Featured Event
Take the Regional Transportation 2040 Plan Survey
Want more bicycle lanes and sidewalks? Think your roads need to be widened? Which is better, bus transit or bicycle transit? Take the survey for the Chattanooga/Hamilton County area's 2040 regional transportation plan. The survey closes tomorrow, Oct. 31, so make your voice heard!
Special Volunteer Opportunity
The Hooch Needs YOU!
Get in the thick of the action. The Head of the Hooch rowing regatta still needs volunteers to do everything from marshalling the course in a power boat to shuttling race officials and manning the docks. Jobs can last as little as 2 hours to as long as all day and are available Wed. through Sun. A listing of all the positions can be viewed online, as well as sign up information. To learn more, email Teresa North or Carolyn Hale.
Outdoor Chattanooga Events and Activities
Rapid Learning Roll Practice Resumes Oct. 30
The Rapid Learning Whitewater Program will resume weekly kayak roll practice on Tues., Oct. 30, with two sessions at 6 and 7 p.m., at the University of TN, Chattanooga's Maclellan Gym indoor pool. The practice focuses on learning the basics of whitewater kayaking in a safe, still water environment. All equipment and instruction is provided. First time attendees may participate for free. After that, membership is $50 per year for individuals, $75 for families. Kayakers with all of their own equipment may purchase a special one day membership for $5 at each roll practice. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888. Next practice: Nov. 6.
Bike2Work Nov. 2
Outdoor Chattanooga will host our monthly Bike2Work breakfast for bicycle commuters on Fri., Nov. 2, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Waterhouse Pavilion in Miller Plaza, at the corner of Market St. and M.L. King Blvd. All bicycle commuters, including those using the Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System, are welcome. Fresh baked goods from Greenlife Grocery, coffee from Velo Coffee Roasters and door prizes from River City Bicycles make the breakfast special. Co-hosted by the River City Co. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Head of the Hooch Nov. 3 & 4
We tell you to come check out the Head of the Hooch rowing regatta every year and this year spectators have the added bonus of the City of Chattanooga's Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System to get around the race venue. The nation's largest single day regatta will be in Chattanooga on Sat. & Sun., Nov. 3 & 4 for two full days of rowing. Thousands of participants from all over the U.S. will compete on the 5,000 meter course along the south shore of the TN River. Spectators see the action for free, from the TN Riverwalk's Curtain Pole Rd. entrance to Ross' Landing in downtown Chattanooga.
Street Smarts Nov. 14
The public is invited to attend the next free Street Smarts cycling seminar on Wed., Nov. 14, 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. League of American Bicyclists certified instructors teach with videos, diagrams and a Q&A session. Learn the local and state laws pertaining to bicycles, signaling, lane positioning and other skills to increase your confident on city streets. The class is open to adults and kids ages 10 and older when accompanied by an adult. No bicycle necessary. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
More Events and Activities
Alzheimer's Challenge Cycling Benefit Nov. 3
Chattanooga cyclists will honor local cycling legend Hugh Worthy when they participate in the Alzheimer's Challenge on Sat., Nov. 3, at Old Stone Fort Historic Park in Manchester, TN. The fundraising ride features 15, 30 and 62 mile routes designed for all levels of cyclists. Riders will enjoy pre ride bike checks, themed rest stops, SAG support and a post ride BBQ celebration next to Old Stone Fort Park's scenic waterfalls. All riders. In exchange, riders agree to raise a minimum of $150 for the Alzheimer's Association.
Hike with the TN Trails Association Nov. 3 & 6
The Soddy-Daisy Chapter of the TN Trails Association is gearing up for prime hiking season. To learn more about individual hikes, contact the trip leaders.
Sat., Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m. - Cumberland Trail Rock Creek section - 9+ miles
A strenuous, intense hike on one of the Cumberland Trail's most spectacular section. Trip leader: George Bonneau.
Tues., Nov. 6, 9 a.m. - T.V.A. Raccoon Mtn. - 4 miles
An easy to moderate hike on rolling terrain. Hike leader: Bob McGavock.
Tree I.D.101 at Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center Nov. 6-8
The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center will host a three day Tree I.D. 101 course Tues. - Thurs., Nov. 6-8. The course, which is designed for everyone from teachers to amateur naturalists, will include classroom and field work on the identification and preservation of trees. Cost is $150 and includes all materials, lunches and snacks. Pre registration is required. Email or call Dr. Jean Lomino at (423) 821-1160, ext. 108 to learn more or register.
Cumberland Trail Hike w/Chattanooga Hiking Club Nov. 10
The Chattanooga Hiking Club will host a group hike on the Cumberland Trail through Soddy Gorge on Sat., Nov. 10. The moderately difficult, seven mile hike will take participants by some old and new mining sites before ending at the new Deep Creek climbing area.
XC Bike Race at Fall Farm Fair Nov. 10
Short and long cross country bicycle races will be among the activities at Crabtree Farm's Fall Farm Fair on Sat. & Sun., Nov. 10, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., at 1000 E. 30th St. in Chattanooga. The fundraising event will also feature tractor rides, crafts workshops, tractor rides and other family activities. All funds support Crabtree Farm's community farming programs.
More News
Am. Journal of Public Health - Bicycle Facilities can Cut Cyclist Injuries in Half
This Atlantic Cities article profiles a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The study, conducted in Toronto and Vancouver, shows that cyclist injuries can be cut by as much as 90% by the installation of dedicated bicycle facilities like paths and cycle tracks.
Web Hit(s) of the Week
From a little store front in Hixson, to one of the premiere online outdoor retailers in the world, our friends at
Rock Creek celebrate their 25th anniversary in business this week.
Last Week's Web Hit A
New York Times profile of University of the South (Sewanee) ecologist David Haskell's Zen approach to nature.
Upcoming Events . . .
November
17 Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run for Arthritis
Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run
History Hike on Lookout Mtn.
December
1 Cleveland 5K Jingle Bell Jog
2 Run for Hope
9 Chattanooga Whiskey Run
15 Lookout Mtn. 50 Mile/10K
2013 . . . Happy New Year!
It's that time again. Please send us your 2013 events, programs and activities. We'd love to get them in our newsletter. Here's what we've got so far:
March, 2013
23 Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race
April, 2013
6 Out Run the Police
20 Outdoor Chattanooga Outdoor Expo & Gear Swap
May, 2013
4 Childrens Hospital Dragon Boat Festival
18 Scenic City Trail Marathon and ½ Marathon
Chattanooga Tour de Cure
25-27 US
A Pro Cycling Championships
June
1 National Trails Day
14-16 Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
15 Color the Curve Chattanooga
August
10 Still Hollow Trail Race
September
15 Southern 6(k) Trail Race and Kid K
October
5 Rock/Creek Stump Jump
November
17-21 TN Recreation and Parks Assoc. Conference Chattanooga