Mercer Park, NJ

Beej and I met with the Phildelphia Mountain Biking Meet-Up Group
yesterday for a beginners ride at Mercer Park in NJ. This was my
second time out with them but Beej's first. We had a great time and
rode for about three hours. The ride leaders were very helpful and
kept you informed of the obstacles coming up ahead of you. They
helped you with your shifting, clearing logs, roots and even going up
and down hills properly. They made you feel confident on your bike
and manouvering the twisty single track. As you can see by the
picture Above, A good time was had by all. I can't wait till the next
ride. Beej and I will be purchasing hydration packs today. This is a
must for anybody mountain biking through trails. I will write a
review on what we choose.

Pennypack Park

I had a wonderful ride last night.  Went out with the Philadelphia Mountainbike Meet Up group and rode the trails at Pennypack Park.  What a great group to go with.  They post this as a slower pace ride and that's what it was.  They were very patient with the few newbies that were there (including myself) and really made me feel welcome.  They told us what to expect ahead and how to go around the obstacles.  Did I mention that this was a night ride?  It was, and it was my first night ride ever.  One of the guys loaned me two lights.  I had one on my handlebars and one on my helmet.  That is the perfect set up.  I was a little winded at the end (by that I mean that they almost had to drag me out) but it was a great time.  After the ride, everyone hung out and talked and got to know each other a little better.  It is a great group to ride with.

Philadelphia's Perkiomen Trails

This is a great trail for families or anybody wanting a nice easy bike ride down a scenic and historic path.  Mostly flat but there are a few hills including a 1/4 mile incline at 12 degrees (that was a bear after riding for a few hours).  The entire trail is 20 miles from one side to the other giving you a 40 mile loop on paved or packed crushed stone trails.  You have to cross over a couple of roads but no big deal at all.  They are very well marked and you have a lot of visibility.  Beej and I completed a 24 mile loop on this trail and we only saw one side of it.  We are planning on exploring the other half sometime soon.  Beej got to try out her new bike and loved the way it rode and handled.  We were so tired that we didn't do anything on Sunday as we had to let our bodies rest.  I could not believe that we were able to do such a long ride.  We pushed ourselves pretty good but it felt great.  I will let you guys know how the other half is when we complete it.