June 7 and 8 Bike MS 150 – Escape to the Lake. Photo by Gary Margeson
After a long and brutal winter we finally made it. Bike Riding Season! If you are looking for a casual weekly ride this spring or a weekend long charity event there is a something for you. For a complete list of rides and events be sure to check out the BikePGH Cycling Event Calendar
June 7 and 8 Bike MS 150 – Escape to the Lake
Featured Spring Ride.
Join Team Orange a new collaboration between BikePGH and Bike MS at one of the best rides in the burgh.
Wear your support on your sleeve with Team Orange. Bike Pittsburgh and the Western PA Chapter of the National MS Society are teaming up to form not just a team, but a movement. Together we are a passionate group of individuals, moving together to both transform our city into a vibrant, safe place to bike and help create a world free of MS.
This collaboration values the spirit of both organizations and will make a bigger positive impact, together. Joining is easy and helps Bike MS and Bike PGH raise awareness and funds to help thousands of people in Western PA living with MS and helps advocate to create safer streets for everyone.
As the longest running charity bike ride in our area, Bike MS: Escape to the Lake promises to be the best cycling experience of your life! Ordinary people, just like you, are taking extraordinary challenges to make this a world free of MS. Are you up for the challenge? We welcome novice to experienced cyclists and will help you train, and fundraise! We make participating easy!
Ride with 1,400 cyclists of all ages and cycling abilities for a challenge like none other. You will start just north of Cranberry Township and will pass through the best scenery western Pennsylvania has to offer. You ride through farm country, cycle in the shade of state parks, up the challenging Pennsylvania inclines and finishing on the shores of Lake Erie, Conneaut, OH.
Register For the MS 150 Here.
April 25 – Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Gallery Crawl
Car Free Fridays
The Gallery Crawl is a free quarterly showcase of art and entertainment in the heart of the Cultural District. All events take place at a variety of galleries and spaces and are FREE and open to the public. The event is ongoing between 5:30 and 9:00 pm, and patrons may start at any location. Walk, bike, bus or carpool to the Gallery Crawl and celebrate another Car Free Friday with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Port Authority, and BikePGH.
Pop Up Bike Parking by BikePGH is available with locations at Katz Plaza, 8th Street & Penn Avenue, 917-919 Liberty Avenue.
April 26 The Wheel Mill One Year Jam!
The Wheel Mill is celebrating one year of being open. What better way to celebrate than with a jam? Enjoy some tunes by DJ Michael Joseph and food by Steer and Wheels food truck. Play foot down or partake in our pump track relay for some sweet swag.Try your luck in our raffle to win a Season Pass or a week of our Summer Bike Camp. If you’re a new rider, they’ll be offering free beginner lessons. Come help them ride in one year Saturday, April 26th from 2-8pm!
April 26 East End Keg Ride
Since East End Brewing opened back in 2005, they’ve been spreading the word about what it means to operate a near-zero waste, environmentally sustainable brewery. And we’ve been doing it by delivering the the very first PEDAL PALE ALE kegs of the season in a very unique way….BY BICYCLE. East End Brewing will set off with a few kegs and hundreds of our GOOD FRIENDS to a mystery destination to debut this years Pedal Pale Ale. The trip will be slow, meandering, and maybe a little surprising – especially the secret destination. Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-end-brewings-pedal-pale-ale-keg-ride-tickets-9518386751
April 26 Steel Vally Bicycle Tour
The Steel Valley Bicycle Tour (SVBT) celebrates the connection of the Montour Trail to the
Great Allegheny Passage and the industrial heritage of the Monongahela River Valley. Proceeds benefit the Steel Valley Trail Council (SVTC) trail maintenance program.The route begins at the Pump House in Homestead and heads down SVTC’s section of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) to McKeesport. The first rest stop is at McKee Marina where the Mon Yough Trail Council’s section of the Great Allegheny Passage begins. Riders may return to Homestead on the trail or proceed to Clairton on SVTC’s “Clairton Connector” bike route on local streets in the river towns of McKeesport, Glassport and Clairton. After snacks at the Clairton Trail Head of the Montour Trail, riders will back track to the starting point in Homestead. More info at: http://www.steelvalleytrail.org/eNewsletters/eNewsletter140313.pdf
April 27 – Blessing of the Bikes – Allegheny Universalist Unitarian Church
Every year the Allegheny Universalist Unitarian Church gives the Pittsburgh bike community an extra special push to get us rolling safely into the new biking season. Come join the community this Sunday, April 26th for the annual Blessing of the Bikes, or “Biketism” for sort. The blessing will take place immediately following our Earth Day service, which starts at 10:30am and wraps up around 11:40. All are welcome to attend the service, or just plan to show up around 11:30 for the outdoor blessing. The ceremony will be held at the Allegheny Universalist Church at 416 W. North Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Contact Shane Freeman for details.
April 27 Steel City Showdown
A unique criterium bicycle race through the city of Pittsburgh. Racers will learn why Pittsburgh is called “The City of Bridges,” as they race a closed 0.8-mile loop over the Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol Bridges. The start/finish is located across the Allegheny River from downtown, next to PNC Ballpark. As racers sprint for the finish line, behind them spectators will have a majestic view of the golden Roberto Clemente Bridge and beautiful downtown skyline. http://steelcityshowdown.com
April 27 Iron City Bikes – Lawrenceville Grand Opening
The weather is warm and Iron City Bikes is celebrating! Sunday, April 27th from 10am to 8pm. We have 10 time National Trials Champion, Mike Steidley, performing a routine in our parking lot as well as live music, pizza, and plenty of beer. Follow Iron City on twitter at @ironcitybikes to keep up to date on what they are pulling together.
May 18 Tour de Cure
Tour de Cure is more than just a cycling event. It’s a life-changing event. A day full of fun and excitement where riders of all levels join forces in the fight to Stop Diabetes and raise critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association.
Enjoy a few NEW routes in 2014! Routes will take you through scenic Western Pennsylvania. A great variety of easy to challenging courses to test your endurance and push you to new heights! After you ride stay for the finish line party with lunch, mascots and music!
See more at: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?pg=entry&fr_id=9357#sthash.OKottbjE.dpuf
June 1 Bike Fresh Bike Local
PASA’s Bike Fresh Bike Local-Allegheny County ride offers a 25 and 50 mile route option to make this the perfect ride for those who haven’t been on their bike in a while to cyclists looking for a challenge. Get your family, friends, and co-workers out this spring to appreciate the beautiful landscapes and farmland of Allegheny County and see where your food comes from!
Celebrate at the end of the ride with Event Partners Whole Foods Market and North Country Brewing, who team up to provide a delicious local foods lunch and refreshing beer (for those 21 years and older) or root beer to all riders.
See more at: http://pasafarming.org/events/pasa-events/bike-fresh-allegheny-county
Weekly Spring Rides
Monday
Mon Apr 21, 2014
6pm – 7pm Bi Weekly Ride: Beginner Unicycle
Where: Thick Bikes, Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA, United States Calendar: Bike Pittsburgh Events
Join Thick Bikes to learn how to balance on one wheel! Come out to practice your skills. We’ll have unicycles of varying sizes for you to ride. Leavingfrom the shop at 6:00PM. We won’t go far, probably to a nearby parkinglot. Bring your helmet! Updates Posted on facebooke. com/thickbikes
Tuesday
5:15pm – 9pm: Allegheny Cycling Association – Masters 45+ and Beginner Road Race
Where: Bud Harris Cycling Track, Washington Boulevard
Every Tuesday beginning April 8 through August 26, 2014. Test your fitness at the Bud Harris Cycling Track against a field of your peers. Two races every tuesday masters 45+ and beginners. Registration closes at 6pm. Raceing start at 6:15 More information at http://www.acaracing.com/sch0414.html
6pm – 8pm Top Gear North Park – Mountain Bike
Where: OTB at the Boathouse, Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park
NEW! “Top Gear Tuesdays” weekly mountain bike ride starting and ending at OTB
North Park. Open to riders of all levels. Ride will be led byone or more members of the Top Gear staff/team. We roll at 6 pm everyTuesday beginning April 8. Runs throughout the summer, weatherpermitting. Please check Facebook for ride status. Please come equippedwith water, nutrition, tools for repairing flat tires, and a mountainbike that is in good, working order. Helmets required.
6pm – 8pm Achilles International Handcycling
Where: Eliza Furnace Trail Head
Beginner to expert cyclists with disabilities welcome! Check the Achilles International Pittsburgh Chapter Facebook page for cancellations in inclement weather. Meet up in the Eliza Furnace Trail parking lot.
6pm – 9pm Weekly Ride: Team Decaf Group Ride – Road
Where: Tazza D’oro, 1125 N. Highland, Highland Park
Join Team Decaf for fun city rides. Free to all. Team Decaf rides every Tuesday at 6:15 pm sharp,from April – September. Our ride routes will cover 17- 25 city street,road miles in 1.5 to 2 hours. We break into groups from C+ to B paced groups – moderate to fast-paced speeds with few stops. New riders may find this difficult. Tough hills are unavoidable and often enjoyable for our riders. More info at http://www.teamdecaf.com
Wednesday
6pm – 9pm Allegheny Cycling Association A and B Road Race
Where: Bud Harris Cycling Track, Washington Boulevard
Every Wednesday beginning April 9 through August 27, 2014. Registration begins at 5:15pm and closes at 6:00pm. Series Schedule Every Wednesday beginning April 9 through August 27, 2014 Races begin at 6:15pm very promptly Entry Fees Entry fee $10..includes USCF and City of Pittsburgh surcharge. Riders MUST HAVE appropriate USAC License to race. Categories USAC 1-2-3 (Class A), 3-4 (Class B) Race. Categories are strictly enforced. Distances depend on light conditions. Fields may be combined according to field sizes, weather and light conditions. Field sizes of 40(B), 45(A) are strictly enforced More information at http://www. acaracing.com/sch0414.html
6:30pm – 8:30pm Weekly Ride: Major Taylor Cycling @ OTB Southside
Where: 2518 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh
This ride will be a weekly, all class, no drop ride around the city (12-20 miles distance) at a recovery pace, (12- 15 mph on the flats).After the ride, appetizers are discounted by the OTB for all participants. Check http://www.pmtcc.com/ for more info.
Thursday
6pm – 7pm: Top Gear Peters Township – Road
Where: Top Gear Bicycle Shop Peters Township – 4047 Washington Rd. McMurray,PA 15317
Thursday Night Road Ride Intermediate to Advanced NEW! Every Thursday @6pm from our Peters Township store beginning April 10! This is an intermediate to advanced ride that will cover 30-40 miles at a quick pace. Runs throughout the summer, weather permitting. Please check TopGear Bicycle Shop Facebook for ride status. Road bikes are very strongly encouraged. Bring your helmet, some water, a flat pack, and something to eat on the bike (gel, bar, banana, etc.).
Friday
6pm FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE TRACK
Where: Bud Harris Cycling Track, Washington Boulevard
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST 2014. Join Pittsburgh Masters Velo Club for Track racing and Time – Trials. More info tbd. http://polish.slavic.pitt.edu/pmvc/
Saturday
7am – 10am Mt. Lebanon Cycling and Caffeine Club Ride – Road
Where: Coffee Tree Roasters coffee house, 299 Beverly Road, Mount Lebanon
MTLCC weekly cycle event. Weekly, Every Saturday and Sunday Leaves from Coffee Tree Roasters coffee house https://groups.google.com/group/mtlccc/about
9am – 11am Weekly Ride: Achilles International – Handcycling
Where: Eliza Furnace Trail Head
Beginner to expert cyclists with disabilities welcome! Check the Achilles International Pittsburgh Chapter Facebook page for cancellations in inclement weather. Meet up in the Eliza Furnace Trail parking lot.
9am – 12pm Weekly Ride: Snitger’s Group Ride – Road
Where: 399 3rd St, Beaver 15009
Check : Twitter.com/snitgers for updates. Leaves from Beaver PA.Friendly no drop ride, all skill levels. We regroup at the top of each climb as needed. 20-35 Mile Ride. This takes place every Saturday Morning, weather permitting.
Sunday
April 27 The Hill Killers Club – Bi-weekly Road
The Hill Killers Club is returning for another season of butt burning climbs. Meet at Thick at 7:30am Sunday March 30th!
This will be a regular bi-monthly ride all summer long. Please Check the Facebook Group to confirm details https://www.facebook.com/groups/424262767619359/
7am – 10am Mt. Lebanon Cycling and Caffeine Club Ride – Road
Where: Coffee Tree Roasters coffee house, 299 Beverly Road, Mount Lebanon
MTLCC weekly cycle event. Weekly, Every Saturday and Sunday Leaves from Coffee Tree Roasters coffee house https://groups.google.com/group/mtlccc/about
8:30am – 11:30am Weekly Ride – Allen’s Ride C – Road
Where: Immel’s Bike Shop 5477 William Flinn Hwy, Gibsonia, PA 15044
Start Time is Approximate – Call Allen to confirm Beginner Friendly Ride ~ 40 miles. RIDE LEADER: Allen Kincaid 724 443-6340. RIDE INFO: These are true class “C” rides into southernButler County varying in length and starting times, but all on Sunday.Please call beforehand to get all the info about the ride. Happens Year Round weather Permitting.
9:30am – 10:30am Weekly Ride- Top Gear Robinson- Road
Where: Trek of Pittsburgh Bicycle Store – Robinson, Steubenville Pike,Robinson Township, PA, United States
Meet at the Robinson store for a 2-hour road ride. We’ll roll out at 9:30 and cruise around the countryside at a nice, social pace. A great ride for road beginners, and the perfect prep for long summer events like the MS 150! ***Follow Top Gear Pittsburgh on Facebook for ride updates and cancellations***
See the full Local Cycling Events Calendar
Our Drive With Care Indiegogo campaign still has $20,000 to raise in 7 days! With your help we can make it. Please consider donating to make sure this message gets sent loud and clear to people on the other side of the windshield, “Bike riders are your friends, family, and neighbors. Please Drive With Care.”
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