We're going all over the Alleghenies

UPDATE: Registration is closed but you can still join us. Meet at the Forest Lodge near Marienville, PA, the Gypsy Tour's first campsite. You can register there!

(Photos: Fred Huganir)

Contrarians are good. They often bring out the unexpected, which is the spark that sets off an adventure. In this case, the Giant's decision on where to ride on the GS Gypsy Tour counters the conventional wisdom on the forum and cuts against the grain on Facebook. The mere thought of choosing a known location is met with hands on hips, head tossed back, and a bellowing "ha, ha, ha!" Instead, the Giant chooses the unknown.

This is what adventures are made of. Do you think the Appalachians are only in the east? Au contraire... the Allegheny plateau extends to the midwest, and together with the Appalachians' western reaches, make up one of the nicest places in Pennsylvania you've never heard of. The Allegheny National Forest sits conveniently in middle, as do several excellent ORV areas and endless miles of Forest Service Roads. Look at northwest Pennsylvania on any map and you'll see what folks down in the south call a "big ol' green blob."

The green blob

Blobs of green on a map are almost always good for adventure riding, full of national forests, wildlife management areas, great parks and scenery. N41 32.145 W79 02.658 or http://bit.ly/etDEmB will get you to the Forest Lodge near Marienville, PA, the Gypsy Tour's first campsite. According to Frank, the campground owner, there is precious little out there in the way of people, but believe it or not, there is a brewery nearby.

The Forest Lodge campground is a simple affair, and there's a small motel onsite. Only 12 rooms and apartment for 4 are available for wusses, and most rooms sleep two. Please make all non-camping lodging arrangements directly with Frank at 814-927-8790 www.theforestlodge.net.

Dinner (and breakfast) is served

No green blobs, we promise. Instead you'll enjoy a catered meal after setting up your tent, and breakfast the next morning before setting out for the trails. We've scouted out the best riding in the area, so check out the latest information at the BMW MOA Forum or the GS Giant's Facebook page.

Dualsport (and more) riding ensues

The off-pavement riding in this neighborhood is world class. You can ride to state ORV trails right from the campground, just buy a $35 permit from Frank. The Timberline Trail is the easiest, 38 miles of 2-track, graded for ATVs and snowmobiles, which are perfect for a casual off-pavement ride. The two halves of the Marienville trails are rated difficult and most difficult, so real tires are required at a minimum, along with the skills to negotiate challenging single track. Big dogs may choose to take an Adventure Detour and earn a few points on an even more difficult trail nearby.

And don't worry, if ground pounding is not your thing, you can also download a superb GPS route to guide you along the best forest service roads in the area. There is much to explore. (According to Google Maps, PA 666 goes right through the middle of the whole area. You just got to check that one out.)

Doing the adventure tour thing

After another night with more beer and food at the Forest Lodge, load up your gear and set off on a great back-road adventure tour. We're talking 270 miles of blue roads here, including the longest dirt road in Pennsylvania. And if you're so inclined, take a few detours to bag a few points in your quest to be named the GS Giant.

That night's destination features more camping, food, beer, and opportunities for you and your friends to earn a few GS BS points. Every little bit helps in your quest to become the Giant. Please do not try to ply the scorekeeper with beer.

Someone's got to do it.

It's a tough life, but.... you get the picture... you gotta do this. Register for free to compete for the GS Giant title on the track, and pay only $100 for the three-day GS Gypsy Tour, an awesome goody bag, a slew of Door Prize swag and eligibility for winning the Grand Prize.

Important Details:

GS Giant on the BMW MOA Forum - www.gsgiant.com

GS Giant on Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/The-GS-Giant/166605590047244

Gypsy Tour start - N41 32.145 W79 02.658 - http://bit.ly/ffvLAR

Klim Latitude^TM riding gear

It's some of the best in the biz. See it at the Rally and if you don't buy one, the GS Giant gets one free.

Sponsored by Klim, USA  www.klimusa.com

Arai XD-3 helmet

An Arai XD-3 is just one of the door prizes that could be yours if you register for the GS Gypsy Tour.

Sponsored by Arai America.  www.araiamericas.com

Sidi Adventure Gore Tex boots

Use these boots to kick some butt on the track. You could wind them by registering for the GS Gypsy tour at www.bmwmoa.org.

Sponsored by Motonation  www.motonation.com

UPDATE: Registration is closed but you can still join us. Meet at the Forest Lodge near Marienville, PA, the Gypsy Tour's first campsite. You can regsiter there!