News and Events Feb. 8, 2011
Mark your calendars for our Volunteer Fair on Feb. 19. See below. Look for the star « to see new events and activities.

«Winter Workshop: DIY Derailleur Adjustments Feb. 10
Learn about that most intimidating of bicycle parts, the derailleur, at our next Winter Workshop on Thurs., Feb. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Professional mechanic Mike Teff will offer tips on how to adjust and repair a derailleur for a smoother and safer ride. To learn more, call or email Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.

Introduction to Tree Care Workshop Feb. 12
Outdoor Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Tree Commission and Take Root Chattanooga will host a free tree care workshop on Sat., Feb. 12, 1 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. The workshop will be led by ISA Certified arborists Jon Nessle and Preston Roberts. Participants will receive an introduction to urban forestry, basic tree identification and a hands-on pruning demonstration in Coolidge Park. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.

«Outdoor Chattanooga Volunteer Orientation/Appreciation Fair Feb. 19
Drop by Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park on Sat., Feb. 19, between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m. for our first annual Volunteer Orientation and Appreciation Fair. Learn about what’s coming up in 2011 and how you can be involved. Outdoor Chattanooga needs volunteers to help with our regularly scheduled activities, special events and to serve as outdoor ambassadors in our Coolidge Park facility. We’ll have some giveaways, snacks, drinks and lots of pictures to share from previous events and programs. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6889.

«Outdoor Summer Camps 2011
Outdoor Chattanooga will not be able to host our outdoor summer camps this year, due to how we distribute our summer staffing needs. So . . . if your organization is hosting an outdoor or environmental themed summer camp, let us know so that we can spread the word.

Correction: New Craw-BIG-Daddy Discovered in TN
We were corrected on our report about a new crawfish that was discovered in TN. The mud bug was actually discovered by Chattanoogan Jeff Simpson, a TVA biologist, and later confirmed by the team from Universities of Illinois and Eastern Kentucky. It's named Barbicambarus Simmonsi for Jeff. Now how cool is that?

More Events
Chattanooga Bike Polo Begins Feb. 7
Grab your beater bike and fine tune your track stands! Chattanooga Bike Polo will begin weekly pickup games at the First Tennessee Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd., on Mon. Feb. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. The games will be open to people of all skill levels. Bring your own bike or borrow one. Mallets will also be provided. Beginners are welcome. Helmets are a MUST.

Cupid’s Chase 5K Run Feb. 12
The Cupid’s Chase 5K run will happen on Sat., Feb. 12, at 10 a.m., beginning at the TN Riverpark’s Hubert Fry Pavilion. Runners or walkers can register online or on the day of the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event supports Community Options, Inc., a national nonprofit organization that develops housing and employment support for people with developmental disabilities. To learn more, email or call Garth Platt at (423) 892-0022.

«Free Climbing Clinics at TBA in Feb.
The TN Bouldering Authority will host free climbing clinics in February. A clinic for kids ages 6-12 will happen on Sat., Feb. 19 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.. Teacher Kasia Pietras will go over some basic climbing techniques and finish with a climbing game. On Sun., Feb. 13, 20 and 27, Luis Rodriguez will host a beginners climbing clinics for adults, from 7 to 8 p.m. Rodriguez will cover everything from how to properly warm up to basic techniques, climbing etiquette and safety. For more information, email or call TBA at (423) 822-6800.

«TN Wild Winter Film Series Feb. 18: “Swiss Family Robinson”
Tennessee Wild, a coalition focused on protecting wild lands in the Cherokee National Forest, will host a screening of the film “Swiss Family Robinson” at Greenspaces, 63 E. Main St., on Fri., Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga will be there to share information about family friendly hikes and other outdoor activities. A donation of $5 is suggested to benefit TN Wild. Subsequent screenings will be “Into the Wild” on Mar. 4 and "Never Cry Wolf," on Mar. 18. For more information, email or call Jeffrey Hunter at (423) 322-7866.

«Southern 6K Trail Race and 1st Annual Kiddie K Feb. 20
Southern Adventist University, Wild Trails and Rock/Creek will host the annual Southern 6 Trail Race/Walk and Kiddie K on Sun., Feb. 20, beginning at 11 a.m. The short, family friendly event will take place on SAU's Biology Trail. Adults and kids ages 12 and older may compete in the 6K trail race. Children under age 12 are encouraged to participate in a much shorter 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. Online registration is open through Mon., Feb. 14. Registration will be open on the day of the race.

Adventures
S. Cumberland State Park Activities
The South Cumberland State Park, near Monteagle, TN, hosts weekly activities and programs to get people out and about in the park. To see a complete schedule of activities visit the Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area Website. All times are CDT.

TN Trails Association Feb. Hikes
The Soddy-Daisy Chapter of the TN Trails Association holds weekly hikes on the Cumberland Trail and other area trails.
Feb. 16 - Cumberland Trail State Park maintenance work day. Call or email leader George Bonneau at (423) 596-5972.
«Feb. 19 - Prentice Cooper State Forest. Hike to the Indian Rock House, Stone Door and the Poplar Springs campsite. Email or call hike leader Earl Helmer at (770) 877-0600 to learn more.
«Feb. 23 – Tennessee Riverpark – Hike from Amnicola Marsh to Ross’ Landing and back. For details, email or call hike leader Nance Jo at (256) 509-1541.

Beginner Hike to Fiery Gizzard Feb. 12
The Chattanooga Hiking Club will host a free beginner hike to the Fiery Gizzard in S. Cumberland State Park near Tracy City, TN, on Sat., Feb. 12. The four mile trek will take participants along and into the gorge to Sycamore falls, where winter ice falls line the rock walls. There will be a little climbing and rock hopping so sturdy footwear with good ankle support is required. To find out a specific times and directions, email or call hike leader John Rowland at (423) 892-4307.

«Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force Meeting Feb. 15
The Chattanooga Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force (BPTF) will meet on Tues., Feb. 15, 12 noon at the downtown Development Resource Center, 1250 Market St., room 2B. The volunteer committee helps advise officials on human powered transport issues for transportation planning, infrastructure and education. Any interested members of the public are invited to attend. For more information, call or email David Baird at (423) 643-6148.

News
«U.S. Coast Guard Wants Kayaks and Canoes Labeled
According to this article in The Day, the U.S. Coast Guard wants paddlers to start labeling their kayaks and canoes labeled with the owner’s contact information. With the increase in paddlesport participation, a record number of small craft are being found adrift. When the Coast Guard finds a drifting boat, they automatically begin a search.

TN Riverpark Boardwalk Construction
A section of the TN Riverpark (Riverwalk) will be closed for approximately one more week week for repair to the boardwalk section between Scrappy Moore Field and the Rowing Center. Hamilton County Parks officials say that they will try to reopen the section after business hours, pending safety issues. In the mean time, bicycle commuters might want to look for alternative routes. This Google Map may help. For specific information, call Hamilton County Parks at (423) 842-0177.

Job Opportunity: Adventure Cycling Development Director
The Adventure Cycling Association is looking for an experienced and motivated fund raiser to direct the bicycle touring organization’s financial development. Strong non-profit and cycling knowledge are desired.

Bikes Belong Launches Research Grant Program
The Bikes Belong Foundation has announced the launch of a new grant program to fund research on the economic impact of bicycling facilities and events. The Bicycle Research Grant Program will award $5,000 and $10,000 grants, for a total of $40,000, to academic or non-profit research institutions collecting quantitative evidence on the benefits bicycling. The application deadline for the first round of grants is Mar. 21, 2011. For more information, email grants manager Zoe Kircos or research analyst Kate Powlison.

Web Hit(s) of the Week
The folks at Leadership Chattanooga have a new Website devoted to having a Clean Chattanooga.
Last Week’s Web Hit
Artist Carolina Fontoura Alzaga makes chandeliers from old bicycle parts. We want one!

Upcoming Events
February
25 Caribbean SEA Beach Party
Frozen 5K for Haiti and 1 Mile Walk Frozen 5K for Haiti and 1 Mile Walk
26 Scenic City Half Marathon, 5K and Charity Challenge
27 «Cumberland Trail Spring Breakaway Program

March
12-13 Booker T. Duathlon, Run and Mtn. Bike Race
25-27 Southern Mountain Bike Summit
26 Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race
1st Annual Interfaith Homeless Network 5k, 1 Mile Run and Walk

April
7-11 Association for Experiential Education Conference
8-10 «Reflection Riding Wildflower Festival & Native Plant Sale
14-16 TN Greenways and Trails Forum
16/17 Sequatchie Valley Fest Bike Ride
23 Outdoor Chattanooga’s Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap
30 BioBlitz
Scenic City 5K and Youth Duathlon

May
1 Scenic City Triathlon
7 3-State/3-Mountain Challenge
14 Greenway Challenge Adventure Race
15 Greenway Women’s 5K
21 Scenic City Trail Marathon and Half Marathon
Children’s Hospital Dragon Boat Festival
Iron Jr. Youth Triathlon
22 Komen Tri for a Cure

June
4/5 TN Valley Canoe Club Paddle School
11 Cysco Cycles 6 Hr XC Mtn. Bike Race
12 Cysco Cycles Triathlon and Youth Triathlon
17-19 Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race

August
20 Quintana Roo Booker T. Triathlon and Youth Triathlon
21 Booker T. XC #2 Mtn. Bike Race

July
10 Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon

September
30 ACA National Paddlesports Conference

October
1 Tennessee River Rescue