Im a new face on the message board here, so hi to all.
My family owns some property up in the Allegheny National Forest near Belltown - about 10 or 12 miles up the Clarion from Cook Forest. I usually ride along the river between Belltown and Cooksburg.... with the bends in the river, it makes for a nice 30-35 mile ride round trip. However, just like riding along Pittsburgh's rivers, you can only do the same stretch so many times before you need a change. Anyone know of any fun loops in the general Cook Forest area? Just started riding up there this past year, and love the scenery and how nice some of the roads are.
Headed up to do some camping over the holiday, and looking forward to getting some nice riding in.
Oh my, I love riding along the Clarion... But I'm afraid I've only ever done what you've done (I'm assuming River Rd and Spring Creek Rd are part of your tour?)
Google Maps says the north country trail is ok for bikes, but I don't remember any trails that would have been fun to ride on up there. If you highlight the "bicycle" option in Maps it might give you some ideas, it looks like there's a few trails and paths marked in the area.
There is a "Cook Forest River Ride" MS 150 event with 2 one-day route options of 35 miles and 65 miles. I imagine it may be more of the same for you but with my trusty network at work I am unable to access the map to identify if that is the case. most websites and fancy computer options are limited here. so, here's a link that may or may not work and you can access the route maps on something that hopefully works better than what I have.
http://bikepax.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_PAX_RouteInfo
also, if you're interested in mountain biking there are some fun trails in Sigel, I think. Once again, I can't access the website to provide full information or tell you if the trail has public access all year but they host a race each year. It's a good time and the info should be available at the link.
http://www.fattirechallenge.com
ejwme - Yes, I normally ride River Road. They paved a nice stretch of it last summer, so it is a nice smooth ride. I havent done the whole stretch of Spring Creek, but I have climbed up Shanley Hill once or twice. Maybe this week I'll ride out that way more. Looks like I could make a nice loop that way.
kelw - Ive got the same problem on my work computer. But I havent done much mountain biking up in that area. Looks like that Fat Tire loops all around Clear Creek State Park which is perfect for me. Maybe I'll take the mountain bike with me this time. Thanks!
Take something that can handle rocks.
I did the race in 2011 and vividly remember a wicked, seemingly never-ending rock garden near the end. It was great.
My family has land out there too. Here is a ride I did a while back.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1543294
Just make something! In general everywhere is good for riding out there...if you don't mind the occasional hill.
Thanks for the map. I ride up there alone usually, so have been a bit shy about exploring too much. I don't have a GPS, and would hate to get lost and get eaten by a bear. Maybe I'll pick up a map.
I've found a general rule of thumb when Exploring on a Great Adventure... If it's paved, a car will drive along it *at some point*. (unpaved is way less likely) As long as you don't have anywhere to be at a particular time, you can always rely on the kindness of strangers to redirect you 
Map, patch kit, water, maybe a flare? You could always get one of those bear bells (or use a bike bell liberally), but I think they alert bears to the presence of Hiking Snacks more than scare them off.
If you're concerned about getting lost on a trail, just head out on a pleasant weekend (especially holiday weekend), when all us city folks finally get the chance to come up and breath some of that fresh air. You'll never get the chance to be lost! (personally, I reserve Wednesdays for getting lost adventures - parks are empty then [except for this Wednesday])
