Love Means Nothing

FRI-MON 5/27-30

Whether they keep their eyes on the balls or on the players, singles and doubles have plenty to check out at the United States Gay Open, the world's oldest, largest, and most prestigious lesbian and gay tennis tournament.

Organized by the Gay & Lesbian Tennis Federation, the four-day extravaganza boasts more than 230 competitors in singles, doubles, and mixed-doubles matches -- the kind of action that should keep spectators' senses working overtime. Catch the opening serves at 8 a.m. at either the Golden Gate Park Tennis Courts, Middle Drive East & John F. Kennedy, or at the San Francisco State University Tennis Courts, 1600 Holloway (at Cardenas), S.F. Admission is free; visit www.gltf.org.
-- Josh Rotter

The Scenic Route

SUN 5/29

Plenty of footraces in the Bay Area are pretty, but the Mission Rock 5K is a little unusual because it traces the shore on the west edge of the bay just south of the Bay Bridge, a part of town not normally associated with sports other than baseball. Get your exercise and your gorgeous vistas all in one as the race jaunts along Terry Francois Boulevard, an underappreciated bit of the city: On a clear day the East Bay hills are majestic. See for yourself at 9 a.m. at Third Street & Mission Rock, S.F. Registration is $3-5; call 978-0837 or visit www.dserunners.com.
-- Hiya Swanhuyser

Pedaling a Long
The great ride of China

TUES 5/31

If you're one of those cyclists who cruise the city's hills and valleys without shedding a bead of sweat, then it may be time to stretch your limits. Bay Area cyclists Lori Lewis and Ilya Pratt went on an 8,000-kilometer journey across Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand -- and they lived to tell about it.

In a slide-show presentation, the pedaling pair talk about their adventures and misadventures in places like the Mongolian steppe, the Great Wall of China, and the Li River Valley. They also give tips on what to take with you the next time the open road calls. "A Year on the Road: Cycling Through Siberia, Mongolia, and China" starts at 7 p.m. at REI, 840 Brannan (at Seventh Street), S.F. Admission is free; call 934-1938 or visit www.rei.com.
-- Karen Macklin