Philly Bike Expo - Team Camp 2022

To Bina, Justin, Aryeh & The Philly Bike Expo Team:

What a weekend! How can I possibly begin to sum up what was truly a magical way to kick off a summer of riding adventures. If you’re into good (hard at times) riding with epic vistas (very understated,*cough cough) filled with nonstop giggles and chit chats, Bina Bilenky would be the gal to ride with. Oh, and how can I fail to mention Justin’s wonderful baking all weekend long (Mom’s jaw dropped at his attempt at Pan de Agua, she loved it). Thank you for allowing me to join you all in the midst of a Team Camp this past weekend. The opportunity to bond with others from all over in Bina’s backyard and to appreciate the beautiful intersections where the roads take us is part of what draws me here and onto to the bike. To everyone who was able to join this weekend thank you for the chance to ride together and as always may the pictures do all the talking, sending tons of love and stoke your way!! (ps. Hey Aryeh, I got some great pictures of ya! Hope ya like em! See ya soon duuuuudde!!!!)

-GO

Location: Rebersburg, PA

Distance From Philly: 3 hours

Type of Riding: Gravel/Road

Day 1:

The drive up through Pennsylvania to me is one of my favorites, its rollings hills and lush green landscapes leave the eyes content. Along the way, glimpses of quiet rural rustic towns flicker away in the rear view mirror. The amount of land and space never cease’s to amaze me, and neither did our accommodations upon when I arrived. This massive property sported more wildlife than beds at times, (not an exaggerations at all the house was covered in taxidermy from the owners) yet a very warm and inviting feeling for all to gather and share. I arrived just a few minutes before everyone allowing me a moment to get around the house just as Mark, Shauna, Mike, Dave, Bina, Justin, Areyah, Vanessa, Miko, Gio and Rachel S. arrived!

As we all adjusted to our wonderful accommodations you could begin to hear the excitement, laughter and joy we all brought with us. It’s rare that as adults we get the opportunity to be a part of a group of people that genuinely share a common interest without the faff of life getting in the way. Cycling has taught me a lot in the 15+ years I’ve been on the bike, one of them is that the road is long and lonely at times, and it is imperative to preserve, be present and to give to those with love when you have the opportunity. Oh and to SLOW DOWN at times!

Our first day was relatively easy, as we just caught up with each other and got to know one another over some tasty pizza slices, laughed a lot, had a beer or two and called it a night. We were all very excited to get on our bikes the next day and some had traveled far just to attend. It’s wonderful to be in the company of wonderful people enjoying the simplicities of each other and the moment. 

Day 2:

As the next day greeted us, most of us stayed in bunk style accommodations, it was clear we were all excited to get the show on the road! One after another we all woke up came down stairs cracked our first joke and started making breakfast together. With overcast sky’s and light rain we played chicken with the weather as I went about grabbing portraits and team photos for the squad. The opportunity to capture each person’s unique bike personality and flare was like watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, so much radical awesomeness with bear witness too. 

This being Bina’s backyard, she laid down some of the best routes in Bald Eagle State Park. If you are ever in her neck of the woods, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for a route or two. They’ll leave you speechless from the views and the climbing! If you’re skeptical of the climbing in PA hit me or Bina up and well take care of you! It was the kind of day you’d like to stay in and be extra cozy under the sheets with a warm fire as you watched the rain and day wash away. Yet we did that together on bikes and in the middle of a changing weather front. By the end of the day, the sun had come out to play and we were on our way home to start cooking!

As one after another we all washed the days play away, the grime fell to the floor and our smiles were lifted even higher. There’s something to be said when we rinse away the grime caked glory from the days rides. It reminds us of the challenges we face, the many ups and the oh so sweet downs we all experience. Yet together through support and the simple reminder the joy  a simple bike ride can give we can all achieve whatever we set out to accomplish. Whether its Moto-ing to a first place, bringing awareness to a very important cause or if its for the pleasure of riding together, bikes are a magical useful functional tool that can change so many people’s lives.  I love bearing witness and making sense of what’s possible of life with two wheel beneath you. 

As the spaghetti and meatballs were served and beers were cheered, we each recounted our favorite part of the days ride. We each learned something new about one another that drew the bonds of our new and old friendship even tighter. With Trong, Taylor, Steve, Rachel R. and Steph having arrived later in the evening the house was full and our hearts even fuller. 

Day 3:

With the start of another day came another ride. We had some people go the day before  which is always a bitter sweet feeling. Yet as one door close another opens, with new faces to greet it meant more opportunities to experience the full spectrum of where bikes can take you. From humble beginning all the way to pro racing, Philly Bike Expo and its platform gives cyclist the opportunity to grow within the sport. It is truly amazing to see what Bina and the Philly community demonstrate to the rest of the sport. Industry takes notes on what’s going on and reflect on the opportunities people present. 

With breakfast served and the second squad ready for the ride, we took a moment to grab some additional portraits and the chance to take a squad shot. I’m really thankful I get the chances to capture the diverse and totally rad spectrum that cyclist and the sport embodies. Everyone belongs on a bike and it’s that simple. Life is not simple and it should not be reduced to one of a few boxes we all must live in. 

As we got on our way, it was clear that it would be a perfect day. The roads, mountains and trees were singing our tune and all we had to do was enjoy the ride. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, yet with the right company anything is possible. Life unfortunately doesn’t always work out the way we want it too, and that’s ok because a bike ride can help clear our hearts and head of any trouble along the way. Plus the views HELP! After a brief climb back up to Black Gap Vista, we descended into “Beach” for some very much needed Rest and Relaxation together. The water was cold, the coca-cola was crisp and the snacks, oh so good! 

As the afternoon unwinded and we laid under the sun, it was evident we still had a little more “work to do” so we gathered our things and made our ways back to finish the rest of the ride. It’s funny how literal the fork in the road can be sometimes, some took the road home and while others took the road less traveled. It doesn’t matter how you get there in the end, what’s more important is that you showed up on time. 

We had a wonderful evening, everyone pitched in to make a dinner to remember! Steph being a professional chef, graced the kitchen with her direction to make a heavenly and delicious Mexican inspired dish that left our stomachs full and a dinner table quiet (truly one moment we go from a rambunctious chatter to a bird harmony filled dinner table, it was so funny to hear us quiet down). As we finished dinner and went around the table catching up and cleaning plates, we are reminded of the unique opportunities our bikes present to us and the responsibilities we each have to give back to a sport that is still a work in progress. We ended the night with a warm cozy fire and Justin quietly strummed on his guitar.  

Day 4:

It’s always bitter sweet to say goodbye, but I try to remember that life has a way of bringing us all back together. Rachel S. was the first to go, with the longest drive ahead of her, we enjoyed one another’s company over coffee as we spoke and enjoyed the stillness of an early morning. As I had the house to myself I took the time to walk around and appreciate the sights and sounds the day was unfolding into. Aryeh was the next to wake up and man was it awesome to hang out and talk about bugs n stuff! I guess he wasn’t done sleeping so shortly after he went and took a nap. 

As everyone slowly started to wake up later on in the morning, we collected our things, made coffees and exchanged hugs. While many of us live in Philly, others have been able to migrate out of area to start new adventures and we wish them well until we meet again. Yet Bina had one more plan she wanted to share with us and boy was it oh so sweet!

DONUTS!!! I GOT DONUTS! I’m stilling going Donuts over those Donuts ( I apologize for the outburst but damn do I love a good donut!) If you’re ever in the area Mammy’s Donuts shop is an Amish run business who genuinely is a secret worth telling! As a donut connoisseur this raises the bar for what my expectation for a good donut is. Fluffy baked goodness topped with a rich chocolatey frosting and kissed with rainbow sprinkles (extra sprinkles next time)! Over the whole course of the weekend, Miko and I talked all weekend about how amazing it is to be thankful for the opportunities life and others present to us and how not to squander the chance to be a part of something that brings so many people together from all walks of life. 

As I finished preserving this award winning donut, we all said our goodbye and smiled once more ( I probably still had chocolate on my face) it was one more opportunity to give a hug to those cherished. To Bina and Justin, thank you immensely for inviting me to be a part of this weekend, for the chance to capture and celebrate the beautiful roads and people a part of the Philly Bike Expo. And most importantly to Aryeh, I hope you like the pictures I got of you!  When are we gonna hang out dude! To the Philly Bike Expo Team, keep being rad, keep riding your bike, invite your friends and spread the joy.  There’s plenty of room on the road for everyone and I am so stoke I got to ride with you all. 

Until the road brings us together again, sending tons of Love and Stoke your way!

-GO