Here are upcoming outdoor Chattanooga news and events:
Street Smarts Cycling Class - April 11
Don’t just ride your bicycle, drive it. Outdoor Chattanooga will host our free, monthly Street Smarts cycling seminar on Wednesday, April 11, 6 p.m. at our Coolidge Park facility, 200 River St. Learn the rules of the road, TN State bicycle laws and a few, quick tips for riding confidently in traffic. Bring your bicycle and helmet if you want to join an optional practice ride following the class.
Appropriate for adults and kids ages 12 and older when accompanied by an adult. To learn more,
email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at 643-6888.
Bike2Work - April 13
Join Chattanooga’s bicycle commuting crowd for Outdoor Chattanooga’s monthly
Bike2Work breakfast on Friday, April 13, from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Waterhouse Pavilion on Miller Plaza. Enjoy free coffee, breakfast and a place to warm your fingers and toes. Hosted by Hamilton Co. Step One, River City Co., Velo Coffee Roasters, Monkey Town Donuts and River City Bicycles. To learn more,
email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at 643-6888.
The Art of Bicycling with the Hunter Museum - April 14
Outdoor Chattanooga and the
Hunter Museum of American Art will host a public art bike tour, ending with the
HATCH art car and bike parade on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 11 a.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga. As we ride to the Southside to participate in the parade, we’ll explore some of downtown Chattanooga’s public art. Participants can bring their own bike or can borrow from the Outdoor Chattanooga bicycle fleet. Bike fleet bicycles are available on a first come basis, please
email or call Ruth Thompson at 643-6889 to reserve a bike fleet bike. Helmets are required. The ride is appropriate for adults and kids ages 16 and older when accompanied by an adult.
Kayak Trip to Sale Creek - April 14
The TN Aquarium will host a kayak trip to Sale Creek this Saturday, April 14, beginning at 9 a.m. Outdoor Chattanooga staff will guide the sea kayak trip through the quiet sloughs of the creek for wildflower and wildlife viewing. Pre registration is required. The trip is appropriate for adults and kids ages 14 and older when accompanied by an adult. Cost is $40 per person and includes all equipment, guides and transportation. To register or learn more, visit the
TN Aquarium Website.
Look Who Signed up This Week for the Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap at Spring Fest - April 21
Outdoor Chattanooga will host our 6
th annual Outdoor Expo & Gear Swap during the
City of Chattanooga’s Spring Fest on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coolidge Park. Registration is now open for outdoor organizations, clubs, outfitters and gear swappers. New this year is the Spring Fest Adoptapalooza dog and cat adoption event. Cost is $25 per 10’x10’ space. To learn more,
email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at 643-6888.
Look who is Coming!
Volunteer at Spring Fest - April 21
Outdoor Chattanooga’s Outdoor Expo & Gear Swap at the City of Chattanooga Spring Fest on Saturday, April 21, needs volunteers to help with set-up, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and to man the Outdoor Chattanooga booth and building in 3 hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer,
email or call Ruth Thompson at 643-6888.
Dynamic Kayaking at 10x10 - April 18
Grab a railing on the Walnut St. Bridge on Wednesday, April 18, 12 noon to watch Outdoor Chattanooga staff and volunteers create a
dynamic, moving sculpture on the TN River using whitewater kayaks. The event will be part of the
MakeWork10x10 exhibition at the
Hatch Festival.
Bike Maintenance Clinic - April 19 – Prep for Commuting
Outdoor Chattanooga will partner with the Chattanooga Trek Store for a series of free, public
bicycle maintenance clinics beginning on Thursday, April 19 at 6 p.m. Each month, mechanic Taylor Keaton will offer advice and techniques for different bicycle maintenance issues. This month’s topic: prepping a bicycle for commuting. Learn about setting up and tuning a bicycle to carry you and your stuff to work or school. To learn more,
email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at 643-6888.
Native Plant I.D. Hike on Earth Day - April 22
Outdoor Chattanooga invites the public to join professional herbalist Holli Richey for a
leisurely hike at Greenway Farm on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. Richey will guide hikers through the farm's ecosystem to identify local plants and how to use them for food and medicine. No registration is necessary. Meet at the canoe and kayak barn at the back of the farm. To learn more,
email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at 643-6888.
Butterfly Garden Plant Swap - April 24
Outdoor Chattanooga and the
TN Valley Chapter of the N. American Butterfly Assoc. will host a plant swap at our Coolidge Park facility, 200 River St., on Tues., Apr. 24 from 7-8 p.m. The public is invited to bring flowers to swap, and get some new plants for the garden. Some of the plants will be butterfly nectar or host plants, but any type of plant is welcome. (No poison ivy please!) All plants for swapping should be labeled. Call Bill Haley 785-4056 for information.
More Events
Beth Rodden Pint Night and Slide Show at Rock/Creek Tonight - April 10
Rock/Creek will host climber Beth Rodden on Tuesday, April 10, from 6-8 p.m. at their 2 Northshore location for a
pint night and slide show to support access for climbers. Special pint glasses will be available for purchase. Rodden will share her climbing adventures from around the world.
Run for God – Run at the Mill - April 14
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Run for God will partner on the 2
nd annual
Run for God – Run at the Mill on Sat., Apr. 14, beginning at 7 a.m. at historic Praters Mill in Dalton, GA. A half marathon and 5K event will be accompanied by family activities, music and food.
Backpacker Magazine Get Out More Tour at Rock/Creek - April 17
Outdoor professionals Sheri and Randy Propster will host a
free, public seminar on backpacking and gear at Rock/Creek on Tuesday, April 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the 2 Northshore location (Next to Greenlife Grocery). The public can learn some essential outdoor skills and try the newest gear and clothing.
Spring Schooling Show at Hidden Hills - April 22
Hidden Hills Farm and B. Equestrian invites horse riders to participate in their Spring Schooling Show on Sunday, April 22, beginning at 1 p.m. The show is geared for beginning or young riders to show off their skills. For more information,
email or call Tara at 488-3993.
National Park Week at Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP - April 21-29
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and the National Park Foundation will celebrate
National Park Week with free admission for visitors to Point Park April 21-29, living history programs at Chickamauga Battlefield April 21-22, Junior Ranger Day on April 21, and a chance for you to
Picture Yourself at a National Treasure on the National Parks Website. To learn more about the week’s activities, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706 866-9241 or the Lookout Mtn. Battlefield Visitor Center at 821-7786.
Sign up for Great Outdoors Night at the Chattanooga Lookouts - August 14
The
Chattanooga Lookouts invites outdoor businesses and organizations to participate in Great Outdoors Night on Tuesday, August 14. Contact Josh Weeks, John Quirk or Gavin Cox at 267-2208 for more information.
News
Americans are Driving Less, Especially Youth
This new report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, published by the
League of American Bicyclists, shows that young Americans are choosing to drive fewer miles and use other forms of transportation, like transit and bicycles.
Temporary Closure of NPS Picnic Area at Lookout Mtn. Battlefield
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has closed the picnic area on Sander’s Road on the Lookout Mtn. Battlefield until further notice. The closure is necessary in order to locate and repair a leak to the water line that supplies the rest rooms at that picnic area. The Park’s Facilities Management Division hopes to make these repairs as soon as possible and wishes to apologize for any inconvenience that these activities might cause Park visitors. For more information contact Facility Manager Jeffry Thul at 752-5213, ext. 125.
Are Urban Trails “Safe?”
This
great video from Rails-to-Trails addresses issues of crime and perceptions of safety on urban pathways. Three different cities are featured in the video, and in each place community involvement was the cornerstone for improving the safety and perception of safety on trails.
Adventures
Cumberland Trail Hike w/ Rock/Creek Apr. 16
Rock/Creek and the Backpacker Magazine "Get Out More Tour" representatives will lead a 5.7 mile hike on the
Rock Creek loop of the Cumberland Trail on Monday, April 16, beginning at 10 a.m. The moderate hike will be on single track trail with rocks, root and some climbing and descents. Hikers should wear appropriate hiking footwear and bring water and snacks. Expected hiking time is three to four hours. Either meet at 10 a.m. at Rock/Creek, 2 North Shore (next to Greenlife Grocery) or meet at the trailhead on Leggett Road.
Volunteer Opportunities
Urban Rocks Recruiting Summer Street Team Members
Urban Rocks Gym is recruiting volunteers for their
Summer Session Street Team. Volunteers aged 16 and older commit to 8 hours a week helping with birthday parties, groups, summer camps, and the Chattanooga Market. In exchange, they receive a free membership to the gym.
Download an application. Email or call Urban Rocks at 475-6578 to learn more.
Web Hit of the Week
Read the Adventure Journal’s
nine reasons why you shouldn’t bike to work.
Last Week’s Web Hit
April 4, tomorrow, is the American Heart Association’s
“National Start Walking Day.” What’s stopping you?
Upcoming Events . . .
April
25-28 Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in GSMNP
27-29 League of Am. Bicyclists Instructor Seminar
28 Pom Pom Pass5K/1 Mile Fun Run
National Corn Bread Festival 5K
Run for Ringgold
Run for Relief
28/29 Volunteer 80 Race to the Smokies
May
1 Rapid Learning Moves to Greenway Farm
2-4 Tennessee Bike Summit
5 3State/3Mountain Challenge
Wilderness First Responder at SAU
Bill Gregory Health Care Classic
King of the Mtn. Road Race
Belvoir Christian Academy 5K
9 National Bike to School Day
10 Moccasin Bend Bicycle Rides Begin
12 Opening Day for Upper Ocoee River
Another Gorgeous Evening with TN River Gorge Trust
Raccoon Mtn. 10K/5K
17 Bike Maintenance Clinic: All About Brakes
19 Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tours Begin
Scenic City Trail Marathon and ½ Marathon
Children’s Hospital Dragon Boat Festival
Chattanooga Tour de Cure
IHN 5K Run and Walk to End Homelessness
Viola Valley Half Marathon
20 Scenic City Triathlon
Wilderness First Responder Recertification at SAU
22 Iron Jr. Triathlon
June
1-3 TN Valley Canoe Club Paddle School
2 National Trails Day
Bicycle Demo Day at ESNP
7 Bicycle Maintenance Clinic: Derailleurs
9 Splash Into Spring
Riverbend Adventure Challenge
10-15 TWRA’s TN Outdoor Youth Summit
15-17 Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
25-29 Appalachian Adventure Summer Camp
July
8 Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon
19 Bicycle Maintenance Clinic: Suspensions
23-27 TN River Gorge Adventure Summer Camp
August
4 Still Hollow Half Marathon/10K
16 Bicycle Maintenance Clinic: Wheels
25 Raft for the Cure
September
14/15 Marie Humphreys Fall Open House & Native Plant Sale
20 Bicycle Maintenance Clinic: Fix a Flat
22-23 Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championships
October
5-13 RiverRocks Chattanooga
6 Swim the Suck
Rock/Creek Stump Jump
UTC Intra-Squad/Alumni Regatta
13 Chattanooga Head Race
18 Bicycle Maintenance Clinic: Prepping for Winter
21 7 Bridges Marathon
November
3-4 Head of the Hooch
10 Upchuck 50K/11-Miler
December
15 Lookout Mountain 50-miler/10k