I'm back baby!  On Sunday I hit my pledged 500 miles of bike riding for Randy's Great Cycle Challenge riding the Ghost Town Trail w/Donna R. and some new friends.  Monday I gave my legs a rest and was back on the courts for Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday was my flu and COVID shot recovery day.  It felt so good to get out there and see many of you guys.  I'm doing a ride tomorrow so I'll add a few miles to my total.  If I ever say I'm riding 500 miles in a month again, smack me.  Working on a new plan for next year.  I will announce totals next week and then I'll be quiet about riding until the Spring.  So let's pack some gear and go exploring the Pickleverse.

1. Dink For Pink Tournament (Johnstown) - The number of registrations are slowly growing.  The deadline to register is October 13th.  Competition dates are October 18 (men's and women's) and October 19 (mixed).  This tournament is a bit different in that the top three teams in each category will receive cash prizes.  For more information check out the flier here.

2. Dink For Pink Event (State College) - from what I have been told State College YMCA did a very nice job of sponsoring their event.

3. State College Area YMCA - SCAY will be holding a Intermediate Pickleball Clinic on October 6th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.  As of this writing there are a good number of spaces still available.  If you are interested you can check out this link: Intermediate PB Clinic Info and Sign-Up

4. It Was Only A Matter Of Time - If Barbie can do pickleball so can American Girl Doll.  Her name is, ready for this, Raquel.  For a photo, check the bottom of the blog.  Thanks to SaraLee for the heads up on that.

5. New Kids On The Block - With a few days of rain many of us moved inside to play.  As the weather turns against us more and more will begin playing inside.  Since last indoor season there have been many players enter the community and I would anticipate some will elect to begin their journey into the pay-to-play world.  The new folks will certainly include many that are just beginning their pickleball journey.  I got to play with a few this week and they asked if I thought they might fit in with the drop-in crowd.  I assured them that you guys are some of the most wonderful people ot grace a court and have memories of what it was like when you first started.  As the newbies enter the mix please make them feel welcome.  Challenge them, don't terrorized them.  Ask if they want tips before you start coaching.  Welcome them to the community.

6. Indoors - In October I will do a bit more of a breakdown for indoor play options but for now Chris S's webpage has some great information:  Centre Pickleball.

7. Bernel Road Park Courts - Centre Parks and Recreation are holding a Beginners Pickleball session at Bernel on Monday the 29th from 5:30 to 7:00.  The class is full with 26 registered students (I guess it is like an airline overbooking anticipating there will a couple no shows) so those courts will be offline.  Excited, I get to assist.  So get your Monday play in early.

8. Pickleball 101 - I don't have anything scheduled but if you know of a group I can look at getting something scheduled.

9. Pickleball 201 - I will be doing those by appointment.  For those not familiar with the format, you find 2 other players and the I join the three of you working on drills to improve your skills, hopefully.  There is no charge except the facility fee.

10. Holbrook Paddles - Holbrook is trying to get established in Dick's Sporting Goods so you will start seeing more of their paddle in their stores and online.  From what I have seen they will be charging the retail price that is on the website.  If you know anyone that is thinking of buying one from Dick's Sporting Goods I can either get them the 15% discount with my discount code or the want the paddle NOW and see it in the store (and it is a Mav Pro 2 or Aero model) I can get them some bonus stuff like a paddle cover, overwraps, and a ball cap with form they send in to Holbrooks with proof of purchase.

The links for indoor play are below.  Have a great week and I hope to see you on the court soon.

C3 Sports:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-59035753-pickleball

The Centre:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-59035807-pickleball

Randy Hoffman

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