1. Trail Mix - Pittsburgh goes National Geographic!
Welcome to Trail Mix, a Zip-lock bagful of VO-related
fun facts, links and puzzlers, served up fresh with every issue
of Contours. Look for helpful information on everything
outdoors along with other interesting tidbits that enhance your
awareness and well-being (and your funny bone too).
Pittsburgh is Your Town for Urban Adventure
A recent article
in the Post-Gazette pointed out an article in the September issue of the
National Geographic Adventure Magazine
which cites Pittsburgh as a hot spot for outdoor recreation. This article beat out other
such urban centers as Portland, Oregon and Washington, D.C. for the best cities to recreate.
Venture Outdoors was cited as one sign of a growing outdoor recreation culture. Congratulations Pittsburgh!
You can purchase a copy of the Adventure Magazine at an area bookseller.
2.
The Sojourn
3 Days of Watery Fun and Education
The Three Rivers Sojourn was a big success!
On Thursday there were about 35 paddlers on the Allegheny for the morning, and a flotilla of 50 paddlers
made their way to Heinz Field from Millvale.
On Friday, about 24 people paddled up the Monongahela.
On Saturday, 26 people stowed away the paddles and explored the Ohio River on a
Pittsburgh Voyager vessel.
Thanks to all who made this unique Sojourn possible! See news articles about the Sojourn in the "VO in the News" section.
PHOTOS of the 3-day adventure will soon be posted online. Stay tuned to our website
(www.ventureoutdoors.org).
End of the Sojourn's First Day on the Allegheny River.
3.
Kayak Pittsburgh
Kayak Pittsburgh, an affiliate of Venture Outdoors,
wants to give you the chance to experience Pittsburgh from a new
perspective. Now with two locations, one at the North Park Boathouse
and one downtown underneath the Sixth Street Bridge, there is
even more of the city for you to explore. The friendly Kayak Pittsburgh
staff and the calm city water make it easy for people of all ages
and fitness levels to paddle like pros.
For prices, hours, and directions please visit the Kayak Pittsburgh website or call 412-969-9090.
KP is looking for a few Kayak Pittsburgh Attendants!
Visit our job/volunteer posting page for more details.
4.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
Go Kayaking!
Here's yet another reason to be part of our member community...
Join or renew your membership today onsite at either location of Kayak Pittsburgh and you'll receive one free hour of rental (must be used at time of purchase). For questions about membership or to join, please call Allison at 412-255-0564, xt. 26 or e-mail aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org.
Member Discounts
The Vitamin Emporium is offering members $5 off $30 or more and $10 off $60 or
more their products which are already 10-20% off suggested retail prices. The Vitamin
Emporium offers a wide-array of high-quality vitamins, herbal and homeopathic
remedies, and organic and natural body and skin care products all at discount prices.
The store also carries hard-to-find and unusual products as well as natural gift and household
items. The store’s concept is geared toward attracting consumers who have already or want
to get informed and take charge of their health and learn more about how nutritional
supplements can enhance their health and quality of life.
Breathe Yoga Studio is offering a 10% discount on the purchase of a yoga class
package for Venture Outdoors members! Located in the historic South Side, Breathe Yoga Studio is dedicated to offering every
individual the opportunity to enhance their physical, mental and spiritual well-being through the practice of yoga. We aim to
create a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for our students to explore and experience an eclectic variety of beginner
through advanced yoga classes with knowledgeable and well trained instructors. Our on-going in-studio schedule includes yoga
classes in hatha, vinyasa, and Iyengar styles as well as Middle Eastern belly dance and modern dance classes. Breathe Yoga
Studio also offers off-site group and private instruction through our “Breathe Out” program including summer outdoor yoga
classes at South Side Works. Relax, rejuvenate and unwind - isn't it time for you to learn how to breathe?
Call 412/481.YOGA (9642) for more information.
Sign up for Membership today and pledge your support to outdoor recreation!
Put yourself in the center of the action! We make it easy for you to become a member with
Venture Outdoors TODAY. Members receive discounts on the hundreds of activities with Venture Outdoors
throughout the year, discounts from local merchants, priority listing on activity waiting lists and
subscriptions to Contours and Adventure Times as well as providing support for the organization that
means so much to you. Read on for some of the great things that come along with Venture Outdoors membership,
and to join, click here!
Become a V.O. Member!
Discover the advantages of a Venture Outdoors membership...call today!
412-255-0564, ext. 26
Or, click here.
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5.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
General Volunteers
Do you have some time to spare during the week?
If so, we would be happy to include you in our ever-growing family of volunteers. Venture Outdoors staff is in need of volunteers for data entry, mailings and premium shipments as well as various office assistance during regular business hours (M-F, 9-5).
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
The Great Race
Sunday, September 24, 2006
www.RunGreatRace.com
No service fee for online registration.
New 2006 Start Time (1/2 hour earlier)
5K Run - 8:00 a.m. Oakland
5K Walk - 8:02 a.m. Oakland
10K Run - 9:00 a.m. Frick Park
Early $18.00 registration fee deadline is September 1.
All registrations cost $25.00 after this date.
Register online or download an application at www.RunGreatRace.com
or pick up an application at Dollar Bank branches and Dick's Sporting Goods stores.
For more information or to request an application call The Great Race hotline at 412-255-2493.
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6.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special
Events
Public Meeting - Bicycle Usage
Saturday, August 19th - 2:00PM
Wintergarden Auditorium at West Penn Hospital
The Department of City Planning will be holding a public meeting to discuss upgrading bicycle usage
along Liberty Avenue. In particular, the discussion will involve the installation of bicycle chevrons
along Liberty Avenue from Baum Boulevard to Ligonier Street. Please use the Friendship Avenue entrance,
and do not use the parking garage; it is needed for incoming patients.
Kid's Mountain Bike Rides
By P.O.R.C. (Pittsburgh Off Road Cyclists)
Dates: Last Sunday of the following months: August, September,
& the second to last Sunday of October.
Time: 2-4ish PM
Place: Hartwood Acres Park, Mansion Parking Lot
Purpose: To expose kids to the joys of trail riding!
Kids Need: a bike, helmet, water to drink, and a signed parental release form (may sign at event)
Contact: Holly Forsyth, P.O.R.C. secretary - hollyforsyth43@hotmail.com (412)897-8551
Allegheny County Parks Mountain Bike Fest
Discover over 75 miles of hard to find mountain bike trails in
6 different parks around the region from August 23-27. Check out
Bike Pittsburgh or contact
Mike Conners at 724-934-9293 for more information.
Environment/Health/Community
Freshwater Fishing Classes
Join Karen Gainey, host of TV's "Karen's Fishing Corner", to explore the basics of fishing in western Pennsylvania. Learn
how to find and catch trout, muskie, pike, bass, and the other game fish in the lakes, streams, and rivers of our area.
The class will start on September 11th and the cost will be $99. Class includes introduction to fly fishing. For more
information, visit CCAC's website.
Friends of Ohiopyle
The Friends of Ohiopyle, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF), was officially formed in November of 2005. The mission of this non-profit as written in the group's strategic plan is:
To improve and preserve the ecological and geological features of Ohiopyle State Park and watershed. To promote the park and its available facilities while acting in concurrence with regional needs and views.
Find out more about this organization and their upcoming events here.
Leave No Trace Survey
The Center for Outdoor Ethics is seeking your input and ideas in order to make the Leave No Trace program more effective, useful and successful. Please take a few minutes to complete this quick survey. Your input is extremely valuable, and your comments and new ideas are welcome.
Click here to take the survey!
Racing/Long
Distance Treks
Baker Trail UltraChallenge
The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy is hosting the 2nd Annual Baker Trail UltraChallenge on
August 26, 2006. The UltraChallenge is a 50 mile ultramarathon that starts in Summerville, PA.
Ultra Volunteers Needed!
If you want to volunteer, email your name and phone number to
volunteer2@rachelcarsontrails.org.
For more information about the race and volunteering,
click here.
Cycling Events
The
Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. is sponsoring the following event in Greenville, PA:
Saturday, September 16th, 2006 - Pedal the Lakes
For more information, visit www.mctrails.org
*NEW*Job/Volunteer Postings
Venture
Outdoors Job/Volunteer Opportunities!
Adventure Times Distribution
Do you have a car and some spare time for a day or two this week?
We need YOU to help us deliver Adventure Times! (Stipend available)
Contact elingren@ventureoutdoors.org for more details.
Kayak Pittsburgh Attendant
Visit
our job/volunteer posting page for more details and future updates.
Clean-Up/Trails
Tireless 2006
The Tireless Project is a collaborative of environmental non-profits working to clean
debris from our three rivers.
Tireless Fridays
4:30-10pm
These clean-up events are designed for volunteers over 18. Come out after work to help clean a blighted area along the river and stay for a riverfront party complete with live music, food, and brew.
Tireless Saturdays
10am-1pm
These events are just like Tireless Fridays but for our younger volunteers ages 14-18.
For more information or to volunteer
email tirelessfridays@hotmail.com
or call 412.381.1301
The Secretary of DCNR, Michael DiBerardinis
joins paddlers down the Allegheny.
7.
DUQ's On the Beaten Path:
Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
All summer long, DUQ will be exploring biking opportunities
in southwestern PA and beyond. Stories about the members of
the region's biking community and the places they travel will
be presented throughout the biking season.
For
more information about
"On the Beaten Path", click here.
This program is made possible by a grant from Venture Outdoors.
8.
Support VO
Do
your online shopping through iGive
and support Venture Outdoors!
That's right, go head and buy something for yourself
or a friend – a new CD, the latest bestseller, essentials like
toothpaste or vitamins, even a computer. But first join at www.iGive.com/VentureOutdoors.
Every time you shop at one of the over 600 name-brand stores
in the Mall at iGive.com, we'll receive a donation of up
to 26% of each purchase you make, at no cost to you.
Membership is free and your privacy is guaranteed.
Contact Allison with any questions about this great program:
aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
Thanks for supporting Venture Outdoors!
Rocky Mountain Kayak
Summer Roll Classes
Rocky Mountain Kayak will be hosting roll sessions and instruction all summer. There will be
a session every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 9:30pm (rain or shine). Classes will end in October, so sign up
today!
5 Week Packages
$75 without equipment rental
$100 with equipment rental
$10.00 Wet Suit Rental (per night)
Individual Sessions
$20 with equipment rental
$15 without equipment rental
$5 non-instructional use of lake
Bring dry clothes for food and beverages after class at Pagano's in New Stanton. For more information or
to sign up, contact Jeff Prycl at 724-925-9675 or visit the
RMK website.
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I.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Sunday, August 20
Canoeing
The many rivers and lakes in our State Parks are magnificent waterways, with a myriad of water birds, thriving fisheries, and lush scenery. Join us for an exploration of these treasures so close to home! We will spend the day paddling though our State Parks gaining a new perspective on the park and taking time to learn about the watery world around us. There is no better way to enjoy a summer day then out on the water soaking up the sun!
Location: MK Goddard State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$18.00 non-member
Friday, August 25 & Saturday, August 26
Sky Blast Paddle
You have the opportunity for a front row seat for one of Pittsburgh’s greatest summer spectacles Sky Blast! We will be on the river as the show starts, see the fireworks in the night sky and reflected off the surface of the Allegheny River. Starting at 8PM we will take a leisurely paddle up stream and as the sun sets we will float back down and get right in front of the action. Enjoy a panoramic view of the festivities from the water where you will not only see but you will feel the fireworks run through your body.
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh:
Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $30.00 member/$40.00 non-member
For
a complete listing of activities,
check out our website: www.ventureoutdoors.org.
II.
V.O. Community News
Congratulations goes to Jeanette Tuttle-Hamer for her new career with the Multiple Sclerosis Society as their Event Coordinator for the MS Bike Tours!
With the great work she's done with Team VO in the MS150, we know she will continue to do good things for the community.
III.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news.
Kayak tour both a workout and a wonder
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Health
-Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Area wins praise for outdoor adventures
(VO in Nat. Geographic Adventure Mag)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Lifestyle
-Tuesday, August 15, 2006
2006 River Sojourn
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Thursday-Saturday, August 10-12, 2006
River sojourn
Pittsburgh Tribune Review, (cover of Living)
-Friday, August 11, 2006
People on the Move (announcing Erik)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Monday, July 31, 2006
Three-day water adventure planned for the three rivers
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Saturday, July 29, 2006
20 things to do before summer ends
(We're #20!)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Thursday, July 27, 2006
Boaters will honor 'Rivers of the Year'
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
-Friday, July 21, 2006
IV.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Listing
Our mission is to get you outside, and this is how we're going to do it.
Weekly Events
Same day, same time, same place...
Beginner Paddle
Day: Every Monday
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 5:45-8:00
Cost: $25.00 members/$30 non-member
Tyke Hike
Day: Every Tuesday
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00
TriAnglers
Day: Every Wednesday
Location: Point State Park
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $5.00
Happy Hour Paddle
Day: Every Wednesday
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Other Events
So much to do, so little time...
Friday, August 18
Lunch Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, August 19
Rock Climbing
Location: McConnell's Mill State Park
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Beer Tasting Hike
Location: Settler's Cabin Park
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Sunday, August 20
Canoeing
Location: MK Goddard State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$18.00 non-member
Caving Exploration
Location: Laurel Caverns
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Day Trek
Location: Allegheny Gorge, Kittanning State Forest
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Wednesday, August 23
Yoga Outdoors
Location: Schenley Park Café (Visitor Center)
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Friday, August 25
Breakfast Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 6:15 AM - 7:30 AM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Sky Blast Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $30.00 member/$40.00 non-member
Saturday, August 26
Sky Blast Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $30.00 member/$40.00 non-member
Cold Melon Hike
Location: Harrison Hills Park
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$18.00 non-member
Wine & Cheese Hike
Location: Allegheny Commons
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Sunday, August 27
Day Trek
Location: Bear Run Natural Area
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Friday, September 1
Lunch Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, September 2
Canoeing the Youghiogheny
Location: Youghiogheny River, Hazelbakers
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Day Trek
Location: McConnell's Mill State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
V.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." - William Shakespeare
VI.
What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
If you or your organization wants to contribute an event to this section of Contours, email
tchicka@ventureoutdoors.org for more information.
Sunday, August 20
Shenango River Reservoir Outing
Click here for directions.
Location: Shenango Reservoir
Time: 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Don Stone, 412-441-2027
Location: Lower Indian Creek Valley
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Shenango Reservoir Birding Outing
Click here for directions and details.
Location: Shenango Reservoir, Grove City area
Time: 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Monday, August 21
Canoe
Call Ed Divers, 412-828-5154
Location: Nicholson Island - Allegheny River
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, August 27
Hike
Call Donna Allen, 412-372-2993
Location: Roaring Run Natural Area
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Friday, September 1
Harrison Hills County Park Birding Outing
Click here for directions and details.
Location: Harrison Hills Park, Natrona Heights/Freeport area
Time: 8:30 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, September 2
Backpack
Call Bruce Sundquist, 724-327-8737
Location: Dolly Sods North
Time: 7:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Monday, September 11 (1st Class)
CCAC Freshwater Fishing Class
Location: TBA
Time: Mondays 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Cost: $99 (Includes 8 Sessions)
Organization: Community College of Allegheny County
Complete Listings at www.ventureoutdoors.org
Questions?
Call us 412-255-0564
Contours is an e-newsletter of
Venture Outdoors and is published every two
weeks.
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