ALTOONA, Pa., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alleghenies embraces the natural topography of the land to provide first-class mountain biking trails for cyclists, including Pennsylvania's only International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) EPIC ride (Roth Rock Ride) as well as a slate of upcoming events and competitions.

While the on-road cycling offering remains the most well-known (hosted the 1992 Olympic Road Trials and annually host one of the largest pro-amateur races in the country, the Tour de Toona), the region is emerging as a mountain biking hot spot as noted by Men's Journal, "One of the Top 4 Bike Trails (Allegrippis) in the Country."

From beginner friendly rolling terrain to harrowing rock gardens along a ridgeline traverse, mountain bikers will appreciate the wealth of detail provided online via the downloadable cue sheets, trail descriptions and elevation/terrain profiles.

This summer The Alleghenies offers enthusiasts top-notch events:

- Dirt Fest 2011

May 20-22, 2011

• Dirt Rag Magazine presents this annual event focused on endorsing and educating sustainable mountain bike trail systems
• Features scheduled IMBA trail clinics, industry demo and expo area, group rides, live music, Pennsylvania  beer tasting and more

- Tran-Sylvania Epic

May 29-June 4, 2011

• 7-day stage race covering more than 250 miles
• ride the best trails (Allegrippis, Roth Rock Ride, etc.) in The Alleghenies against some of the best male/female riders in the country

With more than 100 miles of singletrack in The Alleghenies it's no surprise that National Geographic Adventure named the (Allegrippis) trails "first-rate."  Here are a few buzz worthy trails:

1. Roth Rock Ride

30+ miles

• trails vary in elevation (1,000 to 2,400 feet)  and terrain -- from the oldest and largest grove of hemlocks in the country to narrow, rocky singletrack with epic views
• easy accessibility to I-80 (10 miles) and State College provides a gateway for supplies/equipment to tackle the trails

2. Allegrippis Trail System

32+ miles

• with varying skill levels (green/beginner, blue/intermediate and black/advanced) and trails arranged as 24 stacked loops providing a plethora of options
• the entire trail system was designed in conjunction with IMBA
• local concessionaires also provide rental opportunities

The Alleghenies: The Alleghenies Tourism Council is a partnership of organizations interested in further developing the tourism industry and economic development opportunities in an eight county region in Southcentral Pennsylvania.  www.TheAlleghenies.com

SOURCE The Alleghenies Tourism Council