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85,000

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85,000.  That's roughly the number of acres that make up Michaux State Forest in Central Pennsylvania.  One would think that after 15 years of mountain biking in the forest that it would be hard to find something new to ride, but the 85,000 acres makes Michaux a big place.  Actually...really big!  There are certain spots that I love where the forest seems to just engulf everything.  I know that there are cars and roads and buildings and telephone poles down there...but the forest just swallows it all up.  The sensory experience...the breeze blowing through the trees, the green that stretches as far as the eyes can see, and the fresh smell of the blossoming mountain laurel...is so rejuvenating.  Nothing man-made or unnatural.  Just the forest. From 800 feet up the forest seems to engulf everything. -- July 7, 2020 85,000 acres allows for so many possibilities.  Even so, it can be easy to fall into the routine of riding the same familiar trail...

WELCOME TO OHIOPYLE

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For one week every June, the town of Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania becomes my home away from home.  I've written numerous times about my family connection to this amazingly beautiful state park located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  My grandparents spent time here with my parents, my parents spent time here with me, and now I absolutely love coming back each year with my son, Alex. It's a week that I look forward to each year because it means that another school year is in the books (pun intended) and the entire summer is still ahead of me.  It's a week that allows me to slow down, hit the pause button on life, and enjoy the best that the little town of Ohiopyle, the Youghiogheny River, the surround streams and creeks, the forest, and the trails have to offer.   Post mountain biking rest at the edge of the Youghiogheny River.  David A. Raymond.  Photo by Devin Seiger. -- June 18, 2020 As alluded to...I don't go on this yearly adventure alone.  My son,...