Jon’s Adventures

Surly Long Haul Trucker and Specialized Enduro Expert For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:01:00 +0000

I've put two of my bikes up for sale.

1. Surly Long Haul Trucker

Purchased new in mid 2008, mainly used on the GAP and C&O Canal and some road touring.
56cm Green Long Haul Trucker.
48 spoke Phil Wood hubs laced to Velocity Dyad rims (built by Peter White).
Tubus Tara front rack, Tubus Cargo rear rack.
Ortlieb Rear Bike Packer Plus Panniers, black...front Ortlieb Sport Packers, black.
Ortlieb Handlebar bag.
Black fenders.
Pitlock locking skewers and headset cap.
No pedals
$1700 O.B.O.

2. Specialized Enduro Expert, Large, 2011

Extremely low miles, very good shape
Fox Talas 36 upgrade
More info shortly
$3000 O.B.O.

Pics and more info soon.

Cross Country Skiing in Pennsylvania

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:29:00 +0000

So we got hit with a little snowstorm this past weekend, and we had to take advantage of it. The city only got few inches, but Seven Springs and Forbes State Forest got at least a foot of dry powder. It was a bit cold and windy, but made for some great skiing. I was able to use both my Rosignol BC70s, and my Madshus Epochs. The BX70s are obviously 70mm at the widest sidecut, the Epochs are 99mm sidecut. The Epochs are just a rebranded Karhu 10th Mountain ski, since Karhu went out of business. The Epoch with 3 pin bindings were awesome yesterday. Floating over all the powder as we broke some new trails through the North Woods.

Enjoy a gallery from Seven Springs: http://www.jonpratt.com/2012/XC-Skiing-0211/
and North Woods: http://www.jonpratt.com/2012/XC-Skiing-North-Woods-0212

All photos taken with the Nikon AW100

finding new trails in North Woods

skis at the warming hut in Forbes State Forest

warm and toasty

North Woods pine forest

safety break

justin heading off on the horse trail in seven springs

great day with the dogs cross country skiing at seven springs

heinz approved of the ski at seven springs

Nikon Coolpix AW100 waterproof camera

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:27:00 +0000

I've spent a good amount of time with Nikon's waterproof, GPS, shock proof, freeze proof, dust proof durable camera and I like it. It doesn't take the best action shots, as expected...and I see some dust inside the lens, but overall it's held up pretty well to my lifestyle. Mud, dirt, salt water, rain, sweat, drops...my other point and shoots would've been dead by now. For sure.

Keyword link to all my Nikon AW100 photos and videos - http://www.jonpratt.com/keyword/aw100

Nikon Coolpix AW100 video sample from Longboat Key, Florida -

A few photos taken with the Nikon Coolpix AW100

seagull along longboat key, florida

cormorant on the beach in longboat key, florida

Jake at sunset on the beach

dolphins swimming off longboat key, florida

sailboat at sunset off longboat key, florida

downtown pittsburgh

the pittsburgh civic arena, stripped

2011 Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen Race

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:27:00 +0000

Saturday was the perfect day for Pittsburgh's most iconic road race, the Dirty Dozen. 300 riders spent the day climbing 13 of Pittsburgh's steepest hills, including Canton Avenue which, at 37 degrees, is known as the world's steepest road. The race covers about 54 miles, mostly neutral riding between the hills, but in Pittsburgh this guarantees you're going to be climbing more than just the 13 timed hills. Danny Chew was on hand, of course, to see his baby get a record number of participants this year. You can check out Danny Chew's Dirty Dozen website here. I got to tag along in Gary and Kathleen's vehicle which was carrying the leaders' wheels and assorted other clothing dropped along the race course. Thanks!

A gallery of photographs from the 2011 Dirty Dozen in Pittsburgh - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/2011-Dirty-Dozen-Pgh-1126

Enjoy a couple of pictures from the Dirty Dozen -

Danny Chew addressing the racers at the 2011 Dirty Dozen

The rolling streets of Pittsburgh

Drying out the gloves at the first rest stop along the Dirty Dozen

Blowing away the field coming up Rialto Street, aka Pig Hill, during the Dirty Dozen in Pittsburgh

Cobblestones, cobblestones everywhere

Scott Bricker of Bike Pittsburgh taking a breather on top of Mount Washington

Canton Avenue claims another victim during the 2011 Dirty Dozen race in Pittsburgh

Don Powers mashing the singlespeed up the steepest street in the world, cobblestones of course

taking a nap on Canton Avenue during the 2011 Dirty Dozen

Stick, singlespeed champion of the 2011 Dirty Dozen in Pittsburgh

Another year of downhill mountain biking comes to a close at Seven Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Sunday marked the last day of downhill mountain biking at Seven Springs bike park. As has become custom, a race followed by a train down 007 closed up the mountain. Great weather, and fantastic trail conditions greeted the riders...and the broken handed photographer.

Enjoy a gallery of photographs from the downhill practice runs and race http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Seven-Springs-Closing-Day-1023

A couple of pictures from the day at Seven Springs Bike Park

The last downhill race of the season at Seven Springs Bike Park

hitting the rock under the lift at seven springs bike park during the downhill mountain bike race

coming through helen's woods during the downhill race at seven springs bike park

seven springs downhill bike park in the fall

dave brunger motoring through helen's woods during the downhill race at seven springs bike park

heather hitting the rocks at seven springs bike park

exiting the rock garden at seven springs downhill bike park

A very muddy Month of Mud cyclcocross race in North Park

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:17:00 +0000

There was another Month of Mud race this weekend...and this time, it was muddy, very! When I first heard that the course was going to be at the corner of Wildwood and Babcock, I thought it was going to suck for photos and for the racers. But who really cares about the racers, it's all about me and my photographic enjoyment, right? Well, I was wrong. The course looked super fun, and there were tons of vantage points for some great pictures at this month's Month of Mud race.

Here's a gallery of photographs from the day - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/North-Park-Cyclocross-1002

A couple of pictures from the day -

There were a couple of trees that provided just the right light and color for some cool photographs at the Month of Mud cyclocross race in North Park

A few puddles at the North Park Cyclocross Month of Mud race to make things interesting

Fans braving the elements to cheer on the racers at the north park month of mud cyclocross race

Some spots required a dismount and a run

hitting the mud at the north park month of mud cyclocross race

Josh Patterson muscling through the mud at the month of mud cyclocross race in north park

Month of Mud, Brady's Run, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:38:00 +0000

I hadn't taken any race photos for a while, so I decided I'd hit up the first Month of Mud race at Brady's Run on Sunday. Turned out to be pretty incredible weather, and a fun course. Not too much mud though.

Enjoy a gallery of photographs from first 2011 Month of Mud race, at Brady's Run - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Month-of-Mud-at-Bradys-0918

And check out some pictures from the Brady's Run Month of Mud Race -

Stunt It Man, Dirt Rag at the 2011 Month of Mud Race at Brady's Run in Beaver Falls, PA

2011 Month of Mud Race at Brady's Run, Beaver Valley, PA

Hitting the Descent of Death at the 2011 Month of Mud Race at Brady's Run, Beaver Valley, PA

Emily Walley on the Descent of Death at the 2011 Month of Mud Race at Brady's Run, Beaver Valley, PA

Justin Steiner showing the log pile who's boss at the 2011 Month of Mud Race at Brady's Run, Beaver Valley, PA

My first day...

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:22:00 +0000

After a long, fun, long time without a "job" - I started a new chapter today. I am taking over the circulation department at Dirt Rag and Bicycle Times. It's definitely going to be a lot of work, but very rewarding and fun. Very excited.

What, you don't have a subscription to Bicycle Times or Dirt Rag?
I can fix that...

http://www.dirtragmag.com/subscriptions

2011 5th Annual Steel City Big Pour at Construction Junction

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 22:26:00 +0000

Great time with friends at the 2011 5th Annual Steel City Big Pour at Construction Junction!

64 brewers, tons of food, fun exhibits...why didn't you go?

Photographs from the 2011 5th Annual Steel City Big Pour at Construction Junction
http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/5th-Annual-Steel-City-0910

and just in case you forgot what the 2010 4th Annual Steel City Big Pour at Construction Junction looked like...
http://www.jonpratt.com/2010/The-Big-Pour-0911

A few pictures from the 2011 5th Annual Steel City Big Pour at Construction Junction

The best way to arrive at the big pour? By bike, of course.

Steel City Big Pour Septembeer 10, 2011

panorama of the inside

Helltown Insidious India Pale Ale

East End Brewing, where the hops runneth over

Should I Drink That? The Pittsburgh Craft Beer Podcast.

Ground Zero, Freedom Tower Photographs

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:25:00 +0000

A few pictures of ground zero in New York City, and the Freedom Tower construction site taken during this year's five boro bike tour trip.

http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/2011-Five-Boro-Ride-NYC-0501

ground zero, new york city

new construction at ground zero, new york city, freedom tower

freedom tower

freedom tower, ground zero, new york city

9.9.8 miss you

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Glassport to Boston, PA and back

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Yesterday I took my Civic down to Matta Motors in Glassport, PA to get some work done on it and have it inspected. Knowing it was going to take a few hours, I brought along my LeMond Poprad Cyclocross bike so I could do some exploring. Of course a camera came along as well, and I got some cool pictures of a couple of abandoned buildings along the way. One was in Glassport along the river, the others were along "The Loop" trail in McKeesport, PA. "The Loop" is an alternate route to the GAP bike trail that takes you up to Boston and passes some of the old businesses along the river. I poked into the Fort Pitt Steel Casting Plant, and the McKeesport Steel Foundry. On the way back you ride along the GAP bicycle trail and pass Dead Man's Hollow which has some more ruins along its trails. Of course I went in to investigate.

A gallery of photographs from the day - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Glassport-to-Boston-Loop-0829

A few pictures from my adventures -

McKeesport Steel Foundry Inc.

The Heatmeter

the haunted ruins in Dead Man's Hollow, Allegheny Land Trust

Fort Pitt Steel Casting Plant along the McKeesport, Boston Loop on the GAP biking trail

Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof Nikon Coolpix AW100 with sample pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:20:00 +0000

Nikon's new waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof camera may be the ticket for me. I'm tired of going through a point and shoot every 6 months or so...mountain biking and cameras don't get along very well. It's just too bad that it doesn't shoot raw or have manual controls... comes in blue, orange, black, white and camouflage.

Here are the specs and some sample images

Specifications

Type
Compact Digital Camera
Effective Pixels
16 million
Image Sensor
CMOS
Sensor Size
1/2.3 in.
Total Pixels
16.79 million (approx.)
Lens
5x optical zoom, NIKKOR ED glass lens
Lens Focal Length
5.0-25.0mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 28-140mm lens in 35mm [135] format)
Lens f/-number
f/3.9-4.8
Lens Construction
12 elements in 10 groups
Lens Zoom
5x
Digital Zoom
Up to 4x (angle of view equivalent to that of 560mm lens in 35mm [135] format)
Vibration Reduction
Lens-shift VR
Autofocus (AF)
Contrast-detect TTL AF
Autofocus (AF) Focus-area selection
Auto (9-area automatic selection), Center, Face priority, Manual with 99 focus areas, Subject tracking
Focus Range
[W]: Approx. 1 ft. 8 in. (50 cm.) to infinity
[T]: Approx. 3 ft. 4 in. (1 m.) to infinity
Macro close-up mode: [W]: Approx. 0.4 in. (1 cm.) to infinity
Focus Lock
Yes
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points
99
Monitor Size
3.0 in. diagonal
Monitor Type
TFT-LCD
Monitor Resolution
460,000-dots
Monitor Frame coverage (shooting mode)
98% horizontal (Approx.)
98% vertical (Approx.)
Monitor Frame coverage (playback mode)
100% horizontal (Approx.)
Storage Media
SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card
Internal Memory
Approx. 83MB
Storage File System
DCF
EXIF 2.3
DPOF compliant
Storage File formats
Still pictures: JPEG
Audio files: WAV
Movies: MOV (Video:MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC stereo)
Movie
Audio file format: AAC stereo
Movie file format: MPEG-4 AVC H.264
Voice Memo Function
Yes
Image Size (pixels)
4608 x 3456 (16M)
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 125-3200
Auto (auto gain 125-800)
Fixed range auto (ISO 125-400)
Lowest ISO Sensitivity
125
Highest ISO Sensitivity
3200
Exposure Metering
256-segment matrix, center-weighted
Exposure Control
Programmed auto exposure
Exposure compensation (-2.0 to +2.0 EV in steps of 1/3 EV)
motion detection
Exposure Modes
Programmed Auto
Scene Modes
Back Light, Beach, Black and White Copy, Close Up, Dusk/Dawn, Fireworks Show, Food, Landscape, Museum, Night Landscape, Night Portrait, Panorama, Party/Indoor, Pet Portrait, Portrait, Snow, Sports, Sunset, Underwater
In-Camera Image Editing
Crop, D-Lighting, Filter Effects, Glamour Retouch, Quick retouch, Skin softening, Small Pic
Exposure Compensation
± 2 EV in steps of 1/3
Exposure Lock
Yes
White Balance
Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Manual
Shutter
Mechanical and CMOS electronic shutter
Shutter Speed
1/1500-1 sec. (when ISO sensitivity set to Auto)
4 sec. (when scene mode is set to Fireworks show)
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution
Up to 3 shots at approx. 7.1 frames per second
Continuous Shooting Options
Best Shot Selector, Continuous H, Continuous L, Multi-shot 16, Single
Aperture
Electronically-controlled ND filter (-2 AV) selection
Self-timer
Can be selected from 10 and 2 seconds duration
Built-in flash Range (approx.) (ISO sensitivity: Auto)
[W]: 0.3 to 3.5m (1ft. to 11ft.)
[T]: 0.5 to 2.2m (1ft. 8 in. to 7 ft. 2 in.)
Built-in Flash Control
TTL auto flash with monitor preflashes
Built-in Flash
Yes
Interface
Hi-speed USB
Interface Data transfer protocol
MTP ,PTP
Video Output
NTSC, PAL
HDMI Output
Can be selected from:
Auto, 480p, 720p, 1080i
I/O terminal
Audio/video (A/V) output
Digital I/O (USB)
HDMI Mini Connector (HDMI output)
Supported Languages
Arabic, Czech, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portugese (European and Brazilian), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukranian, Vietnamese
Power Sources
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 (supplied)
Battery / Batteries
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12
Battery Life (shots per charge)
Still pictures*: Approx. 250 shots
*Based on Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standards for measuring the life of camera batteries. Measured at 23(-/+2)°C (73(-/+4)°F); zoom adjusted with each shot, flash fired with every other shot, image quality set to Normal, image size set to 4608 x 3456 (16M). Battery life may vary depending on shooting interval and length of time menus and images are displayed.
Tripod Socket
ISO 1222
Approx. Dimensions
Height: 2.6 in. (64.9mm)
Width: 4.4 in. (110.1mm)
Depth: 0.9 in. (22.8mm)
Approx. Weight
6.3 oz. (178g)
Operating environment
Temperature: -10 to +40°C (14 to 104°F ) for land use
Temperature: 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F) for underwater use
Supplied Accessories
- AN-CP23 Strap
- UC-E6 USB Cable
- EG-CP16 Audio/Video Cable
- EN-EL12 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- MH-65 Battery Charger
- UR-E23 Filter Attachment
- NikonView NX 2 CD-ROM
- Reference Manual CD

Nikon Coolpix AW100 sample images, these are the original size, so click on them to view in their full resolution.

Exposure Time 1/1250, Aperture f/4, Focal Length 7.7mm (43mm in 35mm), ISO 125, 4608 x 3456

Exposure Time 1/800, Aperture f/4, Focal Length 5mm (28mm in 35mm), ISO 125, 4608 x 3456

Whistler, British Columbia

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 02:11:00 +0000

I took a trip to the northwest last week. Flew into Seattle and drove up to Whistler, British Columbia to do some downhill mountain biking and hit a few north shore trails. We spent a little over a week on Easy Street, right outside the Whistler Village and got to ride the park for 4 days. Incredible. Fog, sun, no rain, perfect. We also got to hit a few trails outside the park: A River Runs Through It, Gargamel, Half Nelson, and the I-5 Colonnade in Seattle. Pretty cool trails, except for the Colonnade which was so dusty and dry it was a little disappointing. I know it's under an expressway, but seriously....water, calcium chloride, done.

A River Runs Through It was incredible, huge skinny lines (300+ ft), teeters on skinnies, drops through trees...great stuff. Gargamel was a hike and a half, especially since I decided it would be a good idea to take my D700 up and some lenses; gets a little heavy after a while. Half Nelson in Squamish was a two mile downhill pumptrack, listed as having 68 berms and 102 jumps and tabletops. Pretty sweet.

After Half Nelson we decided to drive then hike to the top of the mountain, and later learned they were having a cougar problem in the area....smart.

Enjoy a gallery of photographs from the trip - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Whistler-British-Columbia-0806

A few pictures from Whistler, Squamish, Seattle, etc

cyclecide hanging out in Georgetown, Washington

Peace Arch, United States, Canadian Border

TSA the new American religion

Jon on a bridge on A River Runs Through It, Whistler, British Columbia

On top of the world, Whistler, British Columbia, getting ready for a long downhill mountain bike run

The fog rolled in at Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Mark hitting a drop on Gargamel, Whistler, British Columbia

The view from Garibaldi above the Half Nelson Trail in Squamish, British Columbia

2011 Gravity East Series at Seven Springs July 24th

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:40:00 +0000

I had a great time at Seven Springs Bike Park this past weekend. A bunch of my friends and I went up to ride, party, watch some downhill racing, and take some pictures of the 2011 Gravity East, GES, #4 downhill race. We got a few runs in on Saturday, then Darrin and I went off to take some photographs of everyone taking their practice runs. The race ran along the EC1 course, and is fast and flowy. There are some great sections for photos, and some not so great sections...I shot in both ;). Spent the night in the cabin townhouses near the swimming pool, had some beers, saw a couple skunks, and woke up early to enjoy the race.

We were cheering for some good friends in the race, and were happy to see them do well.

Heather Cowell placed second in Cat 2/3 Women with a 2:50.1
Roxy Racioppo placed 3rd in Cat 3 19-29 Men with a 2:30.36
Josh Patterson placed 12th in Cat 2 30-39 Men with a 2:33.82
Matt Kasprzyk placed 13th in Cat 2 30-39 Men with a 2:35.08
Ian Lupo placed 2nd in Cat 2 19-29 Men with a 2:13.45 (14th fastest on the mountain)
Heath Boedeker placed 1st in Cat 1 40+ Men with a 2:19.42
Justin Steiner placed 6th in Cat 1 19-29 Men with a 2:20.64
Rae Gandolf placed 4th in Pro Women with a 2:37.09 (which included a tumble in the rock garden)

Overall winner was Neko Mulally who placed 1st in the Pro Men with a 2:02.43
Great racing!

Gallery of photographs from the 2011 GES #4 Seven Springs downhill race - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/2011-GES-7S-0724/

Pictures from the 2011 Gravity East Series at Seven Springs Bike Park

Heather Cowelll killing the rocks on EC1 during the 2011 GES race at Seven Springs Bike Park

2011 Gravity East Series, GES, #4, Seven Springs Pro Men Results. First - Neko Mulally, Second - Justin Gregory, Third - Leland O'Conner, Fourth - Logan Mulally, Fifth - Jason Scheiding

2011 Gravity East Series, GES, #4, Seven Springs Pro Women Results. First - Anne Galyean, Second - Lauren Daney, Third - Becky Gardner, Fourth - A. Rae Gandolf, Fifth - Hillary Elger

Vacation on Damariscotta Lake, Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:14:00 +0000

I was able to get up to our family cottage on Damariscotta, Maine last week for a little rest and relaxation. I've been fortunate enough to have spent many a summer in the cool waters of the lake, swimming, fishing, sailing, motor boating, among other things. Always a good time, and the weather was pretty much perfect.

Gallery of photographs from Damariscotta Lake, Maine - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Damariscotta-Maine-0712

A couple of pictures from Damariscotta Lake, Maine

swimming out the the rock in the middle of damariscotta lake is a favorite pastime

playing on the dock in Maine

loons at sunset on damariscotta lake, maine

dragonfly exiting its skin, exuvia, on the dock in damariscotta, maine

moonrise over shaw's wharf in new harbor, maine

Angus modeling the newest sweater from Seacolors, Meadowcroft Farms, one of a kind, hand dyed and loomed in Maine

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Bristol, Maine

Alewives use the fish ladder at damariscotta mills to spawn

I sailed the larger sailboat along the Maine coast for a month, sleeping on islands, the boat, anywhere I could find. fun. Camp Chewonki, Wiscasset, Maine

Grand Opening of the Skills Area at North Park

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:24:00 +0000

There was a huge turnout for the grand opening of the skills park in North Park on Sunday. OTB, Dirt Rag, Pro Bikes, Mad Mex, the Parks Department, REI, Seven Springs Bike Park, and PTAG all came out to show their support for the first public, approved, freeride and skills park in Pennsylvania (as far as I know). The North Park Freeride Crew has invested over 2000 man hours building, shaping, and fine-tuning the jumps, skinnies, and drops so that it could be opened in time for the summer riding season. There are a few minor finishing touches, and the possibility of a more advanced jump line going in...but that will be for another day. And don't forget about the Dr J trail, just a few pedal strokes away, that started it all. I've spent a good bit of time hanging out with a great bunch of people, building, riding, and bs'ing around this trail system, and now it's officially open to the public. Enjoy.

A gallery of photographs from the north park skills area grand opening party - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/North-Park-Skills-Park-0710/

A few pictures from the skills park grand opening at North Park -

Philip Williams doing a 360 off the third jump at the north park skills area during the grand opening celebration

$10,000 REI Conservation Grant for PTAG, Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group

Andrew G. Baechle, director of the Parks Dept, says a few words before cutting the ribbon to open the skills park the the public

Bikes were flying around the beginner jump line at the skills park in North Park

Hitting the line during the jump competition at the skills park in north park

the skinny section of the north park skills park was an instant hit among all the bikers

Mark Kinneer getting some air off the jump line at the skills park in north park

Lots of cute kids biking and running around during the north park skills park grand opening celebration

good to see, young girls tearing up the newly opened jump line in the north park skills area

letting it all hang out on the north park skills park jump line

The Step-Up was opened in the Dr J Skills Park last night, and...

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:22:00 +0000

...it was glorious. For a couple of hours last night we rode the "beginner" jump line at the Dr J Skills Park in North Park, along with the drop line, and skinny line. All good. But as the afternoon became evening, Jay Kirk unlocked the step-up and the madness began. Run after run, everyone getting their feel for the almost completed beginner jump line in North Park. There were a few cross country mountain bikes, a ton of dirt jumpers, a few BMX bikes, and even a few downhill rigs taking flight last night. The official grand opening for the Dr J Skills Park is July 10th at noon. Food, beverages, new coverage...going to be fun. Come on out.

Gallery of photographs from a night of jumping at the Dr J Skills Park in North Park - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Dr-J-Skills-Park-0630

A few pictures of bikes flying through the air at the Dr J Skills Park -

Don Watt getting a little air on the beginner jump line at the Dr J Skills Park in North Park.

Ian Lupo giving the jumps some rocky mountain flatline three love

Tim Droschak flying around the Dr J Skills Park beginner jump line

Justin Scheifflee maneuvering along one of the advanced skinnies in the Dr J Skills Park at North Park

The step-up was unlocked, and the fun began

getting some air off the step-up in the Dr J Skills Park at North Park

the riding went late into the night at the Dr J Skills Park

Dr J Skills Park Build Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:56:00 +0000

The Dr J Skills Park in North Park is set open to the public on July 10th, so we needed to get most of the skinnies and jump lines completed yesterday. We did, thanks to a huge group of volunteers working from 9 a.m. until the tools were put away at 7 p.m. There are now 3 new skinny lines, and a giant step up beginner line. A day of rain, follow by a few days of sun and the jump line should be concrete.

A few of us will be going back into the Dr J Skills Park over the next week, fine tuning, installing one more skinny, building a final berm, and other random task so it can be finished by the 10th. It's really turning out to be a great section of trail, people are going to LOVE it.

Gallery of photographs from the Dr J Skills Park build in North Park - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Dr-J-Skill-Park-Build-Day-0626

A few pictures from the Dr J Skills Park build in North Park -

A few pieces of Mark and Don's skinny

Dr J Skills Park, a place for the whole family

Darrin trying out the layout of his skinny creation at the Dr J Skills Area in North Park

Spencer making sure the jump line is proper at the Dr J Skills Park, Pittsburgh

Jay working the lip on the beginner jump line at the Dr J Skills Park

Jarrod Bunk getting some on the jump line at the Dr J Skills Park in North Park

10th Annual Ohiopyle Beer and Gear Festival, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Mike and I rode from the Point to Ohiopyle this weekend for the Wilderness Voyageurs' 10th Annual Beer and Gear Festival. Fortunately this coincided with the opening of the new GAP trail connection in Duquesne, Pennsylvania...which is pretty damn nice. We took our time and had an enjoyable trip up to Round Bottom Campground at Slush Run where we spent Friday night camping under the stars and rain. A number of animals kept us awake throughout the night, one which sounded like it probably died 15 feet away from my hammock, but I saw no remnants Saturday morning. A nice short pedal up to Connellsville from there, where we met up with Don along the way and he joined for the ride into Ohiopyle. The festival was loads of fun, as always...I think Fat Heads wins with their IPA this time. A nice floral, tasty offering. Great weekend.

A gallery of photographs from the Beer and Gear Festival at Ohiopyle - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/2011-Beer-and-Gear-0618

A few pictures from the 10th Anniversary of the Beer and Gear Festival at Ohiopyle -

The new Mon Wharf bike path is open to the Point

The Riverton bridge going into McKeesport

we entertained ourselves while it rained, Sly Fox IPA

round bottom camping area at slush run, gap trail, youghiogheny river

10th Anniversary of the Beer and Gear Festival

The crowds enjoy some great beers at the Ohiopyle Beer and Gear Festival

Downhill Mountain Biking at Seven Springs Bike Park

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:11:00 +0000

Another fun day at Seven Springs Bike Park was had, even if it rained a bit. Darrin and I met Jamie at 11 and got a few runs in before a torrential downpour that lasted about 30 minutes. Bill, Jay and Jon were huddled in the parking lot and joined us as soon as the rain let up. The first run down Rock N Roll was a splash-fest and the entire mountain was slick and slow for the next hour or so. As soon as the sun came out and the wind picked up, things started getting good and tacky. In the end the runs were fast and fun, the day was a success.

Gallery of photographs from seven springs bike park - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Seven-Springs-Downhill-0612

A few pictures from downhill mountain biking at seven springs bike park -

the rain came and tried to wash our fun away

north shore micro-climate at seven springs

a little muddy after the first post rain run

the lo-pan drop at seven springs bike park

new feature being installed at seven springs bike park

the bike wash was a necessity after a day in the mud

2011 Opening Day for Downhill at Seven Springs Bike Park

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 30 May 2011 01:21:00 +0000

Saturday was opening day at Seven Springs' Downhill Bike Park. Darrin and I went up early and parked at the top of the world, so we could hang out a bit then join the mega-train first run down the mountain...which never materialized. We ended up being the second group to test out the work that had been put into the runs over the last few weeks. Everything was pretty good, just some soft spots here and there because of all the rain. Most notably the two jumps and berm on 007 at the top, and the jumps at the bottom of the runs near the lift. The crew worked on them, and when the sun came out, and the wind started blowing, things got a little better. By the end of the day, besides some ruts in the previously wet lines, the mountain was in great condition. Can't wait for many more downhill runs at Seven Springs this year!

Gallery of photographs from 2011 opening day at Seven Springs - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/2011-Opening-Day-Seven-Springs

A few pictures from opening day at Seven Springs downhill bike park -

there was still snow on the ground at seven springs

we had a great group out for 2011's opening day at the seven springs bike park

transition blindside at the top of the world

Jamie checking out the babes in the swimming pool

enjoying a beer and the view

Pictures from the 2011 Pedal Pittsburgh ride

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:16:00 +0000

Spent a great day out with team OTB/East End Brewing/MATT Machine on the streets of Pittsburgh for the 2011 Pedal Pittsburgh ride. The largest part of the group left at 8:30 and most did the 50 mile offering. A few souls did the 35 mile loop, and DeeDee Grace and I did the 60 mile course which took us up and down Mount Washington and Arlington Heights. Fun! Thanks to everyone who joined and organized today.

A gallery of photographs from the 2011 Pedal Pittsburgh ride - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/2011-Pedal-Pittsburgh-0522

A few pictures from the 2011 Pedal Pittsburgh ride -

Team OTB/East End Brewing/MATT Machine shirts

Karen hitting up the streets on the North Side during 2011 Pedal Pittsburgh

Regrouping at the Heinz Lofts

Kat Martin rockin the 50 mile route with her singlespeed and short shorts

I'll take two cold beers right about now.

panoramic view from grandview park

Sycamore, weeeeeee 2011 Pedal Pittsburgh

Craft Beer School with Oskar Blues Brewery

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:41:00 +0000

Dale Katechis from Oskar Blues Brewery came into Pittsburgh to host Craft Beer School at the Cabaret at Theater Square downtown last night. Mike, Marty and I had a bite to eat at OTB and headed over for some good talk and great beer with Dale, Matt and Tony. The event was a sellout, with 250 craft beer lovers showing up to get some love from Oskar Blues. The Cabaret at Theater Square is pretty cool and features a nice bar in the entryway where we enjoyed some blues while they set up the room. The stage, by the way, was still set up for some play that looked like a 1950s high school reunion. It added just the right amount of class to the evening.

Gallery of photographs from the evening - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/Beer-School-Oskar-Blues-0517

A few pictures from the night -

Dale Katechis from Oskar Blues Brewery at Cabaret at Theater Square downtown

Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils

Check out the bottom of your Oskar Blues cans for special messages from the canning team

Dale, Matt and Tony talking about what makes cans of Oskar Blues beer so good.

2011 East End Brewing Pedal Pale Ale Keg Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Pratt) — Mon, 09 May 2011 11:26:00 +0000

This past weekend featured the 7th annual installment of the Pedal Pale Ale keg ride. The ride starts at East End Brewing's brewery and meanders through the streets of Pittsburgh, arriving an hour or two later at a mystery destination where the first keg of pedal pale ale is tapped. It's a pretty slow ride because the leaders are all towing full kegs of pedal pale ale behind their bicycles. Scott Smith, the head brewer at East End Brewing, was hoping for 1000 cyclists to join him this year; I think there were far less...no numbers yet, but my guess is 600. The weather didn't look like it was going to cooperate and rained on us until the start of the ride, but cleared up quickly!

Oh and the mystery tap spot? Penn Brewery! Fun!

Gallery of photographs from the Pedal Pale Ale keg ride - http://www.jonpratt.com/2011/2011-Pedal-Pale-Ale-Ride-0507

A few pictures from East End Brewing's 2011 Pedal Pale Ale keg ride -

the proper attire is of utmost importance

we had our own little ride down from my place to the brewery

east end brewing took over the streets of pittsburgh today

more picture opportunities on the 2011 east end brewing pedal pale ale ride

Alex Talbot and Terry McCourt provide the tunes at the Penn Brewery, the Pedal Pale Ale mystery destination.

panoramic photograph of the crowd at Penn Brewery