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WeekenD UpdaTE        


pete's picks                             
What's my recommendation?Pete Eshelman
  • Any day - Dig out your skis, or grab a sled, and enjoy the snow it looks like we are about to get again. Last weekend I skied around Poverty Creek, this weekend I hope to hit Mountain Lake.
  • Any day - For those of you who aren't happy with all the snow, head over to the new indoor water park at the Green Ridge Recreation Center.
  • Any day - Look out your window, or better yet head to a local park and participate in the Rusty Blackbird bird count project.
  • On Tuesday - check out the introduction to backpacking class being offered by Roanoke County Parks & Recreation (open to all).
Got an idea? Send it to pete@roanoke.org

Get OUTSIDE!
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Pete Eshelman (friend me on Facebook)
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership



Bike Repair/Tune-Up Classes Announced     
East Coasters Bike Shop has arranged a series of classes to help you learn how to tune/repair your bike. You can take all the classes and learn how to perform a complete tuneup, or you can take individual classes to cover just the areas in which you're interested.
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Each individual class is $20. Register for the entire series for $80 and you'll also get a Park Tool repair manual (kind of like the bible for bike repairs).

The first 6 people who sign up for the whole series get a FREE Topeak Joe Blow Max II floor pump, a $30 value.

See the course schedule and learn more >>>



Upper James River Water Trail Website - check it out      Get Outside newsletter header
Work has begun on Botetourt County's latest tourism project, the Upper James River Water Trail. The mighty James River begins its majestic journey in Botetourt County and winds its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains on its way to the sea. The unspoiled beauty of the river is more accessible than ever through the Upper James River Water Trail. Paddlers, anglers and families can get back to nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Upper James including 14 pristine miles designated as a Virginia Scenic River. Visit the new site and bookmark it >>>



U.S. Ski Team Movie Free on iTunes          
What does it take to make the U.S. Ski Team's Olympic roster? A lot, according to the new documentary "Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team's Road to Vancouver." After airing on Saturday, it's now free (in HD!) at iTunes, thanks to sponsor Audi. Clicking on the video will launch the video in You Tube.

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Unconventional Gear- Gear Review      
Each year the Outdoor Retailer trade show takes place, where an overabundance of to-be-released outdoors gear can make heads spin. Some of it expected, some of it useful, some of it will likely flop. Here's a "Top Five" list of gear that's a little peculiar, but caught the eye of gear reviewer Ryan Dionne as having potential in the outdoors world. Most of it will be available in the fall, so yes, this preview is a tease for all of you who want the gear now. But some of it is worth the wait.

# 5: Brunton Flip N' Drip Coffee Maker - It's as easy as the name implies. Brunton's Flip N' Drip Coffee Maker is the backpacking coffee addict's dream. Just boil water in the integrated stainless steel carafe, attach the reusable filter and drinking mug, and flip it.
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In minutes, you'll have yourself some piping hot brew. The entire contraption, which is about 11 inches long and 4 inches in diameter, weighs 1 pound - a marginal addition to any coffee-lover's pack. It'll be available in February for $60.

Read the rest of the list Here>>>



Tents for Haiti       
Next to food and medical supplies, the biggest need in the continual relief efforts in Haiti is shelter. President Rene Preval recently made a plea for 200,000 tents to provide much needed shelter for the many homeless residents displaced by the massive earthquake that struck the small Caribbean island country on January 12. Regional outfitter Blue Ridge Mountain Sports is stepping up and taking part in the Shelter for Haiti tent drive. All of Blue Ridge's 12 stores are now drop-off points for tents that will be immediately shipped to Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit based in Missouri that has a branch in Haiti directly receiving supplies to a warehouse just outside of capital city Port-au-Prince. Blue Ridge is asking for tents or tarps in good working condition with all parts included. As an incentive, the store is offering 20 percent off a new tent if you donate a used shelter. Read more here.



Upcoming events to keep your eye oN                               
Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!
  • Weekly bike rides throughout Roanoke & NRV Valleys
  • Group Trainer Rides & Movies every Tuesday
  • Intro. to Backpacking Clinic 2/9
  • Build a Worm Compost Bin 2/13
  • 25th Annual Blacksburg Classic 10 miler & 5K 2/20
  • Camping &  Hiking Skills Workshop 2/20
  • Bedford MTX Championship Series Race #1 2/21
  • Bedford MTX Championship Series Race #2 2/27
  • Explore Your Limits (5 & 10K) 3/6
  • Montvale 5 & 10 Mile Trail Run 3/27
  • Susan G. Komen Greater Roanoke Race for the Cure 5K 4/10
  • ESPN Bassmasters Blue Ridge Brawl at SML 4/16-19
  • Mill Mountain Mayhem 10K 4/17
  • Blue Ridge Marathon (full & half) 4/24
  • Angels Race Triathlon 4/25
  • Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon - early May
  • Middle Mountain Momma mtn. bike race - 5/2
  • Gallop 4 the Greenways 5/8
  • Appalachian Power Festival 5K & 10K - mid May
  • Alleghany Highlands Triathlon - 5/22
  • Mountains of Misery - 5/30
  • Trail Nut 10K and Half Marathon 6/5
  • Fat Tire Frenzy & Bike Festival - 6/18-19
  • New River Valley Triathlon 7/11
Roanoke Regional Partnership

Roanoke Regional Partnership · 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 · Roanoke, VA 24011

540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org