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Chattanooga - the Best Mountain Town
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Outdoor Chattanooga Events and Activities
Street Smarts for Bike Share Sept. 12, 19, 26
We will host special sessions of our free Street Smarts Cycling Seminar, especially for users of the City of Chattanooga's Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System on Wed., Sept. 5, 12, 19, and 26, 6 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Adults and kids ages 16 and older are invited take a short class on how to ride a bicycle confidently and predictably in city traffic. We'll cover the rules of the road and then take an optional ride through downtown Chattanooga on Bike Chattanooga bicycles. Cost is free for Bike Chattanooga yearly members or $6 for a 24 pass to use the system. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour Sept. 15
Outdoor Chattanooga and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a free bicycle tour of Chickamauga Battlefield on Sat., Sept. 15, 9:30 a.m., from the Battlefield Visitors Center. Adults and kids ages 8 and older are invited to take a leisurely ride around the battlefield (approx. 5-6 miles) with a National Park interpretive ranger to learn about Civil War history. Bring your own bicycle or borrow one from the Outdoor Chattanooga mobile bicycle fleet. Riders must be at least 5' tall to borrow a bicycle. To reserve a loaner bike, call the Battlefield Visitors Center at (706) 866-9241. Helmets are required for all riders. Last tour for 2012 on Oct. 20.
Downtown Chattanooga Sunset Kayak Tour Sept. 21
Take a special kayak tour of downtown Chattanooga at sunset on Fri., Sept. 21, beginning at 6 p.m. from Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. We'll launch on the north shore and paddle around Maclellan Island, the bluffs and Ross' Landing by the setting sun and city lights. Beginners are welcome. The trip is appropriate for adults and kids ages 8 and older when accompanied by an adult. Kids 8-13 must paddle in tandem with an adult. Cost is $35 per adult, $25 for kids 8-13. Reservations are required. To reserve or learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.
Bicycle Maintenance Clinic Sept. 20 - Fix a Flat
Learn how to do the simplest and most frequent bicycle road repair: fixing a flat tire, at our next free bicycle maintenance clinic on Thurs., Sept. 20, 6 p.m., at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Mechanics from the Trek Bicycle Store will teach this necessary repair skill from beginning to end. Bring your bicycle if you want to practice. To learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888.
Fireside at Greenway Farm Sept. 20 - Lou Wamp Band
Outdoor Chattanooga will host special family night by the campfire at Greenway Farm with our Fireside at Greenway program, beginning Thurs. Sept. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring camp chairs and marshmallows, and enjoy family music and entertainment from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20: The Lou Wamp Band will play bluegrass. Sept. 27: Lodge Cast Iron Pot Luck. Bring your Dutch oven, skillet, cornbread baker or griddle with something to share. We'll have the cook fire and coals going. Lodge will bring some goodies. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Family Canoeing at Fireside Sept. 20
Bring the family to canoe N. Chickamauga Creek on Thurs., Sept. 20, from 6 to 7 p.m., before the Fireside program. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide canoes, paddles and life jackets at the farm's south launch for people to use on the creek. Cost is $8. Cash or check only. All equipment and staff supervision will be provided. Life jackets are sized for adults and kids ages 5 and older. Children younger than age 5 should have their own life jackets. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Birding Tour by Bicycle Sept. 22
Outdoor Chattanooga will host a guided birding by bicycle tour on the TN Riverpark on Sat., Sept. 22, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., beginning at our facility in Coolidge Park, 200 River St. Volunteer birders from the Chattanooga Audubon Society and TN Ornithological Society will lead the birding. Beginners are welcome. Bring your own bicycle or borrow one from the Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet (for riders 5' tall and over). To learn more or reserve a bicycle, please email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Rapid Learning Roll Practice Continues Tuesdays at Chester Frost Park
The public is invited to Outdoor Chattanooga's weekly Rapid Learning Whitewater Program roll practice, happening Tues. evenings at Hamilton County's Chester Frost Park. Two sessions: 5:30 to 7 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. 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.
More Events and Activities
Crit Faced Benefit Sept. 15
Velo Coffee Roasters will host a special benefit for cyclist Scott Porbanski, called Crit Faced, this Sat., Sept. 15, 5 p.m. at Velo Coffee, 509 Main St. The benefit will include a 30 minute criterium race, bicycle derby and games and other fundraising activities. While cycling in downtown Chattanooga last month, Porbanski was injured by a hit and run driver.
Two Hill and Back Bicycle Ride Sept. 15
The Kiwanis Club of Ft. Oglethorpe, GA will host the Two Hill and Back fundraising bicycle ride this Sat., Sept. 15, beginning at 8 a.m. from historic Barnhardt Circle in Ft. Oglethorpe. The ride will feature 26 mile and 62 mile routes.
Friends of Moccasin Bend Welcome Principle Chief Michell Hicks Sept. 16
The Friends of Moccasin Bend will welcome Principal Chief Michell Hicks, of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, as their first guest in their 2012 Fall Lecture Series. Hicks will speak at the TN Aquarium Auditorium on Mon., Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Marie Humphreys Fall Open House and Native Plant Sale Sept. 21-23
The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center will host their annual Marie Humphreys Fall Open House and Native Plant Sale, Fri. - Sun., Sept. 21-23. The public is invited to come participate in a full schedule of activities, including seminars and guided hikes. To learn more, email or call CANC at (423) 821-1160.
Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championships Sept. 22-23
The best canine athletes in the world come to Chattanooga for the Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championships the week of Sept. 18. The public is invited to come watch the final competition absolutely free on Sat. or Sun., Sept. 22 or 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at AT&T Field in downtown Chattanooga. The event benefits McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center.
National "Plug In" Day in Chattanooga Sept. 23
The public invited to "plug in" with an electric vehicle tailgate party at 2 Northshore, 301 Manufacturers Rd., on Sun., Sept. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf owners, as well as electric bicycle owners and vendors will be on hand to share their experiences and offer free rides.
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Last Week's Web Hit
Would you like walking or biking to school or work to easier and safer for you and your kids? Make your voice heard in the Chattanooga area's long range transportation plan.