Summer Camp 2019

[Robin]

Week 2 Day 4 - KVSP

I wore my OG MTBNJ socks today.

We started the morning out with some miles including climbing the Three Sisters. Then headed back for lunch.

Thursday is always BBQ day at KVSP. Brad is the master griller

Camp didn't send enough cheese for our 8 campers.

We needed a nap after lunch so we headed over to the airport.

Made it back to the van just as it started to rain.

 

[Robin]

Week 2 Day 5 - Mahlon Dickerson

Upon arriving at camp today, Brad told me that we need to come up with Plan B. Our original plan to ride at Deer Park was out with Route 80 being closed. With our small group of strong riders we opted for Mahlon.

We've never taken camp to Mahlon. We both knew it would challenge our group.

We parked at Saffin Pond and rode CCW up Stone Gate and the Wall. Had lunch in the rec area and continued over to WMA.

It was definitely hard with the greasy rocks but all of our kids pushed through. We are super proud of them. Plus they knew they were getting ice cream when we finished. @SpartaBard was doing the speed limit as shown by my Garmin.

 

[JimN]

You and Bard should get some milk crates to stand on when taking pictures with the kids

 

[pixychick]

Ice cream always makes the day great!

 

[Robin]

Week 3 Day 1 - Patriot's Path and Lewis Morris

This week we have 13 kids. I think 6 of them are NICA kids. Of the group, we also have a few "beginner" mountain bikers. Based on this, we have two groups. @SpartaBard took the one group (mostly NICA kids) and I got the other group.

I spent the morning with some fundamental skills stuff before taking them on Patriot's Path. We saw @SpartaBard group just before lunch. My group was already telling me they were tired.

After lunch we did a small loop at Lewis Morris that wiped my group out. So I came back to the field and asked them what they wanted to do - play in the stream, relax, or bike games. They opted for bike games - so I pulled a bunch out of my NICA toolbox - which also helps reinforce skills. They loved Rock Dodge, Slow Race, and Circle of Death.

 

[Robin]

Week 3 Day 2 - Allaire

We got off to a little bit of a late start. How is it that the campers who live the closest always arrive last? Anyhow - we headed to Allaire today. I found a new flavor of seeds to snack on.

I took the "NICA group" and @SpartaBard had the other group. One of the campers in my group requested Tiger Woods but we had to save that for after lunch. Here are my NJ NICA socks.

It was hot in the woods for sure but at least it was shady. Both of our groups did about 10.5 miles. Not too shabby.

 

[Robin]

Week 3 Day 3 - Nassau

We're halfway through camp!

The vans are old and only have radio. I flip between NPR, WSOU, and 104.3. This morning WSOU was my choice with Anthrax, Meshuggah, and NIN.

We changed our week plans due to pending storms. Headed to Nassau today.

Yes it was friggin hot. My group stopped a lot to pick raspberries.

Since @SpartaBard never takes photos, I got some instead.

Today we earned our ice cream. Stopped at Gronsky's Milk House.

 

[Robin]

Week 3 Day 4 - KVSP

Was a little skeptical about riding today. But we headed up to KVSP and got in a few miles with some showers here and there. I had the "social group" and the wet rocks and small climbs were a bit too much for my group so we stayed mostly on double track and access roads. Sort of happy it was cloudy because they would have roasted in the sun. The mosquitoes were awful.

You can tell the week is almost over as some personalities are starting to clash.

We lucked out with no rain for our weekly BBQ. Once again @SpartaBard cooked up some delish burgers. This time we only got one hunk of cheese - which was 1/2 gone.

Here's @SpartaBard fixing a bandage from yesterday's OTB. Somehow the tape also ended up covering his mouth.

Changed up our plan for tomorrow due to the heat - stay tuned!

 

[w_b]

If only I was closer to MoTown my kids would be all over this in a couple years.... Enjoying your adventures anyway, thx @Robin

 

[Robin]

Week 3 Day 5 -Dickerson Mine

We originally planned on Nassau today but moved that to earlier this week due to the storms. Mercer was planned for today but with the excessive heat, we opted for 1/2 day riding and 1/2 swimming. We thought Dickerson Mine would be ok.

Since I ride there regularly, I took the social group so I could keep them on the easier trails. @SpartaBard had the other group and a file to follow.

The trails were in ok shape but slippery. Both groups were near the top power lines when @SpartaBard radio'd that there was a bear cub near them. We both worried about momma. No sign.

On my way back to the bus there were two creepy guys wandering in the sand pits. I was thankful not to be alone. Our one counselor blew out his fork and had to go to Marty's.

We had lunch in the parking lot. Sometimes @SpartaBard will throw random cherries in the air over the group. Today one landed in the group. The kids had no idea where it came from and yet one are it!

We returned back to campus to enjoy air conditioning and swimming.

Next week @SpartaBard will be at a conference so I'm taking the lead with 14 kids...3 are girls!

 

[ChrisG]

Damn, one of those kids is riding a killer bike.

 

[Robin]

Week 4 Day 1: Patriot's Path and Lewis Morris

We kicked off Week 4 today - with 14 campers - of which 3 are girls! Two sisters who's dad is a longtime JORBA supporter are with us. I'm running solo this week as @SpartaBard is at a school conference. Don't feel bad for him - he's in the Bahamas. So it's me, some bus driver they hired (who doesn't know how to use Maps on his phone), and my two counselors.

Since there are three of us, I can take 6 kids on my own (according to ICP and NICA guidelines, which I am following) and I put the other 8 campers with the two counselors. Our one is a veteran camper/is awesome and I feel comfortable with him leading. With it being our first day of camp, we need to go over bikes and talk to parents when the kids are dropped off. Because of this, we stay somewhat local and ride Patriot's Path and Lewis Morris. My two least favorite places to ride with camp.

One of my campers told me about 20 minutes into the ride he didn't feel well. We sat for a little while - he told me he only had a cookie for breakfast! Ugh. We took our time, picked raspberries (which I was informed are actually wineberries??).

We got back for lunch and stopped at the bathroom. Upon arriving at the bus, the driver said "one of your kids had an accident". I didn't know what he was talking about as I heard nothing on my radio - but then realized it was while I was in the bathroom. One of the kids in the other group fell on a wooden bridge at the end of Patriot's Path and had a nice gash on his arm. Called dad and he was picked up from camp.

The heat and humidity was awful - granted not as bad as the weekend but still brutal. After lunch we took it "easy" (as easy as LM is) and then ended the day with some GaGa (which I just learned about).

Tomorrow's plan is pending weather and conditions.

 

[JimN]

ended the day with some GaGa (which I just learned about).

Lol, I was wondering WTF that thing was for at Lewis Morris. Thanks!

 

[Robin]

Week 4 Day 2 - KVSP

I had been watching the weather since yesterday. We had planned on 6-mile today but I knew a lot of rain was coming out way. So yesterday I told the kids to pack a bathing suit and towel. Worse case scenario is we stay on campus and swim.

Last night I got a text from the director saying that I needed to ride with the kids. Crap. With @SpartaBard out, I'm limited on where my other counselor is comfortable leading. Allaire was not an option. So I figured KVSP since there is enough meadow and Sussex Branch Trail. Better than nothing.

I arrived to camp to find this. So that's a great start. I think we go through one tent a year.

We always get camp photos on Tuesday. And there always seems to be an argument over who's bike gets to be in the photo. Stay tuned for who won this week's battle.

We managed to get in some riding. I did everything I could to keep my group entertained but not frustrate them. We finished just in time for lunch. My knee Warner kept my legs clean.

With the lack of trails suitable for riding we opted for ice cream and swimming. Only two objected.

 

[Norm]

I will like this post even though every image is broken. Who runs this dump, anyway?

 

[Robin]

I will like this post even though every image is broken. Who runs this dump, anyway?

Hit refresh. I’ve noticed this too.

 

[Robin]

Week 4 Day 3 - Allaire

With the trails being soggy, I made the executive decision to go to Allaire. My other counselor said ok but would be limited on where he would be able to go. I was fine with that.

As we arrived, a guy came over and told me to be careful because of a lot of trees down. I appreciated the heads up. Our morning started off great - I had the social group. We stopped to pick blueberries and one of my campers found a small turtle. The highlight for some who've never held a turtle.

Allaire was a mess. Lots of trees down, completely blocking trails. It was actually sad - how much work will be needed to clear the numerous trees. But the cicadas were chirping away.

We arrived back at the lot around noon for lunch. I sat with the girls and we talked about our favorite foods and museums. The boys listened to bad music on the other side of hte lot. Saw this rad van - I've seen it there before. We headed out after lunch - I opted for the airport area and our other counselor ventured off.

Within 10 minutes, all heck broke loose. I heard on the radio one camper fell and was crying. Then one of my campers crashed and hurt their wrist. In the meantime, our other counselor's bike exploded. Day over. We wrapped up about 25 minutes earlier than planned and headed back to camp.

Ugh.

BTW @Norm I've been uploading photos directly from my phone - these I saved to my Chromebook then uploaded. Maybe it's me..

 

[JimN]

Maybe it's me.

It's beginning to look that way

I still can't see any of your pictures. I don't think I have this problem with any other thread. Interestingly, your pics in the July 31/31 thread are fine.

 

[Robin]

@JimN so weird because when I first opened to read your reply, there were issues. I hit refresh and they are there. And the fact that Halter's works...hmmm. Maybe the thread is broken.

 

[MadisonDan]

I see 2 of four pics...