Cycling scene in PA?

[li10up]

I was raised in Clearfield (west,central), PA. I'm now 44 and thinking about moving back to be closer to my family. I've been living in TX for the past 20 years. I'm into road cycling and mtn. biking, racquetball, backpacking and skiing. I'd like to continue with those activities. Is there a cycling scene in PA? Any cycling clubs that you know of that welcome beginners? Anyone have any input as to where to live in PA to be able to do those things and be fairly close to my family?

[AllezGirl]

I live in Phoenixville, PA (outside Philly) and there's no shortage of cycling opportunities here. Road, MTB, tandem, unicycle...whatever type you prefer at any level, you can find a club or a ride that suits you in this area.

[li10up]

Thanks for the info, that's probably a little further away than what I was thinking. Anyone else know of anywhere in Central PA?

[Fredwina]

Harrisburg Bicycle Club is very active and is welcoming of new riders(ride paces from 8 to 20+ mph). It's at www.harrisburgbicycleclub.org. The only downside is that they are pretty much a road only club.

[pkq]

I lived in Pittsburgh 7+ years and enjoyed it. The Western PA Wheelmen, http://wpwbikeclub.org/, is a very active bike club. They have some organized rides in the area as well as races. It is a very hilly area so get ready to climb lots.

Allegheny County has 200+ miles of mountain bike trails to enjoy. Lots of the roadies ride those during winter. One of the best is near Pitt and Carnegie Mellon.

Backpacking in the Laurel Highlands is good year round. I prefer winter backpacking there to avoid the heat and humidity.

I've not downhilled in PA because it's not powder. But many ski at Seven Springs and a couple of other places. Cross country skiing is good there, too. Some do back country skiing there, too.

Some of the bike club members organize XC ski outings, mountain bike rides, and hiking outings during winter.

If you move there, I'd be glad to point you in some directions to meet people.

[li10up]

I lived in Pittsburgh 7+ years and enjoyed it. The Western PA Wheelmen, http://wpwbikeclub.org/, is a very active bike club. They have some organized rides in the area as well as races. It is a very hilly area so get ready to climb lots.

Allegheny County has 200+ miles of mountain bike trails to enjoy. Lots of the roadies ride those during winter. One of the best is near Pitt and Carnegie Mellon.

Backpacking in the Laurel Highlands is good year round. I prefer winter backpacking there to avoid the heat and humidity.

I've not downhilled in PA because it's not powder. But many ski at Seven Springs and a couple of other places. Cross country skiing is good there, too. Some do back country skiing there, too.

Some of the bike club members organize XC ski outings, mountain bike rides, and hiking outings during winter.

If you move there, I'd be glad to point you in some directions to meet people.

Thank you for the info. I'm thinking that Pittsburgh might be a little too big for me. I'm wondering about Altoona or State College.

Anyone have any info on either of these places?

Fredwina, thanks for your input.

[Kimmyt]

I went to college at PSU which is in State College. I didn't cycle at the time so can't give you any info on clubs but I would imagine proximity to such a large and active university would mean there are some active clubs (outside of school sponsered ones, that is). I mean, there has to be lots of alum and profs that cycle in the area and the roads seem like they would be great for longer rides. As for mtn biking, there are lots of nice mountains converging around that area so I would imagine good dh and such.

I did some backpacking when I was in school, and the mid-state trail runs not far from State College, which offers some nice multi-day backpacking options. The entire area is pretty rural and there are lots of parks in the area and there are lots of opportunities for hikes, from day to longer in the area. You may be able to get information from the PSU Outing Club who I know is very active (they have a website you can look at) and can probably point you in the direction of clubs and groups that are into the sports you're into.

As for skiing, not much in that area. State College has Tussey Mtn which isn't much more than a hill.

I've driven through Altoona but don't know much about it but State College was a very outdoor-friendly town (perhaps because of the uni) but if you move into that area I hope to god you enjoy football!!

K.

[Kimmyt]

Oh, I found this link for you for a local bike shop in State College that looks like it runs organized rides:

http://www.thebicycleshopinc.com/rides.html

And here is the Outing Club link:

http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/outing/

[li10up]

Oh, I found this link for you for a local bike shop in State College that looks like it runs organized rides:

http://www.thebicycleshopinc.com/rides.html

And here is the Outing Club link:

http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/outing/

Thanks for all the information and the links...I appreciate it. State College looks like it has a lot to offer. Thanks again.

[Kimmyt]

It really is a great little town, and has some beautiful surrounding country!