Out & About: Event touts cycling in everday life

OUTPEDAL – Spokane’s annual Bike to Work Week, May 18-22, helps motivate commuters to get on two wheels for benefits that include energy savings, fitness and reducing vehicles on roads and parking areas.

The free pancake Kick-Off Breakfast starts 7 a.m. May 18 near the runner statues at Riverfront Park.

Lunch-hour rides to familiarize cyclists with Spokane bike routes are set.

Local businesses are providing “energizer stations” with treats; Spokane Police will give a program on its bicycle patrol.

A Ride of Silence starts 6 p.m. on May 20 from the runner statues to honor cyclists killed on the road.

The Wrap-Up Party is set for 5:30 p.m. May 22 at River City Brewing.

Preregister and log miles online, spokanebikes.org.

• See a schedule of more than 100 Inland Northwest Bicycling Events under the Calendars link at spokesman.com/outdoors.

Bird nests, loons topics of programs

OUTSEE – Audubon Society chapters in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene are sponsoring programs on loons and bird’s nests this week:

Tuesday – MasterBirder Idie Ulsh will explore the nests of birds ranging from hummingbirds to eagles in a free program, 7 p.m., at Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Audubon Society.

Wednesday – Daniel Poleschook and Ginger Gumm, experts in loons and bird photography, will present an update on loons in Washington, 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Community Building, 2117 E. North Crescent Ave. in Spokane.

Volunteers to groom Marie Creek Trail

OUTDO – Volunteers are needed for a trail project organized by the Spokane Mountaineers on Friday along Marie Creek Trail 241 northeast of Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Wolf Lodge Bay. Contact Lynn Smith, (208) 772-4337.

Williams derby set

OUTFISH – The annual Klink’s Resort Charity Fishing Derby is set for May 17 at Williams Lake to benefit Shriners Hospital. Info: (509) 235-2391.