Rise Above BMX will be at the Finish Line Festival

Save some smiles for after your ride on August 5th. At 11am the Finish Line Festival kicks off and welcomes riders to stay awhile and enjoy music, food, friends, and bicycle fun. 

Be there in person to see professional BMX stunt riders take to the air. The Rise Above BMX high-flying act is not to be missed. In between BMX shows kick back with a free beer from Straub while DJ Zombo fills the air with music. 

Also, there will be plenty of scenic spots along the Pedal PGH route for pictures. Heck, we've even closed down the Birmingham Bridge so you can grab a snapshot with downtown as the backdrop. But, seriously, don't miss the photo booth at the Festival. Flash those pearly whites and take home a free souvenir picture. 

After you've grabbed a souvenir picture you'll still have time to peruse the expo. If you missed the bike expo in March you'll have second chance to indulge your craving for two-wheeled fun. In one place you'll find tents chock full of Pittsburgh bike shops, biking apparel, bike magazines, and BikePGH's community partners. Look for free give-aways, bike maps, and info on all the new and exciting bike news in Pittsburgh.

The Finish Line Festival runs from 11am until 3pm at the start/finish area in the SouthSide Works and is free and open to the public.

Beat the lines! Register and pick up your number at REI in the SouthSide Works

Save time in line on August 5th by registering and picking up your number early. This Saturday (July 28) and next Saturday (Aug 4) from 11am-2pm registered riders may pick up their ride numbers at REI in the SouthSide Works. 

During that time you'll also be able to sign up for the ride. If you choose to skip these packet pickup days at REI, you can still pick up your rider number on August 5th at the event. But, be prepared to wait in a line.

REI is located at 412 S. 27th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, (412) 488-9410.

Do you or a friend need a bike for the ride?

Golden Triangle Bike Rentals has some sweet whips to choose from  

Pedal PGH offers a ride for everyone!

Choose a route: 

Car Free: 1-18 miles of car-free roads and trails 

City Tour: 25 miles of exploring the South Side, the Northside, and the East End 

Metric Century+: 64 miles of exploring with bonus hills to the Troy Hill and Mt. Washington 

Click here for more info or to register

Already registered? Please click here for some required reading for Pedal PGH riders.

You could win this prize pack valued at over $1000

One lucky VIP rider will win an awesome prize package from BikePGH. The package includes to two sets of Cardo BK-1 Duo communication devices. These gadgets will come in handy on your next ride. They let you communicate with your riding buddy, interact with your cell phone, or listen to tunes while freeing up your hands for steering and braking, while still remaining street legal. 

Each set retails for $469. You could win 2 sets! We'd like to think you'd give one set to a riding friend as a present....but you my fall in love and keep them for yourself. 

The prize pack also comes with a stainless steel Bicycle Times water bottle and tech socks, two BikePGH water bottles, and a wool Bicycle Times jersey. Anyone who signs up between today and noon on Wednesday the 1st of August for a VIP pass to Pennsylvania's biggest ride is entered for a chance to win.

Click here for more info or to register

This prize will go to a new participant.  Riders who have already registered are not eligible for this one. Sorry. All participants who register between now and noon Wed Aug 1 are entered to win.

The Pittsburgh cycling community really stepped it up this year to put together an impressive BikeFest 2012 Calendar. Folks have organized nearly 80 bicycle-themed events that will help make it fun to get on two wheels and explore our beautiful city.  

For example, you can round up the little ones for the family-friendly Babes, Kids, and Tots Ride from Frick Park. Night owls can take a late-night stroll on the Moonlight Ride that same night. There are women's rides and MTB clinics, as well as rides to tour Mon Valley towns and the Carrie Furnace. Don't miss the rides that will explore our hollows, bridges, public art, and GTECH's neighborhood greening initiatives - you might just learn a thing or two!

Lovers of hills, pinball, Roberto Clemente, underwear, the Golden Girls, or beer will find some awesome events. Or, simply relax on a yoga ride, a tour of public pools, or a movie. Don't worry, there's plenty of chances to party and hang out as well, like at the Bike Bonanza Block Party at Free Ride, events at OTB Bike Cafe, cyclist's breakfasts, or with the fine folks at Ted's Excellent Bike Repair.

And best of all, most of the events are FREE!

Really, there's too much exciting stuff to list, so just go check out the huge calendar yourself.

Click Here to see the BikeFest 2012 Calendar

• Add your voice in our advocacy for safe streets and better bike facilities 
• Get discounts on great cycling events like tickets for BikeFest! 
• Demonstrate your support for our mission and vision
• Join the fun and exciting bicycling community in Pittsburgh
• Receive a receipt for a tax-deduction  
• Receive discounts from dozens of local bike shops and businesses that support a bicycle-friendly Pittsburgh