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Bikefest Pool Tour WINTER EDITION

oh, those warm balmy days of summer! While on the pool tour in August (http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/bikefest-pool-tour-ride/page/2) we discussed having a second pool tour in the winter! Where we would visit the Oliver Bath House (pittsburgh's indoor public pool) and possibly the now frozen PPG Plaza for ice skating...... unless someone has some sweet info on a sauna/steam room/jacuzzi club or other awesome indoor oasis?


Currently thinking about doing this Sunday January 2nd if they are open.


I figure, meet at coffee shop, go to pool, etc, end ride.


You guys into this?


http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks/oliver_bath_house.htm


caitlin
2010-12-08 17:04:25

the steam tunnels under CMU campus could be interesting to ride through - I've never been there, but CIA typically gives a tour annually. I have no current contacts at the campus, but I'm sure someone does.


I'm betting there are steam tunnels elsewhere in the city, too :D


ejwme
2010-12-08 17:07:36

The CMU tunnels are not a good idea to ride through. Far to small, with lots of high pressure pipes and valves. Not to mention they are off-limits. I have heard of very few legitimate tours of them, and those are small groups walking only through the main corridor with hardhats.


namtrahselrahc
2010-12-08 17:18:31

I would be willing to give it a try.


dbacklover
2010-12-08 17:24:12

Charles - I never said the CIA tour was legit... just that it was annual. There was supposedly a way to use them to get around to buildings without going outside, but I found the sanctioned underground hallways were adequate for my purposes (and a lot easier to get to).


It was just the first thing I thought of when someone mentioned steam and indoors.


There's an indoor pool with a sauna in Penn Hills, Olympic Swim & Health, that anybody can use for $3/day. They have their own gas well, so it's SUPER warm and nice in there. Kind of uncomfortable for lap swimming, it's so warm, but it feels nice. Out near Saltzburg and Universal, so way out of the way for everyone but me and Dback.


ejwme
2010-12-08 17:29:45

even if we can't ride to that place i am totally remembering it.


caitlin
2010-12-08 18:13:46

caitlin - in summer they have an olympic sized outdoor pool which is DIVINE for laps - and thanks to the gas well they can heat it so "summer" is like April - October. they also have free weights and roller hockey.


ejwme
2010-12-08 21:13:21

I'm game if I'm around. Pool ride 1 was the best.


alnilam
2010-12-08 21:34:49

I'm also down. Been looking forward to this since the summer ride. Perhaps have some kind of general time for when we'll arrive at the pool?


That way if other non-winter-bike people wanted to join us, we could have an even larger pool party.


sgtjonson
2010-12-08 22:17:48

Winter pool tour sounds excellent!


ejwme - $3 outdoor long course from April to October? I will have to look into this.


jeg
2010-12-09 12:40:57

Olympic Swim and Health

517 Twin Oak Dr

Penn Hills, PA 15235-2631

phone 4127938503


run by Mary... oi, they changed their rates when I wasn't looking: http://www.pittsburghdekhockey.com/olympic-club.html


Turns out it's $8 unaccompanied by a member, $5 accompanied. That's way up from what it was. Man, I'm getting old when almost every price I hear I'm starting to say "I remember when..." I'm turning into my father.


ejwme
2010-12-09 13:12:27

@jeg ejwme - $3 outdoor long course from April to October? I will have to look into this.


Jeg, it's the pool where Suzanne Atkinson does a bunch of her coaching. The outsice pools ias really quite nice. Others have confirmed that the indoors is kinda warm for laps.


mick
2010-12-09 17:28:10

I think the best time to arrive at the pool will be 2pm--which is when open swim begins (the bathhouse has lots of swim lessons and water aerobics)


WINTER POOL PARTYYYYYYYY


caitlin
2010-12-10 15:39:59

Hopefully there will be little kids playing, because it won't truly be a sequel to the last pool ride unless we end up having a mass cannonball or a sharks-n-minnows with random kids.


alnilam
2010-12-10 18:05:20

hubby and I are in if we don't have makeup kung fu class.


ejwme
2010-12-10 20:20:38

Makeup kung fu, huh? I'll remember not to get near either of you with a mascara brush.


lyle
2010-12-11 00:16:06

Get out of my brain, Lyle. There's barely room in here for me.


reddan
2010-12-11 01:03:52

I'm 2 for 2 on pool rides (unless you had a third one in there I didn't know about), so I'll be there. The idea of packing swim trunks and ice skates for an afternoon of fun is just phenomenal.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-11 03:42:49

hey dudes, i have to appologize, I am helping a good friend move to chicago on the 2nd now! I felt it important enough to postpone the pool ride, so I am sorry!


When I set a date for it (still in jan or feb, maybe jan 15th) I will top the thread and send an announcement to bike pgh for the ride calendar.


or, have the ride anyway! but i really wanted to come on it!


caitlin
2010-12-13 22:13:43

+1 for delay I'll be out of town during New Year's time.


namtrahselrahc
2010-12-13 23:58:13

+1 out of town (most likely) on the 2nd.


mick
2010-12-14 00:57:05

Now that I'm being dragged (quarter-willingly) to the pool at 5:30am, I remembered this


What's the plan? Is this trip dead in the water or what?


sgtjonson
2011-01-06 14:19:31

i seem to remember some talk of feb. but im not sure. I would like to go on a ride like this.


dbacklover
2011-01-06 15:36:49

Someone pick a day in February and go with it. I say the 12th or 13th because valentine's day is lame and bike riding to a city pool in the middle of winter is 500 times less lame.


Looking at the pool schedule, (http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks/assets/11-OBH-Jan-Feb.pdf) Open Swim is 2-5:45 pm on Saturdays and 1-5:45 pm on Sundays.


jeg
2011-01-06 16:26:19

The Sarah Heinz House also has an indoor pool. It's normally members-only, but:


"We are offering an Open House, geared toward nonmembers, on Saturday, January 22, from 4—6pm. Activities will include Open Swimming Pool, Gym, Robotics, Gymnastics, Art, and Games Room."

http://www.sarahheinzhouse.org


miasme
2011-01-06 16:43:10

Sarah Heinz House is right off the North Shore Trail, too. That place looks super cool.


ejwme
2011-01-06 18:08:52

you could go to both, that would make it a real pool tour then!


sorry my weekends are a little busy (how can this be, its january) until that 22nd weekend, though i would be into a not-valentines pool tour.


its totally cool if you guys organize it yourselves too! if i can make it ill show.


but tentatively: jan 22nd, hit oliver bath house for open swim then go to sarah heinz for their open swim?!


caitlin
2011-01-07 18:09:56

sounds like a good plan :D


ejwme
2011-01-07 18:22:10

awesome. ill send something to the calendar folks and be sure to pack a hair dryer so my head doesnt freeze!


caitlin
2011-01-07 18:34:44

Yay! It's on my calendar.


jeg
2011-01-07 21:09:08

top!

get your swimmies out and wear yout goggles on the bike and into the pool(s)!


Jan 22nd!


More details comin' for a meeting spot.

Also, how many CMU id-carriers do we have on this? Because you know we could go into their pool too!


caitlin
2011-01-13 18:14:46

I stopped being able to get in to the gym/pool there when they started scanning cards :(


You'd think tuition would buy you a life membership, at least for the out of towners during visits or something.


ejwme
2011-01-13 18:16:50

Also any input on where to meet up? I was thinking coffee shop--- kiva han in oakland? big dog on the south side? anyplace else that is sort of near to where we will be heading to?


caitlin
2011-01-13 18:30:40

Either. I was going to suggest Oakland just to make it a longer ride, but if we're going to both Oliver Bath House and the Sarah Heinz House, we've enough distance for a decent ride either way.


Pitt also has two pools, although I have no idea about their guest policy. The JCC in Squirrel Hill has two pools, and I have a few Guest Passes, but not enough for a big group, and they're pricey.


jeg
2011-01-13 19:36:51

Regarding CMU pool..... I took swimming lessons in there last year. I know the swimming instructor.


Would there be any interest in ask if they would let us use their pool for this 'Biketour'?


We would probably need an estimated number of swimmers showing up to get in, and they might still say no, but me asking doesn't hurt -right?


ps: That pool IS VERY NICE!! :)


bikeygirl
2011-01-13 20:47:06

jeg, perhaps if you have the timeinclination, you could ask for some kind of pool guest special thing?


A bunch of people being exposed to the JCC can't exactly be a bad thing and we wouldn't be hanging around for very long.


sgtjonson
2011-01-13 21:43:12

i like where this event is going.


if any flock people want to publicize it on their pages that is fine! i have never actually been on a flock ride so I feel like I am not the one to do it?


bikeygirl totally see if we can all go to the CMU pool!


caitlin
2011-01-14 15:32:17

and if you think you have an in at the JCC that would be cool.


One thing to keep in mind is that we have to pay to get into the bathhouse (like $4). I hear that CMU is also $5 for guests now. I don't know what the JCC would be. I dont want this to be an expensive affair for anyone...


caitlin
2011-01-14 15:33:22

All the pool tags we used on the summer ride are still good for admission to the Oliver Bath House--if I recall, lots of people had tags.


I don't really have an "in" at the JCC, but certainly could ask someone about the group stopping by. I knew an avid cyclist who worked as a lifeguard there, but he's since moved out of the area, alas.


jeg
2011-01-14 22:44:08

is this happening?!!


courtneyjanester
2011-01-15 19:53:20

yes.


ride will be snow or shine, but NOT in freezing rain, sleet, etc.


meet at kiva han in oakland at forbes and craig and we will ride down to the south side! If you live closer to the Oliver Bath House, just meet us there or find us on the way (we will likely take the trail most of the way unless its a total impassable mess?)


Meet at 1:45, depart for south side at 2pm, swim and ride to sarah heinz house by 4pm, swim there, and either depart each other or see if we want to try for CMU or not!


I'll send a message to lolly so she can put it on the ride calendar.


woo!


caitlin
2011-01-18 15:28:56

here's what I sent the admins:


Bikefest Pool Tour WINTER EDITION—Saturday January 22nd, 2011


Note: Pool Tour is Snow or Shine—but will not be held if it is raining/sleeting/etc! Helmets and blinky lights encouraged.


Meet 1:45pm at Kiva Han in Oakland at Forbes at Craig. Depart at 2:00pm for Oliver Bath House on Tenth Street in the South Side for open swim!


Travel to the tropics of the Oliver Bath House for open swim starting at 2pm! Then, we dry off, gear up and head to the Sarah Heinz House on the North Side (right off the riverfront trail) for a visit to their pool and facility during their nonmember open house! A possible excursion to a university pool facility might also be warranted if we can work it out, and hot chocolate stops are likely (heck, bring a thermos to share). This ride will be partially on roads, partially on trails, and we will keep together in a group, riding at a pace that includes everyone.


Pool passes should still operate for free admission to the Bath House, otherwise admission is $4. Admission to the Sarah Heinz House is free.


caitlin
2011-01-18 19:09:18

This is a very "cool" idea for a ride!







damien
2011-01-18 20:17:40

damien, those pics are awesome :D


ejwme
2011-01-18 21:25:53

Great Day! Sunny! Breezy! SIXTEEN farenheit degrees!


Actually that is what the weather prediction for saturday was yesterday. This morning, Weather.com says 19 on Saturday. Maybe that trend will continue.


mick
2011-01-19 16:04:54

Looking forward! :)


bikeygirl
2011-01-19 16:06:34

I've been swimming 2 or 3 times a week all winter.


It will be wonderful to have others share my derangement - on what could be the coldest day of the year!


Won't you be my neighbor?


mick
2011-01-21 18:54:05

YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!


i am bringing two suits so that i dont have to put the wet one that was in my bag during the 16degree ride back on. yipe!!!


caitlin
2011-01-21 19:13:25

Good point. Back in August, we got wet, then rode. Even I wouldn't do that in January.


stuinmccandless
2011-01-21 20:01:34

#nightmarescenarios


caitlin
2011-01-21 20:46:31

Haha, 2 swim suites = great idea!


bikeygirl
2011-01-21 22:06:33

...um, we are putting something on over the dry suit, right? Or is this really a swimsuit ride?

#justmakingsure


stuinmccandless
2011-01-21 23:07:43

Sorry guys, I kinda dropped the ball on the JCC pool.


jeg
2011-01-22 13:17:39

Stu: on second thought, just a drysuit might not be a bad idea.




jeg
2011-01-22 13:19:42

its okay jeg i am sure hitting two pools will still be sufficient :)


caitlin
2011-01-22 16:29:34

FYI I might be running late....... don't wait for me I'll just catch up @Oliver House!


bikeygirl
2011-01-22 17:35:45

Thanks everyone for an afternoon of fun!


stuinmccandless
2011-01-23 02:51:28

It was a great-odd time indeed! But looking forward to a warmer-pool ride in the summer, though.... having to go from winter layers to pool layers back & forth was exhausting!! BUT fun too :)


@Caitlin: those cookies were awesome!

@Pierce: upload those photos when you get a chance!


I only took this pic while the bike-rack discussion took place at the Sarah Heinz Pool.




bikeygirl
2011-01-23 20:29:41

you people are nuts (which I admire)!


pseudacris
2011-01-23 20:32:31

this was sooo great!! I am so glad that so many people from summerpool ride represented! way to be, stalwart swimmers and cyclists!


caitlin
2011-01-23 21:51:23

Ugh, I'm such a fail photographer


First picture the lens kept fogging up (after being inside for about an hour, I should have took it out of my pannier)


The pool photos were shot by a seven or eight year old, but I probably should have increased the shutter speed before I handed the camera over, but completely forgot about it in the moment







sgtjonson
2011-01-24 19:35:26

Cool pics, pierce!


The fog captures a valid aspect of the afternoon. Props to the 8 year-old, too!


mick
2011-01-24 21:11:26

Also worthy of note was the pool rock climbing wall (left side of photo)


I successfully scaled all four sections vertically, but failed miserably trying to scale them diagonally and spent what seemed like five minutes suspended in the air by my fingers trying to figure out a way across


sgtjonson
2011-01-24 21:17:24
stuinmccandless
2011-01-24 22:45:37

Nice going! :)


bikeygirl
2011-01-24 22:56:10

Great post, Stu! I saw it this morning on Google Reader.


I actually use my phone for bus schedules fairly regularly (I have "bus home" bookmarked on the browser), but, unlike the full-fledged Google Maps, the mobile version seems very limited, transit and otherwise.


Driving and walking directions don't seem quite as finicky as transit directions, but all require more exact intersections than regular Google Maps, which usually returns a few walk/bus/walk options. Bicycling isn't always an option in the mobile version, and it doesn't show alternate routes for walk/drive. Still, it's one feature that's made the internet-capable phone a useful investment.


jeg
2011-01-25 03:20:11

after climbing that wall the next day my wee hand was all crampy and sore from trying to hang on to somewhat slippery grips!


caitlin
2011-01-25 15:38:33