What a great weekend!
Squeakygirl and I started off on Friday morning around 6:30 am. We loaded up everything (or so we thought) and headed off to Allentown PA to meet up with jmics19067, and Trigger1911. Jmics had offered me a mig welder if I would come and get it, and the meeting point just happened to be Triggers hometown.
After a couple of hours on the road we found ourselves right on schedule, and gave trigger a call. He met us at a Home depot parking lot, and directed us to the tollbooth that had jmics waiting for us.
We made introductions, and transferred the welder. I still can’t get over the fact that he just gave me the welder. He didn’t even want me to give him gas money. Since it was noon, we decided to go have a bite to eat.
<<lunch break>>
From Allentown, we traveled up 309?? To Hazelton, and the campground. On the way the skies started to darken, and eventually we found ourselves in a pretty decent downpour. This had me kind of worried. The camper we just bought needed a new canvas, and I knew that there were some holes in the sides. As luck would have it, I didn’t need to worry. The skies cleared up in about 20 minutes, and not another drop of rain fell all weekend.
We were the first to arrive at the campground. We picked our spot, and set up the camper. In the process Squeaky tore another hole in the canvas. . . we really need to get that thing replaced!!.
As we were setting up camp, in rolled treejumper. I didn’t want to say anything, but this was the third time that he and I had been together for a ride. The first time was for DW01. We never got to ride together because his chain punched a hole in the case of his engine. The second time was DW02. He arrived, and spent the better part of two days trying to get his carb working. He ended up purchasing a new 450, but again, I didn’t get to ride with him. I was hoping that the third time would be the charm, and we would be able to actually get a ride in together.
Flying Scott was the next arrival. He showed up right after dark, with two children in tow. They were more intent on roasting marshmallows than worrying about setting up camp. What are Dads for anyway ;). He and I set about putting together “Uncle’s” tent.
The rest of the night was spent getting acquainted with Alex and Andrew. I was amazed at how many marshmallows they ate J.
We didn’t find out until later that Daniel Joseph, and friends had made camp in another section of the campground. Their rig to say the least was posh. We shouldn’t make too much fun of Woods for staying in a hotel. These guys just brought the hotel with them. Wait, I take that back, lets make fun of Woodspuppy and his lavender shorts anyway!
Saturday dawned with perfect weather. We got geared up, and headed out on the trail. Squeaky was doing great. This was her first real ride with other people, and not in an open pit. She must really like kicking, cause she kept shutting the bike off in the middle of the trail. Hehe. No, really she did great. When she ever climbed that first hill, I was slack jawed! I couldn’t believe she had not only tried it, but actually made it! So, I did what any proud papa would do. I gave chase, caught up with her, and since she was riding next to a puddle instead of riding through it I blasted through it in a celebratory splashing! She took it in stride, and I think started plotting her revenge at that point.
Hopefully some of our pictures come out good, because I’ve got some snapshots of Squeaky on her first trip into singletrack. She and I had split off from the group and went off to find some easy singletrack for her to cut her teeth on. Scooter pointed us in the right direction. I grabbed the camera and took a shot of her making her way through the trees. She went around a corner and out of sight, so I took off after her. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I found her. The point of trail she stopped at was about 6 feet wide. In the center of the trail was a 1-inch sapling. The trail was clear on either side. Squeaky had placed her front wheel squarely into the sapling. She had just had her first lesson in target fixation!
She was doing so well on the single track I decided to challenge her. The next section was a bit tougher than she had been on, but I figured she’d either do it or make me ride her bike out if it was too much. To her credit she tried her damnedest. Then another tree reached out and grabbed her pretty hard. After that, she lost her confidence a bit, it seemed. And she was getting pretty tired of picking the bike up, and starting it. She had made it almost 95 percent of the way through.
We finished out the day by making it back to the parking area. The rocky downhills that she traversed were testament to how much better she had become as a rider in only one days time.
Saturday night- good drinks, good conversation-good night
Sunday was another spectacular day. We really couldn’t have asked for better weather. We headed off like some of the others have said, to Turtle hill, a few water crossings, and some good trails. Again Squeaky surprised me with her determination to conquer every challenge that was set before her. Her boyfriend is going to be very surprised with her riding skills when he rides with her again.
The afternoon is where it really got interesting though.
We made it out to Howie Hill. Samantha made it up first try.
“I thought it was supposed to be tough ;)”, she said.
“Well, he couldn’t make it up”, I said pointing to RMguy. Heheh.
It was a blast!
Squeaky really impressed me. I knew she wanted to learn to ride, but this weekend demonstrated to me that she really loves this stuff! Good for her. It’s been really great to watch her grow as a rider.
It was a great weekend. I finally got to ride with Treejumper. I met Flying Scott, his wife and children. Silver bullet made an appearance, even though it was a short one.
Dave and Lori; they are the best. I always enjoy riding with them.
Kudos to RMguy for putting the whole shebang into motion. Great job
A big thanks to Scooter for showing us around on Saturday. You helped make the weekend great.
I know I’m leaving out a lot of people. But, you all made it a great time.
Thanks. I can’t wait for the next ride.