Sat 5/3
If a woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle, then a bicyclist without a pet is a crime against nature. To correct this oversight, we respectfully offer the Tour de SPCA benefit bike ride this weekend in Dublin. The inaugural “Pedal for Paws” at the Tri-Valley SPCA (4651 Gleason Dr.) offers 3 mileage options (63-, 25-, and 10-mile rides) in a fun, noncompetitive benefit for the animals. Pit stops and restrooms will be provided on the 25-mile and 63-mile courses, including lunch for those who go the longer distance.
Credits: Al Cameron
The Tri-Valley SPCA is one of the nicer facilities in the area, opened in 2002 to provide shelter, healthcare, and adoption services for unwanted East Bay dogs and cats as well as public education on responsible pet ownership. You’ll be able to see just where your funds are going at the shelter open house on Saturday. Remember if bringing kids along, the likelihood of leaving empty-handed is right up there with pigs flying and fish on bicycles. (No animals or feminists were harmed in the making of this newspaper, of course.)
The fee is $25 ($50 for a family of four), registration and bike checks start at 7 a.m., and departure is at 9:30. Longer distances depart first, and there will be a roundup of stray bikers at 4:30pm. Call 925-361-5423 or visit www.tourdespca.org for info. — Annika Dukes
Sun 5/4
Fun Run
Beat the devil in Danville
Forrest Gump would be proud to run in Sunday’s Devil Mountain Run in Danville. Billed as the “oldest continuous running event in the East Bay,” the trot has been challenging runners for 26 years, serving both benevolent and practical purposes. Proceeds for the 5K and 10K races go to Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, and runners can also use their times as qualifiers for seeded and sub-seeded positions in the upcoming San Francisco Bay to Breakers.Four thousand participants are expected, starting from the Andronico’s Market parking lot in the city’s downtown, then winding south along the Iron Horse Trail. At course’s end, sweaty souls will be greeted by bands, food, and good cheer.
To register, call 415-759-2690 or visit www.chofoundation.org
<Volunteers, call 510-428-3814 or e-mail [email protected] — Justin Berton
Sat 5/3
Hit the Jack
The basic object of lawn bowling is to roll each of your bowls as close as possible to the jack. Bowls can hit the jack, but it must stay within the boundary markers, or the end will be deemed “dead.” Got that? No? Then you may want to check out the Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. You can enjoy the sunshine and snacks while watching and participating in lawn bowling matches, with no obligation to join. The club is at 2270 Acton St. Call 510-234-6646 for more info. — Stefanie Kalem
Sat 5/3
Trey Day
Three weeks ago, Oakland’s downtown basketball jam-fest was washed out by rain. There’s no chance for cancellation at the similar, but smaller, Three on Three round-robin tournament this weekend at Albany High School, unless the roof leaks. The second annual open tourney will be hosted indoors, thank you, in the high school’s posh new gymnasium.Last year’s event attracted mostly adults from area recreation leagues and ballers from street court teams, so the talent level should be varied, leaving the prize money for anyone’s taking. Speaking of which: second-place winner gets $250, first prize is $500. For registration and other info, call 510-525-2716. — Justin Berton
