The Seventh Annual River & Wind Challenge, a recreational Metric Century (62.5 miles) ride along the Casselman River from Confluence to Meyersdale on the Great Allegheny Passage, will be June 7.

The at-your-own-pace ride, a fund-raiser for the Somerset County Salvation Army unit and its Service Center, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Outflow Campground at the base of the dam in Confluence. The elevation -- 1,353 feet in Confluence and 2,106 feet in Meyersdale -- is gradual on the way up, and most welcome on the way back.

There will be stops -- up and back -- for fruit, energy drinks and cookies at the Maynard Sembower Visitors Center in Rockwood. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided for lunch at the restored Western Maryland Railway station in Meyersdale. A full dinner will be served at the Outflow Pavilion beginning at 4 p.m.

The ride will cross former railroad bridges in Confluence, Harnedsville, the Pinkerton High Bridge and the Pinkerton Low Bridge between Fort Hill and Markleton and the Salisbury Viaduct in Meyersdale. The scenery includes the wind turbines above Garrett and Meyersdale.

"It's the most beautiful section of the trail between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.," said Marilyn Albright, director of the Service Center. "There's the river, the wind farms, the bridges, waterfalls, wildlife, wildflowers, rock formations and great scenic views. Bring a camera."

The registration deadline is Thursday. The $55 fee includes a T-shirt, snacks, meals and eligibility for door prizes. Flats happen, so bring at least one inner tube and the tools needed to become "airborne" again.

Albright said the unit provided $164,132 in financial help and other forms of assistance, such as Christmas toys and food, clothing and back-to-school supplies, to 3,735 persons last year.

To get in shape for the ride, Albright advises participants to pedal 15 miles at least three times a week, bike 40 miles at least one day about two weeks before the event and continue to ride 15 miles a week until a few days before the ride.

For more information, contact marilyn.albright@use.salvationarmy.org or call 1-814-445-9232.

The Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group, a volunteer organization that advocates more multiuse trails and organizes upgrades of trails in Western Pennsylvania, will be getting down and dirty in South Park beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow -- and you're invited to dig in.

The group, better known as PTAG, will be working on the trail network next to the golf course, off East Park Drive. Graham's Bakery of Mount Lebanon will provide free breakfast. Apres work edibles and drink-ables include burritos and wings from Mad Mex and beer from Erie Brewing and Troegs.

Bring water, sturdy work clothes, work gloves and some friends. Digging tools will be provided. If you have a wheelbarrow and/or a large bow saw, bring that/those, too.

Meet at the West Virginia shelter. To get there, take Route 88 south to the gates of the South Park and enter the park on Corrigan Drive. Take the first left off Corrigan Drive and stay to your right. The shelter will be on your left.

For more information, call or e-mail Gary Terner at 412-508-0410 or gterner@verizon.net.

The 15th Annual PNC Pedal Pittsburgh, a series of pace-yourself rides ranging from 6 to 60 miles, will be May 18. The rides, organized by the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, will begin and end at the former Chevrolet Amphitheatre on the South Side.

If you register by Monday, the registration fee is $25 for individuals and $55 for families up to five members. After that, it's $30 and $60. Add $5 if you'd like to go on a guided tour of 15 or 25 miles to learn more about the city, its neighborhoods and its architecture. Preregistration is required, and the number of riders is limited.

For more information, go to www.pedalpittsburgh.org or call 412-232-3545.