«Rapid Learning Roll Practice Moves to Chester Frost Park May 29
Our weekly Rapid Learning Whitewater Program roll practice will move to Hamilton County’s Chester Frost Park, beginning Tues., May 29, with two sessions: 5:30 to 7 and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Map of the new program site.) Participants can come for either session, first come, first served. As always, members of the public who want to try the program may visit the first time for free. After that, membership is $50 per year for individuals, $75 for adults.
Kayakers with their own boats, PFD’s, paddles and skirts may join the practice for $5. To learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.
«Stringers Ridge Trail Days May 24, 26, 27 - Volunteers Needed
Trail work is beginning on Stringers Ridge, and the TN River Gorge Trust needs volunteer help. Trail Dynamics, the company who is building the trails, will organize three work sessions this week:
Thursday, May 24, 5:30-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 26, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 27, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Volunteers of all abilities and experience levels are needed to help with trail clearing, digging, lopping brush and roots, moving rocks and removing trash around the trail beds. Up to 30 people are needed each day to help. To work during any session, please RSVP via email to Sarah Quattrochi or by responding on the Friends of Stringers Ridge Facebook page.
«Chattanooga and Tennessee Named in Top 50 Bicycle Friendly Lists
The League of American Bicyclists honored Tennessee in their annual Bicycle Friendly State list. The volunteer state moved up to #26, thanks in no small part to Chattanooga’s hosting the first TN Bike Summit this month and to the work of our friends at Bike/Walk TN. Also, Bicycling Magazine listed Chattanooga #27 in their “Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities,” ranking us above such notable towns as Arlington, VA and Ann Arbor, MI. We keep getting better and better.
«Bike2Work June 1
Join Chattanooga’s bicycle commuters at the monthly Bike2Work breakfast on Fri., June 4, from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Waterhouse Pavilion at Miller Plaza, at the corner of Market St. and MLKing Blvd. Enjoy free breakfast and coffee on your morning commute to work along with the chance to win free bicycle servicing from River City Bicycles. For more information email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
«Downtown Kayak Adventures Begin June 2 & 3
Outdoor Chattanooga will begin a summer of Downtown Kayak Adventures on Sat. and Sun., June 2 and 3, from 9-11:30 a.m. Open to paddlers of all skill levels, the trips will take participants on a journey around the downtown waterfront to see features like the Passage, Maclellan Island and Ross’ Landing. Reservations are required. No experience is necessary. Cost is $35 per adult and $25 per child ages 8-13 and includes all equipment and instruction. Trips will continue through Aug. 26. For reservations or to learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
«Bike Maintenance Clinic: Derailleurs June 7
Join Taylor Keaton from the Chattanooga Trek Store as he leads a free bike maintenance clinic on Thur., June 7, at 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park. The third in a series of seven lectures will focus on understanding the importance of derailleurs. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
«Bike to Riverbend June 8-10 and June 15-16
Ride your bicycle to Riverbend. Outdoor Chattanooga and the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga will offer free, valet bicycle parking at the south end of the Walnut St. Bridge on the first and second weekend of Riverbend, June 8-10 and 15-16, from 6 to 11 p.m. Park your bike in our secure lot and we’ll have it waiting for you when the music is done. Bicycle valet patrons get their own porta-john and free, cold water. No reservations required. Self serve bicycle parking June 12-14. If you are parking on one of those days, please plan on locking up your bicycle.
Splash Into Spring Paddlesports Festival June 9
Outdoor Chattanooga will host Splash into Spring, our annual paddlesports festival and demo day, on Sat., June 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at TVA Chickamauga Dam. The public is invited to learn about kayaking, canoeing, standup paddleboarding, dragon boating and even sailing. Participate in clinics, demo’s or just come to see what is available in the area. The event is free and open to the public. Exhibit spaces are still open for paddlesports clubs and outfitters. To learn more, email or call Terri Chapin at (423) 643-6888.
Street Smarts Safe Cycling Seminar June 13
Outdoor Chattanooga will host our Street Smarts Cycling Seminar on Wed., June 13, 6 p.m. at our location at 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Under the instruction of certified League of American Bicyclists instructors, participants will learn the rules of the road, TN State and Chattanooga bicycle laws and some easy tips for riding confidently in traffic. Open to adults and children ages 12 and older when accompanied by an adult. Bring a bicycle and helmet if you want to join an optional after class practice ride. For more information, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Moccasin Bend Bicycle Tour June 14
Outdoor Chattanooga and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will be hosting the last historic bike tour of Moccasin Bend of the season on Thur., June 14. Participants will learn about the area’s history while enjoying a leisurely 6 mile bike ride. This free bicycle tour is open to adults and children 16 and older who are accompanied by an adult. Participants are welcome to bring their own bicycles or reserve one from Outdoor Chattanooga. All riders must wear a helmet. For more information or to make your reservation today, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
More Events
«Beach Blanket Movie Night at Chester Frost May 25
Paddle, row or power your boat to watch a family movie from the water at Beach Blanket Movie Night at Chester Frost Park on Fri., May 25, 8 p.m. at the park beach. Hamilton Co. Parks and Recreation will host family activities before the movie and FM transmission of movie sound will be available. If you’re paddling to the event, remember your running light and be aware of power boats. To learn more, call (423) 842-6748.
«Beginner SUP Demo/Paddle Clinic May 26
L2 Boards will host a free, beginner standup paddleboard clinic on the TN River downtown, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, this Sat., May 26. Interested paddlers can come to the store at 100 Market St. and sign up to try a bunch of different paddleboards. Instruction provided. Absolute beginners are welcome. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. Email Kim Baldwin or call (423) 531-7873 to learn more.
«National Trails Day June 2
The Soddy-Daisy Chapter of the TN Trails Assoc. and the N. Chickamauga Creek Conservancy will host a day of hiking and family fun on Sat., June 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenway Farm, 5051 Gann Store Rd., in Hixson, TN. Put on your hiking boots and enjoy everything from a casual nature walk to a heart pumping hike up the ridge.
«UTC Beginner Whitewater Kayaking Class June 5, 7 and 9
Learn the basics of whitewater kayaking at UTC June 5-9. The three day course will begin with two evening practices at the UTC Maclellan Gym indoor pool on Tues. and Thurs., then an all day trip to the Hiwassee River on Sat. All equipment is provided and no previous experience necessary. Cost is $75 per person. Sign-up through UTC Continuing Education Website or by calling (423) 425-4344.
«Racquets on the Riverwalk Jun 7-10
Manker Patten Tennis Club invites the public to walk or bike to the TN Valley Open Championship tennis tournament June 7-10, and watch world class U.S. Open style competition for free. Matches begin at 8:30 a.m., Thurs. - Sun., and continue into the evening. Free bicycle parking will be available (bring a lock). Free strawberries and cream will be served on Sun. morning for the finals. To learn more, email Sue Chamberlain or call the tennis club at (423) 266-6767.
«L2 Riverbend Adventure Challenge June 9
The L2 Riverbend Adventure Challenge race will pit competitors against natural and built features in downtown Chattanooga on Sat., June 9, beginning at 8 a.m. from Coolidge Park. This atypical adventure race will include climbing the Walnut Wall, paddling to Maclellan Island and running the island's 1.8 loop trail. The last leg is a paddle back to Coolidge Park and a mystery event. Open to individuals or teams, the event benefits the Chattanooga Audubon Society and its work on Maclellan Island. Online registration is still open.
«S. Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance Family Picnic June 9
The public is invited to a family potluck picnic with the S. Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance on Sat., June 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring something to share for the potluck, some beverages and fishing poles. Fishing licenses are not required since it will be TN Free Fishing Day. To get directions to the picnic or learn more, email Sandy Kurtz.
«TN Free Fishing Day (and Week) June 9
The TN Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will host their annual Free Fishing Day on Sat., June 9. Anyone may fish on public waters without a license and kids ages 15 and under can fish the entire week through Fri., June 8. Learn more about kids fishing events.
«2012 Kids 4 Clean Water Camps, June 4-8 and June 11-15
The Caribbean Student Environmental Alliance will host two Kids 4 Clean Water day camps, Mon. – Fri., June 4-8 at the Mountain Arts Community Center on Signal Mtn. and June 11-15 at the City of Chattanooga’s Greenway Farm. Campers will gather every day from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. to learn about water quality and protection through activities, including swimming, hiking, canoeing and more. Go online to download an application. For more information, email Laura at Caribbean SEA.
Web Hit of the Week
Follow our former Outdoor Chattanooga staffer and adventure queen Minya James as she paddles 100 Maine Lakes.
Last Week’s Web Hit
Medicine Bow explores earth lore in the N. Georgia mountains.
Upcoming Events . . .
June
14 Moccasin Bend Bicycle Tour
15-17 Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
16 Battlefield Bicycle Tour
21 Family Canoe Trip
22 Bat Cave Kayak Trip
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
11 Chattanooga Mud Run
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
20-23 «Southeast Foot Trails Coalition Conference
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