Laurel Ridge 2/6/22

Bontrager WaveCel Helmets

WaveCel: the biggest advancement in the protection against cycling concussions

The Future Is Here!

Go to the market.
Go to the beach.
Go get coffee.

The Electra Townie® Go! is an easy-to-use, fun-to-ride, pedal assist e-bike with surprising power that’ll make you want to go forever. You can flatten hills and shorten distances with the Bosch Active System and four levels of power support from Eco to Turbo mode. Multi-gear functionality lets you control output and battery life. 

Stop in today for a test ride!

How NOT to get to Seven Springs Resort

In this technological age, many of us turn to Mapquest, Google Maps or our GPS devices to get directions when traveling to a new destination. If Seven Springs Resort is your destination, and you are driving from the east (via Somerset) drop the technology because Mapquest and GPS’s direct you the shortest way to the Springs and that route is certainly not the best one.Seven Springs Resort

In all fairness, I must point out that both Google and Mapquest show the correct route as a secondary choice. However, who among us chooses the alternate route over the primary one unless we have a specific reason? Well, I’m about to give you several reasons.

All listed routes will get you from the exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike through the town of Somerset. Simply go straight after exiting the toll booth until you come to the first STOP light. (Ignore the FLASHING light unless you choose to stop at McDonald’s for a Big Mac.) At the light, make a RIGHT onto N. Center Avenue (RT 601 S) and proceed .5 miles to the intersection of Main St. (RT 31 W). Make a RIGHT on Main St. Here’s where they go wrong, and we’ll follow the route just to show you how bad it really is.

Somerset-Harrison Ave

Intersection of Main St (Rt 31) and Harrison Ave

After turning right onto Main St., both Google and Mapquest direct you to proceed .7 miles and make a left on to Harrison Ave. The left turn onto Harrison Ave is often missed because there is no sign to mark it. If you’re paying attention you will see several signs for RT 281 south, but there is nothing with the name Harrison on it. If you decide to follow this route in spite of what I recommend, make sure you’re in the left lane long before you get to the intersection or you may get cut off from doing so. Following this route, after turning onto Harrison Ave, you will take the first RIGHT onto Tayman Ave. (RT 281 south). Keep a close eye on your odometer, especially if you’re following the Google route, or you’ll miss the next turn.

 

 

 

Route 281-Weimer Flats

The infamous Weimer Flats

Several miles outside of Somerset you’ll come across a straight stretch of road called Weimer Flats. If your trip to Seven Springs is in the winter, Weimer Flats alone is a good enough reason not to take this route. Weimer Flats in the winter can be one of the most vicious, wind swept sections of road in all of Somerset County, and other sections of RT 281 S can be nearly as bad. Even with minor snowfall, white outs, drifting snow and accidents are common along Weimer Flats and other sections of this route.

 

Intersection of Cross Rd and Route 281

Intersection of Cross Rd and Route 281

If you are following the Google route, 5.6 miles after turning onto RT 281 S you will make a RIGHT on Cross Road. Never mind the fact that there is a sign directing you to keep going straight to get to Seven Springs. After all, are you going to believe your lying eyes or the omnipotent Google? If you’re following the Mapquest route you will NOT turn onto Cross Rd, but will continue another mile to the village of New Centerville and make a right onto Copper Kettle Highway. About 100 yards before the intersection there is a sign for Seven Springs indicating the turn. This sign is often missed and there is no sign at the intersection itself.

New Lexington Market

New Lexington Market

In fact, this turn is so easy to miss that 3 miles further south on RT 281 you’ll find a gas station, the New Lexington Market, that actually posts directions to Seven Springs outside for all of the people who missed the turn.

 

The Google route now directs you to proceed 1.5 miles to State Route 3029. SR 3029 is actually Copper Kettle Highway so at this point the Google and Mapquest routes are the same. State Routes are not well marked, so after you have turned onto Cross Rd the directions should say “proceed 1.5 miles to the first stop sign and turn right”. Copper Kettle Highway (SR 3029) will turn into County Line Road in 1.9 miles, if you’re following Google, or 4.1 miles using the Mapquest route. Continue on County Line Rd for 4.1 miles and you will come to the entrance to Seven Springs on your left.

Now, for the best route we go back to the point where both Google and Mapquest direct you to turn left onto Harrison Ave (RT 281 S). When you’re on Main St (RT 31 W) stay in the RIGHT lane and instead of turn onto Harrison Ave, keep going straight on RT 31 W and continue for 7.1 miles. A large Seven Springs sign will direct you to turn LEFT onto Trent Rd. Proceed 3.8 miles to the first STOP sign and turn right onto Copper Kettle Highway. In 1.1 miles Copper Kettle Highway turns into County Line Rd. Proceed 4.1 miles to the entrance of Seven Springs on your left.

Intersection of RT 31 and Trent Road

Intersection of Route 31 and Trent Road-Note the large sign for Seven Springs

This well marked route is only about half a mile longer than the Mapquest or Google routes and offers several other advantages. For winter travelers, road condition is probably the most important reason to take the RT 31 route over that via RT 281. RT 31 is not nearly as wind swept, so white outs and drifting snow is not nearly as big of a problem. Services are another reason to take the 31 route. If you follow the Google route, there will not be even one gas station or store until you reach the bump in the road at Trent which has a very small convenience store. The Mapquest route is only slightly better with New Centerville offering a pizza shop, one restaurant and one additional convenience store. The 31 route offers numerous services including gas stations, a major grocery store, several convenience stores, a beer distributor and a bar that serves great pizza. In addition, you have Moo Echo Dairy, a great country store which makes cheese, ice cream, fresh baked goods and a wide range of deli products. And perhaps most importantly is Route 31 Bike, Board and Ski, the area’s largest and most experienced outdoor sports retailer. If you need your skis or snowboard waxed or serviced or if you need equipment rentals, this is the place to stop. The retail store offers everything you’ll need on the mountain including: Oakley goggles and sunglasses, Under Armour base layers and outerwear, and top winter sports brands like Burton, Fisher and Solomon. And finally, in the event I wasn’t clear enough, the Google and Mapquest routes are very poorly marked compared to the 31 route. So, unless you know the turns, it’s not snowing and you’re sure you don’t need to purchase anything, go ahead and follow the “short” route. Otherwise, I suggest you follow the alternate route via RT 31 W.

Route 31 bike board and ski-somerset pa

Route 31 Bike, Board & Ski

The Beauty of Cross Country Skiing

Jim Sota, our resident bike guru, shows us the beauty of the woods in winter at Laurel Ridge State Park. The Laurel Highlands features numerous spots to cross country ski or snowshoe and Route 31 Bike, Board & Ski rents or sells everything you need to get started. And in addition to the lovely scenery you have the added benefit of burning about 475 calories per hour.

Trek Unveils Trek Connect Online Ordering

AR5Q1477

In a first for a major U.S. bike brand, Trek Bicycle will begin sales of complete bikes to consumers via its website in late September. Bikes will be shipped to Route 31 Bike, Board & Ski— not direct to consumers — for assembly.

Trek also will begin online sales of parts & accessories from its own brands, including Bontrager and Electra, as well as other bike brands including Park Tool, Garmin, Finish Line and Burley. Trek will deliver these products direct to consumers.

Route 31 Supports People for Bikes

people for bikesUniting millions to make riding better for everyone.

PeopleForBikes is the movement to make riding better for everyone. By collaborating with millions of individual riders, businesses, community leaders, and elected officials, we’re uniting people to create a powerful, united voice for bicycling and its benefits.

Our goal is to make every bike ride better, whether that ride takes you on trails, down to the grocery store, or all the way across town. Why? Because when people ride bikes, great things happen for our bodies and our minds, and our local and global communities.­­

So who are we?

We are casual riders, weekend warriors, and commuters. We are parents and grandparents, neighbors and friends. We are business owners and industry leaders.

We are people who enjoy riding bikes, just like you.

Now Stocking Electra Bikes

electra crusier

This is the bike that started it all. 21 years ago we launched the company on the idea that we could improve on an American classic. So we opened up the frame geometry, moved the pedals forward, relaxed the seat angle and gave the entire body some breathing room. The result was a less clunky, more ergonomic ride that features our patented Flat Foot Technology®. And then we dialed it in with our signature Electra style and attention to detail. 21 years later, our Cruiser collection is all grown up. Choose between an alloy or steel frame, single or multiple gears, and a variety of styles and accessories that let your true self shine.

With so many colors and personalities to consider, you’ll want to be sure to notice the brand new Ladies’ Fashion models and Men’s Attitude bikes. They’re pretty sweet. Once you’ve decided on your bike, check out Electra apparel and accessories on electrabike.com for more ways to customize your ride.

– See more at: http://www.electrabike.com/bikes/cruiser#sthash.T4F1KCWh.dpuf

Route 31 now a GoPole dealer!

GoPole accessories in Somerset PARoute 31 is now a dealer for GoPole® accessories. GoPole® is dedicated to designing and manufacturing high quality mounts & accessories made specifically for GoPro® cameras. The #1 selling accessory brand worldwide, GoPole® is the choice for the world’s top athletes & action sports filmmakers.

Oakley Oil Rig Sunglasses Big Seller at Route 31

Oakley Oil Rig SunglassesRugged and ready for battle are these Oil Rig sunglasses by Oakley. The unique curve on the white frame allows medium-size faces to get a precise fit that doesn’t stick out at the sides. The sculpturally integrated hinges are engineered with dual-cam action and the linear ear stems provide a comfortably secure grip. Of the last 40 pairs of OAKLEY sunglasses we’ve sold, 16 of them have been OIL RIGS and we have all 5 in stock!