Mt. Baker

The other guys had to head home after Shuksan, but Dave and Doug stayed to climb Baker the next day. As the forest thinned out, we came to a staircase of flat rocks.





We see a lot of awesome flowers on our climbs.





Sulfur gas and clouds high on Baker. We climbed the Easton Glacier.





An icefall area low on the Easton.




Baker is known for it's numerous huge crevasses!






Dave taking in the view.



Climbers on the edge of Sherman Crater. Sulfur gas is rising behind them.







Sherman Crater as seen from the summit.







Sulfur gas is constantly hissing out of fumaroles in Sherman Crater.













Dave and Doug on the summit.







Doug looking down at the Easton and Deming Glaciers.

Zebra Longwings

Zebra Longwings, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Zebra longwing butterflies at the Golden Gate Park Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco.

They're hosting a live butterfly exhibit right now...

On Bicycle Maintenance and Limitations

Some food for thought for those who believe that all cyclists must do their own maintenance and repairs: Not everybody has the physical strength for it. I've lately spoken to several persons who have sheepishly admitted this, and were then relieved to hear that I have the same problem. My personal weak point is lack of hand and upper body strength, which can result in difficulties with even routine tasks. For example, I am not always able to open the quick release levers on wheels. On some bikes it's easy, but on other bikes I simply can't - no matter how hard I pull. Similarly, tires can be difficult to get off the rim: With some wheel and tire combinations I can work the tire iron until I am red in the face, but it won't budge and the tire refuses to come off. It is frustrating, because with many bicycle repair tasks I can give precise step-by-step instructions to someone else, but just can't physically do the work myself. And it's even more frustrating to watch the Co-Habitant do in 2 seconds what took me 10 minutes of pantingnot to be able to do.



From the correspondence I get, I know that there are cyclists out there who feel sad when they read unkind remarks on bicycle websites about those who don't do their own maintenance. If bicycle repair is easy for you, that's super. But please keep in mind that it is not easy for everybody. After all, just because knitting and sewing are easy for me, does not mean that everyone who buys their clothes ready-made is "just being lazy." Some people have arthritis, others have a bad back, others still are simply not strong enough - or even not dextrous enough - to work on their own bicycle. In areas where cycling is more common, this is acknowledged as "normal" and people are not expected to repair their own bikes unless they are enthusiasts. But in the US there is often an "oh please!" mentality when a cyclist mentions that they don't work on their own bicycle.



The way I see it, it is helpful to be aware of your limitations and to plan accordingly.If you can't repair a flat, accept it - and be prepared. Buy tires with good puncture protection. Know where all the bike shops are in the area where you travel, in case there is a problem and you need support. Know where the nearest subway, train and bus stations are. Carry a mobile phone, cash and a credit/debit card as a matter of course, in case you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and need to call a friend or a taxi to get you. And most importantly, please don't feel bad if you can't do repairs on your own - you can certainly still ride a bike! We are all good at some things and bad at others, and there is not a thing wrong with that.

Moser 2.0 - a Vintage Racing Bike with Modern Components

I have been riding my "new" Francesco Moser for a couple of weeks now and wanted to share my impressions. This is the same frame that I rode last year as a fixed gear conversion, then sold, then bought back and rebuilt as a geared roabike with modern components. Since the summer, I have been vigorously shopping around for a road/racing bike for . The Moser resurrection is an experiment to determine whether it is feasible to refurbish a vintage steel racing frame for this purpose without putting myself at a disadvantage in comparison to cyclists riding modern bikes.

The Italian frame was built in 1978 and raced in Austria throughout the 1980s.Through an interesting coincidence, I happen to know who the framebuilder was, but that is another story.The frame is lugged steel and allegedlyColumbustubing. Whether "tretubi" or something nicer I do not know; there are no decals. The lugs are pointy with elegant cutouts. Chromed fork crown, dropouts and seat stay caps.I have not been able to find this exact model in a Moser catalogue; something is always different. As I understand it, Moser frames were handmade in small batches and the framebuilders would sometimes get creative with individual frames. This could be one of those.

The current incarnation of the bicycle includes an older Campagnolo Vento wheelset. Retired by the previous owner, the wheels have got quite a few miles on them, but are in good shape.

CampagnoloRecord 9-speed drivertrain and shifters, circa 1999.

The crankset is 52/39t with 175mm crankarms. Not ideal in the long run, but at least it will allow me to try the bike. MKSStream pedals and Power Gripsas usual.

From my spare parts, the bike is fitted with an 11cmNittoTechnomic Delux stem and 42cmNittoNoodle handlebars. White Fiziktape. Cateyecomputer with a cadence reader.Just to be silly, I finished the handlebar tape with thin strips of multi-coloured electrical tape, to match the "champion" bands on the frame.

I bought a set ofCampagnoloVeloce brake calipers and used the 700Cx23mm Michelin Krylion tires that I had on another bike earlier.

The saddle is a new generationSelle AnatomicaTitanico (with cro-moly rails), on loan from the manufacturer. I will be comparing my impressions of this model to those of theprevious version.

The bicycle is a 52cm frame with a 53cm top tube (closer to 52.5cm). Right now it is set up with an 11cm stem, handlebars 1cm below the saddle, and the saddle positioned to emulate the seat tube angle with no setback. The positioning feels great, but would probably feel even better with the handlebars a bit lower and the stem a bit shorter (the current stem cannot be lowered, because there is no more space inside the headtube). The weight of the bike as shown here is 21lb.

One reason I decided to get this frame back instead of looking for a different one, is that I remembered it having no toe overlap. Later I began to doubt myself, as several framebuilders told me that it might be impossible to make a road/racing frame this compact with no TCO. However, now the Moseris back and I was right: no toe overlap, as in none/zilch/zero/not-even-close. How did they do it? I will try to bring this bike to a framebuilder with one of those magic machines that can measure frames precisely; hopefully that will provide some answers.

So, riding Moser2.0 so far... I think I got exceptionally lucky with how well this frame suits me. I did not fully understand or appreciate what it was until now. With the long stem, the geared drivetrain, and the lightweight moderncomponents, the bike feels as if it has been unshackled and allowed to soar. The small size feels just right, the forward positioning is exciting, and the lack of toe overlap eliminates my main source of anxiety with small frames. The bicycle feels lighter and easier to propel forward than other steel roadbikes I've tried, including modern ones. Judging by the numbers on the computer, my speed when cycling on my own is more or less identical to what it was when I was riding the Seven Axiom over the summer. I have not had a chance to go on a group ride yet, but will report on that once it happens. Acceleration feels effortless - that same "slingshot" feeling that, once experienced on a fast bike is hard to give up. The ride quality over bumps is better than I could have hoped for.

It is impossible to make a direct comparison between the Moserand theSeven, because the latter was twosizes too big for me. But for someone of my ability, the bikes feel as if they are in the same ballpark, or at least from the same planet.The revamped Moser is the first roadbike I've tried aside from the Seventhat I can see myself riding and being satisfied with.

On a critical note,Moser2.0 is a bit squirrelystarting from a stop and at very slow speeds. My bike handling skills are good enough at this point to not consider that a problem, but I wouldn't have felt comfortable riding it set up this way last year. Also, the bottom bracket is so low that with the 175mm cranks there is pedal strike unless I am very careful to keep the inside pedal raised on turns. Can't decide whether this means that replacing the cranks is a priority (trade, anyone?), or whether it is an opportunity to improve my technique.

Aside from this, there is the question of whether it is a good idea to ride a well used, retired racing frame with well-used, retired 10-year-old components and wheels if I mean to ride strenuously and possibly competitively. While the Moserframe is photogenic from a distance, it is in rough shape: scrapes on the tubes, missing paint, rust on the chrome. There is also a slight bulge at the rear of the headtube that, as I understand it, happened during the manufacturing process (the frame has been checked for integrity and shows no structural problems).If I decide that I like the bike and don't need a new one, it might still be wise to replace the components with less worn ones and have the frame repainted. Or start from scratch and get a framebuilder to replicate the geometry and tubing. It's hard to say, and for now I am just excited by how great Moser2.0feels compared to almost every single new bike I have considered buying so far.

Knowing thatsome readers are interested in the outcome of thisexperiment, I want to note that Idon't think it's as simple as buying any old vintage racing frame and putting modern components on it. But I do think I got lucky and ended up with something pretty cool that I would like to investigate further - with a big ThankYou to all those who pushed me in this direction.

Trail running with nature in the Laurel Highlands

Here we are it's already August. Hopefully this blog post won't be my longest...

I've run some miles and enjoyed hikers' smiles...

The highlight of my week was a venomous treat!

Here's it is with fangs that are hollow. After this photo my post will follow...

Another "local" trail lover from the Laurel Highlands

Since my last post I've put in a few days. The running I've done has been training efforts to get ready for a 5K coming up next weekend and anattempt at completing a LHHT double (140 miles) this fall or at the latest next spring. I've been doing a little speed conditioning for the Laurel Hill 5k (my only "race" this year) as well as some quality trail time with my son (now that he's home for a couple of days). Training for both efforts doesn't seem to be meshing well. My trail legs can barely turn over the necessary amount to produce even a 6:45/mi. 5k. I'd like to do well in my one and only race this year, although I highly doubt I will. The cool thing is that it's a mellow road race (through the woods). The proceeds help support the park which in turn indirectly helps the LHHT.




RECENT TRAINING:




8/2/13 Mt. Pleasant Coal and Coke Trail

Basic tempo run on a local rail trail that seems to be growing in popularity. It's not the most scenic, but does contain nice habitat which usually provides me with some good birding while running. 10k in 44:40




8/4/13 Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT)SOBO

It was Saturday night and the weather for Sunday was predicted to be amazing. Mid 70°'s with a 10% chance of rain. It would be perfect day for a long run. I was feeling the "after burn" in my quads from that tempo run on Friday, but couldn't resist these prime conditions. Laura mentioned that Sunday would be a rest/non running day for her and I kindly asked if she would mind supporting me for a long point to point run. She said she'd be happy to help and we set off to prepping and planning.

Laura writing the itineraryand helping me pack

Trail Love - typical drop can containing a couple hours or more of fueling

My last long run was northbound, commonly calledNOBOin trail lingo. Last week I ran from Ohiopyle to Hickory Flats Road (38 miles), stopping due to bruising on the ball of my left foot. This time we would switch it up. Laura would drop me off in Seward at the northern terminus of the LHHT and I would run in a southbound direction or SOBO. We've found running the trail in this direction makes it easier to crew one another. We usually put drops of food and water at Rt. 271 (highway not parking lot) on the way up and another at Rt. 30 while the crew person is on the way home to kill about 6 hours. This prevents having to meet the runner until over half way at (39miles) Rt. 31 parking lot. The distance from the main trail to the parking area is very short and favorable to meet crew and resupply. From there we take it as it goes. I'll get into that shortly.




The alarm went off at 4:15AM. We were basically packed and ready to hit the road. I pressed some kick ass coffee for the road while Laura made PB&J's for the drop cans and out the door we went. We placed the Rt. 271 resupply and headed to the trail head in Seward. On the drive over we were treated to star filled skies and a crescent moon just as the forecast predicted. We were there by 5:45AM. Just enough time for a 6:00 start. I quickly got ready and received a loving send-off at 6:00 sharp.

Putting on my headlamp for the start

A few minutes to start

Its GO time, out like a bullet slug ;)

I was definitely feeling the tightness in my legs for the first couple miles. My tempo workout wasn't the best prelude to a long or possible thru-run. I wasn't feeling optomisitc or fast out of the gate and figured I'd at least get in a 50k training run on a beautiful day. I ran/hiked a couple sub 12's up the intial climb. I stopped at the power line crossing to snap this quick photo.

The power line crossing out of Seward on the LHHT

Shortly after my photo, the brief glimpses of sky through the canopy in the Northwest looked ominous. Where was my sunshine filled happy morning? 10% chance of rain? By the gravel road at mile 6 it was bucketing rain. What's worse than the gravel road section of the LHHT? Running it in a cold, hard, rain... For two hours it rained. Thankfully mother nature provided plenty of wet weather training last month and I was well prepared for the soaking I received. Here's the radar image that Laura texted me not long before the rain started. The only storm around and it was on track with me!

Laura's image and text. "Sorry, hope you stay dry"

Looking up at the Ridge from the West near Rt. 30, photo L. Hahn

Thankfully I ran out of rain somewhere between Rt. 271 and Rt. 30. Both resupplies went well. Both stops combined cost me about 7min. I ate PB &J's from drops while I ran. Each drop can contained a handful of M&M's, a PB&J sandwich in foil (I find the foil acts as a "plate" while eating and running), gels, and Elete rehydration tablets.

Rt. 30 drop in place thanks to Laura

When eating solid foods while running I try to adopt the same practices as when eating a gel on the run. Small bites over a mile or two, sipping water to help wash it down. I was making good time and right on track with my estimations despite resupply stops and 1 call to nature. Hydration was going great. I was urinating regularly and clearly. I was averaging one handheld (21oz.) of Gatorade per hour supplemented by plain water and Elete Tablytes, and a gel (GU,Cliff, etc.) both at about 1tab and gel per hour).

I still smile every time I cross the NEW turnpike bridge.

During the 15 miles from Rt. 30 to 31 I started to bonk from dehydration and not enough calories. I realized and started the process of hydrating and fueling. I was well on my way to better pulling into Rt. 31 trail head to meet Laura for the first time of the day. I was still on schedule, but noticed a slight pain on the top of my foot. I believe this was due to an overtightned shoe lace while sliding around in the rain. Aware but not overly concerned, I loosened my lace areas affecting the sore spot to minimize the pressure and further issues. My break at 31 with Laura wasmuchlonger than my 4 minutes at the Rt. 271 and 3 minutes at Rt. 30 drop. I basically stopped and had a picnic. I just want to point out that this is why training runs are so much cooler than high dollar races! No crowds, no pressure, just pure fun and running for the love of it.

Mid run picnic anyone?

Laura ready anxiously waiting to run with me

It was delicious. I ate a ham and chese sandwich, baked potato, a few pretzels, anddrank some chocolate milk and coffee. This was no ordinary aid break. We're talking an hour or so ;) After our picnic, Laura joined me in running about 3 miles before saying goodbye and turning back towards 31. Her next stop would be Rt. 653 trail head. We met there and I picked up a refill on supplies and my headlamp ate some more and hung out longer than normal.

Rt. 653 trail head, a happy trail runner

By this point I was far off my schedule for the time of day, but still on pace as far as speed of travel goes. My foot was getting worse, but It still didn't seem enough to stop and I was enjoying the run. My legs were hanging tough and were feeling great. I took off from Rt.653 trail head and was running smooth. The sun was setting near Cranberry Glade and the lake was like glass. I decided to stop for a photo and to put on my headlamp.

Cranberry Glade at sunset

The rest of the run to Maple Summit Road crossing went well and I met Laura sitting in the dark. By this time the bruising had become enough to call my training run done. I love running in the dark and Maple Summit Road to Ohiopyle SOBO might be my favorite section of the entire trail. A bit of a bummer, but not worth the risk of ruining my training. I need to remember I've only been back running for a short period of time. The run went well and I had the best conditions and support for a 60 mile trainer.

The End

Distance: 60 miles

Run Time (without picnic): 12:36

Pace: 12:36/mi.

Elevation gain 5,000', loss 3,800'










8/6/13Laurel Summit State Park,Wolf Rocks trail loop

Went for a 4.5 mile run with Laura. My instep was still sore from my 60 miler, but the day was beautiful and I couldn't pass up a run with my Sweetie. I laced and tied my shoes very loose for this easy run. A fun run out to the overlook and back on the loop. Lots of mountain bikes out enjoying the weather as well.




Distance: 4.5 miles

Duration:50:55

Pace 11:19/mi.

Elevation - not much






8/7/13 Iwent for a 5.5 mile hike with my son Skyler and we were fortunate enough to see these beauties along the way.

Yellow Phase Timer Rattlesnake

Black Phase Timber Rattlesnake

Someone is seriously excited to see some Rattlers
especially the one behind him... Can you find it?

8/9/13LHHT Route 31 NOBO with Granola the trail dog

I set off yesterday to get in a couple hours running on the trail. I decided it would be a good day to take our trail dog "Granola". He was excited to go and we drove to Rt. 31 trail head. The skies were dismal, but we set off at a decent 9:00/mile pace and only made it out about 2 miles before the rains hit. Once again I found myself plodding along through a downpour, this time with my dog in tow. The trail quickly turned into a stream and in many low areas the water/mud was so deep Granola would bottom in swamp water up to this torso. We kept going a few more miles until enough was enough. We turned around about 3.5 miles out and continued our efforts back to the car. Granola was getting a little tired on the way back, so we slowed pace a little, but still made good time considering trail conditions. He assured me he had a blast once back at the car. We toweled off and made our way home to dry out!






Distance: 8 miles

Duration: 1:10

Pace: 8:45/mi

Help... I've about drowned in a river that didn't exist an hour ago!

The road to 31 trail head after the storm was ending...

8/10/13LHHT Route 653 NOBO

Spent another glorious day our hiking with my son Skyler. We decided to hike north from 653 trail head out to Middlefork overlook. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a nice relaxing walk out to the overlook, hung out a few minutes and hiked back to the car. Awesome hike with one of my favorite hiking partners.




Distance: 5.4 miles

Duration: 1:35:53

Pace: 17:33/mi.

Littleman at Middlefork over look

Big Bend Revisited :: Chisos Basin

Thursday, February 28th - - It was about 180 miles from Seminole Canyon State Park to the northern entrance of Big Bend National Park. At 10:30 when I finally left Seminole Canyon, the temperature was 57 degrees with a few clouds, lots of blue skies and sunshine.



Once you get to the entrance of Big Bend, it is another 30 miles to the visitor center at Panther Junction, then another 24 miles to the Rio Grande Village area in the eastern side of the park. The road to Rio Grande Village is mostly downhill - it takes you into the "lower" portion of the park - and the temperature went from a cool 60 degrees to a much warmer 69. Yeah, that was nice!



I picked out my campsite, which was to be "home" for the next four nights. The campground was not full by any means and there were plenty of sites to choose from whether you wanted one "out in the open" or more secluded along the southern section (as I did). As usual in most National Parks there are no hookups for electricity or water in the "main" campground. However, Big Bend does have an "RV" area with hookups but it is pretty much a parking lot.



Friday, March 1st - - It got quite cold during the night, as expected, and it sure would have been nice to have a little heater to take the chill out of the air. Instead, I just stayed in the sleeping bag a little longer than usual...



It was still chilly when I finally got up, but it was quite comfortable sitting in the sunshine and eating my breakfast. I decided to drive up to the Chisos Basin area, stopping along the way for some photos...






Looking to the West, from about 5 miles east of the Panther Junction visitors center.




Somewhere along the lower portion of the road to Chisos Basin. It's about 8 miles once you turn off the main road to Chisos Basin. The road goes uphill, winding its way through the mountains, gaining several thousand feet in elevation, and making several hairpin turns. The road is not recommended for vehicles pulling trailers longer than 20 feet or for RVs more than 24 feet long.





I don't think there have been any recent bear sightings, but mountain lions were seen in several areas earlier in February. One was even sighted along the Window View Trail not far from the visitors center and the Chisos Lodge.





Once you get to the highest point along the highway, you then start going down into the basin area. Hidden out of view are the campground and Chisos Mountain Lodge.





Traveling a little further along the road, the campground area comes into view. I stayed there for five nights on my visit in February ... The vehicles look so tiny compared to the mountains surrounding them.





The view through the "window" from the Window View Trail near the visitor center and Chisos Mountain Lodge.



My visit this year would be very different than it was in .., and shorter. My legs can't handle the long hikes as well as they did three years ago and I am pitifully out of shape. Nevertheless, the visit this year was very enjoyable and more relaxing, and of course, there will be more posts/photos to come. Below is a list of the posts from the .. visit I thought you might enjoy reading again (or perhaps, for the first time) - I was far more adventurous then!

• February 20, .. - Chisos Basin (posted March 10th)


• February 21, .. - Lost Mine Trail (posted March 11th)


• February 22, .. - Laguna Meadows Trail (posted March 12th)


• February 23, .. - Snow in the Chisos (posted March 13th)


• February 24, .. - The Window Trail (posted March 14th)


• February 25, .. - Rio Grande Village (posted March 15th)


• February 26, .. - Down by the River (posted March 16th)


• February 27, .. - Hot Springs Trail (posted March 17th)


• March 1 & 2, .. - Cerro Castellan (posted March 19th)


• March 1 & 2, .. - Castolon Homesteads (posted March 20th)


• March 1 & 2, .. - Santa Elena Canyon (posted March 21st)