We’re learning how to keep our bicycles road ready at this week’s Winter Workshop and summer camp registration is open. Look for the lightning bolt ~to see new outdoor events and activities.

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Yoga for Active Bodies Feb. 10
Join instructor Minya James for a yoga class that emphasizes stretching and relaxing those overused muscles. Yoga for Active Bodies continues this Wed., Feb. 10 and runs through Apr. 21 at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. All levels of athlete are welcome. Cost is $8 per class. James is a graduate of the Asheville Yoga Center’s 230-hour instructor training program.

Winter Workshop – Bike Mechanics 101, Feb. 11
It doesn’t take an engineering degree to learn the basics of keeping your bicycle tuned and ready to ride. Join mechanic Mike Teff of the Chattanooga Trek Store for a free Winter Workshop on keeping your chain lubed and tires pumped. For more information, email or call Minya James at (423) 643-6888.

~Women Only Winter Workshop: Tea, Cookies and Catholes Feb. 18
No guys allowed! On Thurs., Feb. 18, 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park, accomplished backpacker and touring cyclist Minya James will talk about how to deal with the normal functions and cycles of women’s bodies during backcountry adventures. The frank discussion will cover health, cleanliness, and environmental impact. Women of all ages and outdoor experience levels are welcome. Attendees should bring a tea mug and if you’re feeling creative, something sweet to share. For more information, call or email Minya James at (423) 643-6888.

~Urban Bicycle Ride Feb. 13
Outdoor Chattanooga will host a free urban bicycle ride on Sat., Feb. 13, 9 a.m., beginning at the Chattanooga Trek Store, 313 Manufacturers Rd. The public is invited to cruise and explore downtown Chattanooga neighborhoods on quiet weekend streets. The route will be determined by the greater cause of seeking fun, hills, flats, or hot coffee. The ride will last from one to two hours at a 10-12 mph pace. Riders must bring their own bicycles and helmets, and dress appropriately for weather. For more information, email or call Minya James at (423) 643-6888.

~Stringers Ridge Hike Feb. 13
With its potential to become shining star in Chattanooga's public park system, Stringers Ridge offers miles of wooded trails for hiking. Join Outdoor Chattanooga and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) for a free, guided hike on Sat., Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. TPL and a host of local organizations are working diligently to preserve this 92-acre forested property for the public to enjoy. Participants should expect to hike for about two hours at a 2-3 mph pace. Meet at Outdoor Chattanooga at 200 River Street. The group will then van caravan to the trail head. Email or call Minya James at (423) 643-6888 for more information.

~Outdoor Chattanooga Summer Camps – Sign up Now!
Outdoor Chattanooga will host four summer camps for kids ages 8-18 in 2010. Outdoor adventure camps will feature hiking, biking, paddling, disc golf, wildlife study, and general outdoor fun. Rapid Learning Whitewater Kids Club camps for both beginners and intermediate paddlers will take campers on overnight adventures to local rivers. Email or call Ruth Thompson for more information.

Events
Caribbean-SEA Beach Party Postponed to Mar. 5
The Tennessee Student Environmental Alliance hast postponed their Caribbean Beach Party benefit , originally scheduled for last Fri., Jan. 29, until Fri., Mar. 5, 7 p.m. at the Bessie Smith Hall. The event will feature Caribbean music, food and drink, and a special auction. TenneSEA is affiliated with Caribbean SEA, and non-profit organization that empowers students to advocate for clean water world-wide. For more information about the beach party, email to: info@caribbean-sea.org or call (423) 605-3483.

Cupid's Chase Run/Walk Feb. 13
Community Options, Inc. is the beneficiary for the Cupid's Chase Run/Walk, happening on Sat., Feb. 13, 10 a.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark near Chattanooga State Technical Community College. Runners and walkers can register beginning at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will help provide support for people with disabilities. For more information, email or call Garth Platt at (423) 892-0022

"Kilowatt Ours" Educator Workshop Feb. 13
Teachers, scout leaders, facilitators and parents are encouraged to attend an educator workshop about the award-winning conservation documentary, "Kilowatt Ours" and the accompanying Youth Initiative at the Chattanooga Nature Center on Sat., Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Jennifer Barrie, "Kilowatt Ours" Youth Initiative Director, will share the film and resources for engaging students to take action on saving energy and money. Cost is $10. Curriculum resources comply with TN Science and Social Studies standards for grades 1-12. For more information, call CNC Education Director Kyle Waggener at (423) 821-1160, ext. 112.

~Mentoring for New Beekeepers Course Begins Feb. 18
The Tennessee Valley Beekeepers Association will offer an eight-month “Mentoring for New-Bee Beekeepers” course beginning with a free Basic Beekeeping class on Thurs., Feb. 18, 7 p.m. at the Homebuilders Association of Southern TN, 3221 Harrison Pk., Chattanooga. Cost for the 8-month course is $300 and includes one complete eight-frame hive with two medium supers and bees, and basic equipment (hive tool and smoker). A non-refundable $100 deposit is required by Feb. 18 with full payment due by Feb. 28. There is no charge for the Basic Beekeeping class. Email Laura Fosgate, or email or call TVBA Treasurer Bob Gray at (423) 886-3244 for further information.

~Winter Mountain Blast Mtn. Bike Race Feb. 20
Here’s a cure for the cabin fever blues: race 11, 22, or 33 miles with your mountain bike on the fast doubletrack in Prentice Cooper State Forest on Sat., Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. The Winter Mountain Blast has categories for all experience levels. Expect mud, rain, sleet, snow, and very cold temperatures. Cost to race is $30. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. the day of the race or participants can register online.

~Southern 6 Trail Race and Kiddie K Feb. 21
Southern Adventist University, The Boonies and Rock/Creek present the Southern Six Trail Race at 1 p.m., Sun., Feb. 21. The family-friendly event takes place on SAU's Biology Trail. Everyone ages 12 and older can participate in the 6k trail race and compete for prizes. Children under 12 are encouraged to participate in the first annual Kiddie K. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the University's Outdoor Leadership program and will help with development and maintenance of the Biology Trail.

~Leave No Trace for Rock Climbers Feb. 22
The Tennessee Bouldering Authority will host a free Leave No Trace seminar for climbers on Tues., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. at the TBA Gym, 3804 Saint Elmo Ave. Participants will receive introductory training in the skills and ethics of the seven Leave No Trace principles. Email or call (423) 822-6800 for more information.

Adventures
~Skyuka Springs Dayhike Feb. 13
The Chattanooga Hiking Club will host a day hike on Lookout Mountain's Lower Truck trail to Skyuka Springs on Sat., Feb. 13. The easy 6-mile hike will feature little elevation gain and lots of pretty scenery as it meanders along Lookout Creek from Reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. For activity specifics, email Kendra Cross.

~TN Wild Hikes Feb. 13 & 27
Tennessee Wild will begin their 2010 series of free hikes on Sat., Feb. 13 with a leisurely stroll through the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness. Then on Sat., Feb. 27, Jeff Hunter will lead a 7+ mile hike along Turkey Pen Cove in the Sampson Mountain Wilderness. All TN Wild hikes are free and open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited on each hike. For more information or to register, email or call Jeff Hunter at (423) 322-7866.

Hike with the TN Trails Association, Soddy-Daisy Chapter
The Soddy-Daisy Chapter of the TN Trails Association regularly hosts hikes along the Cumberland Trail and other areas around northern Hamilton County. Contact hike leaders for times and directions.
Sat., Feb. 13
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Cloudland Canyon State Park near Rising Fawn, GA is one of the most spectacular features in the Cumberland Mountains. Email or call hike leader Brandy Selman at (423) 544-9608 for details on this day hike.
~Sat., Feb. 20
Hike to Bridal Veil Falls in Sewanee, TN – Email or call hike leader Larry Cook at
(423) 933-4128 for details.

South Cumberland State Park Activities
The rangers at the South Cumberland State Park host activities every weekend at park facilities near Monteagle, TN. Visit the Friends of SCSRA for a detailed calendar. All times are CDT.
Sat., Feb. 13
2:00 p.m. - Grundy Day Loop Hike - Meet Ranger Brent at Grundy Forest parking lot for a moderate 2-mile round trip hike. We will see a couple of small waterfalls and some very old Eastern Hemlock trees.
~Sun., Feb. 21
10:00 a.m. - Natural Bridge Geology - Overlooking Lost Cove, this small but unique natural area will interest and delight! Meet Ranger Jason at the Natural Bridge parking lot for this event.

News
~On Tour - Peter Mulvey and his 'Bent
Singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey added a new twist to the concept of biking to work last autumn. He used his recumbent bicycle to tour the Midwest and parts of New England. See videos of Mulvey's adventures and some performances on his Long-Haul Blog. Mulvey will be performing in Blue Ridge, GA on Mar. 17 as part of the Blue Ridge Cabin Concert Series. We don't know if he’ll be traveling from his native Michigan by bike.

Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike Call for Proposals
The National Center for Bicycling and Walking is now accepting proposals for papers at the 2010 Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike conference, to be held in Chattanooga Sept. 13-17. The theme for 2010 meeting is, "Bringing Livable Communities and Regions to Scale." NCBW is looking for papers on projects that make it possible for people of all ages and abilities to walk and bike everywhere all the time. To learn more, visit the Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike conference Web page.

~American Trails National Symposium Exhibitor Discount through Mar. 31
On Nov. 14-17, 2010, American Trails will come to Chattanooga for their 20th biennial National Symposium. The conference attracts trail advocates and officials from all over the U.S. Activities are centered in a Trail Central exhibit hall, where bridge builders, equipment manufacturers, conservators and other trail-focused organizations show their wares. Interested exhibitors can receive a 15% discount for the conference if they sign up by Mar. 31.

Volunteer Opportunities
~Reflection Riding Weed Pull Feb. 27
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Gardens will hold their second annual weed pull of invasive species on Sat., Feb. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will pull Bittersweet and Privet plants to make way for native species. Bring gloves, tools, and cameras. Reflection Riding will provide light refreshments. For more information email or call Mary Katherine Harper at (423) 821-9582, ext. 200.

Website of the Week
Tennessee Wild is dedicated to protecting natural areas in the Cherokee National Forest. They start a new schedule of guided hikes this month (see above).
Last Week’s Website:
Join in mapping the Tennessee Bicycle Interstate System.

Upcoming . . .
February
25 Winter Workshop – Misunderstood Creepie-Crawlies
27 Scenic City Half Marathon, 5K & Charity Challenge

March
4 Winter Workshop – Tree Identification
11 Winter Workshop – Introduction to Wooden Boat Building
15 Fall Creek Falls Thaw 15K
18 Winter Workshop – Knots you Need to Know
20/21 Waterfalls Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
25 Winter Workshop – Planning Overnight Adventures
27 Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race
65 Roses 5K & Great Strides Walk

April
10 Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap (NEW DATE!!)
~Bike to Build
10/11 Wildflower Pilgrimage at Fall Creek Falls
16/17 Star Party at Fall Creek Falls
17 Chickamauga Chase Road Race
24 ~Scenic City Youth Duathlon
25 Cohutta 100 Mountain Bike Race
~Scenic City Triathlon

May
1 3State/3Mountain Challenge
1,2 ~Tri for the Kids Triathlons
3 SERC Mountain Bike Race
8 ~Greenway Challenge Adventure Race
22 Scenic City Trail Marathon and ½ Marathon
31 BlueCross Chattanooga Chase 8K & 1-Mile Walk

June
4-6 TVCC Paddle School
Rock Climbing Workshop at Fall Creek Falls
11/12 Astronomy Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
11-19 Bike to Riverbend
18-20 Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
19 Blue Cross Riverbend Walk/Run

July
9/10 Astronomy Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
11 Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon
23-25 U.S. Nat. Dragon Boat Championships /Chattanooga Dragon Boat Fest.

August
1 Smoky Bear Birthday Party at Ocoee Whitewater Center
6/7 Astronomy Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
7 Greenway 5-Mile Trail Race
14 Missionary Ridge Road Race
16 Fall Creek Falls Triathlon

September

13 Black Bear Rampage
13-16 Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike
19 Mtn. Top Marathon, ½ Marathon & 5K

October
2 TN River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race
Rock/Creek Stump Jump
Sequatchie Valley Century
Tennessee River Rescue
9 Chattanooga Head Race
16 Signal Mtn. Road Race/Pie Run
23/24 Fall Colors Weekend at Fall Creek Falls
30 Wild Foods Day at Fall Creek Falls

November
6/7 Head of the Hooch
Rock Climbing Workshop at Fall Creek Falls
13 Upchuck 50K
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon
14-17 20th American Trails National Symposium

December
4 Triple Crown Bouldering Comp. – Stone Fort
18 Lookout Mountain 100K/10K