://filthyfifty.blogspot.com/

Also... the original interview...

http://coolerbuddy.blogspot.com/2008/09/ho-boy-interview.html

Any Questions?

email: coolerbuddy@gmail.com

Frank (the happy ho ho)

Wednesday Night Night Ride - this week -PLUS a Hartwood Acres Ride Event

2011-07-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Night Night Ride - this Wednesday, meet at 9pm at A-Frame parking area, when the sun goes down, we go out. Bring fully charged lights and a backpack big enough to carry a few cans of brews, because that's how this ride will roll.

And Sunday...

BABE Bikes, Brews, Beef & Blues

Meet at Hollywood Gardens, 9am, we'll depart for Hartwood, get a good spot in which to ride, cook, eat, drink and dance the day away. Bring plenty of food, water, clothing and what-have-you for a full day of fun BABE style activities. You know what those are.

http://www.pghblues.com/

It didn't end...

2011-07-16T01:36:00.000-05:00

Did it? The good times. Well, it didn't for us, although, inevitably, someday others will step in. Not just for us; everything. Days come and go, rides, laughter, people, place, space, time. It will always continue. With or without us. The smiles. Sunshine. Leaves. Dirt. Long after we're gone. I find comfort in this. It's all around us. Quiet. Listen.

Familiar. Timeless. It never ends.

It never ends...

2010-07-16T23:23:00.000-05:00

...does it? The good times. Well, it does for us, but there will always be others to step in. Not just us; everything. Days come and go, rides, laughter, people, place, space, time. It continues. With or without us. The smiles. Sunshine. Leaves. Dirt. Long after we're gone. I find comfort in less. It's all around us. Quiet. Listen.

Familiar. Timeless. It never ends.

A six pack of years.

2010-06-14T23:04:00.001-05:00

While writing the details of the BABE DirtFest weekend, I got to reflecting on how uniquely different this past event was to the last "BABE Report" at the Single Speed Word Championship in State College in 2005. Back then the club was just over a year old and we certainly didn't have a reach whatsoever in the biking community. We didn't set out to do much more than ride our bikes and be good trail stewards. But still, I think we all knew we had something to offer each other, and the bicycling world in general. Between countless hours riding our bikes and fully well documented hours working on our trails ;-), we've still managed to have a hell of a lot of fun off the trails as well. It's all about the balance.

Catch ya further on down the trail.

The BABES are back!

2010-05-17T16:46:00.000-05:00

…and ready to ride, drink and fest!

It’s been a fun spring with a good deal of riding and I’m really looking forward to the BABES first ever (I can’t believe it took this long!) official camping trip at the 2010 Dirt Rag Dirt Fest event at Raystown Lake. Leave it our good friends at Dirt Rag to help motivate us to get in gear, get the gear and gear up for a fun weekend outdoors. I plan on keeping some notes, ala SSW05, to document the weekend. Of course, photos will accompany. I look forward to reporting back next week.

Until then, ride on.

Do you like me or are you ignoring me?

2010-04-19T08:01:00.003-05:00

And I decided to go out for a walk
And do nothing except
Look everybody I see in the eyes
And not be the first to avert my eyes
No matter what
And I was planning to be gone for ten minutes
But things started happening
And I didn't return for two years
By which time I was the heavyweight champion of the world
And the expectant father of sixteen children
By thirteen different women
- Dan Bern "True Revolutionaries"

This song, and specifically these lyrics looped throughout my head on my Thursday evening as I pedaled Mr. Plow through the wonderful streets of downtown Pittsburgh. I hadn't been on a solo city ride in some time and what I could not believe was how many people were out, walking and cycling. But even though I was encouraged by how many people were out, I was discouraged by how many people seemed not to be enjoying themselves. And how many were ignorning the very people all around them partaking in the very same activity they were, uh, "enjoying". As is usual when I'm cycling, whether alone or with a group, I was smiling. Cycling represents such freedom and connection to community to me, but I grow concerned that others are doing for other, less fun reasons. Perhaps they're just showing their concern for the "environment" or trying to save money in fuel costs in the tough economic times, but whatever it was, it didn't seem like many were doing it for the joy of it. After noticing this, I decided to start smiling at every single walker or cyclist that I passed. I would look them in the eye, smile, and nod to them that I recognized and appreciated their endeavor to be active and enjoy the day. Throughout the day and evening I encountered 84 people and only two people smiled back at me. The rest had looks ranging from fear to completey nonplussed.

Perhaps it's just our culture of cell phones, internet and facebook, but it certainly seems the people on the streets are uninterested in friendly acknowledgement of their fellow humans all around them. On the positive side, however, I had a decidedly different experience on our Sunday mountain bike ride at Bavington. Every rider we ecountered that day on the trails was friendly and made some effort to say hi. It was also very nice to be smoked by local cyclist Tim, who blew by us on his single speed Moots, but still yelled out thanks for our moving aside. We had the good fortune to meet up again with Tim shortly thereafter as he finished a loop around the same time we did and he stopped on the road for a chat. Turns out he actually reads this blog (Thanks Tim!) and is aware of the BABES endeavors. Just shows once again in the balance and harmony of our wonderful world. Yesterday, they were as big as small dogs, yessir, yessir.

Rides are on!!!

2010-04-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

The Wednesday and Friday night rides are in full swing in this lovely spring! So get out and enjoy the evenings after that long and brutal winter. 6:15pm meet times and 6:30pm ride starts!

Sunday rides are taking shape as well and there’s talk of getting out of Beaver County for a ride real soon. Perhaps even this coming Sunday, April 18th. I’m wondering about Bavington. I think I only rode there once last year. Or perhaps even Moraine. I hadn’t ridden there at all last year. Gotta make up for lost time.

Also a PGH City ride scheduled for Friday, April 30th for the BABE favorites Uncle Scratch’s Gospel Revival and Whiskey Daredevil show at the Thunderbird. The show doesn’t start until 10pm and the ride starts at 6pm, so if your soul is in need of no cleansing bubbles

and therefore you want to skip the show, you still can come out for the ride about town.

Lebowski Fist in about 2 months as well. Wow, these years just fly by, don’t they?

Check the BABE Facebook page for up to date details on these and other activities/events.

Ride on,
Frank

Cheers!

2010-04-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

Another BABE blog for our pleasure.

Complete with pics too.

'preciate it!

40 years and counting...

2010-04-06T14:53:00.000-05:00

About 13 years ago, just after moving back to Western PA from Aurora Ohio, I started mountain biking in Brady’s Run again. After a few months of solo riding I came upon a few people I knew from my youth growing up in New Brighton. I was still riding my 8 year old steel Paramount Series 30 and these guys were riding the latest and greatest aluminum rigs with, gasp, suspension forks! They also had clipless pedals!!! This was eye opening to me as I hadn’t changed a single item on my bike, aside from a few tubes and brake shoes, in 8 years. Yes, that’s not an oversight that I neglected to mention tires. I was running 8 year old tires that, I hate to admit, were full of 45 lbs of tire pressure (no wonder my neck hurt so much!).

Anyway, despite these guys being newbies to riding mountain bikes, I couldn’t keep up with them. They were a few years younger than me, but still, I figured it had to be the latest in bicycle design that was the difference. This was 1997 and Gary Fisher had just come out with his Genesis geometry bikes, and I figured it sounded pretty good to me. I picked up a beautiful blue Big Sur that year and I was amazed at the difference in my riding and enjoyment. My knees stopped hurting and I described climbing with the bike akin to strapping a rocket to the rear. It was indeed a genesis for me, and it wasn’t long before I was able to stay with the pack on our nightly rides. However, this enjoyment soon gave way to disillusionment as I came to realize these rides were not rides at all, at least not how I defined a ride. No, these were little races.

On my Paramount, I would always be at the back of the pack and the group would wait for me at certain spots and upon my arrival, they would immediately start riding again. But once I was able to keep up, they quit stopping as often. And on the rare occasion when we would stop, the banter would most often revolve around some lighter weight component someone had purchased, or some ointment or drink mix that was helping them ride more quickly or for longer duration. On a few occasions, after a few of our regularly scheduled rides, I would pull out a beer from my cooler and get looks of disgust from the other riders as they chugged down rainbow colored “energy recovery” drinks out of old plastic bottles. I found this odd.

I was quickly becoming disgusted with the whole scene. Immediately I began skipping the scheduled weekly rides and started sneak out for some solo rides on other days of the week. What I discovered was these guys were actually training on these other days. Mind you that none of them were actually racing their bikes in any official capacity. They were training for our weekly rides! I will never forget coming upon a couple of the guys on the access road as I climbed from the horse arena. They were coming down the main vein trail and so I waited for them and joined in as they went past and up towards Wildwood trail. Except they didn’t go onto Wildwood, they made the hard turn on the road up towards Shelter #1 (or 10 as it was in those days). I thought that strange since they had just descended from there, but thought, “oh well”, and continued to follow them. Once we got up to the top of the hill, they made the hard right onto the main vein and proceeded to blow down the main vein back to the very place where I had just joined them. At this point I had no idea what the hell they were doing, but I figured there was only one way to find out and so I followed down the hill. What I quickly discovered was they were just doing this loop over and over again. I caught up with one of them just as he was turning to go back up the hill. I hollered out asking what the hell they were doing. What he yelled back haunts me still to this day. He said “We’re working on hills tonight. This is number 4 of 10”. They were “working” on hills?!? At this point, in near paralyzing fear, I turned around and rode out Wildwood trail alone and, finally, at peace.

I never attended another of their weekly rides. Over the next year or so I ran into a few of them on occasion. I’d stop and say hi, never, of course, asking to join in on their ride. After a few years I never saw any of them in the park again. Then one day I ran into one of them in a local bar and asked where they’d been riding. The response was “Oh, we all sold our bicycles and bought dirt bikes”. I guess there’s only so much “work” one is willing to dedicate to them thar hills.

Ride on,
Frank

God loves the BABES!

2010-03-30T14:26:00.000-05:00

The weather forecast for this week is unbelievable! High temperatures near 80 degrees and nothing but pure clear sunshine! Get out there and ride!

There's a ride scheduled tonight, tomorrow and Friday. And I wouldn't be surprised if there's one on Thursday too! Make hay while the sun shines people.

Friday's night ride followed by a Hollywood Hootenanny for anyone interested in some cowbell and kazoo after a fun evening on the trails.

We have Beacom Road back, our trails are in fine shape and we got a full season of riding ahead of us. Time for some optomism for a change.

See you on trails soon, pardner!
Frank

Another Trail-Ride Season Has Begun!!!

2010-03-22T04:52:00.000-05:00

What a georgous week! The trails at Brady's are beautiful and word is that Hef and friends went out and did some tree clearing yesterday. Go out and ride. It's been a long winter and we all could use some woods time.

Looks like "Slinger" (Brad Sheasley) has got the Wednesday night ride groove back in business, 6:15pm Wednesday night. Usual spot. Get it!

Oh and one more update. It appears the A-Frame house has been abandoned. I saw two very large U-Haul trucks there on Thursday night, and by time of the ride on Saturday, it looks like everything was cleared. I have no information as to why, but the property is lacking a "for sale" sign at this time, so perhaps it was a forclosure situation. Just speculating. If I get any information, I'll post it. BABE Clubhouse anyone?

Yeppers, things are looking up. Makes me smile to beat the band. Parts of it anyway.

Finally...

2010-03-10T18:58:00.001-05:00

After some technical difficulties with Blogspot, I'm finally able to post again. And while my time is much more restricted than it used to be, I do know I want to ride more in 2010. And ride I will.

We've already been fortunate to get in a few townie rides this spring and I hope that can keep up. Especially once the time change occurs this weekend.

As of now, here are the dates for the rides we have scheduled so far in 2010:

Syrup Ride - Sunday, April 11 @10am - ride starts at Beacom Road trail head to avoid the traffic mess in the park.

Dirt Rag Dirt Fest - '10 - Friday, May21-23 - more information forthcoming on this event

BABE Club's 4th Annual Lebowski Fist - Bowling, Ride and What-have-you - Saturday, June 19 - details forthcoming.

Ride on,
Frank

We're going to Ray's Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

Depsite coming down with some sort of sickness thing, I'm filling up with garlic and taking my new used single speed to Ray's and riding it hard, just like I always do.

We leave at 10am Sunday. Bring some clothes to change into after the ride. Bring some water, lunch and snacks and refreshments if you'd like. After the ride we'll grab something to eat on the way back.

If you want to be back in time to catch the Super Bowl, you're best to just stay home, we don't need no stress.

Let me know if you want to come along: babeclub@comcast.net

Let us not forget the fun we had exactly one year ago...

Frank
412-417-7513

Tuesday Night Pi Rides - Burnt, for now

2010-02-01T11:29:00.000-05:00

Due to a variety of factors, most of which are within my control, I'm suspending all Tuesday Night Pi Rides until further notice.

Remember, if you want to keep up with the latest rides, get on the BABE Facebook Group.

Next Sunday we're going to Ray's Indoor MTB Park for a day trip. Leaving at 10am, coming back sometime in the evening.

More details to follow on the Ray's trip.

Okay then.

See ya on down the trail,
Frank

The times they are a changin'

2010-01-21T17:24:00.004-05:00

-------------
The BABE is looking around at the Cooler Buddy Blog.

BABE
This is quite a blog you got here,
man. Completely unspoiled.

FRANK
What's your drink, BABE?

BABE
White Russian, thanks. How's the
boozing business, Frank?

FRANK
I wouldn't know, BABE. I deal in
Cycling, exercise, advocacy, and--

BABE
Which one was the last Pi Ride?

FRANK
Regrettably, it's true, standards
have fallen in our bicycling events.
It's this bar I have, BABE. Now that I have
another job, I can’t afford the time to invest
in BABE meetings, phone calls, email
distribution lists and in-depth blog postings
to get people interested in our rides.

He taps his laptop with one finger.

FRANK
People forget that the computer is the
biggest communication device--

BABE
For you, maybe.

He hands him the drink.

FRANK
Of course, you do get the good with
the bad. The new technology permits
us to do exciting things with
member communications with postings and text
messages. Wave of the future, BABE. 100%
electronic.

BABE
Uh-huh. Well, I still communicate
manually.

FRANK
Of course you do. I can see you're
anxious for me to get to the point.
Well BABE, here it is. When’s the next ride?

BABE
I thought you might know, man.

FRANK
Me? How would I know? The only
reason I ever know any of the rides is
because either I schedule them, or someone
calls me on the phone. But now, with
Facebook, anyone can schedule a ride and
everyone who’s in the Facebook Group will know
about it.

Okay, you get the idea… so go out and join Facebook, if you haven’t already, and start posting your rides and communicating with all. I hope it’ll help get everyone talking again, and keep so much being channeled through me, who simply doesn’t have the time he used to.

Ride on,
Frank

Click here join the BABES Facebook club.

Pi Rides R Back - Tuesday, January 19, 2010

2010-01-15T18:55:00.002-05:00

I took off some time for the Pi Rides over the holidays, and again this week due to a very large project I was working on here at the, uh, facility. Anyway, I'm ready for another Pi Ride, and in keeping the spirit of the Pi, want it to be in a place which I've never ridden.

The ride starts from here at 7pm this coming Tuesday, January 19, 2010...

View Larger Map

I don't expect it to be a long ride. Hey, it's winter. It's cold. It's dark. We're far way from home. But you know what? It'll be fun, I know that.

Let freedom ring!
Frank

Six Years

2010-01-11T00:49:00.003-05:00

Six years ago, on a cold dark night, the BABE club was born, beneath a neon light.

Though the pace of our activities have slowed, it's a fine feeling to know we're still doing it. We're getting older, but we're still getting out there, laughing, sweating, drinking, shocking some, enticing others. The spirit and the idea, remain. Countless have fought it, many have died for it.

I just want it to ring. Forever. Freedom.

The peaceful battle continues...

Frank

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

It hurt today. It felt great today.

More miles in Twenty Ten. But perhaps not for a few days. Brrrrrrrrr.

Frank

New Year's Day Ride - 2010

2009-12-29T17:15:00.000-05:00

Weather's looking sufficiently cold enough to get a ride in on New Year's Day, if anyone is up for it.

Let's meet at same place as last year, Brady's Run arboretum parking lot at 11am.

Come out, don't be baaaaaaashful!

I think she's startin' to turn....

2009-12-28T21:22:00.004-05:00

"The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out for himself, without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane and intolerable, and so, if he is romantic, he tries to change it. And even if he is not romantic personally he is very apt to spread discontent among those who are."
~ H.L. Mencken

Even before reading all of the Mencken quotes here and here (most of which I have long since subscribed, even before being aware of the man), I felt this quite strongly...

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
~ H. L. Mencken

It is nice, from time to time, to stumble upon wisdom, you know to be true. Have I become a cynic? You're damn right I have.

Christmas has past, and all I think about is the real meaning. What Jesus did to offer hope for mankind to free himself from oppression.

I posted this link on Facebook and got not a single comment. Not one. I doubt anyone even read it, and if they did, and understood it, how could one not comment? Must have been too busy shopping. For those of us with who understand Mencken, who understand Thoreau, it may even make us weep.

In Hoc Anno Domini
So the light came into the world.

What have we done? Dear God, what have we done?

Merry Christmas! - A North Pole Pie

2009-12-18T18:41:00.002-05:00

Krampus with your nose so bright, won't you guide my bike tonight!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - A North Pole Pie - Meet here and be ready to eat, drink, and be scary!

View Larger Map

A Cold Day in Hell

2009-12-15T14:56:00.001-05:00

It's cold and getting colder. Damp too. So what, you say? Yeah, you're right, so what.

Some things are good to know. Some I've know for a long time, like realizing and grasping the significance of (X-1). Some, I just realized within the past few hours, like "Lambchop - OH (ohio)".

See you on the ride tonight, on National Talk Like a Pirate Day...

National Talk Like a Pirate Da...

What a blessing.
Frank

Hell exists. Tuesday, we ride in it.

2009-12-10T22:07:00.000-05:00

I will not be riding Friday nor Saturday this weekend.

I do plan on the Tuesday Pi ride next week.

I'm calling it Hell Pie.

Bring a bike, any bike. Meet in the back corner of the parking lot of Mad Mex in Robinson Twp at 6pm. This ride will test your mettle. Can you ride the hell know as the Robinson Township Shopping District 10 days before Christmas? Do you have what it takes? I doubt it. I expect to be alone.

Or click here for map

Lucky!

2009-12-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

Already dreaming of next year. Fuel for my dreams... aaaaaaaaaah, ooooooooooh, woooooooo...

Glass Flies, Bullets Fly, Clint Eastwood never dies...

2009-12-03T18:31:00.004-05:00

OUTLAWS

READ UP THIS TIME FOR NEW INFO!!!!!!!!!!!
COME TO THE
20TH ANNUAL
PUNK BIKE ENDURO
SUNDAY DECEMBER 6TH, 2009
11 AM SHARP
NEWLOCATION!
PITTSBURGH HARLEQUINS RUGBY CLUB
101 EISELE RD, 15204
A MULTI-STAGE RACE FOR FUN AND POINTS
NO FEES, NO NORBA, NO RULES
EATS & PARTY AFTER IT'S OVER
WE'LL BUY SOME BEER
YOU BRING THE REST (OR GO THIRSTY AND/OR HUNGRY) PLEASE BRING A SUITABLE DRINKING VESSEL FOR THE DAY
NEW!!!!!!! NO KITCHEN AVAILABLE THIS YEAR, FOOD MUST BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE ALTHOUGH THERE WILL BE REFRIGERATION AND A PLACE TO PLUG IN YOUR CROCK POT
DRESS FOR STANDING AROUND IN COLD, WET WEATHER
YOU MIGHT WEAR A HELMET AS THERE IS NO INSURANCE
COURSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29TH
SATURDAY DECEMBER 5TH
TRAIL MAINTENACE PRE-RIDES
CALL 412.302.9070
BE READY FOR ANYTHING

One of my favorite days of the year is almost upon us. Dirt Rag’s Punk Bike Enduro day! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event, and my 7th Punk Bike. I’m determined, as always, that it won’t be my last.

I know what you're thinking. "Should I ride the Punk Bike?" Well, to tell you the truth, I'm not sure if you can. But being as this is the 20th anniversary, and it will be wet, muddy and muscle cramping cold, you have to ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

To be sure the punk bike is not for the meek of heart and will. I shall never forget the intensity of the cramps I experienced in the 20 degree weather of my first Punk Bike. Spinning the cranks of my first single speed (barely 3 weeks old) with ice balls as pedals (goodbye SPDs… hello Egg Beaters!).

So the question every year is… What will happen this year?

Some highlights, from each year, in pictures…

Clint Eastwood - Lost State of...

2003...

2004...

2005...

2006...

2007...

2008...

2009...

We leave from Hollywood Gardens Bar at 9am on Sunday. You should be there.

Frank

Saturday Weathered Road Ride and Tuesday Night Pi Ride (A Dusty Pie)

2009-11-27T12:40:00.002-05:00

Saturday – A Weathered Road Ride – Meet at Hollywood Gardens Bar at 4pm. Bring water, a few dollars, lights and a sturdy bicycle that can handle a little bit of dirt (or mud).

Tuesday Night Pi Ride - A Dusty Pie - Meet on South Side Pittsburgh here at 6:30pm - Bring water, lights, a few dollars, weather appropriate clothing and a bike that can handle a little more than smooth pavement.

Join me, won't you?

Tuesday Night Pi Ride - A Pie Ride - 2009-11-24

2009-11-20T18:14:00.003-05:00

For this coming Tuesday's Pi Ride, let's meet at Hollywood Gardens in Rochester at 6pm, for a 6:30pm start time and ride around our local communities, old school style to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I'm thinking we actually get some of Victor's delicious Pie at Wooley Bully's. Who can say "No." to that?

Frank

Tuesday Nigh Pi Ride - 2009-11-17 - A Chemical Pie

2009-11-12T16:14:00.006-05:00

Meet at point "A" in map below at 6pm. Ride leaves at 6:30pm. We'll ride the rough, dry, flaky outer crust of Neville Island before crossing the moat to pillage the rich, sweet, fruity filling that is Sewickley. Mayhem may ensue. Be prepared for anything.

View Larger Map

Frank

Tuesday Night Pi Ride - 2009-11-10 - Lawrenceville

2009-11-08T10:05:00.005-05:00

*** - Update - meet at the place marked 'A', ignore the "blue line of confusion".

Meet here at 6:30pm:

View Larger Map

At 7pm, we ride.

Frank

ANNOUNCING: Tuesday Night Pi Rides - Starting November 10, 2009

2009-11-03T18:33:00.002-05:00

Pi rides will be bicycle rides taking place on Tuesday evenings, starting November 10, 2009. Locations of the rides will vary and will be announced the preceeding Friday on this very blog. It may happen that a ride needs to be moved or postponed. I will do my best to post that information here as timely as possible. If you'd like a txt message to your phone, email me (babeclub@comcast.net) your phone number (if I don't already have it) and let me know you want to be Pi Filling.

Sometimes these rides will take place locally (Beaver County). Sometimes not. Sometimes they'll be mountain bike rides. Sometimes they'll be city or townie rides. Sometimes they'll have a purpose and sometimes not. What they will always be is fun. They will not be scripted much beyond a set time and a specific meeting place. What happens on the ride will be determined by the people who are there and the flow of energy around us. Had a late night on Monday? Perhaps a slow and easy pace will emerge. A beautiful spring day of 65 degrees with a gentle breeze? Maybe a 20 miler will take place. Heavy winds, lightening and soaking downpours? Is that a bar across the street?

You get the picture. I hope you are interested and join in the circle. There's not much more to say, other than check back on Friday for Tuesdays ride location, if you're interested. You either get it or you don't.

Ride on,

Frank

We Did It! What's Next?

2009-10-30T17:30:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday, October 24, 2009. 19 beautiful BABES did ride a ride called The Filthy Fifty October Ho Down. Was it filthy? Was it fifty? Was it October? Was it a Ho Down?

babeclub
happybike

What's next?

I feel something.

Anyone else?

Hmmm?

Roll with me... tomorrow... 10am

2009-10-23T06:50:00.000-05:00

The World is Alive!
Roll on,
Frank

Filthy Fifty Update - Love somebody... in the middle of the day

2009-10-10T23:05:00.009-05:00

The BABE Filthy Fifty October Ho Down is two weeks from today. I really do hope you come out for a day of riding and fun times with friends.

Here's some general information that may help you make decisions about the ride:

Bring a sturdy reliable bike that can be ridden both on-road and off-road
I estimate 80% of the ride will be on the road.
The off-road sections will not be "extreme" and will be something a skilled rider could do on a cyclocross bike.
You may have to pee in the woods at some point.
You must be at least 21 years of age.
Weather may play a factor in the distance and duration of the ride.
I don't always make good decisions.
Dress for the weather.
We will start the ride from Hollywood Gardens parking lot in Rochester, PA around 10am-ish.
We will finish ride at Hollywood Gardens parking lot in Rochester, PA around 6pm-ish.
Helmets and blinky lights are recomended, but not required. We're adults and can make our own decisions.
Bring plenty of water and some food and snacks. Some tools and bike supplies would be a good idea.
I'd prefer not to hear any whining.
We will be making stops at places where food and beverages can be purchased.
There will be food available at Hollywood Gardens after the ride.
For those who ride the entire event without whining will get a free beverage at Hollywood Gardens after the ride.
The Whiskey Daredevils are awesome and you should stick around for their show at 10pm. An epic band to end an epic day of riding.
It's Halloween time, wear a costume or something.
Bring a change of clothes ferchristsake!
And don't take off your sunglasses.

Call or email me with questions.
Frank

412-417-7513

babeclub@comcast.net

Ride on.

Abide

2009-09-24T15:22:00.001-05:00

This is encouraging news.

My expectations of competency from our governments is at an all-time low, but still, I am flummoxed by PennDOT's decision to spend $300,000 on a bicycle lane that was used for just a little over a year.

Yes, last year, PennDOT spent $300,000+ to put a bicycle lane on Brighton Road that crosses Route 60 in Brighton Township. Well, just a few weeks ago they tore they entire thing up when they repaved Brighton Road. I live about a 1/3 of a mile from this bike lane and travel this road a lot. I estimate it was used by less then 100 cyclists in that year. What an incredible waste of time and money. You can imagine where I can go with my government analogies at this point, but I'll stick with cycling related topics. For now.

Thanks for everyone who came to the BABE trail maintenance (and even to those who tried to come... sorry Rich) on Sunday. We accomplished a lot in a little time and of course, rode our bikes afterwards...

It was a beautiful day.

Cars are coffins

2009-09-23T00:09:00.001-05:00

So many times I want to say something, but so many things keep me from saying something so many times.

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote in "The Gay Science" (1882):

What if pleasure and displeasure were so tied together that whoever wanted to have as much as possible of one must also have a as much as possible of the other-- that whoever wanted to learn [in Goethe's words] to "jubilate up to the heavens" would also have to be prepared for "depression unto death"? And that is how things may well be. At least the Stoics believe that this was how things were, and they were consistent when they also desired as little pleasure as posssible, in order to get as little displeasure as possible out of life...

To this day you have the choice: either as little displeasure as possible, painlessness in brief--and in the last analysis socialists and politicians of all parities have no right to promise their people more than that--or as much displeasure as possible as the price for the growth of an abundance of subtle pleasures and joys that have rarely been relished yet. If you decide for the former and desire to diminish and lower the level of human pain, you also have to diminish and lower the level of their capacity for joy.

----------

I always just say "balance".

One cannot comprehend heat, without cold. Good without bad. Bright without dark. It goes on and on. When will most people acknowledge this fundemental fact of the world in which we inhabit? The world God created. Beauty cannot exist unless one understands a definition of ugly. We adjust our definitions of the latter to allow for the former. Why ignore this obvious reality? Morality cannot be created, nor can equality. God will not allow it. Don't argue with me. Take it up with Him. You'll get the chance someday.

God's balance requires it.

The Days are Just Packed

2009-09-16T23:25:00.004-05:00

The days are getting shorter, the nights longer. Soon will come time for different thoughts and different activities.

I would like if I had more time to write, ramble and expound on things. The days are just packed.

This Sunday is a BABE trail maintenance day at Brady's Run. Meet at Ice Arena at 10am. Bring your bike, water, sturdy shoes and a snack. After trail maintenance we ride. Maybe have a beer afterwards. I'll bring Cooler Buddy out for a increasingly infrequent visit.

Remember the Filthy Fifty. Honest I'll be having some updates on this soon. Swear.

I've converted.

Scout speaks to me. Fresh. Shy. Bold. Unpolished. Channeleing.

Sweet Jesus!!! Whiskey Daredevils to perform at the Filthy Fifty!!!!

2009-08-31T16:33:00.000-05:00

You read that right friends, none other than the world famous Whiskey Daredevils will play at the BABE clubhouse (AKA Hollywood Gardens) following the soon to be world famous Filthy Fifty October Ho Down.

This ride, and this show, are not to be missed.

Put on your monkey suit. The town will never be the same.
Ride on!

Frank

Mark Your Calendars - Two BABE Events Scheduled!!!

2009-08-22T13:51:00.000-05:00

EVENT #1:

BABE Brady's Run Trail Maintenance - Sunday, September 20, 2009...

Let's not let Moe's hard work go in vain...

Let us all join back on the trails to finish the "Bastard Bypass" that we started last September on our PTAG workday. Hef and I have the plan, now we just need the bodies to make this trail a complete reality. It's gonna be great.

We meet at 10am at the Ice Arena and go from there.

Of course, after the hard work comes the play in the form of a hike or a bicycle ride. Then, down to the BABE Club House for some pinball and refreshments.

EVENT #2:
Filthy Fifty October Hoe Down - Saturday, October 24, 2009

http://babeclub.smugmug.com/photos/626829625_7puKM-L.jpg

Yes, this is the event scheduled for last year that I unfortunately had to cancel. Not so this year.

Let's get this thing on!

Frank

Official Opening - BABE Club House

2009-08-12T11:58:00.008-05:00

******** BREAKING NEWS ******

This just in...

The Jesus will be leading an mtb ride with the DORCS from the end of Beacom trail head on Saturday before the Well Strung show at Hollywood.

Meet there at 5:30pm, ride leaves at 6pm SHARP! Do it and earn a beverage on me when you get to the Club House.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Or, Hollywood Gardens, to the rest of the world. Beer and Food starting at 6pm. Bluegrass music with Well Strung starting at 9pm.

I hope to see you there!
Frank

We rode our bicycles and it was good

2009-07-30T13:32:00.002-05:00

After many, no, too many, months out of the saddle, it’s been good, no, great, to finally be getting some rides back in my life. From the “Fun Ride” a month ago, to the past two Friday Night Rides, to the urban explorer ride before the Slim show this past week, it’s been a good kind of hurt.

As many of you know from riding Brady’s Run, our friendly vegetation has gotten a little aggressive this year without our tender loving care. I will be scheduling some ride/work days in September so we can put those lovelies back in line, and also, to finally finish the connection for the Bastard Hill bypass “lollipop” trail that we cut in on the PTAG Gala day last year.

Best part of all of this is riding and loving the outdoors again. Second best part; having the BABE “clubhouse” in which to refresh ourselves when the work and play are done.

Ride on,
Frank

Losing sight

2009-07-23T23:31:00.005-05:00

So many interesting things to experience. So many mundane as well. I find experiences to be interesting things. I do not find experiences with things all that interesting. Places can be interesting. Now people, there's the richness of experience. Animals too. Bring out your animal, experience people, places and things this weekend on a few BABE rides. One in the woods, one on the streets. Friday night ride at 6:30pm from our usual location (woods). Saturday Pittsburgh city ride at 6:30pm from our usual location (street).

Let me know if you're interested.

Oh yeah, there's this music show by this band, Slim Cessna's Auto Club... you, ah, might want to see this.

Redemption Time / Back in the Saddle / Out of the clink

2009-07-17T16:37:00.005-05:00

After a long year simmering in sin, it's time to cleanse our transgressions and bathe in the glory of Slim Cessna, Munly, Rumly, Ordy and the Reverend Dwight Pentacost. Slim and the Auto Club are coming back to the only venue that is appropriate in our fair city, the 31st Street Pub.

The show is Saturday, July 25th. We will, of course, ride our bicycles around town and end at the venue.

If you are interested (and you should be), drop me a line. We wear braces on our arms We wear braces on our legs We wear braces on our teeth We are making ourselves straight.

Ride on,
Frank
412-417-7513
babeclub@comcast.net

-----------------------------------------------------

A Jim Traficant getting-out-of-jail bash!

By Bob Cusack Posted: 04/28/09 12:01 AM [ET]

Buy a ticket — there’s still time to “beam yourself up” to legendary former Rep. James Traficant’s (D-Ohio) jailbreak bash. Faithful followers of the flamboyant ex-congressman convict are throwing a party to celebrate the invective-spewing “Old Sheriff” Jimbo “Beam Me Up” Traficant’s first day of freedom on Sept. 2. Facebook members need only search for “James Traficant Is Released From Prison” to check out the open invitation. Twenty-nine-year-old party organizer Republican Jeff Stewart told ITK that the final details for the fete are in the works. Stewart has yet to invite the guest of honor but plans to do so soon.

Aside from sending a card to Traficant for his first Christmas in prison, Stewart has no connection to the ex-lawmaker, who will turn 68 next month. It’s been eight years since the defiant Traficant was sent to the slammer. Members who voted to expel him from the House are unlikely to be welcome. Before heading to jail, Traficant said, “When I get out I will grab a sword like Maximus Meridius Demidius and as a gladiator I will stab people in the crotch.”

BABE "FUN" ride this Saturday, July 11th, 11am

2009-07-08T18:18:00.001-05:00

It's time for a fun BABE ride. Meet at Hollywood Gardens Parking Lot (169 Pinney Street, Rochester PA) at 11am for an all day ride (or ride as long as you like) all around the Beaver Valley. This will not be a speed ride, but will instead focus on enjoying the day with friends on two wheels. Bring a mountain bike or sturdy cross bike as we'll be riding both road and single track. We'll stop at some local favorites for refreshments and grub along the way. Again, FUN is the word... just like old times.

Call me with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Frank
412 417 7513

Oh, my aching back (or, damn, I'm ready for a ride)

2009-07-08T00:13:00.004-05:00

The Hollywood is open for business. Starting tomorrow at 4pm, Wednesday, July 8th, 2009, we're ready some riders. It's not 100% done, but our club house has good beer, some good dogs and some good people. Really, what more do we need. Soon music will play on that stage, our bikes will hang from the wall and smiles will glow on our faces. It's our time. It's our place. It's our space. Explore it all. We've earned it. God bless us all.

Ride on,
Frank

The blessing of friends, the curse of enemies...

2009-05-04T14:35:00.009-05:00

Hey BABES,

We’ve been working on the new BABE clubhouse for a few weeks now and I’ve not been on the computer much. In addition, my home desktop finally bit the dust, so that’s contributed as well.

A few issues that I feel I should communicate...

We are having Wednesday and Friday night rides now, so grab your bike and get on the trails with us.

Blatz

2009-04-08T22:12:00.005-05:00

I always like Blatz. I drank a lot of it as a young man ($6.50 for a 12 pack of bottles the Windsor Lounge, as I recall). Many years later, as I discovered "craft" beers and began drinking good hoppy pilsners, I would flush back vivid memories of Blatz and those little schtumpy bottles. I didn't know enough then to realize at the time, but it was a hoppy little beer in the Pilsner style and was most certainly good. And I oughta know...

Why I rode, why I ride, why I will be riding

2009-04-07T21:40:00.009-05:00

The best people I have every known ride bicycles.

God's out there.

Sweat.

It's earned. (you know what I mean)

Don't want to be fat (that's only good with food and women).

Bacon!

The sun, the wind, the stars, the mud, the leaves, the rocks, the roots, the rain, the snow, the goiter.

Trying to recreate that one time we had those beers.

I like wearing spandex.

It could seriously injure me.

No "par".

What else could I do with that money?

The frequency and acceptability of peeing outside.

Make the hurt go away.

Provides a reasonable excuse to dress up in lederhosen for a day (one can never "dress down" in lederhosen).

That smell.

Satisfying my search for a freedom delivery device.

My knees?

Syrup Ride Tomorrow - Sunday, April 5, 2009

2009-04-04T13:21:00.003-05:00

32nd Annual Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival is today and tomorrow.

We've decided to (surprise!) have a bicycle ride through the park tomorrow. On the ride we'll stop and pick up some buckwheat and/or wheat flour and after the ride, head over to Hollywood Gardens where BABE chef Brad Sheasley will cook us up some pancake for some after ride nourishment.

What's to say 'No." to?

Ride will start at 9am from the A-Frame at the end of Beacom Drive, which looks like it now is called Medich Drive. Now that's strange... http://tinyurl.com/d6uksg

Hope to see you there!

Oh dear merciful God... Hear our plea...

2009-04-02T17:01:00.002-05:00

Hear our plea... Friday Night Ride

2009-03-30T21:05:00.010-05:00

Found myself walking through the woods in total darkness tonight (except for the wonderful smiling sliver of a moon), wondering why we do what we do. Just a few hundred years ago, one would assume a great risk to life and limb by strolling alone through the woods in darkness. Back then, a myriad of potential risks existed which no longer concern most of us. One risk overcome is the uncertainty of upcoming weather. Another is from predator attack. And perhaps the biggest risk of all, blindness in the dark.

While I certainly do not lament minimizing these risks in "modern" times, I do sometimes like to see how far I can go until I get a glimmer of their centuries past intensity. So how about it? Anyone up for a Friday night ride this week where we ride as far as we can go without turning on our lights. At which point, we turn around, begrudgenly succumb to good sense, and ride back the way we came.

Oh, and no cellphones either. Just us, our bikes and our lights.

Watch this entire video. Skip church on Easter Sunday. (You won't need it)

Trails are nice.

2009-03-18T22:41:00.006-05:00

They're there for you. Enjoy them. Give them purpose for being. That's important. They request you enjoy their scent. And sound. Feel them hard. And gently sometimes too. The trails are alive and sustain us. Ride and stop.

BABES go bowling... again...

2009-03-11T20:56:00.006-05:00

At our last BABE meeting we decided to do a fundraiser for Big Brother and Big Sister of Beaver County. It's a bowling event this coming Saturday at Sim's Lanes out on Route 18. We bowl at 9pm.

I've registered our team (Achievers) on-line.

If you are interested in participating, please register at the following address. Click "Join our team" link in the middle of the page: http://tinyurl.com/awrj8z

I'll have copies of the registration forms at Hollywood.

You know Dude, tomorrows already the 10th. Yes, that is "far out", so you can just slip the donations under my door.

Write out that check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County... even if it's only for 69 cents...

And please, don't be Mr. Lebowski... be the Dude...

MR. LEBOWSKI
Hello! Hello!
So every time--
I just want to understand something,
so every time a charitable event
happens in this fair city, I'm
supposed to donate to the--

DUDE
Come on, man, I'm not trying to scam
anybody here, I'm just--

MR. LEBOWSKI
You're just looking for a handout
like every other--are you employed,
Mr. Lebowski?

DUDE
Look, let me explain something to you.
I'm not Mr. Lebowski; you're Mr.
Lebowski. I'm the Dude. So that's
what you call me. That, or Duder.
His Dudeness. Or El Duderino, if,
you're not into the whole brevity
thing--

MR. LEBOWSKI
Are you employed, sir?

DUDE
Employed?

MR. LEBOWSKI
You don't go out looking for a job
dressed like, do you, on a weekday?

DUDE
Is this a--what day is this?

MR. LEBOWSKI
Well, I do work, so if you don't mind--

DUDE
No, I do mind. The Dude minds.
This will not stand, ya know, this
aggression will not stand, man. I
mean, if you can't spare a few dollars
to help out our Beaver County children,
and to help the BABES achieve...

***Donations Here***

"Getting it done. Having a blast" - Flea, 3/6/2009

2009-03-08T18:00:00.003-05:00

Yep, we got it done yet again. The weather was perfect (of course) and our miles contains smiles. And some darn good beer to boot. The show was a dissappointment for me as it was a sell out and the Thunderbird wouldn't spring for the air conditioner, which made the show stiffeling hot. I left before Wayne was even done. No dancing and flailing about this night. Oh well, that's why we have the Whiskey Daredevils. Rock and Ride on people. Spring has sprung.

Check out the pics here.

Get it done. Have a blast.

Frank

She's back and we're blessed...

2009-03-05T12:37:00.005-05:00

Get this one, and get her prior recordings too. Amazing talent. Amazing human being. She, along with Wayne "The Train", continue to inspire me.

Unfortunately, one can no longer catch Neko at small intimate venues, like we still can with Wayne. Very lucky for me, I was fortunate enough to have spent some wonderful time with Neko prior to her rise. Of course, having invented her from a mixture of garlic, tequila, spent brewing grains, selected parts from a 1972 Dodge Dart "Swinger" and chewing gum, this would be expected.

In any case, she is simply amazing...

*sigh*

Wayne "The Train"...

2009-02-22T08:42:00.012-05:00

Saturday, March 7, 2009 - 8pm

Thunderbird Cafe

4023 Butler Street, Lawrenceville PA

BABE ride preceeding. It's still officially winter, so bring a sturdy bike with a light that can handle some mud, some rocks, some bumps and a few potential short off-road situations. We leave from our usual spot (see below) at 4pm. Rest up Friday because we lose an hour at the end of Saturday evening.

Damage!

2009-02-16T21:10:00.003-05:00

As you know, last week we had a pretty hardy wind storm and, of course, it felled a good many trees and limbs at our local park. I managed a ride along all trails on the South Side on Sunday and documented the damage. Pictures with location captions can be found here.

Trail map here.

So Poodle made a good suggestion in his last comment. BABE meeting anyone? How about 7:30pm at Hollywood Gardens on Thursday, February 26th? We can discuss lots of ideas, perhaps some events, and maybe even about some people, for the small minded among us.

Let's plan on a townie ride prior to the meeting. Leave from The Hollywood at 6pm. Okay then.

And for a little BABE inspiration, I give you what I arguably believe may be the best BABE photo of all time... Feel the Glow

Let's Ride On, shall we?

Frank

Smile

2009-01-25T22:27:00.008-05:00

I was poking around my old hard drive this evening and found the original notes I made when thinking about creating a bike club back in 2004. For those of you there, you may recall this print out I brought out that night we rode. I like the Big Lebowski reference from even the very first days. I forgot it was actually part of the original idea. Good times. Good times.

Here's what it looked like (click on image for larger version):

Chasing those microbes and whatnot

2009-01-20T23:15:00.005-05:00

Mr. Plow finally returned home tonight from his long exile in the repair shop. He looks kind of funny now with his new parts bolted on. I look forward to making these new parts look as worn as the old ones. We'll be back and ready for action any day now. I'm sure you'll be seeing the photo's on the smugmug.

So anyway, I'm just glad we're a nuclear family again.

Now, if they'd just catch those damn fools that damaged us...

Confidence

2009-01-13T11:04:00.004-05:00

I think 2009 is poised to be the best year yet for the BABES. I think my recent acquisition of a tavern will help give our group a central meeting place and provide us a comfortable forum in which to hatch our plan for world domination.

I feel pretty confident about this.

SSWC09 Update - Date Changed

2009-01-08T04:58:00.003-05:00

The boys in charge of the SSWC09 have moved the date from August to September (glad I didn't get my plane tickets early). The new official date is September 16-20. I have absolutely no idea why this event will take 5 days, but that's what they've posted. The SSWC05 was 2 days. Interesting. Here's their rather unclear explanation for the date change...

"Sorry friends. We had several mishaps in the scheduling game and we had to make a bigtime switcheroonie. August 6-9th is no more. September 16th through the 20th will be the new and last date to remember. The riding is way better at that time of year anyway, so be stoked. Sorry to all you school teachers and school kids, you may have to call in sick or get a sub. Remember that Sunday January 4th, right here, we will post the mail-in registration form and the address. The reg form also doubles as a coloring contest, so do your best and get creative with it, as those who do will be rewarded. For all you overseaers, do not worry about the mailage time, your distance will be compensated in the collection process. The specifics of this process will be better defined in the days to come. Hope you love the new date. "

Here's the link to the registration form, and I've included the text of the instructions below...

Durango Colorado September 19th Cross Country Registration Information

This is Mail in Registration Only

Print off and fill out entry form completely. Let it be known, this is a coloring contest. Do
your best my friends, your SSWC09 experience depends on it. All mediums will be
accepted.

Send to;
SSWC09 Registration
3169 W. 3rd Ave.
Durango, Colorado 81301

$35 US Dollars to race

Check or money order payable to, SSWC09

write contact info on check

Here are all the things you might want to know;
Envelope must be postmarked before January 23rd (tribute to Michael Air Jordan) to
make the start list. If the entry is postmarked after the 23rd and the race is not full, then
you’re fine.

We have spots for 500 racers, +all women who make the postmarked date

All those who send in their SSWC09 spoke card, that were handed out randomly in Napa
(about 143), are guaranteed a spot on the start list as long as their entry is postmarked
before January 23rd. Send in spoke card with registration form and get it back later.

The race start list will be based on;
1. Postmarked date on envelope
2. Receiving of race entry fee, ($35)

If your check bounces or the check is not sent with the registration form, we will not add
you to the official start list until it is received.

If you do not make the start list due to a late postmark or race is full, we will contact you
by email or phone and shred your check.

All women are guaranteed a spot if postmarked within the allotted time

Men will not be affected by this as we have room for 500men and how many women we
can get.

Updated start lists will be posted at www.sswc09.wordpress.com as we work the mail ins

Past SSWC winners have a spot on the start list if they wish to enter.
By submitting a film for the 1X1 Film Festival, you will be guaranteed a spot on the start
list, singlespeed films only please.

SSWC09 Seriousness pay attention

It seems everything they have to offer as information can be found here. If you're patient and not easily annoyed, watch the video. Otherwise, save the 2 minutes of your life and skip it, because it doesn't offer any further useful information beyond what's in the text.

I would have liked they saved the time to make the video and simply provided some useful information instead. Like an itinerary and perhaps exactly what day the race is going to be held. That's just me. Should be fun.

Ride on,
Frank

That time of year...

2009-01-04T23:43:00.005-05:00

It's January and that can only mean one thing; looking forward to February and the BABES annual pilgramage to Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park in beautiful Cleveland Ohio. Now with 103,000 square feet of fun!

Let's leave at 9:30am first Saturday in February (2/7).

Okay then.

What kind of barn animal...

2009-01-03T17:27:00.004-05:00

...is out riding a bicycle at 3am?!?

Or out riding a bicycle in 20 degree weather on New Year's Day?

That's right, count 'em, 14 intrepid BABES continued the tradition of riding on yet another a stunningly beautiful New Year's Day (is there any other kind?). We rode the trails we love.

Check out the photos to see who all came, what bikes were ridden, which bikes were not ridden, who was laughing, who was crying, who had elves feet and why Love was in the air.

Ride on,
Frank

Healed

2008-12-31T07:14:00.009-05:00

As you can see from my latest mug shot above, I'm a quick healer and am pretty much back to normal. At this point I'm ready to put this whole sick episode behind me and look forward to the future. And speaking of the future, tomorrow starts a new year and that means another New Year's Day Ride! The trails should be frozen hard by then and we should enjoy another fun New Year's Day at our home away from home, Brady's Run.

A few loose spokes:

--------------------

Thanks to whoever has been cutting out the fallen trees at Brady's Run. Much obliged, partner.

--------------------
I tried to register http://www.coolerbuddy.com/ on Sunday and found it was already registered.

Curious, I typed it in the address bar and found it links to a bowling apparel site. Appropriate, I suppose.

--------------------

I watched the movie "Burn After Reading" last night and absolutely loved it. Brad Pitt is a cyclist in the movie and delivers the best performance of quite a few exceptional performances.

The lines which made me laugh the hardest were when John Malkovich calls Brad's bike a Schwinn and Brad laughs and says "You think my bike's a Schwinn?". And then while he's being driven away by Frances McDormand he remembers his bike is left locked back at the park and he says "My bike! I can't leave it there, that's just a Kryptonite lock. You can open those things with a Bic pen". There's more subtle bicycling related humor peppered throughout the movie which made me laugh to beat the band. I love that the Coen's put substantial thought into cycling humor that only probably 2% of their viewers will understand. I can't wait to see it again.

Ride on.

Leads.

2008-12-29T11:39:00.008-05:00

I dropped off my official voluntary police statement today and I asked the officer if he thought they'd find this guy that hit me. You know, do they have any promising leads. He chuckled a bit and said he'd have to check with the boys down at the Crime Lab. Said they've assigned four more detectives to the case! He said they've got them working in shifts!

So, of course. I'm feeling pretty good about this now. If they do find the perpetrator, I'm going to go to his house and brace the kid - should be a pushover.

Ride on,
Frank

This aggression will not stand, man.

2008-12-28T14:09:00.005-05:00

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I'm healing up nicely, other than my right eye being swollen shut. I'm sure it's just a step in the healing process. So far I've resisted any pain medications but it's been quite tempting to swallow a few.

Of course I've been reflecting on the "accident" quite a bit over the past few days and I'm bothered by a nagging feeling that the perpetrator knew who I was. As probably most of you know, I've recently raised my profile in the community by taking over my father's tavern. I suppose in that business you can make a few people unhappy (disgruntled current and ex-employees, drunks cut off, etc.) and who may, in an altered state of mind, do something irrational. The problem for me is there really aren't too many other people out riding bicycles alone, so I stand out a bit at any time, but especially at night.

Assuming all people have good intentions, then it's always best to have multiple blinky lights and reflective tape for high visibility. But when you know that some people have bad intentions, then it may be best to not draw attention to oneself. Interesting dilemma.

One things for certain, I'll ride differently from now on. But for sure, I will ride on. Otherwise, the terrorists win.

Ride on,
Frank

EVIL!

2008-12-27T12:57:00.007-05:00

(Balance)

Yes, folks, there are pure evil people in this world and unfortunately, they sometimes lurk behind us, just out of view. On my ride back to the 'hoe last night Mr. Plow and I were intentionally hit from behind by a car full of scum. I heard them speed up and hoot and holler, just seconds before they slammed into my bicycle from behind, sending me and Mr. Plow down hard on the pavement. This at the intersection of 4th and Wayne in Beaver. They then sped off, turned around and came back to apparently see the damage. I was a little foggy and didn't get a good look at their vehicle (other than it was a dark colored SUV) as they came past and proceeded to hit a parked Porche on 4th Street. This was enough, however, for them to stop and apparently inspect their vehicle (again, no care whatsoever for the person they ran down) and then they sped off.

Crazy world out there. Someone ought to sell tickets.

I'd buy one.

We'll be back...

Frank

2009!

2008-12-26T19:58:00.005-05:00

Another year is almost complete. The passage of time is unstoppable. And so are the BABES. Let's kick off the new year with a mtb ride, shall we?

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2009
Time: 11:00am
Place: Brady's Run County Park - Arboretum

Also, it's not too early to start thinking about the "Fist", which is less than 6 short months away.

This years date: Saturday, June 20, 2009

More information on the 2009 "Fist" will be forecoming.

Stay tuned.

Fantastic!

2008-12-16T23:31:00.006-05:00

The 2008 Punk Bike Enduro is in the books. Check out the babe pics, happybikes pics, thick pics, the professional quality of chuck's pics, and please do take the time to enjoy the Dirt Rag Slide Show.

And a little Dirt Rag write up.

I have nothing more to add.

Next ride... This Friday, December 19th in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh. Ride 'bout town and then to the Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival and Whiskey Daredevils show at the Thunderbird in Lawrenceville.

Don't forget the Wednesday Night Rides.

Next "especial" BABE ride... New Year's Day, I suppose. Anyone?

See you.

Frank

Are You...

2008-12-09T23:45:00.006-05:00

...an enthusiast?

Well, are you, punk?

Okay then.

Sunday, we ride.

Single Speed Worlds - Oh Nine!

2008-12-03T06:05:00.021-05:00

The date for the 2009 Single Speed World Championships has been set. It's August 6-9! (Have to love those dates... in an embarrisingly childish way). It's in Durango Colorado. I'd sure like to make that ride. In fact, I can think of only a few things that might keep from it this year...
And while thinking of those few things, my mind started wandering back to the last (and only) single speed championship I attended back in 2005. A fine, fine weekend, full of great memories. So I dug up the old BABE report and decided to re-post it here. For those with a few minutes on their hands, why not take a read and see if you may be thinking the same thing I'm thinking... why not do it again next year...

BABE Report, 2005 Single Speed World Championships.
State College, PA
August 20-22, 2005

The BABES:
Coach (Scott)

Me (Frank)
Jesus (Keith)

104 cubic feet isn't enough space. 104 cubic feet is not enough space for 3 grown men and their toys for two days. Therefore, a large piece of luggage, 8 cubic feet perhaps, had to be hoisted onto the roof. Many bags of various materials, shapes and sizes, 4 coolers and a cooler buddy, 4 bikes and three tents, Pillows, Jesus, the Coach, and me. We’re ready for anything.

We head West, away from the sunrise, at 11:30AM. An hour after the first beer was cracked. Top open, windows down, music blaring.

Here is the BABE Report:

So I'm going nowhere without pepperoni and fontinella cheese. And the only place I know to get what I want is the Green Garden Giant Eagle. That's why we head West on a 3 hour East bound trip. Upon arrival, I make a B line for the deli counter where I know they keep the good stuff... Margherita pepperoni. I'm standing there patiently waiting my turn, when the nice young lady ahead of me gets her olive loaf and steps away from the counter, most likely to the Bean isle. I happily step up to the meat display to place my order. The man behind the counter and I lock eyes... for like, 20 seconds. He refused to say a word. Finally I break the silence and say “Are you ready for me?”, and he responds "I'm looking at you ain't I?". Well, this isn’t going unchallenged. I jaw a little bit with him, and being a top-notch customer oriented service man, he gives me the attitude. After a few minutes of word jousting, I have my pepperoni, my cheese and a few various other items which will go uneaten, and we’re on our way. At the checkout counter we read the sad tragic tale of a poor death row kitten. Distraught and yet, strangely enthralled with the story, we spend $1 for the Weekly World News and head back to the ‘hoe. The BABES are not without their political connections. A presidential pardon? Perhaps, but we'll need to know more.

From here, it’s pretty much 3 hours of relaxation, music and anticipation for the weekend ahead.

Pee break. Time to stretch the legs and find some lunch. We’re not quite sure how far it is to State College at this point, but we feel it’s pretty close. We walk main street and see nothing. Dart into the Uni-Mart for a quick check of the facilities. Sorry, restrooms for employees only. This forces our lunch decision. It’s gonna have to be close, cause we gotta go. The next place we come upon is a small Italian pizza and pasta shop. Aaahhh out of the heat. Oh correct that, staying in the heat. We knew it was bad when the entire staff was huddling around one oscillating floor fan. Whew! At least they have cold beer and bathrooms, so we’re eating here. A few calzones, a few beers and of course a philly sub(?!?) and we’re out the door. Nice town but it’s time to get on to the show.

We head north, past the brew pub and onto route... what... there was a brew pub in town?!?... where’s the hells our “beer-dar” fellas? Sum-bitch, we plum missed driving right past that. Oh well, we’ll get’er next time.

About 45 minutes later we’re pulling into Mt. Nittany Wheelworks for registration. Although not until after we see about 5 Jaguars, 4 BMW’s and 3 Saab’s... all dented... and rusted. Mmmmm, let’s ride this town on bikes boys.

Anyway, I get out of the vehicle with a beer in hand and of course I’m greeted by a parking lot full of... um... well, let me quote the coach... “frightfully fit people”. Isn’t this the single speed worlds? Ain’t I supposed to be seeing beers... and beer guts? Well, this is certainly interesting, but never mind, we stroll up to the registration tent. We quickly sign up, get our SSWC05 beer mugs and socks and head into the shop. Nice shop. The people here are top notch. Friendly and smiling faces. We get some advice on where to camp and head back into the ‘hoe for a trip up the hill.

We follow the directions and, without a single error or turn-around, 5 miles later we’re into the Rothrock State Forest. Uh oh. Those are some damn big rocks. And this is a mighty long hill. We’re in for some fun.

We head up the road, kicking gravel and dust up in our wake, looking for someplace to camp.
After a few miles we follow the Seven van up an off shoot road. This leads to a radio tower... or make that 3 radio towers and a cell phone tower. We look around for a minute and I’m pretty much having none of this place so we head back to the car only to be confronted with two of the creepiest men I’ve ever seen, and with the largest foreheads imaginable on a human body (insert inbred Deliverance music here). We quickly high tail it back to the Tahoe and head deeper into the forest. Another two miles go by and things are starting to look up. Less cars around, some nice vistas and... uh, oh, more frightfully fit people. Not a beer in hand among ‘em. They’re pre-riding the course for tomorrow’s race. Oh brother!

We continue into the forest.

At the bottom of the next valley, Jesus points left up the hill and off we go. Another few miles in and we top out. This is starting to look promising. I had a vision of being on top. Not much farther up the road and we see an opening on the left, so we pull in. Out of the car and we quickly see other tents up by the road. We head to the back and see a trail. Ba-da bingo! We found a camp site. A beautiful camp site. A camp site I might dream about. This is home. We’re 6 miles into the forest.

Camp goes up quickly. Beers are consumed, lighters are lit, and leaves are raked by topless men. Man, this feels good.

Camp

Soon, a plan is hatched. Go back into town for a few hours of socializing and be back to camp by 9:30PM. Cook up some pasta to “carbo-load” for the race, sit around the camp site and have just a few more brews. Perfect. We are, indeed, professionals.

We leave for town around 7:30PM. Not being one to pull up right to the bar, we park just outside of downtown for a quick bicycle spin into town. As we’re unloading the bikes, I look over and see a girl. A girl with a fixed gear bicycle. She’s just sort of standing there. I say something about a “fixie” and immediatly she’s heading our way. “I just drank a shot” was the first thing we heard. She was in a scavenger bike race and the last stop she had to do a shot. “How YOU doing?” Her name is Laura and she tells us she's moving to Pittsburgh the next day. I’m thinking I’d like to give her a taste of Pittsburgh tonight, but, of course, being professionals, we are committed to being fully prepared for the upcoming day. But funny, sure is a small world. She helpfully directs us to to Zeno’s bar and also on where to find the fixed gear scavenger hunt after-party in town. Nice girl.

We ride a few short blocks to the bar. It’s down some steep steps into a quiet, beer drinkers heaven. Nice pub. Great beers. Victory Hop Devil on hand pump cask and Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA’s to boot. Sweet. We’ve not yet put our butts on a seat and the girl in the corner cry’s out “Singlespeeders right?”. Uuuh... why yes!

A few hours go by. Peter, a fine Mt. Nittany Wheelworks employee stops by our table and gives us the run down on tomorrow's frace course. The resulting description sounds like John Madden channelling Emeril. Every other word is “POW”, “BANG” and accompanied by flailing hand motions.

The band starts setting up, but it’s time to get back on the bikes and get to the official SSWC05 party. We head out into a soft gentle rain. Quick ride one block over and we’re at Tony’s Big Easy, the martini bar where the SSWC05 late registration is taking place. We stroll in, see some friendly familiar faces and commence to socializing. It’s a nice place. A big place and filled up pretty good with singlespeeders. Frightfully fit singlespeeders. After a while we find the quieter bar in the back through the hallway. We’ decide this is more "BABE" speed and we settle in for a few more cold ones. After a few quite moments, a firm figured and full strutting blonde woman strolls confidently into the bar. Someone asks her if she’s in for the bike ride tomorrow, and with all the indignation she can muster, she squawks “Hell no... I’m a figure skater!!!” Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus, did she just say what I think she said? My neck audibly cracks from turning so quickly. Well, she decides she wants to talk to some singlespeeders and she saddles up beside us. I’m not 60 seconds into a conversation with her and she mutters “I don’t know why men don’t ever ask me out on a second date.”. At this point, after hearing the previous 60 seconds of her laments, I’m kind of wondering why any man has ever asked her out on a first date. In 40+ years of living, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an apparently fresh young woman expire so quickly. In the words of the coach, “I think she startin’ to turrrrrrn”.
Jesus walks beside me.

Enough is enough at Tony’s, we decide we need to find out where the fixed gear scavenger hunt after party is. Jesus, who was walking beside me, is pretty sure he remembers Laura’s directions. Good pal Jeff Wuerthele, who’s pretty sure he knows his way around town, decides to come along. We start working our way through town when we come upon Maurice, Thanita and Michael Browne from Dirt Rag. We stop to chat a few minutes. It’s a little fuzzy what happens next as I see a group of people skipping/running down the alleyway sending sparks from their shoes. It’s Sov from Surly and a bunch of other wing nuts. They continue on their way. When I turn around I see Jeff lip locked with Thanita. That doesn’t look quite right, but it ends after 30 seconds or so and the Dirt Rag crew continues weaving down the alleyway. No harm done here.

Suddenly, Jeff points up the road and we start off again. We get lost. Pretty damn quick too, I might add. Eventually, we do find the party spot, the old party spot. A few fixies on the lawn, but, this place is done. It’s 12:30AM. The night, at this point, is every so slightly off schedule. It then proceeds to get lot of schedule.

We decide it’s time for Zeno’s again. We head back into town. Only this time, Zeon’s is packed, there’s a loud band (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and they’re charging a cover. Coach slaps down a twenty and we’re in. Jesus, who was walking beside me, looks at me with the “what the hell are we doing here?” look. I feel the same. I squeeze and rub through a few people and we’re in the pool table/foosball room (this is a college town). Within seconds I’m being asked if I’m really “Vernon” and if I really work for East Providence Township. I mutter something about laying asphalt and Jesus and I decide it’s time to go. Just as we make about a half a step, here comes the coach with three beers around his grimy claws. With his middle finger 2 knuckles deep into the center beer. It turns out, unfortunately, that one was mine. I get at downing it. A few minutes later, a nice young lady walks by, stops in front of the coach and says “so who got the finger beer?”. Coach points to me and says “he did”. She shakes her head and walks off. Kinda made me wonder if she knew something I don’t know. It’s time to go.

We climb out of the dungeon and back on the streets. The gentle rain is done. We ride uneventfully back to the ‘hoe.

We manage to drive a whole three blocks before we realize it’s time for some food. Aaaah, Perkins. They have food. And lots of it. A “Terrific Twelve”, or something. 5 pancakes. 3 eggs, home fries, bacon or sausage, toast and coffee. Absolutely terrific.

We leave and head back to camp. It’s 2:15 in the morning.

Finally, at 3:00AM I craw into the tent.

Cruelly, at 6:00AM I craw out of the tent.

Coach quickly sets about whipping up a blueberry-pancake-like substance and some Folgers instant. Perfect. We eat. We chug a few waters, take a few shovel-in-hand trips into the rather sparse weeds to bury our "products" in the rocks and by 9:15AM and we’re piling in to the 'hoe for race time.

Pre-ride inspiration from Coach.

We literaly scream down the 6 miles of forest road, with Slim Cessena’s Auto Club blasting. Back to the base of the mountain. We park at the entrance to the ski slopes. There’s lots of cars... and lots of... frightfully fit people. And race Nazis. Race Nazis? Why are they yelling at us? A racer’s meeting?
“What’s a racer’s meeting coach?” .
“Nothing, just keep drinking your Pabst”.
“Yes sir”.

Eventually, we saddle up and head for the "racer’s meeting".

There is no racer’s meeting.

We hang out for a few minutes, I drink a Red Bull, coach drinks a beer. Lots of people. Lots of industry type people. Gary Fisher nestles in beside us. Hey, there’s Jeff Jones. Marla Streb, of course. Those evilcycling.com guys. Dirt Rag crew in force. The Surly nut-jobs, Carl “Snarl” Schlemowitz. Nice.

Then, we told to drop our bikes and walk to the next field. A Le Mans style start obviously.

Well, not quite. A few incoherent babblings by the race organizers and we’re told to start running. Not running back to our bikes, but running up a hill, running across a road, running down some rock gardens, running across a bridge, running through a parking lot, and running back to our bikes. Has to be a quarter mile if it's a foot.. Well, anyone that knows me, knows... I ain’t running. So it’s becomes a nice morning stroll. We laugh along the way.

Pre-Ride Pack and me.

We survive the spreading of the pack and I grab Moe (my bike). “Shot time” guys, I yell out! So Jesus, coach and I share a swig of the good stuff. I slip the flask back in my flask holster, take a slug of Pabst. Another slug of Pabst, then pee again. I take another slug of Pabst, straddle my bike and... whoa... where’s Jesus. Jesus left without me. Only a single set of footprints in the sand today, and Jesus is not carrying me.

I proceed down the road, to the base of a very large mountain. I come across the first race steward. He looks at me kind of funny.
“Are you racing?”.
“Uh, yeah, I have a number here.”.
“Well get moving, you’re behind the sweepers!”.
DFL out of the gate.

I quickly pass the sweepers. I feeling pretty good considering the lack of sleep, the many beers and whiskey already in my system. Did I mention I’m at the base of a very large mountain?

I start to climb. I climb. Climb a little more, then aahhhh... sweet single track... and rocks. I’m glad I hung back because I know earlier this had to be a mess. I know how riders are in technical terrain. Way too much walking for me. I’m here to ride, so the slow start is a blessing.

I plow through the first rock garden. Something doesn’t feel right. Mmmm... tires aren’t flat. Oh well, I keep riding.

Soon I’m behind someone riding in a skirt. Specifically, a man in a riding skort. He rides pretty good. A little slower than I’d like, but not too bad. Through the next rock garden... across three bridges and... something’s just not right. I keep riding. A little further and the guy in front of me stops. I stop. I look at my front wheel. It’s touching my fork. I have a problem. The nice man in front of me turns and looks at me, and as I’m wiggling my front tire from one side of the fork to the other, he looks down thoughtfully and says... “you’re a little loosey”, and then rides off. Maurice Tierney is such a smart ass.

So he takes off and I’m left trying to figure out what happened to my bike. The sweepers catch up and just watch me as I’m still DFL at this point. I reset the wheel and take off again. I’m riding smooth now. Feeling good. Rocks and more rocks. Climbing. I’m all about this stuff. I can’t wipe the smile from my face. I continue on and start to catch up with some other riders. I’m passing people pretty quickly now. Most of them just have a blank look of confusion like they’ve never seen rocks like this before. I have, although never so many and for so long. I’m having a blast.

All of a sudden I come around a bend and find a rather large fellow riding a full suspension Kona singlespeed. All dolled up in black spandex. A full beard and a pleasant smile. It’s this guy... Rose

He and I talk for a while as we work our way through the rocks and it turns out he’s from Pittsburgh but he lives in Minneapolis now. He asks if I’ve ever ridden a place called Brady’s Run. Turns out Brady’s Run was the second place he ever mountain biked. Small world continues.

We spend a good 10 minutes in each others company, but he rides a little too slow for me, so I wish him a safe ride and step on it a bit.

Just a little further along and I catch up with a rather large group of riders stopped and just plain hanging out. It’s the Dirt Rag/Dirty Harry’s/Surly/Evil Cycling crew. Has to be 20 of them just sitting around smoking cigarettes and fondling their flasks. Of course, I have to stop and join in. After a few minutes, a bright eyed young lad pulls up looking like he just walked into a candy store. He smiles innocently and I witness the following conversation:
Young Lad: “Sure is a rough trail.”
Maurice Tierney: “Sure is.”
Young Lad: “Someone told me this is the worst section of the trail.”
Maurice Tierney (leaning into to get close to his face): “Well son... someone lied”.
With that, the whole crew starts heading back to their bikes.

I let them all go as I’m not interested in having that crowd behind me. I grab a Gu. A few minutes later, Rose comes up behind me. We chat a few more minutes and start off again.

The trail starts up again and it gets kind of smooth and really soft and loamy. The soft momentum killing section of the trail. Feels good, but I want the rocks back. In a few minutes I start passing the Evil Cycling crew again. Then the bike starts acting up. You see, my brakes have been making an awful squealing noise all morning and now I’m getting a vibration from the back end. Something’s not right. I stop and check out my chain, my hub and everything looks in order. I get back on and ride on. The bike riding and tracking okay, but something’s not right. I stop again. And again. I don’t know what the hell is wrong but decide at this point I’m riding the bike into the ground if I must. I just want to ride. I continue on. Despite the squealing brakes and shimmying back end, I’m still riding well and haven’t even come close to crashing or coming off my bike. I live for this stuff and I’m going to continue living as long for as long as possible.

As I reach the crest of the hill I can’t believe the vista. I behold an absolutely crystal clear and gorgeous view across the valley. If this was West Virginia, I fell like it was heaven. But I know we’re still in Pennsylvania, so it’s merely beautiful. I keep riding.

I keep coming across a lot of unhappy looking people. I think they didn’t know what they were in for. I keep riding and smiling.

Suddenly, I come across a man alone. He has a flat. He looks a little confused and lost so I stop. I ask him if he has everything he needs and he looks up at me and quite seriously asks in a British accent “Would you happen to have beer?”. I get off my bike and start helping him out. His name is Andy. I pump his tube and we chat a bit. He continues to work and I tell him my woes with my rear wheel. I hit the rear brake and show him how wobbly the rear wheel is. He shakes his head.
After a few minutes he says I don’t have to hang out with him and I realize he’s right. I need to start riding again. I offer him a hit on the Surly flask, but he declines. “Maybe a little later then” he says and so I swig alone and ride off.

Not too much further and I decide it’s time to eat the bagel I brought. I’m sitting there chowing down on my food and I look at my bike. Then it hits me. Did I ever tighten the brake calipers after putting on the new rear tire? I can’t seem to remember. I walk over, grab the caliper and pull. Sure as hell didn’t. That’s what was making all the racket. It was the squealing loose rear end. Damn stupid of me. Lesson learned. I tighten the bolts and start feeling a whole lot better. Things are looking up. As I take my last bite of bagel, Andy comes pulling up. “May I borrow your pump?”. “But of course”, and I hand him my tool. After he’s done, we head back out along the beautiful mountain top ridge. I’m feeling great. My belly’s full, my bikes finally tuned up and my legs are strong. About 200 yards later I begin to hear talking and I know I’m getting close to the first check point. There’s a little sketchy drop off and then I’m into a gas line field with a pretty good crowd of people. It’s Checkpoint #1.

As the Evil Cycling crew are here sitting in the shade smoking, a race volunteer comes over and asks me how the ride was. I say I love it. I tell him these are the best trails I have ever ridden. He thanks me and tells me I’m going to love the down hill that’s right behind me. I say “but the arrows are pointing that other way”. He politely tells me the race is over for me. For all of us it seems. For if you don’t get to checkpoint #1 within two hours, you have to exit the trails. Before I have a chance to get bitter, Rose sites down on the hill side, lights up a cigarette and in the most disappointing voice he can muster says...
“I’ve spent the last 30 years carbo-loading for this event... and I failed”.
Sov (sparky from the alleyway the previous night) looks up at him and says “Hey, we’re all winners today man”. My lower lip begins to tremble and I hold back the tears. I’m not bitter. I’m just happy to be here at all.

We all hang out here for about 20 minutes, just soaking up the beauty of the mountain. This gives me time to finish the bourbon in my flask. And there’s more bourbon in there than I thought. After polishing off the last swig, we start the descent back to the start. I’m feeling good. Real good.

Checkpoint #1, AKA The End.

The trail is lovely. In fact, it’s smooth as glass compared to what we just came off of. I tease one of the race coordinators that they kept the best trails to themselves. He winks.

We ride for quite a while and it is nice. Before long we’re at the finish line.

I hang out and watch a few of the riders coming down to finish the race. Amazing. They’re finishing the entire 25.5 miles in the same time it took me to finish 10. I wouldn’t trade my day for theirs for anything. Life is good... but now it’s time for beers.

I start back to the go-kart track.

Moe

Beers and conversations flow freely. The sun is high and the air is warm but crisp. I meet new people and see some old. Andy from the mountain top hangs out with coach and I, and we drink beers. I talk to Shiva Steve, the Marylander who comes up to the Punk Bike Enduro rides in Pittsburgh. He rode this race on a fixed gear. Nut. A nice nut, but a nut just the same. I see Drevil. Coach introduces me to Ryan, a rather pleasant and tall fellow with Elvis sideburns. His first words to me are that I’ll have to meet his wife as she loves men with loves salt and pepper hair. I need to remember this.

Jesus rolls in a few hours later. Hats off and kudos to the only BABE to finish a Single Speed World Championship. JESUS! It is good. Soon Jesus drinks beside us and we await the go-kart races. The races come. Round and round they go. The roar of the motors seem strangely out of place at a bike race. But it’s fun watching. We quickly become loud and derogatory.

Butch – 2005 Mens SS Champion.

At some point, while I had my back turned, our neck of the woods turned into a Marla Streb cheering section. As sad desperate cry’s of “show us your tits” went unheeded, coach and I finally obliged the crowd and show off our mams. Marla sees us and laughs as she comes in for the final lap. She wins.

Showing support for Marla, the only way we know how...

...with man-boobs.

The race is over and here comes Marla our way. She stops by and I mention my left nipple is sore from working it into a frenzy on those last few laps. Good man Andy sees the photo opportunity and quickly makes it happen. Our nipples are gently soothed by the 2005 SSWC winner.

The Marla Streb Nipple Incident

As we begin to leave we run into Ryan and his salt-and-pepper-hair-loving wife “Kat”. We invite them to the camp ground for meat. They accept the invite and we head back to camp.

Ryan and Kat in their Roadmaster

At camp coach fires up the grill and the meat is on. We eat burgers, dogs and cheese and pepperoni. Kat mentions she really likes meat. Plenty more beers are consumed and it is good.

After dinner, Kat decides she needs a smoke but can’t seem to find anything to make it happen. She head back to the Roadmaster station wagon to see if she can find anything. After a few minutes, I decide to make sure things are alright. As I make it to the car I see her hanging deep inside the rear door. I ask:
“Have any luck?”.
“No. All I could find was this machete and this empty can of Red Bull”. Machete?
Seems it wasn’t cigarettes she was interested in after all.
Back at camp, with the machete and Red Bull, we make things work out. After about an hour, Ryan and Kat leave for their hotel. We’re all quite relaxed. We clean up and get ready to drive back into town.

Back in town and it’s straight to Tony’s Big Easy for post-race festivities. Free beer is flowing and it is good. Jesus is hitting the beers for all they’re worth. Coach and I are sipping martinis. All the familiar faces from earlier are here. Andy, Ryan, Kat, Sov, Rose, Browne, Fisher.

Marla – 2005 Womans SS Champion

After an hour or so of smooth talk and gentle laughs, it happens. Derby time. In the street behind the bar. Skids, flaming Brittney Spears, deep fryer grease, roman candles. A spectacle to behold, but I alone stay in the bar. Just me and the bartender.
And it is good again. About 20 minutes later people starting running back in pretty quickly. The cops have finally arrived.

The BABE crew stay on until about 1:30AM and then it’s time to eat again. We go back to Perkins for another round of the Terrific Twelve. We eat hardy.

2:30AM and we’re in our tents snoozing to the sounds of night.

6:30AM and we’re out of our tents. Time to start breaking down camp. It goes quickly. Soon we’re on the road heading back into town. Coach suggests we stop by the Motel 8 and see if we can find Andy for lunch.

We pull around the back and spot his bike. Back to the front and coach jumps out to see if the front desk can ring his room. But before he can get to the front desk, who comes walking off the elevator?.... Andy. We all leave together and go straight to Mad Mex for grub. A few margaritas and beers and burritos and it’s time to say goodbye to State College and the 2005 Single Speed World Championships. It was good. Real good.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Favorite quotes from SSWC05:

“Nice set a Gams!”

"I spent 30 years of my life carbo-loading for this race. And I failed."

“We’re all winners today, man.”

"Hell no!!! I'm a figure skater!!!"

”I think she's startin' to turn.”

”Thanks for your meat guys!”

”All I could find was this machete and this empty can of red bull.”

"We'll be in the Buick Roadmaster."

"My wife loves men with salt and pepper hair."

"My rose bud is ready to blossom."

"That was right after someone threw their bike onto the bee's nest."

"I really worked my left nipple into a frenzy back there."

"I think I'm leaking. No, not my bike. Me."

"I'm moving to Pittsburgh tomorrow morning at 9."

You Understand, Right?

2008-12-01T00:57:00.006-05:00

Long Overdue Updates...

Winter Wednesday Night Rides - Meet at Ice Arena at 6pm. Brad Sheasley leading. Grab the lights, strap on the booties and get along little doggie.

Punk Bike Enduro is Sunday December 14th this year. Costume contest. Let's get it on. BABE Short Bus leaves Hollywood at 9am sharp. Okay then.

Whiskey Daredevils and Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival, Friday, December 19th. Ride first, then show. Details in a week or so.

Need more information? Google it or send me an email.

It's all so very simple.

Ride on,
Frank

Collage is the greatest of all the arts.

2008-10-26T23:22:00.007-05:00

Some BABES went for a bike ride last Sunday evening. It was a nice mellow ride around the towns. A bit diverse of our usual town/city rides. Of course, not unusual was the ride interupted by taking in some music. An artist I've enjoyed for many a year came to our little old Beaver and shared his amazing songwriting with us. His name is Matthew Ryan. He brought with him a joy of a person named Molly Thomas who accompanied on keyboard, violin and I'm pretty sure I saw a mandolin in her hands. A few photos here.

Perhaps my top two favorite love songs of all time were written by the same man. Dan Bern. Estelle and Gamblin' With My Love (Pete Rose).

You know, it's easy to get down. To get discouraged. To want to crawl into a shell and hide from the world. But then, something happens. Something always happens. Thank God.

So take a few minutes (okay, almost 10) to enjoy a beautiful love song...

I like the diversity of our riding experiences. The diversity of the BABES as people. The balance. The texture of our differences side by side with our similarities. Music and bicycles can be an adhesive for so many unique souls. Let's stick together (sorry for the bad pun).

Ideas

2008-10-19T02:23:00.003-05:00

I think I may like a new blog. Not to replace this one, but in addition to this one. One reason this blog is not often updated is that I have many thoughts that I feel are not appropriate for this forum. This blog is about fun and the coordination and presentation of information related to cycling and, specifically, cycling in the Beaver Area. I don't ever want to preach anything here, but I feel a strong urge to publicly comment on things often unrelated to the cycling world. I suppose it's a need to balance the fun and not so fun aspects of life (there's that "balance" word again).
Of course, the comments I will present will be based on honest observations with an emphisis on positive and optomistic thoughts. Life and the world are complex organisms but with, what I feel, are very simple and basic fundamentals. I don't really feel that "things" should be so complicated. I'll explain things in the new blog, if you care to endulge it. Again, I don't want to sully this blog with non-cycling related thoughts. Perhaps there's no better venue to espouse than "Cooler Buddy", but for now, I feel it's best to segregate the thoughts. And ironically, "segregation" is one of the ideas in my head right now. I wonder about that idea. About how we try to outhing our nature (or creator). It's a big thought... no, it's a huge thought it in my mind right now.
Anyway, I've been thinking about a lot of things lately, and so I've created a new blog that I feel will be a better venue for my thoughts unrelated to specific cycling activities.

I'll post address the first post soon. Very soon.
Frank

The Filfthy Fifty October Ho Down has been * CANCELLED *

2008-10-05T05:57:00.002-05:00

Regretfully.

The Ho Boy Interview...

2008-09-29T03:25:00.006-05:00

Ho Ho – Okay, let’s get right to it. Why did you decide to put on the Filthy Fifty October Ho Down?
Ho Boy -I didn’t. I’m just the mascot for the event and now, evidently, the spokesboy.

Ho Ho – Oh, well, tell us how you come to be associated with the ride.
Ho Boy – I know Frank. We met back when I was working for The Cowslingers. He, Leo Love and I hung out a bit after a few Cowslinger shows. Leo’s was the drummer.

Ho Ho – I think everyone in the audience knows who Leo is.
Ho Boy – Well excuse me. Anyway, here’s a sample of the work I did for them.

Ho Ho – Very impressive. “For losers like you”. A unique way to refer to one’s fan base.
Ho Boy – I do what I’m told. I think that was Greg Miller’s idea. Greg was the lead singer.

Ho Ho – I think everyone in the audience knows who Greg is.
Ho Boy – Oh yes, right.

Ho Ho – So back to the ride. What can you tell us about it?
Ho Boy – I believe it’s about 50 miles of bicycle riding.

Ho Ho – Do you know the origin for the idea of the ride?
Ho Boy – Frank said he was inspired by the Dirtier Dozen ride, which he’s ridden the last two years. He figured, why not do something like that here to showcase the lovely Beaver Valley Area.

Ho Ho - Why is it called the Filthy Fifty October Ho Down?
Ho Boy – Everyone will be filthy, the ride will be about fifty miles long and it'll take place in October.

Ho Ho – What about “Ho” part?
Ho Boy – Frank said it would be both a “Happy On Road” and a “Happy Off Road” ride.

Ho Ho – Shouldn’t it then be called a “HOR Down”?
Ho Boy – I don’t think Frank liked the sound of that. I think there should be a hyphen there. “Happy On-Road”, “Happy Off-Road”.

Ho Ho – I see. Very well. So everyone should be prepared for off-road riding?
Ho Boy – Are you drunk?

Ho Ho – No.
Ho Boy – That’s too Bad. Why the “X” on the bag? Are the contents why you are called “Happy”?

Ho Ho – Um, let’s just get back on track here.
Ho Boy – It’s your interview.

Ho Ho - Will there be other activities besides bicycle riding?
Ho Boy - Absolutely, Frank wants to showcase the best of the Beaver Valley Establishments.

Ho Ho - Define “establishments”.
Ho Boy - Taverns.

Ho Ho - Oh, so there will be alcohol consumption.
Ho Boy – Duh.

Ho Ho - Moving along, any other activities for the day.
Ho Boy - Yes, but the activities will be dictated by a number of factors and I’m not a liberty to divulge them at this time.

Ho Ho – Will the ride go on rain or shine?
Ho Boy – Yes.

Ho Ho - Does the ride cost anything?
Ho Boy – The ride itself doesn’t cost anything, but if a participant wants to partake in any extracurricular enjoyment, I’d advise bringing a few bucks.

Ho Ho – Define “A few bucks”.
Ho Boy – I don’t know, it’s up to the individual to figure that out. I suppose we’ll all know more after the ride is over.

Ho Ho – Well there you have it folks, barely any worthwhile information, but hey, I tried. Ho Boy, is there anything else you’d like to say?
Ho Boy – Where are your friends?

Ho Ho – You mean these guys?

Ho Boy – Yes, they look like fun, why don’t you bring them to the ride?
Ho Ho – I’m afraid they're not very athletic.

Ho Boy – It’s more about fun.
Ho Ho – I’ll see what I can do.

Presenting Filthy Fifty October Hoe Down

2008-08-30T22:48:00.010-05:00

.
.
.
***(Click HERE to see what Hoe Boy is saying)***

Loose Links From a Tight Chain

2008-08-26T20:54:00.013-05:00

It's been a few weeks since I've posted and while I haven't had anything major to say or announce, I've accumulated a few loose items that I'd like to put out to everyone...

Thank You...
For three straight weeks we've had a fabulous turnout for our "mini" work days at Brady's Run Park. We were certainly inspired trail achievers and made many trail improvments up by the ball fields and even made serious head-way on cutting in our new trail which will offer an alternative to "The Bastard". And speaking of trail work...

PTAG Work Day at Brady's Run - Sunday, September 7, 2008...
This will be a fun day of trail work, food, riding and beer. Many of you have come out to other PTAG work days and so know what a good time these are. A good cause, good people and bike rides. Good times. I hope to see lots of you there.

Upcoming Rides...

BABE Pittsburgh City Ride - Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 6:30pm - meet in Strip District here...

BABE Pittsburgh City SHACK*SHAKER FUN Ride - Friday, October 3, 2008 - 6:30pm - meet in Strip District, same location as above.
More information to follow, but there will be a BABE ride to the TH' LEGENDARY SHACK*SHAKERS show on Friday, October 3rd. This band puts on one of the best shows I've ever witness and is not to be missed (if you enjoy life).

Pittsburgh Alleycats "Pittsburgh Calling" Alleycat - This fall - date TBA...
Pittsburgh Alleycats is putting on a Halloween Alleycat this year that should be spanking fun...

Filthy Fifty October HOE Down - Saturday, October 11, 2008 in Beaver County...
October will provide to be a busy month for the BABES with the Filthy Fifty October HOE Down ride on 10/11/2008. I'll be posting a dedicated entry for this ride, so check back for the more details. The only details I have are it'll be 50 miles long. It will entail both on-road and off-road riding. We'll make a few refreshments stops. We'll have fun. I'll post more details soon, but the main theme of the ride will be "Don't do anything foolish".

Music, Bikes or Beer

2008-07-31T23:04:00.010-05:00

You only get to pick one. Yep, sounds like hell to me too. Fortunately, we don't live in hell just yet, so we get to enjoy all three next Friday, August 8, 2008, with our friend Joel and Michelle at the 31st Street Pub.

It's Bob Log III,
Scott H. Biram
and Pittsburgh's own Buddy Nutt.
All one man bands. I consider this the show of the year so far. People I like at a place I like in a city I like.

Let's ride. We leave at 6:30pm from here...

In other news, I picked up a few flyer cd's today. Damn good stuff. Ever hear of Ezra Furman? Me neither. The cd is called "Banging Down Doors". How about Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. Yep, first time I've heard of him either, but I'm sure you can see why I picked it up. After one listen, I can highly recommend these fellas. So I'm out here doing the leg work for you, so don't let my effort be in vain, check these guys out. Google 'em or something.

Trust me.

Trust Jesus.

The Two Paths

2008-07-26T22:26:00.020-05:00

Virtues. Someone asked me what was my best. Patience is most natural. A few of the others come pretty easily. A few others with which I struggle daily.

Vice.......Virtue....
---------------------
Lust.......Chastity
Gluttony...Temperance
Greed......Charity
Sloth......Diligence
Wrath......Patience
Envy.......Kindness
Pride......Humility

I think Patience gets you through times without Kindness better than Kindness gets you through times without Patience. I suspect Wrath will get you through times without Envy better than Envy will get you through times without Wrath. Wikipedia has listed at least a hundred vices and virtues recognized world wide. Seems like a lot to keep track of. I like the original seven. Or an even more succinct guiding tool...
My mind can work out the nuances.

The photo below conveys the Dirtier Dozen, 2008. Heat. Weariness and a determination to stay strong. Off the beaten path. On a beaten memory. Strangers. Friends. Bikes and beer. No championed entity. No time, sights or sounds. Only Moment. There were lots of these.

More Rides Please!

2008-07-07T23:05:00.005-05:00

We had so much fun on our Thursday night last week, we're doing it again the next two weeks as "training" for the Dirtier Dozen on July 19th... http://tinyurl.com/5ezf68

If ever there was a ride well suited for BABES, it's the Dirtier Dozen and we must be prepared. So, in the spirit of "training"...

The Fool Hearted Two Moon Ride - THIS Thursday, July 10, 2008 in Pittsburgh

AND
The Two Hearted Full Moon Ride - NEXT Thursday, July 17, 2008 in Beaver Valley

THIS Thursday's ride will begin at 6:30pm in the strip district of Pittsburgh. We start by quaffing a few ales from Cooler Buddy and then ride around town, eventually ending up somewhere. After we feel satisfied with our riding and imbibing, we'll ride back to the Strip District.

NEXT Thursday's ride will start at 6:30pm at the Beaver Valley Bowl in Rochester to quaff yet more of that adorable Bell's Two Hearted Ale. After a few of those, it'll be on the bike to ride around town, eventually ending up somewhere. After we feel satisfied with our riding and imbibing, we'll ride back to Rochester.

These are road rides, so any sort of decent bike will do.

If anyone is interested in joining me, give me a call, reply to this email, or just show up at the ride locations listed.

Don't forget to bring lights. A white front and a rear read blinky light is recommended for optimal visability.

I hope to see you at one or both of these rides. Please, I implore you, don't turn me into the lone biker of the apocalypse...

Ride on,

Frank

babeclub@comcast.net

412-417-7513

Rides Anyone?

2008-07-01T15:36:00.005-05:00

The Two Hearted/Two Musicians New Moon Ride - Thursday, July 3, 2008
Plus
The Moraine/North Country Brewing Ride - Sunday, July 6, 2008

I'm going to do a townie ride this Thursday evening. It'll start at Beaver Valley Bowl in Rochester to continue quaffing that delicious Bell's Two Hearted Ale left over from Saturday's Lebowski Fist extravaganza. After a few of those, it'll be on the bike to ride around town, eventually ending up in New Brighton to see two musicians playing some acoustic music on stage at Wooley Bully's. After sufficient entertainment has been accomplished,
a pleasant ride back to Rochester will ensue.

If anyone is interested in joining me, give me a call, reply to this email, or just show up at BV Bowl at 6:30pm on Thursday.

Don't forget to bring lights. A white front and a rear read blinky light is recommended for optimal visability.

If the weather is agreeable, I'll bring along "25 pounds of sounds" to enhance the ambiance of the evening.

Also, on Sunday, I'm planning on doing a Mountain Bike Ride at Moraine State Park with an after ride beer at North Country Brewing in Slippery Rock. Leave at 9:30am from the Brady's Run Ice Arena.

I hope to see you at one or both of these rides. It's Summer, let's get it on!!!

Ride on,
Frank
babeclub@comcast.net
412-417-7513

Are you an Achiever?

2008-06-17T08:56:00.003-05:00

A web site has been established to promote the Lebowski Fist Event.

It contains a map of the bicycle ride route and the flyer that's being posted up around the city.

I hope to see you there!

The Post Comes Around

2008-06-12T23:05:00.004-05:00

My friend Mike Camp called me today and invited me to his house this evening for a few beers. Of course I accepted and rode Mr. Plow over the few short miles to his home. We sat in his garage, surrounded by bikes and beers, listening to music. The best part was he picked up two cd's the other day using the techniques I outlined in my Scout Niblett post from May 25th. Both were "buck" cd's costing only a dollar. And gems they turned out to be. I'm listening to one now. A band called the National Lights. CD title is "The Dead Will Walk, Dear". Of course you can see why he picked it up. Turns out there's a great picture of the band inside. Sitting on a fallen tree over a creek. All that's mising is the bikes. The instruments are another clue to the quality. It's a good cd. And for a buck. We listened to others. It was a joy to listen to a cd that wouldn't have been picked up had I not discovered Scout.

This is the way life goes. Will the circle be unbroken.

Dream on...

Memories and Dreams

2008-06-12T22:25:00.005-05:00

I read a quote a few days ago. "When your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near". A childhood friend of mine died a few weeks ago and I found this quote very relevant to his life. Jeff possessed an incredible talent for remembering quotes, emotions and details from our childhoods. I found this both amazing and disturbing. I was amazed he could remember so many things and yet, so disturbed that he had very few dreams and aspirations with which to balance the memories. He was, unfortunately, always like this. He was an incredibly smart, understanding and compassionate man. And yet, he achieved very little success in either his personal or professional life. I think much of the reason for this relates back to the quote I mentioned earlier. Jeff was obsessed by memories and not by dreams. I think it's better to be the opposite. I'll miss Jeff. I hadn't seen him much recently, but I thought about him often. He was a good soul. He made me laugh. Now, if I could just erase the memory of the $50 he owed me, I could dream well of him again. He'd laugh at that. I hope he just did. Goodnight sweet prince.

Scout Niblett

2008-05-26T08:51:00.009-05:00

One of the best perks of working in downtown Pittsburgh is CD shopping at the local record stores. We don't have anything small independent record stores in Beaver County any longer. But in downtown, there's still Dave's Music Mine in the South Side, Paul's cd's in Bloomfield and Eide's Entertainment in the Strip District. I know there are others, but these are the ones I frequent. Since working in downtown again, I've probably picked up at least 40 Cd's. Not spending more than $10 on a one of them. I personally want to support the artists and discover new music, but I don't want to spend $18 at Best Buy taking a flyer on an unknown artist. Well, truth be known, I don't want to spend anything at Best Buy. These are still locally owned record stores. I want to do my part to help them survive. And don't even mention on-line music shopping. I'm proud to say I've never purchased a single song online. On-line music shopping leaves me cold. There something about riding my bike after work to the South Side or Bloomfield and sniffing through the bins, finding something that looks interesting, slapping down some cold hard cash and walking out with an unknown artist and going for a celebratory beer somewhere.

On Thursday of this past week, during lunch hour, I walked down to Eide's and perused the "buck bin" as I like to call it. This bin mostly contains promo CD's for upcoming releases and since I'm always promoting music to people, I figure it's there for me. Anyway, this past week I scored three great cd's for a total of $5. Well, I'm here to do some of that promoting.

Now, I use lots of triggers to decide which cd's I will pick up and look at and which ones I'll pass over. The first trigger for me is the artist's name. I'll usually pass over an artist named "Vomiting Death Clowns" (only one of of those words would cause me to skip it, can you guess which word?), but one named "Honky Donkey Ponies" will probably be in my hands pretty quickly. The second pick-up trigger is the cd's title. This one's a little more tricky, but again, if I like these sounds of the title, I'll pick it up. Once I pick it up I look at the cover art and see if there's anything interesting there (Hey, is that Jesus on that Donkey Pony?). Next I'll flip it over and give a look at the song titles. After that I'll open it and check out the inside cd booklet. At this point I'm looking at instruments used (Banjo=good, Vibes=bad, although, believe it or not, I actually found a cd one time that had a banjo and vibes on the same songs. It was Pete Wernick's "On a Roll" and, being an optimist, I let the good outweigh the bad and so I bought it. It's a pretty good cd, but as I suspected, the songs with the vibes suck! But it wasn't every song and he can play the banjo quite well... but I digress.). After instruments I'll see if there are any cover songs on the cd. This is important. A Tom Waits cover usually indicates good things. Even a Madonna cover can be good if it turns out it's a bluegrass band or something (Yes, The Meat Purveyors (great name) did an inspiring blue grass Madonna trilogy). So use your own judgement on this one. Next, I'll go to the end of the booklet looking for "thank you's" and other notes as to who inspired the artist or perhaps worked them or toured with them, etc. If the cd passes these tests and it's $10 or under, I'll usually take a stab at it. Of course, the closer the price to my upper limit, the more criteria it has to pass.

Anyway, back to the reason for this post. One $3 cd I spied last Thursday was by an artist called Scout Niblett. This was good. The cd title was "This Fool Can Die Now". That stretched the single to a double. So I pulled it out but found no cover art as there was no cd booklet inside. Promo cd. So I turned over to the back and read the promotional verbiage. First good sign, recorderd by Steve Albini. Contains duet's with Will Oldham (aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy) keeps this cd heading towards third. Words like "emotive vocals duel with country infused harmonies, bluesy guitars, crashing drums and soaring strings" make this recording look like a potential stand up triple". Now looking at the song list shows the first track called "Do You Want to be Buried With My People". Hey, that's a might big lead out there. Another track called "Kiss" and another called "Elizabeth (Black Hearted Queen)" and one called "Dinosaur Egg", with the last song titled "Fishes and Honey" and this one' showing all indications of stealing home.

So of course I buy the cd and once I get back to work I promptly google "Scout Niblett" images and I'm immediately presented with this image...

Yes, she's riding a bike. And not just any bike, a beautiful old Schwinn cruiser with coaster brake, a fender and a rack. No helmet, sensible footwear and an infectious smile makes this appear to be a home run for me. Then I put the cd in my computer and headphones on my head and immediately realize the bases were loaded. My apologies for the baseball metaphors, but Ladies and gentlemen...

we have a winna!!!

Enjoy...

More "Fist" Details...

2008-05-20T17:06:00.005-05:00

More details on Lebowski Fist '08 on Saturday, June 28, 2008

Some changes this year...

Earlier start time to allow for more imbibing and "take it easy" time.
Longer ride Better showing of the movie on a large projection screen at Wooly Bully's in New Brighton
No tickets to buy, just show up and have a good time

Here's the tentative schedule of activities for the day. If you can't make everything, feel free to Meet us at any point to join in on the fun.

3:00pm - Meet at Beaver Valley Bowl in Rochester for White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat sodas

3:30pm - Begin Bike Ride, White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

3:45pm - Kelly's by the Riverside for White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

4:30pm - Back Door Tavern for White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

5:30pm - At Wooley Bully's for some good home made pizza pies, White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

6:00pm - Showing of Big Lebowski on the large projection screen, White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

8:00pm - Head back to Beaver Valley Bowl for bowling, White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

9:00pm - 12:00am bowl, White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

Midnight - Parking Lot events including "Ringer Toss" and "Knock out the Nihilist", White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

Also, I'm working on getting us some space to crash for the night for those that would prefer not driving home after the event. I'll keep you posted on that.

Costumes of your favorite movie characters or objects from the movie is encouraged.

The inspiration for our event... http://lebowskifest.com/

***NOTE: There will be White Russians, Sarsaparillas, and Oat Sodas

Call me with any questions, or email babeclub@comcast.net

Frank

BABES Get Results!

2008-05-11T19:57:00.008-05:00

Well, just a few weeks after I posted my Whiskey Daredevils lament here, June 20th will mark the Whiskey Daredevils triumphant return to the warm and welcoming confines of the 31st Street Pub in the lovely Strip District of our dear Pittsburgh.

Both the band and the venue are long time BABE favorites and I'm scheduling a city bike ride to Arsenal Lanes for bowling, then to the 31st Street for the show. Come on, let's lynch the landlord! Let me know if you're interested and I'll reserve some lanes. Email me at babeclub@comcast.net

We can discuss details at our BABE meeting on May 24th. Details in next post.

Lebowski Fist ' 08 - 6:28

2008-05-06T21:50:00.012-05:00

Bigger. Better. Longer. More what have you.

More specific details to come, but the "high" plans include a bigger event. A longer ride. A better showing of The Big Lebowski, and on the actual day of the "Fist". More what have you extra-curricular activities and trivia games too. Also, no tickets this year. Just show up for the event. In other words, abide.

June 28, 2008

Beaver Valley Bowl

and

other fine Beaver Valley locations.

PTAG Work Day this Sunday, May 4 at South Park

2008-05-03T16:32:00.003-05:00

I've never ridden South Park. Hell, I've never even been to South Park, but all that's about to change. I'm in the mood for adventure.

Digging, riding and imbibing. Sounds like a perfect Sunday to me.

I hope to see you there! Details blow...

==========================================================

10 am ’til whenever

Come one, come all, come early, come late, but please come!

–Meet up at the West Virginia Shelter (directions below)

FREE breakfast from Graham’s Bakery

–Work on the trail network next to the Golf Course, off of East Park Drive
–Bring water, sturdy work clothes, work gloves and some friends, digging tools will be provided.
–If you can bring a wheelbarrow or large bow saw, please do.
–FREE! Mad Mex Burritos and Wings
–FREE! Beer from Erie Brewing and Troegs.

DIRECTIONS:Route 88 South, to gates of South ParkStraight into park on Corrigan DriveAt traffic circle, take 3rd right on Stone Manse Drive Bear left on East Park Drive, go about ½ mile Turn left at stone bridge West Virginia Shelter is in view

Or:

Route 88 South, to gates of South ParkStraight into park on Corrigan DriveTake first left off Corrigan and stay to your right, shelter will be on yourleft.

–Questions? Call or email Gary Terner 412-508-0410 gterner@verizon.net

Hate the Whiskey Daredevils?

2008-04-30T23:01:00.006-05:00

Okay, it's been two years since the Whiskey Daredevils have come to Pittsburgh. I think it's time to conclude they ain't coming. Youngstown is good enough. So is Charleston. Buffalo? Sure, why not. Erie, you say? Adopted brothers. But Pittsburgh is off limits. I can only imagine why. Was it Joel at the 31st Street? Was it our blessed Turnpike system? How about physical threats? Hmmmm... perhaps. Maybe it's our lack of casinos, six-pack shops and dog race tracks. I've asked more than once. I'm not worthy of the knowledge. So be it.

Now onto someone truly worthy... Slim Cessna is again coming to Pittsburgh. This time at Club Cafe (this is worthy of it's own post...) on June 3rd. This will sell out. If you'd like tickets, let me know. I'm in town everyday and would like spread the gospel. It's a Tuesday night. No matter, a good deep spiritual soul cleansing should not be mortally constrained. Every second is a gift from God. Use it wisely.

This is your homework Larry...

2008-04-22T19:26:00.006-05:00

Missing this Sunday's event would certainly qualify one as a dunce. This Sunday, April 27, 2008,

WunderBABE Lee Klevens is hosting a ride/bowl/Big Lebowski event in Pittsburgh. It'll be a city ride to bowling, then to the Regent Square Theater for a big screen showing of the Coen Brother's Masterpiece, The Big Lebowski... http://pghfilmmakers.org/exhibition/upcoming.html#lebowski

Lee's announcement below...

A Big Lebowski Ride and More!

Hey there, We are going to celebrate a special big screen showing of The Big Lebowski the way fun loving mountain bikers do. There will be a ride that leads us to Arsenal Lanes for some bowling and white russians/food/&?. Then we will ride to Regent Square to view The Big Lebowski on the big screen at 8PM. Afterwards there is always D's for more.

Date: Sun 4/27

Time: 4:15-4:30

Place: Parking lot at Frick Park Tennis Courts (Braddock Ave. by Forbes)

Bring: Lock, blinkie, cash (movie $8, bowling-shoes $3+$3.50/game, White Russians/food $

more, other $ even more), and a smile.

Questions: Lee 725 612 5571

Consider this a pre-test for the big BABE LebowskiFist event in June. I can assure you, this woman attended to her lessons...

Good Guys Dance

2008-04-18T22:15:00.005-05:00

My favorite author is Don DeLillo. He has been that since, 15 years ago, I pulled his play, "The Day Room", from the 75 cent book bin at Wal-Mart. It was small and, being a play, appeard to be quick free reading while I awaited the lovely to be done shopping. I sat down next to the life size plastic Ronald McDonald and read that play. I was mesmerized both by his writing style and the subject matter. It changed me. I've since read all of his books. His worlds speak to me from another place. My favorte is Underworld. Soon I will have read it four times. I found this piece on the Onion's website. As with all good satire (and The Onion is the best), it's speaks to truth. Someone else likes him too...

I'm Just a Caveman...

2008-04-09T19:27:00.007-05:00

As often happens on a quiet Sunday evening, I spent a few hours doing some trail maintenance at Brady's Run this past weekend. But what was different about this weekend was that I awoke on Monday morning with a tick buried into my right side. The blood sucker can very clearly be seen in the photograph above, right in my kidney area. Now I've spent at least 40 of my years outside and in the woods and I've never had a parasite bury itself into my flesh. Needless to say I found the entire episode a bit unsettling. On the plus side, I did have a wonderful little tool on hand to make the tick extraction quite effortless and dare I say, satisfying. The tool is called "Ticked Off" and it works magically. I tell you this as a public service and highly recommend getting one of these on hand, in the unfortunate chance you find yourself infested.

Like I say, just thought, you know, fair warning. Tell Walter.

Now further on the subject of me being a cave man. I want to apologize for the official BABE Club web site. For quite some time now, for some reason, I am no longer able to update that site. In addition, I cannot figure out how to direct that domain name to this site so at least the information can be more up to date. Apparently Comcast changed something and now I can't update anything on the site. Undoubtedly, to get this resolved, I'm going to have to call them on the phone, which I'm sure will turn out to be quite painful and frustrating. I think I'd rather have another tick.

Things are Starting to Stack Up

2008-04-05T08:28:00.006-05:00

Or
Tomorrow, Sunday, April 6, 2008:

Two events in one day, but unfortunately, you can't do both :-(

Denali Cycles Annual Brady's Run Pancakes Ride - Meet at 9:00am at Ice Arena - Ride leaves at 9:30am. Pancakes feast at the lodge following the ride.

PTAG Frick Park Gala - http://ptagtrails.com/?p=56 - Those interested in driving up together, meet at 8:45am for a 9am departure time at Hollywood Gardens Parking lot in Rochester (169 Pinney Street or link to here for directions... http://tinyurl.com/6d9yx3 )

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And a reminder that BABES will be going to Cleveland next Saturday to ride at Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park. http://www.raysmtb.com/ We'll be leaving around 9:30am, with arrival at Ray's between 11-11:30am. Some of us are planning on taking in dinner, a few what-have-yous and a musical show after the ride. We'll be staying over and coming back to Beaver on Sunday.

If you're interested in joining in any or all of this fun filled extravaganza next weekend, please email me at babeclub@comcast.net

Ride on,

Frank

Cooler Buddy

Christmas Eve Day Elf Ride - Saturday, December 24

22nd Annual Dirt Rag Punk Bike Enduro - Sunday

BABE meeting. It's time.

Love somebody, in the middle of the day. - Saturday, October 22

Trail Maintenance - This Sunday - 10am - 20111016

BABE Filthy Fifty October Ho Down - 2011

Wednesday Night Night Ride - this week -PLUS a Hartwood Acres Ride Event

Wednesday Night Night Ride - this Wednesday, meet at 9pm at A-Frame parking area, when the sun goes down, we go out. Bring fully charged lights and a backpack big enough to carry a few cans of brews, because that's how this ride will roll.

And Sunday...

BABE Bikes, Brews, Beef & Blues

Meet at Hollywood Gardens, 9am, we'll depart for Hartwood, get a good spot in which to ride, cook, eat, drink and dance the day away. Bring plenty of food, water, clothing and what-have-you for a full day of fun BABE style activities. You know what those are.

http://www.pghblues.com/

It didn't end...

It never ends...

A six pack of years.

The BABES are back!

Do you like me or are you ignoring me?

Rides are on!!!

Cheers!

40 years and counting...

God loves the BABES!

Another Trail-Ride Season Has Begun!!!

Finally...

We're going to Ray's Super Bowl Sunday

Tuesday Night Pi Rides - Burnt, for now

The times they are a changin'

Pi Rides R Back - Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Six Years

Happy New Year

New Year's Day Ride - 2010

I think she's startin' to turn....

Merry Christmas! - A North Pole Pie

A Cold Day in Hell

Hell exists. Tuesday, we ride in it.

Lucky!

Glass Flies, Bullets Fly, Clint Eastwood never dies...

Saturday Weathered Road Ride and Tuesday Night Pi Ride (A Dusty Pie)

Tuesday Night Pi Ride - A Pie Ride - 2009-11-24

Tuesday Nigh Pi Ride - 2009-11-17 - A Chemical Pie

Tuesday Night Pi Ride - 2009-11-10 - Lawrenceville

ANNOUNCING: Tuesday Night Pi Rides - Starting November 10, 2009

We Did It! What's Next?

Roll with me... tomorrow... 10am

Filthy Fifty Update - Love somebody... in the middle of the day

Abide

Cars are coffins

The Days are Just Packed

Sweet Jesus!!! Whiskey Daredevils to perform at the Filthy Fifty!!!!

***Mark Your Calendars*** - Two BABE Events Scheduled!!!

Official Opening - BABE Club House

We rode our bicycles and it was good

Losing sight

Redemption Time / Back in the Saddle / Out of the clink

BABE "FUN" ride this Saturday, July 11th, 11am

Oh, my aching back (or, damn, I'm ready for a ride)

The blessing of friends, the curse of enemies...

Blatz

Why I rode, why I ride, why I will be riding

Syrup Ride Tomorrow - Sunday, April 5, 2009

Oh dear merciful God... Hear our plea...

Hear our plea... Friday Night Ride

Trails are nice.

BABES go bowling... again...

"Getting it done. Having a blast" - Flea, 3/6/2009

She's back and we're blessed...

Wayne "The Train"...

Damage!

Smile

Chasing those microbes and whatnot

Confidence

SSWC09 Update - Date Changed

That time of year...

What kind of barn animal...

Healed

Leads.

This aggression will not stand, man.

EVIL!

2009!

Fantastic!

Mark Your Calendars - Two BABE Events Scheduled!!!

The Filfthy Fifty October Ho Down has been * CANCELLED *