South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Video Tour -
City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Communications Coordinator Brian Smith grabbed a camera and shot a video tour of the new S. Chickamauga Creek Greenway section. We like it a lot.
Yoga Class Discontinued
Outdoor Chattanooga has discontinued our free Yoga for Beginners class on Wed. evenings. Our volunteer instructor, Blaire Foster, has moved on to bigger and better things. Thanks to Blaire for her month’s of free teaching.
Bike2Work Moves to Miller Plaza This Fri., Nov. 4
The monthly Bike2Work breakfast will move to Miller Plaza’s Waterhouse Pavilion on Fri., Nov. 4, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Bicycle commuters are invited to enjoy Velo Coffee, free breakfast and good fellowship, and participate in drawings from River City Bicycles. People who are thinking of commuting by bicycle are welcome. Hosted by Outdoor Chattanooga and the River City Company. This month, we also welcome new sponsor: Monkey Town Donuts.
The Hooch is Here, Nov. 5-6
We keep saying this every year, but if you have not seen the Head of the Hooch, you are missing one incredible free show. The event will bring 1,966 rowing crews (9,761 competitors) from all over the U.S. to the waterfront. Competition begins at 8:40 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 5 and continues all day until 5:15. Racing starts at 8:15 on Sun., Nov. 6 and ends at approximately 2:30 p.m. Grab a spot on the Walnut St. Bridge to watch the rowing teams sprint to the finish or ride your bike along the TN Riverwalk to follow the crews downriver.
NOTICE TO DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC: Riverfront Parkway from Martin Luther King Blvd. to the Veterans Bridge will be closed, as well as Chestnut St. and Power Alley from 2nd Ave. to Riverfront Pkwy., from 6 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 3 to 6 p.m. Sun., Nov. 6. This is the same closure as the Riverbend Festival.
NOTICE TO ALL TN RIVER BOATERS: TVA will close the TN River to all commercial and personal boat traffic, from Chickamauga Dam to below the Olgiati Bridge, during competition. See the racing schedule.
Street Smarts Nov. 9
Don’t just ride your bicycle, drive it. Outdoor Chattanooga will host our monthly Street Smarts bicycle safety seminar on Wed., Nov. 9, from 6 – 7 p.m. at our facility on Coolidge Park, 200 River St. Come learn a few basic tips and rules for driving your bicycle confidently in traffic. No bicycle is necessary. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
Cranksgiving Human Powered Food Drive Nov. 19
Outdoor Chattanooga will partner with the Trek Bicycle Store for the 2nd annual Cranksgiving human powered food delivery to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank on Sat., Nov. 19, 8 a.m., beginning at the bicycle shop, 317 Manufacturer’s Rd. at 2Northshore. Hikers and cyclists should bring their backpacks, panniers, racks and cargo bikes to walk or bike to the food bank with non-perishable foods. The trek will be approx. 7 miles.
Cranksgiving Food Drive at Trek Store Nov. 1-18
The Trek Bicycle Store will host the 2nd annual Cranksgiving Food Drive to benefit the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Nov. 1-18. Visit the shop at 2 Northshore, 307 Manufacturer’s Rd. and donate non-perishable canned to receive special discounts on bicycles, accessories and clothing.
Ongoing Outdoor Chattanooga Events
Rapid Learning Roll Practice
Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Club has moved to the UTC Maclellan Gym indoor pool every Tues., from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., for our weekly kayak roll practice. Any interested members of the public, ages 8 and older are invited to come learn the basics of whitewater kayaking. Cost is $5 per person and equipment is provided. Call (423) 842-6629 or email Outdoor Chattanooga at Greenway Farm to learn more.
More Events
Brad Clement and the Everest Peace Project at UTC Nov. 4
Climber and filmmaker Brad Clement will visit the University of TN, Chattanooga on Fri., Nov. 4, 3 p.m. in the University Center's Signal Mtn. Room to present about the Everest Peace Project. Clement will share stories and footage gathered for the film, "Everest: A Climb for Peace," which is now being aired on 300 PBS affiliates around the country. The Everest Peace Project set out to assemble a team of climbers from different cultures, as well as different political and religious backgrounds, for a summit of Everest. Clement was the lead cinematographer on the film project. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Book Signing Nov. 14 – An American Betrayal: Cherokee Patriots and the Trail of Tears
Author Daniel Blake Smith will sign copies of his new book, “An American Betrayal: Cherokee Patriots and the Trail of Tears” on Mon., Nov. 14, 7 p.m. at the Concord Baptist Church, 7025 E. Brainerd Rd. in Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Audubon Society and the TN Trail of Tears Assoc. will host the event. Smith’s new book looks the battle over identity and patriotism within Cherokee culture that took place in the years surrounding the Trail of Tears. To learn more about the book signing, call the Chattanooga Audubon Society at (423) 892-1499.
Adventures
Chattanooga Sea Kayakers Trip on Nickajack Lake Nov. 5
The Chattanooga Sea Kayakers (CSK) will host an afternoon paddle on the north shore of Nickajack Lake on Sat., Nov. 5, beginning at 1 p.m. The three hour trip will begin at the TVA Shellmound Recreation Area off of exit 158 on I-24. Kayakers should dress appropriately for winter paddling and be prepared for wind and waves. All participants are responsible for their own safety. The group will eat supper at the Tiftonia Cracker Barrel afterwards. If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather, there will be a post on the CSK Facebook page.
SORBA’s Ales for the Trails Nov. 5
The Chattanooga chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association will host Ales for the Trails, this Sat., Nov. 5, 6 p.m., at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. The event will help fund the expansion of the Raccoon Mtn. trail system.
Homes and Habitats Program at Enterprise South Nature Park Nov. 12
Hamilton County’s Enterprise South Nature Park will host free kids hikes on Sat., Nov. 12 to learn about the Homes and Habitats of the park’s creatures. A hike for grades 1-3 goes from 9 to 10 a.m. and a hike for grades 4-6 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Naturalist Laura Marsh will lead parent child teams. Registration is free, but space is limited. Adults must accompany children. Call the ESNP Visitor’s Center at (423) 893-3500 to reserve a space. Next hike: Sights, Smells and Sounds, Fri.., Nov. 12.
Chattanooga Trekkers Hike to Lost Cove Cave Nov. 12
The Chattanooga Trekkers family hiking group will host a hike to Lost Cove Cave in the Sewanne Natural Bridge State Natural Area on Sat., Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. The 2.2 one way hike will go to the Buggy Top entrance of the cave. If more people in the group want to hike more, the leader will regroup for more hiking. Pre-registration is required. All interested participants should email or call hike leader Valerie Radu at (423) 503-2318 for meeting place and other details.
Hike the John Muir National Recreation Trail Nov. 19
TN Wild will host a 6.5 mile day hike of the John Muir National Recreation Trail on Sat., Nov. 19. The hike will take participants along the scenic Hiwassee River on fairly easy, level trail. During a picnic lunch, hike leader Jeffrey Hunter will share the writings of John Muir. BYO-Lunch, water and/or snacks. All TN Wild hikes require pre registration. To learn more about the hike, email or call Jeffrey Hunter at (423) 322-7866.
News
Dept. of Interior Announces Two TN Projects for Great Outdoors Initiative
In a press release from Sec. Ken Salazar last week, the U.S. Dept. of the Interior announced that the TN Riverpark extension from Ross’ Landing to St. Elmo will be one of two TN projects highlighted in a report for President Obama’s Great Outdoors Initiative. The 50-state report will outline the country's most promising ways to reconnect Americans with the natural world. The other project is the establishment of a new wildlife refuge in the Paint Rock River watershed on the Al/TN border. Gov. Haslam and local stakeholders determined that both of these projects are among the best investments to support a healthy, active population, conserve wildlife and working lands, and create travel, tourism and outdoor recreation jobs across the country. See a map of all 50 states’ projects.
City Accepting Proposals for Sterchi Farm Barn Demolition
The City of Chattanooga is interested in receiving proposals for the dismantling and removal of an early 20th Century dairy barn from public property at the Sterchi Farm Park. The barn has been unused for an estimated 30 years and is in very poor condition. The only possible item of value appears to be the old siding, an estimated quantity of around 2,000 sq. ft. and possible structure timbers. Successful bidders would be asked to completely remove the building and clear the site of all undergrowth in their proposal for the salvage value of the wood. Insurance protecting the City would be required. Interested parties can inspect the barn at 2978 Harrison Pike at the Sterchi Farm Trailhead. Proposals should be submitted by 4:00 PM on November 11, 2011 to the City of Chattanooga Purchasing Department.
Shuttle Services Needed for Blueway Paddlers
Several times a year, especially during the summer and fall, we get requests from TN River Blueway paddlers for shuttle services. They usually need transportation for themselves to and from various points along the Blueway. If you would be interested in being on call to provide shuttle service for these folks, drop us an email at ruth@outdoorchattanooga.com and we’ll put your contact information on a list for these paddlers.
Volunteer Opportunities
Castle Rock Trail Day Nov. 20
The TN Bouldering Authority and the Southeast Climbers Coalition will host a work day at Castle Rock in Jasper, TN on Sun., Nov. 20, beginning at 9 a.m. Volunteers will help pick up trash, work on the trail and repair anchors. Lunch will be provided. Email mbmcleod@mindspring.com or luisrod@msn.com for more information.
Web Hit(s) of the Week
The Bike Chattanooga bicycle transit system has a Website. Keep an eye on the site for membership information.
Last Week’s Web Hit
This sign from a Canadian campground made us laugh. Parental Advisory: there is one bad word at the end.
Upcoming...
November
26 Belch’n Turkey Disc Golf Tournament
December
17 Lookout Mtn. 50 Miler/10K
It is time to start looking toward 2012! Send your outdoor events, activities and news to ruth@outdoorchattanooga.com.