Weekend Outlook – Fireworks, Biking the GAP, Rock Climbing and Pedal Paddle Peduto

It’s a 3-day weekend for the staff at Venture Outdoors, so sign up early for our Fourth of July festivities. Our featured trip is our Fourth of July Paddle, where you can enjoy a front row seat of the Fireworks. We have also planned a few hikes and a rock climbing excursion in the Laurel Highlands. Kids and families will enjoy our Glow Stick hike of Riverview Park. On Sunday, Bill Peduto is joining us for a unique bike tour of Downtown Pittsburgh. Finally, check out the Great Allegheny Passage as we ride from Rockwood to Confluence. Enter ROCKWOOD at Checkout for $5 off this activity.

Featured Activity
Fourth of July Paddle
Enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks from a front row seat. Starting at 7PM we will take a leisurely paddle upstream and as the sun sets we will float back down to the Point to take our place in the front row for the best fireworks display in Pittsburgh! Snacks will be served prior to launch to round out the celebration.
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh – Downtown
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: $75.00 non-member / $55.00 member

Saturday, July 04, 2009
Rockwood to Confluence Bike Ride on the Great Allegheny Passage
Discover one of the most scenic sections of the Great Allegheny Passage! The 38-mile round trip ride begins in Rockwood’s town square and follows the Casselman River to Confluence. Lunch will be on your own here with a listing of bike-friendly restaurants provided. After lunch, we will pedal back to Rockwood. (Bike rentals are not included in the fee, but are available to rent in Rockwood.)
Location: Rockwood
Difficulty: Advanced
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 non-member / $15.00 member

Sunday, July 05, 2009
Rock Climbing
Imagine the feeling of using your own two hands and feet to pull yourself up the side of a cliff. Rock climbing is becoming a popular outdoor sport; it’s great for strength and confidence building. We will hike a short distance over easy terrain to reach our climbing areas. Experienced guides will teach you about the equipment, safety, tying knots, how to rappel, belay and some climbing techniques. After the introduction, we’ll practice rappelling and then do a few different climbs. This class is perfect for beginners. All gear is included in the fee. Miniumum age 13.
Location: Laurel Highlands
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $67.00 non-member / $50.00 member

Peanut Butter Sandwich Hike
What tastes best with peanut butter on a sandwich: grape jelly, strawberry jam, marshmallow fluff, banana slices, raisins, M&Ms or cream cheese? On this hike through Frick Park, you get to decide what we’ll pack for our peanut butter sandwich picnic. Call the office to let us know what topping you would like with your peanut butter sandwich. (This hike is dog friendly!)
Location: Frick Park
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 non-member / $11.00 member / $8.00 kids

Pedal-Paddle-Peduto: Downtown Bike Tour
Bill Peduto will join Louise Sturgess from Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Don Carter from Urban Design Associates and Eve Picker from no walls productions for an educational bike tour along Pittsburgh’s downtown streets and riverfront trails. The group will discuss Pittsburgh’s history, unique architecture and urban planning. Bring your own bike or rent through Venture Outdoors for $8. Bike rentals are limited, so advanced registration is recommended. This activity is part of the Pedal-Paddle-Peduto Hike and Learn Series.
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh – Downtown
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 non-member / $15.00 member

Glow Stick Night Hike
Gather the whole family up as the sun sets and head to the park for an enchanted evening hike. The pace will be leisurely, as our guides lead us along this flat, 1.5 to 2-mile trail. Together, we’ll discover how magical the woods can be by the beam of glow sticks and fireflies! Fee is based on a family of four. Otherwise, cost is $5 per person.
Location: Riverview Park
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 family