Pennsylvania: HOLD MY BEER!!! - When everything goes WRONG!

I went home for a short trip and got a chance to squeeze in a few rides. It was the first time I've ridden back home since the 90's when I was in highschool. Things didn't really go the way I envisioned it. I rode Michaux State Forest and Rocky Ridge in York, PA. They were two completely diferrent trail systems but both had something unique.
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[@Dempsey222]

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. RIP Granny Biker.

[@B1KER]

Thanks man!

[@keegsbro786]

Mountain Biking is very challenging in Pennsylvania. Our rock tech xc trails prove for some of the most unique trails in the country

[@B1KER]

Definitely good stuff

[@MrGrant440]

That dang tree came out of nowhere 😂

[@B1KER]

I know right!?! 😂

[@tinkeringcyclist9314]

This was your best video yet! I usually don't care much for POV, but you had my wife and I rolling! And losing your shoe twice?! OMG, So funny!

[@B1KER]

Hahahaha! Glad you both enjoyed it.

[@johnnylong2049]

My condolences to you and your family. RIP granny.

[@B1KER]

Thanks man!

[@bikingwithbender]

We have a saying in Michaux that if you can ride here you can ride anywhere!

[@B1KER]

I believe it! Definitely had a good time.

[@NorthernAZMTB]

I love seeing riders humbled by PA rocks. One of my favorite places to ride is Rothrock State Forest near State College. If you are ever back that way check out the Tussey Mtn, Cooper’s Gap and Bald Knob Ridge areas. More humble pie for sure. Laurel Highlands outside of Pittsburgh is good too.

[@petedog9581]

Moraine State park, near Slippery Rock, is another great techy trail near Pittsburgh. 2 good black sections that will rattle your pivots. Kennerdell is another good trail in WPA. Jakes Rocks, near Warren, has good flow and is techy. I live in NE OH so I tend to ride WPA.

[@B1KER]

Lots of great recommendations for my next trip!

[@johnnydoe66]

Love those types of trail myself. I have went riding on what looked like trails or started as trails, became lost, found my way, carried or pushed my bike, and by the end still had a smile on my face. I prefer natural, hand built trails vs. the new crop of flow, berms, and jumps that are taking over. I got into mtn biking for the adventure and 32 yrs later I still love picking my way through the forest without a definitive plan

[@B1KER]

You nailed it right there. 👍

[@skyerains2754]

Welcome back to the BEASTCOAST!!!!

[@B1KER]

Hahaha, great name 🙌

[@richmowrer1844]

Next time you come , reach out and we can do Gretna, French creek, Blue Marsh. Good stuff ! Sorry for your loss also !

[@B1KER]

I usually post on Patreon and sometimes on IG when traveling.

[@petedog9581]

I have ridden pretty much in every region of the USA except the PNW, and I think PA has some of the most difficult tech of all. I have been riding mtb since my Trek 830 in 1991, and we rode hiking trails back then. That is the slow-tech you are talking about. That is what I cut my teeth on. When I go out west and ride it takes me a few rides to get used to the speed and trust my bike. I take young guys to ride stuff like this, and they absolutely struggle. They are used to riding we momentum and lack the trials skills to enjoy the challenge. I have a KALI helmet and it is nice and comfy.

[@B1KER]

Hiking trails is all we had!

[@sg42277]

Loved this video, great job showing off southern Pa trails. I've been riding Rocky ridge over the years with York friends and have called Michaux home for 22 years. I appreciate the love you've shown us in this video, stay safe and upright out there bro!

[@B1KER]

Glad ya liked it!

[@jmoutdoors2801]

Sorry for your loss Robert

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@edwardculbreath1277]

My condolences to you and your family.

[@B1KER]

Thank you!

[@lagwall]

Stoked to see a ride video B1KER! A lot of Trail Gnomes in them hills! They'll grab your tire every time. 😂

[@B1KER]

Hahahhaha!

[@matthewdeller534]

Great perspective on mountain biking and the reasons why we do it. I've grown up riding in PA and recently introduced my son to Rocky Ridge. He shares my passion for the sport and we love conquering trails together. Thank you for the video and for highlighting this beautiful region! Maybe we'll see you out on the trails during your next visit back East!

[@B1KER]

That’s awesome you are enjoying the sport with your son. My son and I ride together every time he comes to visit. It’s a great way to spend time together.

[@khoujams]

first thing your narration brother is FANTASTIC, love the entertaining aspect of your presentation., glad you survived the fun day..BTW, as ugly as it looks on my handlebars, never ever I ride without my light with built in charging ports and USB cable in my pack. many times I underestimate the time and it comes handy after sunset in the woods. Hope to see on the trails in San Fernando CA one of these days...

[@B1KER]

Right on man! Maybe one im of these days. 🤘

[@valiantabello]

Condolences to you and your family

[@B1KER]

Thank you!

[@kmccarr]

Early 90’s, full rigid MTB’s on those PA rocks! That’s how I started, and after about 20 years of no MTB’s I just got a new one. Unfortunately, I know I have limitations but slowly keep pushing myself as much as I can in FL where I now live. I’ll be back in PA this year with my MTB, and don’t know how technical I’ll want to get, but those rocks do bring back memories. Great video.

[@B1KER]

Thanks man! I’m sure you are having fun getting back into it 🤘

[@slantedground]

The slab on Canyon at Michaux is no joke. It's not so much the steepness, but it funnels to a 3 foot section you have to aim for with a rock on the right ready to take you out. Fireline, Bong, Hammy, and Big Boy are musts on the Cold Springs Road area of the system. RR has a lot of fun features for advanced riders if you know where to look.

[@B1KER]

As you know, things on camera don’t do it justice. I definitely want to go back. I’m stoked to learn my way around there.

[@rustychain9518]

I live and grew up on Mt Penn in Reading, to me this is a mountain biking, most of what you see in MTB videos is bike park riding , nothing wrong with that but this is what I ride every day and love…great video!

[@B1KER]

Right on man! I was just thinking about this ride today. So wierd there was a new comment on this video too.

[@divscifres2674]

Just found your channel -- through Syd and Macky highlighting it when you interviewed them. Great long-form interviews on your Podcast! I attended a weekend MTB Camp at Michaux just as I was picking up mountain biking, and for about 4 years after. People who can ride those trails have serious skilz -- ya gotta live in a neighborhood like that to get 'em.

[@B1KER]

Glad ya found the channel! I’ll definitely be going back there. 🤘

[@johngibson712]

Robert, condolences on the passing of your grandmother. I hope the family was able to gather together to share some wonderful memories of her. Big thumbs up on the Kali Protectives helmet recommendation. My Kalie helmet gave up its life saving mine when I went off one of those damn exposure cliffs on Downieville, third divide. I hit my head on a rock or a tree and put a big crease in it. Though my bell was wrung, I never lost consciousness and was able to ride the rest of the trial once my buddies pulled me up. I did just like you, packed and shipped up my dented helmet and Kalie sent me a new helmet within the week. Just had to pay for postage for the old helmet. I am so glad you brought this company to my attention. Thanks buddy.

[@B1KER]

That’s awesome man. Stoked it worked!

[@newenglandagingrider1738]

Great perspective video. Riding trails that you are not familiar with is quite often a challenge. Making bad decisions while riding new trails seems to be a real thing. I had a rid this winter in Hawaii that when sideways on me, when I should have know better. I am glad that you were able to make the most of a challenging day and get to ride some trails from the past.

[@B1KER]

I had an interesting one in Hawaii a few years back. 😂 Glad ya liked the vid.

[@crjmoto]

Your grams woulda been proud and was prob laughing at the shoe incident 😅 Last summer I hiked the trails I used to ride in Western NY, on heavy crappy 26" tire hardtails. OMG, no wonder we all crashed all the time! Roots, rocks, lots of awkward stuff everywhere. Great memories though.

[@B1KER]

Super fun going back like that huh!?!

[@crjmoto]

@@B1KER So fun. And so grateful to live in a MTB mecca now. I'm sure you can relate

[@andrew_gardner]

hahahaha 83 at the PA border 0:17, love the holes in the pavement. Born in York and currently living in MD, I know that road too well.

[@B1KER]

You know it! I was coming up from BWI.

[@johnmccool7551]

Good video my friend .laughed a lot .good job riding one handed with the phone in the other.👍👍👍👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@B1KER]

Glad ya got the laughs!

[@mtbwithct8426]

Highly recommend rothrock state forest for some of the best rocky trails in PA for your next trip

[@B1KER]

I’ll have to check it out.

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

Dude, really nice story telling, edit, everything 👏

[@B1KER]

Thanks man!

[@kithkani]

You lost your shoe? Lmfao, epic!

[@B1KER]

Twice 😂

[@illgazillion]

Thank you for sharing. I agree with all of those reasons. 💯

[@B1KER]

Right on 🤘

[@jt_mtb1]

You have to come out to the water shed at frederick MD

[@B1KER]

Sounds like fun!

[@jt_mtb1]

@@B1KER dude is fun bkxc road there i believe last year he said he love it

[@cutlaps]

Great video Robert. Cool to see where it all began!

[@B1KER]

Thanks man! 👍

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Awesome story telling. I really enjoyed this and I'm sure your Grandma did as well.

[@B1KER]

Thanks man!

[@BikeShapedObjects]

Sorry for your loss man! That crash looked pretty gnarly too. Was cool to hear your perspective of riding in my neck of the woods vs California and revisiting your old haunts. I’m a bit north of Michaux up in Rothrock State Forest.

[@B1KER]

Glad ya liked it!

[@motoed]

Riding my trails… wish I had known you were here

[@B1KER]

It was fun. I'll be back.

[@Muggs828]

Sorry for the loss of your Grandma! Lived my whole life in Bucks County. Welcome back to PA (if only briefly).

[@B1KER]

It's always fun going home. I always look forward to all the food we don't have in Cali.

[@jasoncapecod]

east coast ain't no joke...Here in NW NJ, we ride what would be considered a ruble pile else were...

[@B1KER]

It was super fun being back on those trails.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

I take a headlamp if riding @ sunset. It works fine & no lights needed on bike. Cheers

[@B1KER]

Totally didn’t think I’d be out there that late.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

@@B1KER It happens. Who among us hasn't been caught out, at some point, in the dark? ✔️🚲✔️

[@tinshield]

As an east coast guy myself I understand how anti-social the trees are. 😂

[@B1KER]

Hahahahhaa!

[@XCBen]

I have learned that when alone I don't try any gnarly features unless with friends, if its a new trail. Now if I know the trail, yea obviously I'd hit it. Got to play it smart, especially when out in a remote area. Great video, Robert.

[@B1KER]

Glad you liked it 🤘

[@Sunshine-wn5ev]

That’s my stomping grounds now !!! Wish I would have known you were riding here !! Just found your channel today. You get to ride bong/glory hole and good old vista trail? How do they compare to cali? Thanks 🤙🏻 just watched the end… vista in the dark!!! Brave man for sure, glad you were ok

[@B1KER]

Can’t wait to go back

[@jeffknaub6380]

I ride Micheux alot, and you are right. There are many (around 300) trails there. The trails range in difficulty, but some should not be ridden alone , as you found out. Wait till you see the hard trails.😮

[@B1KER]

Hahahha! Can’t wait to go explore more.

[@controller2152]

Awesome Vid. Robert….. cheers 🍻

[@B1KER]

Thanks bud!

[@whateverrobert]

I forgot to mention in 1998 I rode south park every Saturday from 8 am til 6pm or later I just did all the trails at times over n over techy ones slow and just float over things to learn how to handle your bike I was on a trek y bike. I can say this that bike got me a sponsor back then I got to do cross country races for salsa when they first were doing bike things I got a bike and swag. I just wish I was able to keep the bike.

[@B1KER]

That’s pretty cool!

[@LoamReaper]

Where did you get the Slowhouse shirt?! ...and I just found it on your site. Classic!

[@B1KER]

Right on! 🙌

[@totalglitch]

Sorry for your loss bro. Glad you are still riding and putting out videos. Damn bro be safe, glad you are ok man. Thank you for the discounts. Thank you.

[@B1KER]

Thanks man! 👍

[@z471]

Thing about PA is we don't really have "runs" like out west unless you're in a few select places, or a bike park. It's more XC style traversing loops with climbing and descending intermixed, people going both ways on the trail, and def. technical AF. You really need to keep your speed/momentum up in our tech and let the 29in wheels do their thing. Going slow is a lot more work and effort than just going up a gear and feeling the burn in your legs for a couple mins. Also, you forgot to mention that fully rigid, no dropper bike likely had 26in wheels too, which is also WAY harder, lol. In my opinion, the best kind of MTB for this area is a 29in, 120 rear, 130 front, short chain stays and not something super slack because of the tight trees and often winding trail layouts. I was riding a fully rigid Surly Krampus for a couple years and the looks people give you today with everyone on an enduro bike is hilarious.. Especially when I pass them.

[@B1KER]

Right on, good stuff!

[@marxopinion]

Rocky Ridge - my local ride - also broke my femur here years back - heavier an slower now, so should not repeat

[@B1KER]

Was awesome to go back after so many years.

[@skibumhops1531]

We ride both those trail systems along with the new one at Hershey Med. Those three are within a half hour drive from Mechanicsburg where we live. Michaux definitely has the hardest trails in my opinion.

[@B1KER]

I was staying with my cousin in Mechanicsburg. I’m definitely going back.

[@skibumhops1531]

@@B1KER look us up and we’ll get some riding done.

[@JenkinsB]

Cool place to ride for sure, but that "ch" is hard bro!

[@B1KER]

I’ve said it about 500 different ways and everyone I asked seemed to give me different answers. 🤦‍♂️

[@andysnyder465]

Ahh Vista !!!!

[@B1KER]

Good times were had. Next time, maybe in the light 🤷‍♂️

[@rayred74]

looks awesome!!!

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@ryansteiger6960]

Thanks for the video man 👍

[@B1KER]

Thanks for watching!

[@workhorsemtb7075]

I have crash replaced my Kali Protectives helmet. They are great

[@B1KER]

Definitely stoked with them.

[@davidlynch2775]

Michaux is no joke!

[@B1KER]

I agree!

[@lforrest14]

So sorry about your grandmother, I know it sucks. I was born and raised in California, after the Military settled in Pennsylvania. Rocky ridge is a good place to go when you get heavy rain, other trails you avoid to keep them well, rocky ridge stays ridable. I think you would really like Birdsboro for the black trails. Blue Marsh is a newish riding area, especially from 30 years prior for you a lot of fun. Maybe I can get lucky and if you are out here again we can connect and you can ride some really nice trails that have been put in.

[@B1KER]

Sounds like fun! I usually post on Patreon when I’m traveling. Sometimes on IG.

[@pauldominick3945]

Condolences on the loss of your Grandmother 🙏 Great video and thanks for the Kali 20% code. Just ordered the Maya 3.0 👍

[@B1KER]

Right on, that's my favorite helmet!

[@RacerKob]

Sorry about your loss Robert. Good reason for a ride and remembrance. Really cool to see some video from my backyard in PA to!

[@B1KER]

I’m stoked to go back. Next time a guide would be good!

[@RacerKob]

@@B1KER Add the Rattling Creek IMBA loop to your ride list as well. :D

[@B1KER]

@@RacerKob I’ll have to look that up.

[@dems_mtb]

Awesome Video! Sorry for your loss!

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@donbracci2199]

Great video! I grew up riding in Massachusetts. My first mountain bike was a Cannondale SE 2000. I now live and ride in a place that is very different from where I started riding (Florida). This video does a great job of depicting what it is like to return to where you started riding. The Army brought me to the Southeast, and I have stayed. Great storytelling and camera work. Keep up the great work 👍

[@B1KER]

Thanks man, stoked ya liked it.

[@whateverrobert]

Riding a bike set ya free of things. Sorry to hear. I live across the street from where my mom lived now she’s gone and every time that door opens I still wait for her and I glance over hoping she was just sitting on her porch. Ya know I’m in Pittsburgh did ya hit frick. Park if not it’s still a place to ride.

[@B1KER]

I’ve never been over that way.

[@jmoutdoors2801]

I love my kali helmet

[@B1KER]

Good stuff, me too!

[@mikejones420]

Magnificent video Rob, I live on the east coast of Canada, trails here are the same rock chunk as there, and I have also been on the trails in the dark with no light several times. I just get carried away some times, and time passes by while I explore my surroundings, and wouldn't ya know it; it's dark oh shit not again, lol.

[@B1KER]

LOL! I know how that goes. I normally have lights if I think it's going to be that kind of day. But I really had no plans of being out that late. Whoops!

[@JimmyBeanz13]

I live in Michaux in Shippensburg

[@B1KER]

Right on!

[@pedromedina1802]

Riding PA trails make you a better rider …PA is the state with the most legalized trails in the country…I’m sorry about the rocks …but that what’s all about …next time …highly recommended to ride trails in Lehigh Velley PA…they are awesome 👍🏼

[@B1KER]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@RHICKOFF]

Sorry for your loss. Next time you are in PA shoot me a Message and I will show you around Michaux. We can ride Rock Ridge as well.

[@B1KER]

Thanks man. I usually announce on Patreon when I'm traveling. Sometimes on IG.

[@rayred74]

sorry to hear bout your loss. Rides give you perspective. Momento Mori

[@B1KER]

I hear ya!

[@Dadridesbikes]

Where did you get that SLOWHOUSE tshirt? I love it!

[@B1KER]

I made it. You can get one on b1ker.com/shop/

[@whateverrobert]

Sorry I keep posting. But that kali helm I got from ya my wife still has it. She don’t crash much. But she loves it.

[@B1KER]

That’s awesome! 🤘 Post as much as you want brotha.

[@whateverrobert]

@@B1KER yeah my memory issues make me forget things so I watch videos twice at times.

[@tinshield]

A gorilla couldn’t pry my Sidis off. 😂

[@B1KER]

😂😂😂

[@NorCalRide]

Amazing video. 👍👍👍👍

[@B1KER]

Thanks!

[@Accuracy158]

Haha this isn't all that far from me but I'm not sure it looks like it's worth the drive. :P

[@B1KER]

There’s a ton out there. I’m sure it’s worth it.

[@ggg4w.153]

I just found your channel and am rolling through your videos. I recognized some east coast in your "accent" in previous vids and figured you may be from somewhere out here. After watching this, I have a question- What part of Baltimore is your uncle from?

[@B1KER]

Hahaha, pretty damn close. We are both from York, Pa!

[@ggg4w.153]

@@B1KER Awesome. He sounds very Balmr, Hon. Hahaha

[@B1KER]

@@ggg4w.153 York is all of 30 minutes north so it’s very close.

[@BGWordneemig]

Hi! Hungarians say: Fogd meg a söröm! :D

[@B1KER]

Sounds delicious 🙌

[@anthonycordero5733]

That trail is beyond knarly and chunky..

[@B1KER]

It was fun!

[@JeffRevell]

I don't want to be that guy but you might want to spell check that title. Thanks for another great video.

[@B1KER]

Good looking out! My brain just wasn't seeing it at all. Hahhahaha, need more coffee!

[@briangong007]

Love ya bro!

[@B1KER]

Thank bud 🤘

[@JitinMisra]

on these trails, do you use maps on your bike computer , like how do you know where you are going exactly , without looking at the route on the bike computer ?

[@B1KER]

I don’t use the computer. I use the Trailforks app.

[@atraildog]

Michaux is the best kept secret on the east coast.

[@B1KER]

It was super fun!

[@alanmtbuk]

I was 3mlies Into my morning comutte when I realised I didn't have my helmet on 😂

[@B1KER]

😂

[@joshgraziosi8159]

Pistolvania ✊🏻

[@joshgraziosi8159]

Dude, even walking the trails in PA is sometimes difficult due to leaf cover. I’ve been out on a trail I know and suddenly it’s not there. Depends on the season. PA is great place to hike, ride bikes, and ride quads.

[@B1KER]

Yeah, I was humbled! Can’t wait to go back!