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Trans-Sylvania Epic cont. May 23rd-27th 2019

So I’m seriously considering going down for the 5 day stage race. It’s a race that I’ve long aspired to do and it was cancelled last year so I hoping this year I’ll go. My thoughts are that I may wait until Dec 1st to register and then pay a deposit of $400 and pay the rest in the spring. This is just in case something happens and I can’t make it.

So I’m going to chat it up a bit more here. I’ll be honest…going to these events is not just about the ride to me. It’s more about sharing the experiences with friends and enjoying other things in the area (like brew pubs! there are a bunch) while riding some new epic trails. It’s always been that way for me, BC bike Race, N.L. by Fat Bike, Epic 8’s (even the one I did solo I still rode with awesome friends)…they have all been about the amazing people I shared this with and the fantastic memories that last way after the event is over. I wouldn’t trade those times for anything.

For the sake of interest:

-Trans-Epic Dec 1st $799 (US$). 5 days of racing-average 50km day. Camping and dinner and TEpic race jersey included. Nice part, capped at 200 people. To compare…Crank the Shield, 3 day $739 (plus tax)—BC bike race, 7 day $2500 (+tx), Muskoka Ironman, 1 day $250(+tx).

-Each day starts and ends at basecamp-no shuffling around.

-There is also a 3 day event as well as a 3 & 5 day “non-race”. Same course just no hurry or timing.

-Trails in Penn State are normally really fun riding.

-Brew pubs–at least 5 in the area plus a Mexican restaurant (Mmm-Margarita’s!)

-Don’t want to race but feel like a mini biking road trip! No problem-6-7 hour drive (cool van trip, just saying!) & camping available at basecamp for “support crew”. There are lots of trails to ride right in the area that will not interfere with the race and the town of State College is close by. Looks like an awesome town with Penn. State University there. We have always found College towns to be the most fun and interesting.

So what I’m doing here is trying to see who may be interested in coming down for the race or just to ride for 3-4 days as a holiday. Not a full commitment, just to see if there is interest. I’ll be honest, I just really like hanging out with my friends and family at these things and would find it lonely on my own so I’m trying to be convincing so I have some company!

Please contact me and let me know if there is any semi-serious interest in attending this in the Spring.  Event details at : https://www.bikereg.com/tsepic

Thanks and hope to hear from you soon,  Johnny

Trail Report

Time to start this again. The snow looks like it is going to be staying in Dufferin Forest awhile so it’s fat bike season! (at least for now). A group of us (15 or so) got out on the weekend and started “grooming”. This is basically snowshoeing while pulling the “groomer” (a trailer tire) behind you. We got 8km’s out of the normal 14km that we try and keep open all winter.

We rode last night and the conditions where awesome! Lots of traction and you can still ride all the trails with a Fat Bike. The difference was very noticeable from the groomed trails to the ones that where just ridden on. They were wider with no tire trough and less icy so our efforts were definitely worth it. The groomed trails you could ride like single track, lots of fun speed and corners to rail through.

Wednesday night should be great and hopefully next day above zero we can get the rest groomed. Still 2/3rds of the lolly, part of the ridge connector and ridge to go. There is a groomer left at the red arrow tree so anyone could ride to it packing their snowshoes, switch to shoes, groom a bit and return to the bike for a ride out.

We had lots of folks helping out last year and it was the best Fat Bike year I’ve experienced out there. So nice to be able to continue riding real single track trails all winter while still having the more “open trails” (snowmobile groomed trails) as an option. So thanks to everyone who pulled the groomer!

Upcoming Ride Guide

Good morning all,

Rides for the week have been posted to the calendar.

Cheers

Karen’s Birthday ….??? and trail update

I got out for a visit in the Forest today. Lots of snow! As this may be here to stay I started the “Fat Bike Grooming” today (snowshoeing while pulling the “groomer” (trailer tire)). Same as last year, both TVG groomers are tied to a tree for anyone to use at any time. Based on experience last year, it is best to clip the groomer to a zip tie on your pack or bike (bring extra zip ties) as the act as a break away in case (when) the groomer gets caught on something (thanks Chris W. for this tip!). Best to do this, trust me (and Chris!). You can pull them anytime and leave them tied to a tree anywhere you wish on the loop. Please report back to me if you leave one away from home base so we know where it is.

Consequently we may mostly snowshoe tomorrow vs riding. A few folks rode today and did ok but it would be beneficial to get some snowshoeing done to widen the track before it freezes.

So bring your snowshoes along if you wish, you may also just hike but it would be better with SS.

See everyone tomorrow!

J

Karen’s Birthday Ride

Hi all, Karen’s birthday ride (or hike or run!) will be on Saturday at 2:30 at Dufferin. After a few hours of fun we will head to the Mill Pub in Creemore for dinner and refreshments (4:30-5ish).

Feel free to come just to dinner if you can’t get out to play before hand.

If you plan on joining us at Creemore, please let me know so we can make reservations. Thanks and see you there! Johnny

2019 Trans-Sylvania Epic Stage Race!

FYI for anyone interested…There is a 5 day stage race happening in Pennsylvania May 23-27th 2019. A few of us are considering  heading down for this (6-7 hour drive). It’s 5 days of riding (there is also a 3 day option) and best part is that everyday starts and finishes at the same place so there is no moving the camp around.  We have been watching this one for awhile now as it’s more of a “festival atmosphere” vs a hard core race.

Here’s a link for more info:

https://www.bikereg.com/TSEpic

It would be fun to have a TVG extended weekend road trip down there. If you don’t want to race there are also lots of trails in the area. You can just pay for the camping separate.

The race organizer Ryan has been awesome at replying to any questions I’ve had so feel free to contact him.

Let me know what you think! Early Bird registration starts tomorrow and only 200 spots total for the race cap.

Friday tree clearing project

Good Morning, as many may have noticed there is a BIG tree down on Ken’s trail. It fell directly along the trail so it’s kind of in the way! Andy and I are going to head out Friday morning (meeting in the parking lot at 10am) to start the clean up. If anyone can lend a hand please feel free to join us. We will both be chain sawing and there will be a bunch of stuff to move off the trail. I think it should take 2 hours or so depending on the number of people out.  We plan on getting that pesky Cherry tree that keeps getting lower on the Ken’s trail climb as well. If you can make it out please contact me and let me know. Thanks, Johnny

Day & Night – TransAtlantic Way Race

If you have some time to spare, check out the below video.  Pretty interesting to watch.

DAY & NIGHT from Apidura on Vimeo.

Upcoming Ride Guide

Good morning all,

Rides for the week are up on the calendar.

Trails are in great shape.

Cheers

Sunday Ride 2pm Dufferin

We’re heading out at 2pm Sunday for a tour.  Trails are still ridable, no problem…

Triple Crown 2019

I know it’s really early in the game but summer fills up fast with lots of fun stuff to do.

The Triple Crown Event will be happening Sat June 22nd this year. More info will come down the road but I just wanted to get the date out there for everyone. Biggest problem is that it is on the same date as the 24 hour race at Albion…bummer…but there is only one Summer Solstice.

See below for event description. Please pass this along and post it where you like. Thanks!

——————————————————————————————-

Here is a description of the event…
The premise of the race is that it’s going to be a three event relay. The events are going to be a 15km mountain bike loop which will then pass off to a runner to complete a 10 km trail run then passing off to an equestrian who will complete a 10km loop. The bike and running course will both be on single track and the equestrian loop will be on the marked equestrian trails. Now the fun part…in competitive equine events the clock doesn’t stop when you cross the finish line. Your horse’s heart rate is monitored and has to recover down to a set B.P.M., then the clock stops. So the biker and runner have to remain with the equestrian and assist in de-tacking and cooling down (forgive me if my terminology is not correct, but you get the idea!) the horse as a team. The “trot out” will then be attempted by either the runner or the biker! Rankings will be based on the teams combined time.
If you wish to form a team of people you know, include a team name and the other names of the people on your team (or partial team) and we will try and fill in the blanks the best we can.
Don’t know others to form a team but want to do one of the three events? No problem. Anyone needing team member(s) will be assigned teammates based on the reception of their entry fee and registration form. The sooner you sign up, the more likely you will get a teammate. If we run out of potential team combinations and you were a later registrant then you will have your entry fee reimbursed. OCTRA has the campout field secured for the weekend so you can camp if you want or just stick around for a campfire for a bit.

Upcoming Ride Guide

Good morning All,

Rides for the week have been posted to the calendar.

Cheers!

Upcoming Ride Guide

Good morning all,

Rides for the week are posted to the calendar.

Cheers

2018 Jersey Reminder Nov 2nd deadline.

Just a reminder that the deadline for TVG new jersey orders is this Friday Nov 2nd at 12 o’clock. If you miss this date it will be difficult to get a “one-off” ordered in the future.

Just follow the instructions on the original Jersey post by Tyler.

Thanks!

It’s snowing….time again for Spin Class & Steam Room!

Hey everyone, just a note for anyone interested…I’m starting back up teaching spin class this Thursday the 1st at 6pm at Headwaters Racquet Club in Orangeville. http://www.headwatersracquetclub.com/ For those who don’t know it is a 90 minute class which will be every Thursday night at 6pm throughout the Fall/Winter. You don’t need to be a member of the gym and can pay-as-you-go or purchase a 10 pack of passes at a discounted rate.  Everyone is welcome to attend.
If you have any  questions you can reach me through the CONTACT tab.  See you there!  Johnny

Just an update….the 10 pack for spin class will be 10 for $120. You can purchase them on your first visit.