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Pittsburgh charity bike ride to raise money for melanoma, pancreatic cancer

PITTSBURGH — Hundreds of local cyclists from western Pennsylvania will converge on Pittsburgh’s North Shore for the first ever 3-2-1 Ride, set for Oct. 13, 2013.

The event welcomes cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy a day of fun and fundraising, while experiencing the city's beautiful bike trails and scenic routes.  Participants can choose from three rides, all of which start and end at the Carnegie Science Center.

Families and beginner-level riders can register for Rita’s Ride, a 7-mile trail ride with a rest stop at Millvale Riverfront Park.  Activities at the park will include arts and crafts with the Citiparks Roving Art Cart along with face painting by paintOH! and education animals from the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Intermediate to advanced level riders looking for an exciting ride on Pittsburgh’s bike-friendly roads and trails can register for Tim’s Tour, a 25-mile loop around the city, with a rest stop sponsored by the East End Food Co-op at The Wheel Mill bike park.

Cyclists looking for a full-day event will enjoy the Metric Century 62-mile ride on the newly completed Great Allegheny Passage trail system.  Riders will be shuttled to Connellsville and will ride the GAP back to the Science Center, with two fully-stocked rest stops, one at Cedar Creek Park and another in McKeesport.  Registration for this ride will be capped at 200 riders.

Both the 25 and 62-mile rides are fully supported by Trek of Pittsburgh, the official bike shop of the 3-2-1 Ride.  Trek will provide SAG and gear support for riders on these routes.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Pittsburgh-based Woiner Foundation, whose mission is to fight melanoma and pancreatic cancer by increasing awareness, supporting patients, survivors and families and fundraising for research.

Dr. John Kirkwood, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute’s Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program, will be riding in the 3-2-1 Ride.  The foundation directly supports Kirkwood’s research initiatives.

WPXI-TV is the official media partner of the 3-2-1 Ride.  Other sponsors include Quest Diagnostics, Lamar, GNC, Bella Diamond, DermatologistOnCall®, Bertison-George LLC, Aero Tech Designs Cyclewear, John Hughes & Assoc., Point Spring & Driveshaft Co., Panera Bread, Giant Eagle and Clockwise Tees.

Riders will have the opportunity to tour the Science Center’s new exhibit, BIKES: Science on Two Wheels, at a discounted rate.

To register or volunteer for the 3-2-1 Ride visit 321ride.org.