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Pittsburgh celebrates Great Outdoors Week
Karen Price can be reached via e-mail or at 412-320-7980.
Those who may not know why can join those who do during Great Outdoors Week, which begins today and ends May 25. The 10-day celebration in Western Pennsylvania is sponsored by Sustainable Pittsburgh and its outdoor recreation partners, including Venture Outdoors, Three Rivers Rowing Association, Friends of the Riverfront, Bike Pittsburgh and more.
Over the next 10 days, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels can sample what the region has to offer, from birdwatching and nature hikes to inline skating, yoga, paddling and more. For a full list of events, visit www.greatoutdoorsweek.org.
Here are the five signature events of Great Outdoors Week:
Today -- National Bike to Work Day - With the cost of gas being what it is, the time has never been better to start commuting to work by bike. Cyclists can stop by REI in the SouthSide Works from 8 to 11 a.m. for a free biker appreciation breakfast this year, or they can enjoy breakfast at Whole Foods (880 Centre Ave.) from 8 to 9 a.m., at Market Square from 8 to 9:30 a.m. (sponsored by MixSters) and at Carnegie Mellon from 8 to 10 a.m. Celebrate the end of the day by stopping by the Shadow Lounge (5972 Baum Blvd.) for a cyclist happy hour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Want to commute but don't know what route to take? Pick up a free Pittsburgh Bike Map, sponsored by Bike Pittsburgh, for a comprehensive guide to the safest routes in and around the city, which streets require caution and where the steep hills are located. Find the print edition of the map at bike, outdoor and coffee shops around Pittsburgh, or go online at bike-pgh.org.
Saturday -- Venture Outdoors Festival, Washington's Landing - Included among the many activities at this annual free, all-day festival (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) will be mountain biking, with bikes and instruction available, bike tours along the river trails, fly-fishing instruction, canoeing, kayaking and hydrobiking and climbing on an outdoor, portable rock wall. Roughly 100 exhibitors also will be set up to provide information on the numerous outdoor options in the region. For more details, including information on how to get there and where to park, visit www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Sunday -- Pedal Pittsburgh - This annual cycling event, a fund-raiser for the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, incorporates the best of the city's architecture and design projects with an urban bike tour. Rides range from 6-60 miles, beginning and ending at Station Square at the former Chevrolet Amphitheater location, and departing between 7 and 10:30 a.m. depending on distance. Cost is $30 for individuals or $60 for families. Visit www.pedalpittsburgh.org or call 412-391-4144.
Tuesday -- Learn to Row indoor session at Three Rivers Rowing Association - Try rowing for free in one of Three Rivers Rowing Association's indoor tanks and on the ergometers (rowing machines) at the Millvale Training Facility from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 412-231-8772 or register online at threeriversrowing.org.
May 25 -- Rachel's Sustainable Feast - Come rain or shine to the Rachel Carson Homestead to sample the best from Pittsburgh chefs who prioritize buying locally. Also represented will be local farmers' markets and fair-trade organizations. Cost is $5 per person, with children under 5 free. The feast goes from noon to 5 p.m. For more information call 724-274-5459 or visit rachelcarsonhomestead.org.
