The Bi-Weekly e-Newsletter of Venture Outdoors Inc.
304 Forbes Ave, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
For Information and Registration 412-255-0564 (M-F 9-5) or www.ventureoutdoors.org
Welcome to the Outdoors!
What's in this issue? (Left Column)
We are in the process of improving the format of Contours.
Contact Tricia with any feedback: tchicka@ventureoutdoors.org
1. Trail Mix: Back 2 School...on 2 Wheels
2. Photos from the Sojourn
3. Call for Volunteers
4. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
5. Outdoor Announcements and Events
6. DUQ's On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
7. Support VO (iGive)
Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight (Outdoor Leadership, Rock Climbing, Alive in Nature)
Check out the Fall Schedule on the web!
www.ventureoutdoors.org
II. V.O. in the News
III. Inspirations (George Washington Carver)
IV. What's Goin' On?
The Allegheny Conference would like to know:
What is your opinion of Pittsburgh?
Let 'em know what you think! Take one of the following surveys:
http://www.alleghenyconference.org/pghcsur.htm (for residents and non-residents)
http://www.alleghenyconference.org/pghbsur.htm (for business leaders living OUTSIDE the region who are responsible for deciding where to locate their businesses)
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1. Trail Mix - Back 2 School...on 2 Wheels
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).
Picture this...
You're sitting in traffic...again. Your commute to work or school
has become a daily nightmare of starting and stopping (mostly stopping).
You glance to the side and notice a bicyclist speeding past on a riverside trail
or along the roadway. At first you are bitter at their freedom...but then
you think to yourself, "Why can't I do that?"
Getting started
As the summer winds down into the fall,
it is the perfect time of the year to try out the commute on two wheels (not overly hot,
and no snow either). The biking culture in Pittsburgh is growing, and there are many resources and organizations out
there making it easy and safe to hit the streets and trails. You can find some of them here:
Bike Pittsburgh
Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen
Free Ride - Learn how to Build a Bike! (a project of Bike Pittsburgh)
Trail Etiquette Guide (provided by Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group)
Ride, Rack, 'n Roll Map
- Bikes on Busses (provided by Port Authority)
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
- a very detailed map of riverfront trails and major commuter routes (provided by
Friends of the Riverfront)
Venture Outdoors Biking
DUQ's "On the Beaten Path" (radio series about biking in Pittsburgh)
Don't forget to check out Bike Pittsburgh's Biker Breakfast at Carnegie Mellon's
University Center, on Friday, September 1st from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Meet other local
bikers and learn more about biking in Pittsburgh. Food, facts and FREE...need we say more?
Pedal Puzzler...
True or False: (see answer at the bottom of this newsletter)
Pennsylvania has 600 miles of Rails Trails.
2.
Photos from the Sojourn
3 Days of Watery Fun and Education
PHOTOS of the 3-day adventure by Justin Shellenberger, Don Erdeljac,
Wes Posvar, and Tricia Chicka are now posted online.
Check them out here.
"Locking through" on the Allegheny at the Sojourn
Photo by Don Erdeljac
3.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
Calling all Database Dynamos and Office Oficianos
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
(9 – 5 PM, Monday – Friday). Shifts are flexible.
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
Experience Pittsburgh from a different perspective
Now in TWO locations!
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.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special
Events
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
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
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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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
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
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
with the Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Bring: tools, water and lunch, gloves, and appropriate clothes.
Next Date and Location: Sunday, September 10
- Bradys Run, Beaver County
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
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
6.
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.
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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7.
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!
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I.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Friday, September 8 - Sunday, September 10
Outdoor Leadership Weekend Workshop
The Outdoor Leadership workshop is the perfect way to improve your leadership skills in the field while doing it. This full weekend course mixes skill-training and fun. The curriculum is based on that used by the Appalachian Mountain Club and the National Outdoor Leadership School. We cover a lot of material in the classroom and with practical role-playing scenarios. Topics include: leadership styles, group dynamics, trip planning, risk management and other important trip leader skills.
Location: Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center
Time: 8:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $35.00 member/$35.00 non-member
Bill Groves keeps Outdoor Leadership participants on their toes.
Saturday, September 9
Rock Climbing
After a short hike over easy terrain, we will learn about equipment, safety, how to belay, and some of the necessary knots. Afterwards, we’ll do some climbing and hopefully get in some rappelling! A variety of climbs will be set up so that even inexperienced participants (or even those who are afraid of heights) can experience success. In this one-day class, all instruction and equipment is provided for you, including the climbing shoes. This is a beginner’s class and no experience is necessary.
Location: Laurel Highlands
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Sunday, September 10
Alive in Nature
More than anywhere else, we can open up to life in a bigger way in the ambiance of our beautiful natural surroundings. Go on a paced walk with Life-Coach Jessie Hipolit for a surprising blend of experiences, including movement, contemplation, connection, and expansion. This series of specialty walks are approximately 2 hours, covering 2-3 miles, in a variety of inspiring natural settings. They will comprise a series of unique interactions with nature that will include activities, provocative questions and times for quiet thought, and some discussion; all designed to raise our awareness of our own aliveness in relationship to the natural world around us. Be sure to bring a journal, a sit-upon, camera, binoculars, snacks, and a sense of expectancy!
Location: Fox Chapel Wildflower Reserve
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Check out our new line-up of activities for the Fall!
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
II.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Go From Street to Summit
(from "Your Kind of Town")
National Geographic Adventure Magazine
-September 2006
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
III.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully,
he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God."
- George Washington Carver
IV.
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.
Friday, September 1
Harrison Hills County Park Birding Outing
Location: Harrison Hills Park, Natrona Heights/Freeport area
Time: 8:30 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, September 2
Backpack
Sat.-Mon. Sept. 2-4 - Backpacking in Dolly Sods North - the higher, more open, more scenic part of the Dolly Sods Area. Prior backpacking experience required. $22 carpool - 150 miles.
Call Bruce Sundquist, 724-327-8737
Location: Dolly Sods North
Time: 7:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, September 3
Lower Buffalo Creek Watershed Birding Outing
Location: Buffalo Creek, Washington County
Time: 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Meet at Cranberry Mall at 9:30 AM. Call Judy or Don Ziegler, 412-826-0519
Location: McConnells Mill State Park
Time: 9:30 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, September 9
Presque Isle Birding Outing
Location: Presque Isle
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Visit an organic farm in our region - meet the farmer, see the methods used, see the produce (perhaps buy some), learn about the issues. Contact Don Gibbon at 412-362-8451 or dongibbon@earthlink.net by Sept. 6.
Location: Organic Farm
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Cave
$4.25 carpool - 35 miles. Call Norm Snyder, 412-351-4068.
Location: Lemon Hole
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, September 10
Hike
$8 carpool - 55 miles. Meet in Monroeville at 9 AM. Call John Dern, 412-856-4642.
Location: Laurel Hill State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hike
$9 carpool fee - 68 miles from Shadyside. Call Dick Pratt, 412-362-5567
Location: Blue Hole Creek
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Friday, September 15
Beechwood Farms Birdwatching Walk
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, September 16
Harrison Hills County Park Birding Outing
Location: Harrison Hills Park, Natrona Heights/Freeport area
Time: 8:15 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
$9.50 carpool - 68 miles. Call Jim Ritchie, 412-828-0210.
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 8:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Fall Migration at Harrison Hills
Location: Harrison Hills
Time: 8:15 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
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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PUZZLER ANSWERS: False, There are 600 miles of rail trails in the proposal stage.
According to DCNR, there are actually 93 open trails
with 975.4 miles of open trail in Pennsylvania.
In addition, there are about 87.5 miles under construction. |
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