MUD FLAPPERS: Cross Crusade bike race, Sunday. Image: Adam Krueger

Wednesday Oct. 3

Mountain Hardwear Ladies' Night

Exclusive as it may be, how can I be sore at an event that promises "to venerate all that is woman"? It just sounds too damn silly. But then again, I'd like 20 percent off a Mountain Hardware product. I wouldn't mind attending an equipment- or apparel-design clinic, nor am I likely to pass up a chance to win something in a raffle—even if it is a scarf (might help ease the cold shoulder I'm feeling). I guess this "diva" is relegated instead to cheering on Oregon this weekend in the Stars and Stripes national women's lacrosse exhibition (visit www.uslacrosse.org for details), a ladies event where all feel welcome. U.S. Outdoor Store, 219 SW Broadway. 7-9 pm. Call 223-5937 to RSVP. Free. Easy.

Thursday Oct. 4

To the Olympics and Beyond

A bit of perspective: imagine finishing third in this Sunday's Portland Marathon (Oct. 7) with a time of 2:46. Not bad, eh? Now picture doing so as a 17-year-old girl (last year's top women's time was 2:53!). Portlander Lynn Jennings accomplished such a feat (albeit in Boston's 1978 race), and she shares her experiences tonight, along with another three-time Olympic winner, Lake O's Lisa Schlenker. Speaking of impressive, Schlenker (who currently holds a world record for indoor rowing) didn't begin rowing until age 26! Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom, Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway. 5:30 pm. For information, visit portlandwomensrowing.org. $10-$40. Easy.

Sunday Oct. 7

Cross Crusade Season Kick-Off

The only cross-bearing crusade history will look kindly upon returns! If you haven't picked up a local rag since medieval times and have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry—spectating's a great introduction to this popular mud-flinging bike race. Alpenrose Dairy, 6149 SW Shattuck Road. 9 am. For information, visit crosscrusade.com. $12-$22. Moderate-Difficult.

Harvest Century

Every aspect of this fall ride makes me feel warm and fuzzy—from the pumpkins marking the 42-, 75- and 102-mile routes, to the fresh-pressed Hood River apple cider, to the new caramel-coated apples. Yum! But most comforting is knowing that organizers Sarah Smith and Rebecca Miller (of Portland-based Smith and Miller Productions) have enough past experience with Cycle Oregon and Reach the Beach to keep this annual sweet treat from going sour. Champoeg State Park, St. Paul, Ore. 7 am. For directions, visit harvestcentury.org. $45. Moderate-Difficult.