The Pickle Jar
June 3-7
Happy June everyone! I hope my fellow allergy sufferers are holding up well. Life for the past few days has been a series of pills, sprays, and drops. BTW did you know eye drop bottles and ear drop bottles look very similar. I learned that last year, the hard way. The upcoming week looks to once again play cat and mouse with rain drops. Pickleball, bike rides and lawn care are dominating by schedule and the weather likes to dictate when and where. But what the hey, my front lawn is looking good! Speaking of bike rides, on Thursday I made one of those decisions that tell me I am getting older and enjoy certain comforts more. After my ride I stopped at a favorite bike shop near Clarion, PA I purchased a new ...wider...saddle. I didn't go full blown plush comfort seat but I decided to make that move. Hopefully I will get a chance to put several miles on it this week. Enough chit chat, let's explore the Pickleverse.
Bernel Road Park - On Friday we had 30 players at the peak and invoked the rotation guidelines and paddle saddle. As players rotated through they seemed to become more comfortable with the system and the with six players on standby the wait was perhaps 5 to 7 minutes on average. With 6 courts in play, games were set at first to 11, win by 2. With the quick turnover waiting players tended to congregate at the paddle saddle outside the court which relieved congestion inside the fence. If I can get myself motivated I will try to make a video demonstrating the paddle saddle for next week's Pickle Jar.
Holbrook Paddles - Holbrook just released a new paddle, the Mav Pro 2.0. I have a demo and I have a brand new one with a cover that I am willing to direct sell. I played with for a few games and it has a nice balance in my hand and the carbon fiber face is very grippy so it can up the spin if that's your thing. If you want to try it or buy the brand new one let me know. I am asking $75.00 for the paddle and cover. This is a better price than what you would get even with my discount. Here is a link if you want to check it out: https://holbrookpickleball.com/products/mav-pro-2-0?variant=43900867641529
Gamma Paddles - Gamma recently adjusted their discount for Gamma paddles back to 25%. So if you are a Gamma guy or gal here is the code you need at checkout at the Gamma website: ba_barbrow25
Pickleball Banz - Father's Day promotions are beginning to pop up and one if from MYPadl who make customized bands to place around your paddle handle. While not a good value at regular price (IMHO) their holiday sales are an option. You need to buy 4 bands and then you get them at half price and free shipping. If don't have 4 paddles, go in with a friend perhaps to grab some bling for your paddle. Here is their link: https://mypadl.com/pages/personalize?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&utm_campaign=Fathers%20Day%20June%2016th%202024&kla_profile_id=01GRMP327DFW98T7D9GXQSS2XQ&_kx=2JNGKeuCmupp5pXi7osJ_zdznw3FiECH73BSaLXRc6w.UbuL8a
Ouch! - Glasses, who needs glasses. You are even under threat from friendly fire: https://youtube.com/shorts/wA8h14wIJL8?si=-BmnBffsgPWAqJIl
Numbers - Both the Pickle Jar and TeamReach App are closing in on 300 followers. I would imagine that like an iceberg that the actual number of players in Centre County and surrounding area is considerably higher. With growing competition for scarce resources it is important to demonstrate patience and grace especially with new players that are not familiar with typical practices for sharing courts, rotations, etiquette, and other actions that we automatically subscribe to now.
Great Cycle Challenge - Pickleballers have really demonstrated what big hearts they have. Thanks largely to them I am $165.00 from reaching my 2024 fundraising goal of $1330.00 and my 7 year cumulative goal of $10,000.00! If you are interested in donating to help push me over the top just follow this link: https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/RandyHoffman. (with 400 miles pledged in September, that new seat just might be what gets me there)
That's a wrap for this week, time to go binge watch some more Abbott Elementary. Have a great week, perhaps I will see you on the court. The links for indoor drop-in are below. Peace.
The Centre: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-49947533-nvsc
C3 Sports: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-49947528-c3pickleball
Randy Hoffman
Holbrook PIckleball Ambassador
https://holbrookpickleball.com/
Discount Code = RANDYHOFFMAN20