With just over 300 Drive - In theaters still in operation in America, I always find it exciting to happen to stumble upon one . They bring back happy memories of packing the kids in the car, dressed in our pajamas and heading to the Drive In. The playground just in front of the big screen far surpassed any playground we were used to living in Brooklyn. It was always an exciting evening. And so, anytime I am near a drive in I experience the memories. Yesterdays excitement was coming upon a drive in in the town of Litchfield, Illinois. Then I thought “wouldn’t it be a blast to pitch the tent and camp at the Sky View”. Shortly after sending the theatre manager an email I got a response … [Read more...] about Bicycle Camping At The Drive-In
About Me
What is Normal?….
So there we were in Normal Illinois..... wonderring if this is all normal behavior. But what is really normal........?... to cycle against the wind with good friends or to buy that big screen TV and eat chips and dip... To do a bicycle spinning class in a warm enviornment then return home to my comfortable coach or be on the road not knowing what the weather will bring or where ya gonna sleep ...... if you were to tell me I was normal I think I would be insulted. So I guess I just do what I do and not worry what others think. … [Read more...] about What is Normal?….
Snowboard put away and the bike is out
Just a few days after I put my Snowboard away I was on a train to Chicago. My travel partners Patrick and Shelly have been training on their bikes while I was getting in as many runs on the ski slope as I could. I figured my legs were in pretty good shape from the days on telemark skis but I don’t think that helped much. Our plan was to cycle route 66 towards St. Louis then head west on Katy bike trail towards Kansas city then north on Adventure cycling Louis and Clark bike route up towards Omaha or Souix City. After that heading east across Iowa back to Chicago. Mileage could be 1700 maybe more maybe less. It’s just a very general plan. We hopped on Amtrack to Chicago. Almost a … [Read more...] about Snowboard put away and the bike is out
”Take Idiot’s Delight Trail, you should do fine.”
Long time ago I was trying to make some tele turns at a a well known ski area in the Adirondacks. I was on skinny Kharu skis and Rotefella bindings (as I recall ). My leather Asolo boots were a bit worn but comfortable as slippers. I felt encouraged about the couple of turns I had made in the beginner area and wanted a but more of a challenge. It was near end of season and I suppose some staff were ready to be laid off. I suppose lift staff get tired of the same stupid questions over the course of the winter. This lift attendant did seem a bit annoyed at my question regarding an easy way down. She told me to take “Idiots Delight”. She followed the suggestion with “You should do … [Read more...] about ”Take Idiot’s Delight Trail, you should do fine.”
Snowsliding 53 + 30 + 11 = 94 days @ 70 years
The Snowboard and Telemark skis were sadly put away; the bike is all loaded up hoping to soon be taken on a tour. It has been a great season. I talley up 53 on snow days on the Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface pass... 30 days with the Epic pass ( Mt. Snow, Stowe, Okemo, Wildcat, Attatash, Jack Frost, Seven Springs, Hunter and Hidden Valley). The Indy pass gave me 11 super days at Jay, Bolton Valley, Magic Mountain, Waterville Valley, Pats Peak , Whaleback, Blue Knob and Jackson XC . Probably forgot a few. At age 70 I am extremely grateful that my body can still turn the board and the skis. I am thankful for the ability to buy the passes at a great senior season rate. Grateful for the … [Read more...] about Snowsliding 53 + 30 + 11 = 94 days @ 70 years
Snowboarding at 70
Her kids asked her what she wanted for her birthday. She told them “I wanna go snowboarding.” Not an unusual request but she was age 70. A few coworkers questioned the safety of someone starting that sport at such an age. Then one of them said “better bring her a tall glass of milk” and also “she’ll break some bones if she falls.” I had been a ski instructor but was transferred to teaching snowboarding. The transfer occurred the day no one showed up to teach a snowboard lesson. Betty Rae said “you are older, compassionate, know how to tell time and you show up. You have no choice you Will be a snowboard instructor.” And so I was on a new career path. I became a highly … [Read more...] about Snowboarding at 70
Time To Put The Snowboard Away
It’s a passion or perhaps an obsession...... I love to snowboard. Despite being on the slopes about 100 days this season it seems to have gone way too quickly. Although I put my snowboard and skis away weeks ago I was tempted to ride just one more day. It was mother’s day and the price was half price for mothers so how could I not go? While driving to Killington, Vermont that inner voice was stating it’s opinion loud and clear. You are nearly 70, you survived the season without accident, don’t push your luck. I arrived the day before Mother’s Day to scout things out.... check out the one slope that was open.... Superstar. I psyched myself out , while viewing the bumps which … [Read more...] about Time To Put The Snowboard Away
Back to Frances Cottage, Ireland
Covid kept me away. A few years went by without a visit to Frances’ cottege. Finally the time came. Time was split between necessary repairs (thank you very much Patrick Mcginnis for all your hard work) on the cottage, fun, music and visits with great friends as well as a 250 mile bicycle trip , along the Royal and Grand canals. When you step away from your home for such a long time there are, for sure, lots of clean up projects. The 200 year old slate roof looks like it is in its final days and desperately in need of a rebuild.... hopefully next year. There is great appreciation of the neighbors and friends that look after the home when I am not present . Thank you. Very much … [Read more...] about Back to Frances Cottage, Ireland
21/22 Ski Snowboard Season
For some years have been wanting to improve my Telemark ski skills. After a few runs I hop back on the board. Its easier for me, the boots are more comfortable and the equipment much lighter to carry to the slopes. I never seem to move forward with my freeheel turns. This was, luckily, my year for Tele. I pushed pass those initial days of frustration and burning legs. I stayed on gentle terrain. Moved on to a good level of confidence. Thrilled with those improved turns and greater confidence level Yeah at 68 and well beyond we can break through some fears. It happened with persaverance Who knows maybe I will be confident on black diamond trails next year, Sure do love Tele … [Read more...] about 21/22 Ski Snowboard Season
46 Years ago today
I was cleaning a pile of tents and stoves that were just returned from a previous bicycle journey. I loved my low paying hard working job at American Youth Hostels 132 Spring Street NYC. My first encounter with American Youth hostels was when I bought a pass which would allow me entry into Youth Hostel accommodations around the world. I had already done a few clueless cycle trips to Europe. There were no bike touring books or videos back then. On my first European tour in 1971 my equipment included a backpack and plastic tube tent. I knew nothing about panniers. A few solo bike tours later I met two guys along the Coast of Yugoslavia that suggested we meet somewhere to write a bike … [Read more...] about 46 Years ago today