July 26, 2012 Buzz: Outdoors News Shorts
STIHL Tour de Trees Celebrates 20 years!
Photo at right by Helen Steussy
The STIHL Tour des Trees is a weeklong, 500-mile cycling event held each year to benefit the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund). Since 1992 the Tour des Trees has raised more than $5 million for scientific research and education programs related to arboriculture (the science of caring for trees in a landscape) and urban forestry. STIHL Inc., (yes, the chain saw manufacturer), has been the Tour’s title sponsor since 2009. The riders plant trees along the way.
Every year, the tour goes through a different part of the country. This year it starts and ends in Portland. “This is the first year the tour has sold out every spot, because everyone was so excited it was going to be in Oregon,” said Kate Lewis, the Tour’s public relations specialist.
Although all 100 spots on the tour are sold out, you can still sign up for the “One Day Ride for Research” and have a chance to experience the tour for the day on Aug. 11, 2012. The 20-mile ride leaves from Halladay Park and meanders through Portland to Laurelhurst. Riders will get to plant trees as well. Sign up here.
The Dragons are coming!
The 8th annual Seattle Dragon Boat Festival will take place on July 28, 2012 on South Lake Union. It’s a great day of free entertainment, activities for the kids, food, and of course, exciting dragon boat races. You can cheer on the boats shoreside or even get in one and try it out for yourself. If you’re hooked, you can go to the website and sign up for lessons.
First Cargo Bike Roll Call
Cargo bikes are taking Seattle by storm. Come out to Gas Works Park on Saturday, Aug. 11 for the Cargo Bike Roll Call. There will be beverages, piñatas, and more cargo bikes than you can shake a stick at. Come see some fun options for pedaling your gear or offspring around town.
