Volume 1, Issue 12 – September 12, 2002

“A Newsletter Published by Bike-Pgh.org to Promote Bicycle Safety and Awareness”

In This Issue:

* Bike Pittsburgh Non-Profit Status Update
* New Rides & Trails Section On Website!
* Bicycle Theft Update
* Upcoming Rides And Events

BIKE PITTSBURGH NON-PROFIT STATUS UPDATE

Bike Pittsburgh is more than just a website, we’re a growing advocacy organization whose goal is to promote bicycle advocacy, safety, education, and awareness in the Pittsburgh region. Here is a preview of some things to come from Bike Pittsburgh:

* We have retained the services of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP (http://www.schnader.com) to assist us with obtaining Non-Profit 501(c)(3) status. These services are very generously being provided on a pro bono basis.
* We are actively assembling a Board of Directors; this is nearly complete. In addition, organizational Bylaws are in Draft form. Both the Bylaws and selection of the Board of Directors is anticipated to be completed before the end of September. We will update the About Us section of the website as soon as this information is publicly available.
* Our first major campaign will focus on “Share The Road” – a familiar slogan, but with a Pittsburgh-focused message. More information will be sent as soon as this campaign nears launching.
* We are working on a benefits package for Full Membership. Membership is Bike Pittsburgh will be available on two levels: Associate Membership, and Full Membership. Associate Members need only to “Subscribe” through the website to receive email updates. Everyone who has already Subscribed is considered an Associate Member. Full Membership will require a minimum level of financial committment. It is likely that Full Membership in Bike Pittsburgh will be very similar in format to Public Radio or Television membership.

Finally, we want to take a moment and thank you for your initial support of Bike Pittsburgh. Please visit the site often and pass the web address along to anyone that you feel will benefit from it. Updates to the content (especially in the News & Events) happen at least once a week. We’ll keep you posted.

Ride Safe. Be Seen.

NEW RIDES & TRAILS SECTION ON WEBSITE

A NEW section has been added to the Bike Pittsburgh website ~ Rides & Trails! This new section has links to resources that will help you to find great Mountain Biking, Urban Cyling, or Low-Impact Biking in the area. Summer is ending and Fall will be upon us shortly – you’ve still got time to get out and enjoy the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Readers are encouraged to check out the new section and provide feedback or suggest additional links for Pittsburgh-Region cycling. Just point your web browser to: http://www.Bike-Pgh.org ~ send your feedback or suggestions to: david@Bike-Pgh.org.

BICYCLE THEFT UPDATE

Last issue’s article on bicycle theft generated a flurry of email to Bike Pittsburgh. Most people reported having a bike stolen at some point in the past, but a couple of messages were regarding recent thefts…

* A bike was reported FOUND along the Eliza Furnace trail. If you recently had your bike lost or stolen, email: goldentrianglebikes@yahoo.com with a description of the bike and a phone number where you can be reached.
* A bike was stolen from a garage, and the victim is looking for a good used multi-speed bike to replace it. If you’ve got a spare bike, email: dongibbon@earthlink.net.
* A Cannondale Mountain Bike was stolen from the Mellon Square Garage, Downtown. It was painted with an orange to yellow fade on an F500 frame. Know anyone who came into a bike like this around June of this year? Email: lichvar.jj@mellon.com.

Details on some of these thefts/recoveries can be found in the Classified section of www.Bike-Pgh.org. Be sure to look under the “Bike” and/or “Announcements” headings. You can also post bicycles and equipment for sale, or “Want Ads” in the Classifieds. Postings are free and stay listed for 30 days.

UPCOMING RIDES AND EVENTS

Less heat and humidity make the end of Summer and the Fall months fantastic! Below is a partial listing of some of the cool things you can do on a bike in the Pittsburgh area through the end of September. For a complete listing (including the months of October and November), go to the News & Events section of www.Bike-Pgh.org. You’ll find activities, rides, races, and more to keep you biking will into late Fall!

September 13th-15th – The BASH

this event is sponsored by the Rattling Creek Singletrackers (http://home.epix.net/~rebjsw/RCSTWeb/index.html). Each year in September, the Rattling Creek Singletrackers holds a 3 day BASH at Camp Muckleratz, located next to the Weiser State Forest in Elizabethville, PA. It’s a weekend of mountain biking, primitive camping (modern facilities 5-10 miles away), entertainment, prizes, and group rides for all levels! 70 folks joined in on the fun in 2001. For more info check out: (http://home.epix.net/~rebjsw/RCSTWeb/page4.html).

Event Days: Friday, September 13th to Sunday, September 15th
Event Location: Camp Muckleratz – near Elizabeth, PA
Event Time: Friday 3:00pm – Sunday 3:00pm
Cost: $30

September 14th – Racoon Creek Park – Trail Building

Do you ride the trails in State Parks? Here is a chance to do your part and help maintain the trails that you ride! The Park will have volunteers and staff who will serve as crew leaders. All volunteers will be given a brief orientation and training. Projects might include: bridge construction, basic trail work, chain sawing, erosion control, or trail head signage. Volunteers should bring a lunch, plenty of water and dress for the weather. Other suggested items are heavy work gloves, boots, a hat and a change of clothes for after the work is done. Please contact Pat Adams, Park Naturalist at (724) 899-3611 or (padams@ata-pa.com) so that he can plan the work crews ahead of time.

Event Day: Saturday, September 14th
Event Location: Racoon Creet Park, Park Office, Route 18
Event Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $FREE

September 14th – Spokes & Splash – Canoeing & Biking

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). For a full day of recreation, we’ll bike down the Youghiogheny River Trail until lunchtime. Then after a trail-side meal, we’ll canoe a gorgeous stretch of the Youghiogheny River. Participants can choose to both bike and canoe, or just join us for the morning bike ride. Canoes and lunch provided. Bike rentals are available. For more information, visit (http://www.wpfi.org/activities-wpfi.htm#start) or call (412) 255-0564.

Event Day: Saturday, September 14th
Event Location: Youghiogheny River, Perryopolis
Event Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Cost: $35 Members, $40 Non-Members, $15 Kids

September 15th – 3 Rivers 3 Ways: Hike-Bike-Kayak Tour

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Join us as we explore Pittsburgh from several unique perspectives and enjoy a complete package of activities. We will paddle down the Allegheny, hike around the Ohio, and cycle along the Monongahela. On this full day adventure all transportation and equipment is provided including a sumptuous box lunch and drinks. The trip will be led by our trained guides and assisted by local historians and naturalists. This outing is suitable for all levels of ability. For more information, visit (http://www.wpfi.org/activities-wpfi.htm#start) or call (412) 255-0564.

Event Day: Sunday, September 15th
Event Location: Washington’s Landing
Event Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $60 Members, $70 Non-Members

September 21st – Covered Bridge Ride

This event is sponsored by Team Habitat (http://www.gchfh-teamhabitat.org/). This local ride will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2002, during the 32nd Annual Covered Bridge Festival. There will be two loop rides available for this event. One is a 40-mile loop that connects three of the covered bridges in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The other is a 20-mile loop that connects two of the covered bridges in Greene County.

Registrations will be accepted up to the date of the event. (Registration fees are payable with your registration form. Sponsorship money may be turned in at the registration table on the day of the event.) The registration fee will provide registered cyclists with a route map and sag service.

In addition to the registration fee, riders are encouraged to solicit financial sponsorships. Funds raised by individual riders will go directly to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate of the rider’s choice, for use in carrying out its mission. All funds not specifically designated for other Habitat affiliates will go to Greene County Habitat for Humanity. A prize will be awarded to the rider with the highest individual sponsorship over $100 for this event.

Cyclists are responsible for bringing their own bicycles, and for making sure that they are safe and in good working order. The terrain is a mixture of level and hilly. A multi-speed bicycle with a wide gear range is recommended. If a cyclist is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the registration form. For more information and a registration form, please visit: (http://www.gchfh-teamhabitat.org/).

Event Day: Saturday, September 21st
Event Location: Green County, Pennsylvania
Event Time: Morning to Afternoon
Cost: $30

September 21st – Bike Trip: Youghiogheny River

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Starting at the nearby terminus of the Youghiogheny River Trail, we’ll enjoy a lovely day riding toward Smithton and then back, stopping for scenic breaks and lunch along the Youghiogheny River. For more information, visit (http://www.wpfi.org/activities-wpfi.htm#start) or call (412) 255-0564.

Event Day: Sunday, September 21st
Event Location: Youghiogheny River Trail, Boston to Smithton
Event Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $5 ~ Bike Rentals Extra

September 22nd – Paul’s Dirty Enduro – Ontario, Canada!

Got the itch to travel and find an awesome single-track event? How about Paul’s Dirty Enduro in Ontario, Canada? This event offers 15K, 30K, 60K, and 100K events. For all of the details, see: (http://www.reach.net/~bbc/pauls.html).

Event Day: Sunday, September 22nd
Event Location: Ganaraska Forest Center, Ontario, Canada
Event Time: All Day
Cost: $Based on Sponsorship – see (http://www.reach.net/~bbc/pauls/faqs.html)

September 24th – Dan O’s Really Big Show

Friends of the Riverfront (www.FriendsOfTheRiverfront.org) is proud to present Dan O’s Really Big Show! Please join Friends of the Riverfront’s very special Friend Dan Oshop (of Bruster’s Ice Cream) as he shares with us his experience of traveling around the world – by BIKE! Pittsburgh Brewing Company in Lawrenceville will serve as host of the evening with complimentary beverages (beer) and snacks from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Dan’s slides and stories are beautiful and poignant – a tribute to determination. There is a suggested $5 donation to attend.

Event Day: Tuesday, September 24th
Event Location: Pittsburgh Brewing Company, Lawrenceville
Event Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: $5 donation suggested

September 28th – Endless Encounter xc III

The Endless Mountain Bike Club, in Northeastern PA, will host over $9,000 in prizes for this X-Country event. The course a 4 mile loop, with progressive categories: beginner (2 laps), sport (4 laps) and expert (6 laps) for Juniors, Senior, Veteran and Masters, men and women. Plus the Clydesdales, (over 250 pounds). Smack in the heart of the Endless Mountains, through woods and fields, up rocky ravines, down quarry walls, over creeks and the most beautiful countryside in the USA, the Encounter has gone all the way to make it fun. The Camp, after cooling down in the Lake, will provide Food, Lodging and Entertainment (live bands and raffles galore).

For more information, Contact Steve at the New Milford Bike Shop (www.newmilfordbike.com), 195 Main Street, New Milford, PA 18834, telephone (570) 465-2169 or e-mail: (bike195@epix.net). Alternatively, simply visit (www.newmilfordbike.com). Look for the “Endless Encounter” button at the top right area of the website; you can get more information and a registration form by following the instructions on each page.

Event Day: Saturday, September 28th
Event Location: Camp at East Lake, New Milford Township
Event Time: 8:30am – 2:30pm
Cost: $25 before September 21st, $30 after September 21st

September 28th – Urban Trail Ride

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Pittsburgh has bike trails along all three rivers–really!–but it takes a knowledgeable guide to connect them smoothly. You can expect a great tour of the city and its riverfronts with plenty of interesting stops along the way. Bring a daypack, water and lunch. For more information, visit (http://www.wpfi.org/activities-wpfi.htm#start) or call (412) 255-0564.

Event Day: Saturday, September 28th
Event Location: Washington’s Landing – Park in the first lot on the left
Event Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: $10 members, $12 non-members, Kids $5

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