More info can be found at www.beyondthedirt.com and www.projectpedal.org. Instagram and Facebook: @ridebeyondthedirt @projectpedal.
One of the simplest ways to improve our mental health is to get outside. Simply sitting outdoors or taking a stroll has been a documented medical benefit for decades.
The idea of being “Nurtured through Nature” is presented in an American Psychological Association publication back in April of 2020. The piece highlighted the core connection points between spending time in nature and improved mental wellness in three key points:
Locally, we are lucky enough to have access to all of these spaces. We also have mental health professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who are working to provide events in these unique, remote, spaces.
Two such people are Jeff and Lyndsey Weidow, a married couple who have a unique and particular viewpoint for such events.
Jeff is the organizer of the Beyond the Dirt event and founder of Project Pedal.
Lyndsey is a mental health professional who has worked in the field for 14 years. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State and a Master’s Degree from Lock Haven in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a focus in children and adolescent counseling, she currently works in the area as a NCC (National Certified Counselor) and holds a PA state licensure as a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). To say she is qualified to speak on this subject is a pure understatement.
Lyndsey works directly with school-aged children and young adults.
When asked about the connections she sees between her profession and the Beyond the Dirt event she gave her honest thoughts, telling me, “Living in a rural community, there is still such a stigma that surrounds mental health and even cycling.”
“By bringing an event like this to the area, it will help to generate conversations about both,” said Lyndsey. “It will open up the opportunity to discuss how your physical and mental health are linked to each other and how focusing on one can improve the other… All while finding a group of individuals who support you and will help you reach goals you’ve set for yourself.”
That last sentence really made me want to promote this event. We might, at times, find it so easy to preach the idea of getting outdoors, but what does that look like? Finding and connecting with a group of people who have similar interests can be more than a single event, it can be empowering.
Jeff encapsulated these ideas when I asked what his inspiration was.
“Everyone at some point in their life has had or will have mental health battles that can be debilitating and are often met with an absence of assistance or support. This cannot go without mention of the stigma surrounding mental health,” he told me. “Your mental health should not feel like a burden to others. You are not broken and you are not alone. It is 100% OK to not be 100% OK.”
“Cycling has given an outlet to so many people who have a mental health diagnosis,” Jeff said. “I want to pass around something that has so much success. This success is matched with the support that surrounds the cycling community. Mentally and physically a bicycle can change someone’s life.”
Jeff is an avid cyclist. He founded Project Pedal in 2018, setting long-term goals of sharing his experiences to motivate others, showing the positive connections he felt and experienced with mental health and cycling.
He spoke of his own personal experiences, saying, “Cycling helped me navigate many mental health barriers and I wanted to share that success with others.”
Since then, Jeff has completed projects that include cycling across the USA unsupported in 30 days, several trips across PA in 3 days, becoming certified in bike fitting, Endurance Nutrition, and Coaching for Endurance Cycling. Project Pedal now travels across the United States participating in cycling events to help create a larger network for cyclists and communities.
He sees the “amazing outdoor features” Cameron County has to offer, describing many areas as “‘hidden gems.”
Jeff said, “This felt like the perfect time and perfect opportunity to showcase what our area has to offer and bring individuals together to show them how helpful cycling and the cycling community can be as well as highlighting the PA Wilds.”
Jeff and the members of Project Pedal have been working extremely hard in organizing the Beyond the Dirt event by “providing insight and past experiences from other events to culminate a welcoming and positive vibe” for anyone participating; “whether just starting or a seasoned cyclist.”
Jeff also let me know that Cameron County as whole, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, and the local DCNR affiliations have “made (them) feel welcome and have been a great resource to gather ideas for bringing this outdoor experience to the area.”
Which is all of the positives anyone could hope for when organizing an event of this scale in such a remote area. Project Pedal is dedicated to a long-lasting relationship with the community. Working to promote positive mental health and wellness initiatives through cycling. They are encouraging anyone who is on the fence to participate and explore what this event, and the area, have to offer.
Jeff and Project Pedal give their sincere thanks. “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all that are involved in this event and look forward to growing resources for our community! There are people who live in the PA Wilds region who may seek out events of this sort – but to have the opportunity to bring the event here is something new, and special.”
Lyndsey went on to tell me having people have told her that they are “so happy events like this are happening closer to home.”
She said, “Beyond the Dirt is just beginning. The goal is to have this event grow so it becomes a premiere cycling event that brings people into the PA Wilds. Coupled with Project Pedal’s mental health and wellbeing initiative, the goal is to raise awareness about mental health and how cycling, or however one chooses or is able to get outdoors and get active, can benefit.”
Beyond the Dirt is about more than just itself. It’s an opportunity for growth, for companionship, and for mental health to be at the forefront of the conversation.
As for final thoughts for those who are thinking of participating, “Come out and join however one feels comfortable or is able. The goal of Project Pedal is to find a sense of community. You want to start riding but don’t know where to start? Or you’ve been riding casually and want to train for your first fifty- or hundred-miler? Project Pedal has people and can help.”
Project Pedal will be hosting Beyond the Dirt on Friday-Sunday, August 16-18 at the Cameron County Fairgrounds in Emporium, PA.
The event structure is a ride or race format where individuals can ride at their own pace or compete for awards and prizes.
Primitive camping is available the night before and the night of the event.
Information on sign-up, available routes, and lodging in the area on the website.https://www.projectpedal.org/can be found on www.beyondthedirt.com and www.projectpedal.org. You can also find them on social media at Instagram and Facebook : @ridebeyondthedirt @projectpedal.
Kalie fell in love with the PA Wilds after moving to The Wilds with her parents and younger sister in 2006. When they found their soon to be home in Weedville, it was love at first hike. The girls would spend all their time wandering and exploring the vastness that was perpetually available; it was here that Kalie thought “everyone should get to experience this: wild, raw nature.” Graduating from Slippery Rock University with a Major in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Nonprofit Management, she set out on her mission. After graduating she decided to remain in Elk County. Now residing in St. Marys, she continues to spend her time soaking up the PA Wilds through kayaking, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and motorcycling through the mountains every chance she gets. Kalie now serves as the Secretary for Elk County Council on the Arts and launched her own business, GrACE by Kalie Anne, LLC. Focused on bringing Green Alternatives & Community Education to the forefront of the local economy Kalie aims to create a more sustainable future, ensuring everyone has a chance to experience the very same vastness she fell in love with. Her website, GrACEbyKalieAnne.com features directories that spotlight the businesses, products, and services offered in and around Elk County.
Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast.
The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.