Volume 2, Issue 13 – August 21, 2003

“A Newsletter Published by Bike Pittsburgh to establish Pittsburgh as a city that is increasingly safe, accessible, and friendly to bicycle transportation.”

In This Issue:

* New Series on Safe Riding In Pittsburgh
* Mini Membership Drive!
* Check Out These End-of-Summer Events!
* New Membership Benefit
* Pitt Stops

NEW SERIES ON SAFE RIDING IN PITTSBURGH

It’s been an unusally cool Summer here in Pittsburgh, and that has meant plenty of great days for getting out and riding. There are more Commuters on the road at this time of year, cyclists training for rides, and people just out to enjoy the fine weather and get some exercise. Unfortunately, this also means that tension with drivers and incidents of road rage are high as well.

Starting with this Issue of The Bike Pittsburgh Leader, we are beginning a new series that focuses on riding safely in Pittsburgh. We will cover topics such as impatient or rude drivers, safely navigating Pittsburgh’s streets, tips and tricks to make sure that you’re seen by motorists, etc.

For starters, we would like to recommend the PennDOT website on bike safety:

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/INDEX.HTM#

This site has plenty of good information for adults and kids about riding safely and responsibly.

Specifically, we want to direct you to the “Road Riding” section of the site:

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/BIKE/WEB/road.htm

Additionally, if you can get to your local DMV, pick up a copy of the “Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual”. It is a suprisingly well written booklet, and contains lots of good advice and easy to understand graphics. It’s a great beginner’s manual for riding on the road – written by a cyclist for cyclists.

You will find this, and future installments on the Bike Pittsburgh website in the “Safety & Awareness” area.

Ride Safe. Be Seen.

MINI MEMBERSHIP DRIVE!

We’re just 14 memberships shy of being 200 Full Members strong, and we think we can get there by September 1st!

Simply visit: http://www.bike-pgh.org and click on the “Become A Member!” section. Full Membership in Bike Pittsburgh is only $12 per year (renews one year from joining). Be sure to check out the “Membership Benefits” section – there is a growing list of establishments that offer special services and discounts to Bike Pittsburgh Members.

Bike Pittsburgh relies in part on your support to help us improve cycling conditions and amenities here in the Pittsburgh Region. Please join us!

CHECK OUT THESE END-OF-SUMMER EVENTS!

August 24th – Washington County Habitat For Humanity Bike Tour

This event sponsored by and benefits Washington County Habitat for Humanity (www.habitatwashpa.org). When & Where: Sunday, August 24, 2003, rain or shine. All rides begin and end at Mingo Creek County Park, Area 1-A. There will be an optional non-denominational church service at 7:00am. Registration begins at 7:30-9:00am., 50-mile ride begins at 8:00am., 30-mile ride begins at 8:30am., 15-mile ride begins at 9:00am., 8-mile family ride from 9:00am-10:00am., Mountain bike ride begins at 8:00am

Who Should Enter: Cyclists of all levels from beginner to experienced. Younger children and families will ride the in-park bike path. Experienced cyclists will choose a well-marked 15-mile, 30-mile, or 50-mile route on scenic, rural Washington County roads. Mountain bikers will ride on 8-mile single track in the park. Rest stops with refreshments and support vehicles will be provided. Maps available for all rides.

Post Event Activities: Lunch, compliments of Angelo’s Restaurant and homemade desserts made by our Habitat for Humanity volunteers will be provided for all cyclists from 11:00am – 1:00pm.

Event Day: Sunday, August 24th
Event Location: Mingo Creek County Park, Area 1-A
Event Time: Events begin at 7:00am – see above.
Cost: Visit: www.habitatwashpa.org/html/bike_tour_2003.html

August 24th – Advanced/Intermediate Mountain Bike Clinic

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). This clinic is for mountain bikers ready for the next level…clearing logs gracefully, descending steep drop-offs, making tight turns with speed, maintaining traction up hills and through loose gravel, picking the best the best line over rough terrain, navigating off-camber roots, and modifying styles for various conditions. You might even learn how to do a nose-wheelie!

Event Day: Sunday, August 24th
Event Location: Boyce Park
Event Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: $15 WPFI Members, $20 Non-Members

August 29th – East End Urban Bike Tour of Schenley, Frick and Higland Parks

This event is jointly sponsored by Bike Pittsburgh and The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Expect a great tour of the East End’s parks at a relaxed pace and with plenty of interesting stops along the way. This 12 mile loop will cover uneven terrain on a mix of trails and streets within Schenley Park, Frick Park and Highland Park. Afterward, we’ll select a local eatery for dinner. Although the route will be bike-friendly, expect to be riding in traffic, and some moderate hill climbing. Moderate level of physical conditioning suggested, Mountain or Hybrid bike strongly suggested!.

To register for this event call WPFI at: (412) 255-0564 or email: (signup@wpfi.org).

Event Day: Friday, August 29th
Event Location: Meet at the Tennis Courts in Frick Park, Regent Square.
Event Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: $10 WPFI Members. $12 Non-Members

August 29th-September 1st – Midwest Tandem Rally

Got a tandem bike? Like to ride? Join the Greater Ohio Area Tandem Society (G.O.A.T.S.) (www.cinti.net/~gdbout/goats.htm) in Dayton, Ohio for four days of nothing but Tandems!

For more information, see: (www.cinti.net/~gdbout/mtr03.htm).

September 6th – Urban Advovacy Ride: Intermediate

This event is jointly sponsored by Bike Pittsburgh and The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). This ride includes a stop at the Dragon Boat Festival! Expect some steep hills, challenging urban rides and good fun. The pace is easy with stops at special interest points. You will become more familiar with some of Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhoods and meet other city cyclists.

Event Day: Saturday, September 6th
Event Location: Eliza Furnace Trail, Greenfield Trailhead
Event Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: $5 Suggested donation to WPFI

September 6th – Roaring Run Mountain Bike Races (Apollo, PA)

Date: Saturday, September 6. Three classes: Expert, Intermediate, Novice. Registration for 1st race is from 9:00am – 10:00am. First race starts at 10:30am. The race is presented by the Strongland Chamber of Commerce. Race hotline phone: (724)845-5429. Chamber phone: (724) 845-5426 Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

The Roaring Run Watershed Association (RRWA) gives permission to the chamber (who in turns gives a nice donation to the RRWA) to hold their annual off-road races at Roaring Run in Apollo. The RRWA’s website: (www.roaringrun.org) has some maps showing the location of the trail, which is located 1 mile upriver from the Apollo Bridge. There are RED signs for “Roaring Run Trail” posted, one at the light at the bridge intersection, (if coming across the bridge, make a right at the light onto Kiski Ave) and one 0.5 miles up Kiski Ave, at the intersection with Canal Road. Canal Road ends at the Roaring Run Trail parking area. Racers are requested to ride their bikes from Apollo due to the limited parking at the trail. Volunteers can park at the trail.

RRWA is asking for volunteers for the following: race sweep – ride behind last racer to make sure all racers have returned to start/finish. Water table tenders – to distribute water along the trail Trail safety – volunteers to watch the stream crossings and other more dangerous areas to assist if anyone crashes. Volunteers to hike the trails after the race and remove the directional signage. (It’s a six mile loop).

The RRWA will be soliciting volunteers to serve on a “Mountain Bike Committee” to develop and maintain new trails on our (hopefully) soon to be acquired 280 acre property acquisition. Currently we have no “official” committee, however riders have on their own been keeping the trails open. We do not encourage “new” trails on our existing property. We want to keep it as natural as possible. There are plenty of trails there as it is.

We would like to continue to make the RRWA’s property an area where all outdoor enthusiasts can come and enjoy the beauty of the area while biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and canoeing.

September 6th – Montour Trail Trestle Fest

This is event is sponsored by The Montour Trail (http://montourtrail.org). The Montour Trail TrestleFest will mark the opening of the new 5-mile section extending from McDonald to Venice in Washington County and including the rehabilitated 960-foot McDonald Trestle (the namesake of the festival). It will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, September 6. Festivities will begin with opening ceremonies at the north end of the trestle, just west of McDonald on Noblestown Road.

A shuttle is planned, enabling attendees to tour the McDonald Trail Welcoming Center/Meeting House, downtown McDonald, and the nearby Panhandle Trail, in addition to Festival attractions that will be located at the deck level of the trestle. Planned activities include children’s attractions, riding and walking tours, live music, and exhibits by community organizations and agencies.

Event Day: Saturday, September 6th
Event Location: North end of the trestle, just west of McDonald on Noblestown Road
Event Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: $FREE

September 6th-7th – That Dam Ride To Confluence

That Dam Ride is a bicycle trip to Confluence with overnight camping. The Ride follows the packed limestone Youghiogheny River Trail, which is part of the Great Allegheny Passage, the Cumberland to Pittsburgh Trail. Ride at your own pace adjacent to the beautiful river valley, through small towns, historic sites and stretches of unpopulated wooded areas. OR participate in the Tour de Confluence a short guided tour of the Confluence area for those who want to join in the fun but who prefer a shorter bicycle ride.

For more information, see: (www.thatdamride.org).

September 7th – Dino-Bike Tour

This event is jointly sponsored by Bike Pittsburgh and The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Check out the city of dinosaurs by bike! On this Sunday morning ride we’ll visit 58 of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s “DINO-mite Days” dinosaurs scattered around the city. We will start and end at Dippy the Diplodocus dinosaur next to the Carnegie Museum in Oakland and will ride about 15 to 20 miles on road and on trails. We’ll stop for a snack or short lunch in the late morning and will finish around 2:00pm. Minimum age: 16.

To register for this event call WPFI at: (412) 255-0564 or email: (signup@wpfi.org).

Event Day: Sunday, September 7th
Event Location: Dippy the diplodocus next to Carnegie Museum in Oakland.
Event Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Cost: $10 WPFI Members. $12 Non-Members (No Kid’s Price – Minimun Age: 16)

September 13th – Bike Country Gournet Ride and Picnic

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Come and enjoy a bike ride with others who prefer food with a flair. This ride follows the gorgeous Allegheny River Trail out of Franklin, PA. We’ll start with appetizers, a delectable picnic lunch and a luscious dessert, then ride a leisurely 18-20 miles on scenic trails with rest stops along the way. Bike rentals available. Gourmet lunch and dessert included.

To register for this event call WPFI at: (412) 255-0564 or email: (signup@wpfi.org).

Event Day: Saturday, September 13th
Event Location: Franklin, PA
Event Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Cost: $25 WPFI Members. $20 Non-Members, $15 Bike Rentals

September 14th – Urban Bike Tour – Riverfront Trails

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). Pittsburgh has bike trails along all three rivers – really!Ê We’ll provide a knowledgeable guide to connect you to them smoothly. You can expect a great tour of the city and its riverfronts with plenty of interesting stops along the way. Bring water and snacks. We’ll cover 17 miles at a relaxed pace with no hills for an easy ride.

To register for this event call WPFI at: (412) 255-0564 or email: (signup@wpfi.org).

Event Day: Sunday, September 14th
Event Location: Meet at the Tennis Courts in Frick Park, Regent Square.
Event Time: 1:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: $10 WPFI Members. $12 Non-Members

September 19th-20th Mountain Biking in Cooper’s Rocks, WV

This event is sponsored by The Western Pennsylvania Field Institute (www.wpfi.org). This trip begins Friday night with camping out and raising a few cold ones in the WV mountains. On Saturday, we’ll enjoy a long mountain bike ride with scenic gorge overlooks and some breaks along the way for light bouldering.ÊSome proficiency in mountain biking is required, but the pace will not be aggressive and the group will take rest breaks along the way.

To register for this event call WPFI at: (412) 255-0564 or email: (signup@wpfi.org).

Event Day: Friday September 19th – Saturday, September 20th
Event Location: Cooper’s Rock, West Virginia
Event Time: Friday 6:00pm – Saturday 7:00pm
Cost: $55 WPFI Members. $60 Non-Members – (Both prices include camping fees)

NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT

For all of you Bike Pittsburgh Full Members, here is a great new perk! Battery Nexus is a locally owned and operatated company that specializes in rechargable batteries. Battery Nexus offers 10% off all orders placed on their website: (http://store.yahoo.com/batterynexus). Consider using envrironmentally-friendly rechargable batteries for your bike lights! Enter “bp10” in the coupon field on the order page to receive your discount.

PITT STOPS

This section of The Bike Pittsburgh Leader is dedicated to identifying local establishments that have made a committment to cyclists.

This Issue’s Pitt Stop is: Golden Triangle Bike Rentals – For Commuters, Golden Triangle Bike Rentals is the only place Downtown where you can buy a spare tube, patch kit, or chain lube. Don’t get caught unprepared – keep a spare tube and/or patch kit at your office! Golden Triangle Bike Rentals is located under the 1st Avenue Transit Station on the Eliza Furnace Trail between PNC Firstside and the 1st Avenue Garage.

Telephone: (412) 600-0675
Web: http://bikepittsburgh.com

Post the miles that you ride on the Bike Pittsburgh website in the Community & Classifieds area! Just send us your monthly mileage, and if you want your name to be available as an email link to: miles@bike-pgh.org

Bike Pittsburgh is Western Pennsylvania’s only cycling advocacy, awareness, and safety organization. We rely on your support for many of our activies and initiatives. You can help us to continually transform the Pittsburgh Region into a better place to cycle by becoming a Full Member for only $12 per year. With your tax-deductible Membership Donation you will receive a Membership Card good for discounts with participating organizations that share Bike Pittsburgh’s vision, priority invitations and/or discounts to special Bike Pittsburgh-sponsored events, and the satisfaction that you really are helping to make a difference for all of us. For complete details, go to the Bike Pittsburgh website and click on the Become A Member! section.

“The Bike Pittsburgh Leader” is an electronic newsletter published about every three weeks. Previous issues of “The Bike Pittsburgh Leader” can be found on the Bike Pittsburgh website in the section called “The Leader”. Bike Pittsburgh, Inc. does not rent, sell, or make available any personal information, including email addresses, that you may send to Bike Pittsburgh. If you would like to be removed from the distribution list, simply email: remove@bike-pgh.org and request to be removed. perfect movies fuckrape in scenes moviesmovie rave theatersthe rent movie musicalquotes romantic moviescat moviecummings summer moviesmovies amateur teen Mapunsecured a consolidation loan personal debtproblems all student loan andloan after home bankruptcyadvance com pay day loansamerica loans bank small businesspay loans advanced dayeducational loans services americanadvance loans day pay Map