Tour of PA 2008!

[BFSpin]

Pennsylvania people (and everyone else who wants to come out and play) . . . mark your calendars for this:

http://www.tourofpa.com/index.html

The Tour of PA, June 24-29 2008 - a stage race from Pittsburgh to Philly for U25 teams. With a stage finish in Harrisburg and a stage start in Hershey! The last time I remember a major stage race coming through this area was when the Tour duPont used to come right down Front Street/Harrisburg past my office. But that was close to 20 years ago . . .

Oh, I love this stuff!!

Beth

[like2bike]

Holy crap this is so exciting! Did you catch the part that reads, "The American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy 5, is the world's richest cycling race for elite international cyclists under age 25." Looks like I'm out! :lol: But I'd love to witness the starting point take off!

[lizardbiker]

That's really awesome! Thanks for the Heads up, as I work in Carlisle! They also go to the Cannondale Mecca - Bedford! The race map looks like it even follows the same path as my Cannondale pilgrimage from Chambersburg. If they take route 30 all the way from there to Bedford, they'll be doing the awesome climbs before Breezewood. I'd LOVE to plant myself at the top of the Tuscarora Summit and watch them climb!! Maybe I'll take the day off and ride there and wait for them at the top to cheer them on!

[megale3]

OK I AM OFFICIALLY JEALOUS :evil:

[lizardbiker]

OK I AM OFFICIALLY JEALOUS :evil:
I'll save you a spot at the top. BTW - there's a bar up there :P

[megale3]

OK I AM OFFICIALLY JEALOUS :evil:
I'll save you a spot at the top. BTW - there's a bar up there :P

MyTies are on me 8)
M

[lizardbiker]

Can't guarantee the quality of the bar - it is central PA after all...

[like2bike]

OK I AM OFFICIALLY JEALOUS :evil:

You've got a friend in Pittsburgh. Get your butt on a plane and come for a visit!

[lizardbiker]

You could even tour the Cannondale plant in Bedford while watching the race!

[megale3]

You know I will but it will be later this year before I can get back east again
M

[BFSpin]

OK I AM OFFICIALLY JEALOUS :evil:

You've got a friend in Pittsburgh. Get your butt on a plane and come for a visit!

Ya know, I've been trying to get Meg to come out here for years now . . . maybe this is finally the ticket?!?!?

Liz! How about a group pilgrimage to meet the route in Bedford? Then everyone can ride back to Hershey; chocolate fest will be my treat :D

Beth

[megale3]

Cannondales are required?
Sweeettt chocolate 8)

[lizardbiker]

That would be the penultimate pilgrimage! Ride up to the top of Tuscarora summit, watch the bike race, tour the Cannondale plant...only problem is that I'll be boycotting Hershey chocolate by next year, as all the layoffs and plant closings will make Hershey the great UnAmerican chocolate bar, or more precisely the South American chocolate bar. I'll still do the pilgrimage, but I'll pack my own Fair Exchange chocolate - although made in 3rd world countries, the money goes to the 3rd world people who make the chocolate and not the out of this world CEO's.

[megale3]

That is a crime! :evil:

[kszspin]

Did someone here mention chocolate? :o

[BFSpin]

That would be the penultimate pilgrimage! Ride up to the top of Tuscarora summit, watch the bike race, tour the Cannondale plant...only problem is that I'll be boycotting Hershey chocolate by next year, as all the layoffs and plant closings will make Hershey the great UnAmerican chocolate bar, or more precisely the South American chocolate bar. I'll still do the pilgrimage, but I'll pack my own Fair Exchange chocolate - although made in 3rd world countries, the money goes to the 3rd world people who make the chocolate and not the out of this world CEO's.

Who said anything about a "Hershey" chocolate fest? I said we can ride back to Hershey. . . and there will be a chocolate fest. But nowhere did I say the chocolate would come from Hershey 8)

And yes, Meg - Cannondales will be required. And Starbucks. And if you actually venture this far east, I might even see that you get a German Chocolate Cake. Not that that's a bribe or anything . . .

Beth

[megale3]

That would be the penultimate pilgrimage! Ride up to the top of Tuscarora summit, watch the bike race, tour the Cannondale plant...only problem is that I'll be boycotting Hershey chocolate by next year, as all the layoffs and plant closings will make Hershey the great UnAmerican chocolate bar, or more precisely the South American chocolate bar. I'll still do the pilgrimage, but I'll pack my own Fair Exchange chocolate - although made in 3rd world countries, the money goes to the 3rd world people who make the chocolate and not the out of this world CEO's.

Who said anything about a "Hershey" chocolate fest? I said we can ride back to Hershey. . . and there will be a chocolate fest. But nowhere did I say the chocolate would come from Hershey 8)

And yes, Meg - Cannondales will be required. And Starbucks. And if you actually venture this far east, I might even see that you get a German Chocolate Cake. Not that that's a bribe or anything . . .

Beth

Beth you know my weakness'
bring on the fat pounds put um right here!

[lizardbiker]

Hey Beth,
I was in the Hershey area Saturday. Did a ride from Dillsburg to Camp Nawakwa (Biglersville) then over to Camp Kirchenwald (Colebrook) then back home. Went through Hershey on 322 - not recommended after Hershey on a bicycle, especially if trying to make a left onto Chambers Hill Road!! Not a bike friendly road.
And if you need a taste tester for that German chocolate cake to make sure it's just right for Meg, I volunteer! :P

[megale3]

Now wait a minute Liz bud hold on to your fork for a second! I need that cake I need some coconut and walnut icing -I need to go comatose eating it once a year! 8)
Meg

[lizardbiker]

Now wait a minute Liz bud hold on to your fork for a second! I need that cake I need some coconut and walnut icing -I need to go comatose eating it once a year! 8)
Meg

And that's EXACTLY why I need to taste test it to make sure it puts you into a perfectly blissful chocolate coma. One slip of the recipe, and it could be death by chocolate!! :shock:

[megale3]

Now wait a minute Liz bud hold on to your fork for a second! I need that cake I need some coconut and walnut icing -I need to go comatose eating it once a year! 8)
Meg

And that's EXACTLY why I need to taste test it to make sure it puts you into a perfectly blissful chocolate coma. One slip of the recipe, and it could be death by chocolate!! :shock:

Liz = Squirrels :shock: NO NO NO (done like Luke Skywalker learning that Darf Vader was his father) say it aint so Liz

[lizardbiker]

Now wait a minute Liz bud hold on to your fork for a second! I need that cake I need some coconut and walnut icing -I need to go comatose eating it once a year! 8)
Meg

And that's EXACTLY why I need to taste test it to make sure it puts you into a perfectly blissful chocolate coma. One slip of the recipe, and it could be death by chocolate!! :shock:

Liz = Squirrels :shock: NO NO NO (done like Luke Skywalker learning that Darf Vader was his father) say it aint so Liz

Meg I am your father <<making Darth Vadar breathing sounds>> The chocolate force is strong in you. Come to the Dark Chocolate side!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! :twisted:

[megale3]

calories happen when you go to the Dark side of the chocolate!

[lizardbiker]

I'll be good for at least 31,000 after my ride this weekend! BETH!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!! :!: :!: :!:

[megale3]

Dude come to Portland and will do a couple of 10,000 to the beach. Then we eat cake!
Mega chocolate 8)

[lizardbiker]

If I rode Cal II to Portland, that would be an additional 140,416 give or take a few. I could put a couple of Beth's German chocolate cakes in a backpack.

I actually was in Portland about 13 years or so ago for a job interview with a foundry. I think I got rained on about 12 times during the 10 minute walk to the plant.

[Pink]

I'll be good for at least 31,000 after my ride this weekend! BETH!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!! :!: :!: :!:

Liz, I've still got bumping into you on my radar. Not sure if we can make it work or not, but it's in the think-tank. Quakertown isn't that far, especially since I'll be teaching on Sunday morning in Doylestown (which is between me & Quakertown). I'll be in touch.

[lizardbiker]

I'll be good for at least 31,000 after my ride this weekend! BETH!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!!! :!: :!: :!:

Liz, I've still got bumping into you on my radar. Not sure if we can make it work or not, but it's in the think-tank. Quakertown isn't that far, especially since I'll be teaching on Sunday morning in Doylestown (which is between me & Quakertown). I'll be in touch.

That would be cool!
Here's a link to the finalized route and cue sheets, in case somewhere on the route is closer. I can pm my cell phone too if it looks like there might be a chance to coordinate a meeting.

[lizardbiker]

http://users.rcn.com/trosenbauer/PA1000K.html

Oops! HERE'S the link :oops:

[megale3]

If I rode Cal II to Portland, that would be an additional 140,416 give or take a few. I could put a couple of Beth's German chocolate cakes in a backpack.

I actually was in Portland about 13 years or so ago for a job interview with a foundry. I think I got rained on about 12 times during the 10 minute walk to the plant.
What was the foundries name?
M

[lizardbiker]

If I rode Cal II to Portland, that would be an additional 140,416 give or take a few. I could put a couple of Beth's German chocolate cakes in a backpack.

I actually was in Portland about 13 years or so ago for a job interview with a foundry. I think I got rained on about 12 times during the 10 minute walk to the plant.
What was the foundries name?
M

ESCO - they make big manganese steel buckets for quarries among other things. I interviewed for an engineering position, but the family at that time didn't want to move. We coulda been neighbors!!

[megale3]

nd competitiors too I work for Precision Castparts Corp :P that is too funny that you have an engineering back ground. Great minds think a bike!
M

[BFSpin]

Holy cow, I don't check this thread for a coupla days and you guys go all goofy over German chocolate cake! :wink:

Liz, wish I'd known you were coming through town . . . I was out riding Saturday a.m., would've been happy to catch up with you for a few miles and get you to some more bike-friendly roads! Next time . . .

Were you doing the Tour de Synod by any chance? I know both locations well . . . have been to Nawakwa many times, and ride by Kirchenwald several times a month. One of my favorite loops takes me out through Mt Gretna/Colebrook.

Just checked the cue sheet for your ride this weekend - the closest you'll be to here is when you're in the Denver/BlueBall/Terre Hill area. Not likely I'll be able to catch up with you, but if I could I would bring chocolate :D

Have a GREAT ride - the weather looks good for you!

And Meg. . . come to PA, you'll get German Chocolate cake. :wink:

Beth

[megale3]

OK you know we will have to soon since the last time was to cold and rainy I am going to give all three you guys (PINK INCLUDED) a round of beers and tears
M 8)

[lizardbiker]

Holy cow, I don't check this thread for a coupla days and you guys go all goofy over German chocolate cake! :wink:

Liz, wish I'd known you were coming through town . . . I was out riding Saturday a.m., would've been happy to catch up with you for a few miles and get you to some more bike-friendly roads! Next time . . .

Were you doing the Tour de Synod by any chance? I know both locations well . . . have been to Nawakwa many times, and ride by Kirchenwald several times a month. One of my favorite loops takes me out through Mt Gretna/Colebrook.

Just checked the cue sheet for your ride this weekend - the closest you'll be to here is when you're in the Denver/BlueBall/Terre Hill area. Not likely I'll be able to catch up with you, but if I could I would bring chocolate :D

Have a GREAT ride - the weather looks good for you!

And Meg. . . come to PA, you'll get German Chocolate cake. :wink:

Beth

Yes, it was the Tour de Synod! Both camps looked very nice - my first time at both even though our church send youth there every summer and I ride by both on my bike all the time.

I'll have to send you a pm the next time I'm planning a ride through the Hershey area and will definitely check my route more closely before I print it out.

Meg, hurry up and come visit so we can have some German chocolate cake!!!

[lizardbiker]

nd competitiors too I work for Precision Castparts Corp :P that is too funny that you have an engineering back ground. Great minds think a bike!
M

Yep yep I are an engineer - actually been in the Six Sigma program for the past 7 years, so not a lot of pure engineering anymore, but the background really helps with what I do now.

Looks like your company makes much more intricate parts than Esco or my previous foundry in PA - Frog Switch & Mfg - most of the parts are Manganese steel and used in the rock crushing industry. We made castings that weighed up to 40,000 lbs. Talk about an impressive pour!

[BFSpin]

Yes, it was the Tour de Synod! Both camps looked very nice - my first time at both even though our church send youth there every summer and I ride by both on my bike all the time.

I'll have to send you a pm the next time I'm planning a ride through the Hershey area and will definitely check my route more closely before I print it out.

Meg, hurry up and come visit so we can have some German chocolate cake!!!

The Tour de Synod was on my calendar, but I had to go to the prom instead. Really. I'm serious.

Actually, the photography studio I work with does all formals and candids at our high school's prom each year; it's actually a lot of fun to go and see all the kids, the dresses, the DANCING :shock:

Camp Nawakwa is beautiful, isn't it? My kids do our youth group's weekend retreats there, as well as confirmation camp each summer. I'll be bringing 2 of them down to Nawakwa for the 3rd week in June.

Beth

[lizardbiker]

Yes, it was the Tour de Synod! Both camps looked very nice - my first time at both even though our church send youth there every summer and I ride by both on my bike all the time.

I'll have to send you a pm the next time I'm planning a ride through the Hershey area and will definitely check my route more closely before I print it out.

Meg, hurry up and come visit so we can have some German chocolate cake!!!

The Tour de Synod was on my calendar, but I had to go to the prom instead. Really. I'm serious.

Actually, the photography studio I work with does all formals and candids at our high school's prom each year; it's actually a lot of fun to go and see all the kids, the dresses, the DANCING :shock:

Camp Nawakwa is beautiful, isn't it? My kids do our youth group's weekend retreats there, as well as confirmation camp each summer. I'll be bringing 2 of them down to Nawakwa for the 3rd week in June.

Beth

That's two events now that we've almost crossed paths!

There was a pretty good turnout for the TdS - mostly youth on mountain bikes, and probably their first ride over 10 miles. They changed the ride into a two day event, with a night stop & dinner at Columbia. You might have been able to squeeze the ride in with the prom - I didn't do the Friday night sleepover at Nawakwa and rather than stay in Columbia Saturday night, I completed the ride to Kirchenwald and rode back home by 4:00. If someone could have dropped you off at Nawakwa Saturday morning, you could have rode home from Kirchenwald and been cleaned up by around 2:00.

[megale3]

nd competitiors too I work for Precision Castparts Corp :P that is too funny that you have an engineering back ground. Great minds think a bike!
M

Yep yep I are an engineer - actually been in the Six Sigma program for the past 7 years, so not a lot of pure engineering anymore, but the background really helps with what I do now.

Looks like your company makes much more intricate parts than Esco or my previous foundry in PA - Frog Switch & Mfg - most of the parts are Manganese steel and used in the rock crushing industry. We made castings that weighed up to 40,000 lbs. Talk about an impressive pour!

YAh earth moving equipement can be big. Do you do sand castings? We do lost wax investment castings. I am into replacement femurals, shoulders, tibias, even did a TMJ once that was wild.
M

[lizardbiker]

nd competitiors too I work for Precision Castparts Corp :P that is too funny that you have an engineering back ground. Great minds think a bike!
M

Yep yep I are an engineer - actually been in the Six Sigma program for the past 7 years, so not a lot of pure engineering anymore, but the background really helps with what I do now.

Looks like your company makes much more intricate parts than Esco or my previous foundry in PA - Frog Switch & Mfg - most of the parts are Manganese steel and used in the rock crushing industry. We made castings that weighed up to 40,000 lbs. Talk about an impressive pour!

YAh earth moving equipement can be big. Do you do sand castings? We do lost wax investment castings. I am into replacement femurals, shoulders, tibias, even did a TMJ once that was wild.
M

The big castings were with a no-bake sand, the medium castings were done with a vacuum sand process. I've been out of the foundry biz now for over 13 years (long story involving a multimillion dollar federal lawsuit between Esco & the foundry I worked at. The company I worked at hired someone who brought a bunch of prints from a previous employer and as head of engineering I was tasked with scanning the drawings and erasing the owners title block and adding ours. Needless to say I refused, was let go, someone else did the dirty deed, then they underbid ESCO for four major contracts on cost & delivery for a product line never made by my company before. It didn't take long for them to put 2+2 together and file a series of lawsuits of which I became a key witness. When the existence of stolen drawings was vehemently denied and I was threatened with defamation, my policy of documenting everything that came into my department really helped - especially the stack of poloroids that I had with a certain individual's handwriting instructing me how to change the drawings... the gates came crashing down after that.

For the past 12 years I've been happy working in a plant that makes automotive carpeting. :P

[megale3]

There are a lot of people that flop back and forth in the tooling arena that have a lot of customer specific information. One thing that is evident and that this age of computer graphics its easy to take in a jump drive and get a lot more than prints out of the building. Industrial espionage is rampid in the engineering field. Funny how we give our information away on forums like this for free and with out hurting anyone but more helping everyone by setting good and bad examples :P
M

[lizardbiker]

There are a lot of people that flop back and forth in the tooling arena that have a lot of customer specific information. One thing that is evident and that this age of computer graphics its easy to take in a jump drive and get a lot more than prints out of the building. Industrial espionage is rampid in the engineering field. Funny how we give our information away on forums like this for free and with out hurting anyone but more helping everyone by setting good and bad examples :P
M

So true! Why can't everyone just get along like we do here???

[BFSpin]

Wow, boys - all this engineering talk is elevating my heartrate :P

Liz, what route did you take over the river?

B

[lizardbiker]

Wow, boys - all this engineering talk is elevating my heartrate :P

Liz, what route did you take over the river?

B

On the way there, we crossed to Columbia on 462. On the way home I crossed on the Market Street Bridge by City Island.