RoanokeOutsideGetOutsideNewsletterphoto 
In this issue
Weekend Update
Pete's Pick
Everyday Thinking
Watch Out - GUI Checkpoint 9/18
Origins of the Swiss Army Knife
The Great Escape is Back
Upcoming Events to Keep Your Eye On
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WEEKEND UPDATE       
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PETE's PICKS                          
What's my recommendation?  

Pete Eshelman

If you are reading this on Wednesday (9/15) and haven't made plans to attend this evening's  Radical Reels Film Festival and Get Outside Expo then my recommendation is simple. Quit procrastinating, invite your friends, and get ready to watch the most awe-inspiring outdoor films you've ever seen. I promise the only way you'll be disappointed is if you don't come.
 
My other recommendation is more of a challenge that stems from the Everyday Thinking story below. I challenge each of you to prepare at least one meal this week that consists entirely of local foods. Typical items in most meals have traveled an average of 1500 miles before they reach your plate. If every family ate just one meal a week composed of locally raised meats and produce we would reduce weekly oil consumption by more than 1.1 million barrels. So my recommendation is to discover what your local farmer's market has to offer.


Get OUTSIDE!
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Pete Eshelman 
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
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Everyday Thinking                 

by Crystal SarakasThink Green lightbulb

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the resulting environmental devastation has caused many people to take a look at their own oil consumption. While few people can just give up their cars entirely, there are things you can do to help reduce your reliance on oil and petroleum-based items.

Part of the problem is that few people realize just how reliant we are on oil, not just for our daily commute, but for nearly everything we use on a day-to-day basis. From the clothing we wear to the food we eat to the homes we live in, our lives are dependent on oil.

When faced with these facts, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and to think that there's nothing we can do that will make a difference. But there are a number of relatively small lifestyle changes that can help reduce our oil and petroleum consumption. Here are the top five changes you can make today to help reduce oil consumption:

  1. Buy local foods
  2. Stop using plastic bags
  3. Eat less meat
  4. Stop buying bottled water
  5. Drive less
Continue reading to learn more about how these five changes can have a significant impact>>>


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Watch Out - GUI Checkpoint This Saturday            

What is a GUI checkpoint you ask? It's very similar to a DUI checkpoint.GUI Check Point Roanoke VA Greenways

Did you know that there are more than 22 miles of greenways in the Roanoke, VA Region and more are in the works?

The popularity of the greenways has been steadily increasing and so have the number of users. On any given weekend you'll find thousands of people out there.

What is there to do on a greenway? You can take a walk or go for a run, of course, but there are actually a lot of other ways to spice up your greenway experience. You might bike to your favorite restaurant or shop, have a picnic with your friends and family, fly a kite, watch nature, fish, play with your dog, or learn in-line skating. Your group could volunteer to "Adopt-a-Greenway" section to help keep the space clean and enjoyable. Whatever you're into, greenways improve the quality of life in Roanoke.

Anytime you have an increase in users you are bound to have user conflicts. Roanoke Times columnist Dan Casey wrote Greenway Conduct Stumbles a few weeks ago that summarizes some of the problems we need to address if we are to ensure the greenways remain safe and enjoyable for all.

How can you help? Watch the Greenway Etiquette Video and share it with your friends. Once you've done that you'll not have to worry about the GUI Checkpoint.

If you are on the greenway this Saturday be on the lookout for the GUI Checkpoint:  Greenway user Under the Influence of poor etiquette. Roanoke Parks & Recreation and Pathfinders For Greenways will have the Police Mobile Command headquarters set up along the greenway where they will be handing out bells, key chains, maps, and more. Stop in and let them know how much you appreciate the greenways.


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Origins of the Swiss Army Knife           

By STEPHEN REGENOLD (aka the Gear Junkie)

A red handle, a small white cross, a blade or two, and fold-out tools for the job - a Swiss Army Knife is an icon of utility and smart design recognized the world over. Invented in the 1880's, and today still made exclusively in only two factories in Switzerland, the pocket knives are produced in dozens of varieties at a tune of more than 15 million per year.

Continue reading to learn more about the origins of the Swiss Army Knife>>>

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The Great Escape is Back             

Great Escape Mountain Bike Race RoanokeThe Great Escape, Virginia's original point-to-point mountain bike race, returns after a seven year sabbatical. This fall classic cross-country race began in 1988 and has long been a favorite of mountain bike aficionados. Don't miss your chance to be part of Virginia mountain biking history.

If you have a hankering to do this race you had better register now as the National Forest Service recently contacted race organizer Kyle Inman and informed him that they will be closing a trail that the course utilizes. It seems like this classic race is being resurrected for one last hurrah - don't miss it!

Highlights/Details

  • October 3, 2010 (register online). 25$ by 10/1. $30 day of
  • 27 mile course on Potts Mountain in Craig County (course map)
  • Rock gardens, steep climbs, gorgeous singletrack, and stunning views
  • 5000' elevation gain
  • 800' vertical drop in only 1/2 mile
  • Free camping at The Pines campground (staging area for race)

Race History
In 1988 mountain biking was in its infancy. Two Roanokers, Paul Economy and Scott Freday were inspired by races in nearby West Virginia and hatched the idea to create a big-time mountain bike race here in the Roanoke Region. They decided that the nearly 4000' Potts Mountain fit their definition of "big".  In the early days 40 or 50 riders would tackle the strenuous course, just to say they did it. In 1995 Economy and Freday moved on and Kyle Inman, founder of the Virginia State Championship Mountain Bike Series, took over. The race grew to more than 150 riders and saw its last ride in 2003. We aren't sure why the race stopped in 2003 but we glad that it's back...even if it's just for one last ride.

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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
  • Big Lick Triathlon - 9/25
  • Bike Shuttle for Mountain Biking at Carvins Cove - no riding up - 9/25
  • Rowdy Dog - 9/25-25
  • Open Pool Kayak Roll Sessions - 9/26
  • Medieval Faire and Highland Games - 9/26
  • Weekly Angler Workshops - 9/30
  • Star City Women's 5K - 10/2
  • Annual Fall Waterway Cleanup - 10/2
  • Canoe Adventure on Roanoke River - 10/2
  • Rock Climbing Trip - 10/2
  • The Craig County Great Escape Mtn. Bike Race - 10/3
  • Kayaking the New River - 10/3
  • Vinton Fall Festival 5K - 10/9
  • Haunted Zip Line Rides - 10/9
  • Freakout at Fallon Park Cyclo Cross Race Series - 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, and 10/30
  • Open Pool Kayak Roll Sessions - 10/10
  • Learn to Belay - 10/13
  • Michael B. Perry 5K Run & Walk - 10/13
  • Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Symposium - 10/14-16
  • Haunted Zip Line Rides - 10/16
  • Roanoke Region Adventure Tourism Workshop - 10/19
  • Into the Darkness 4 Mile Trail Run - 10/23
  • The Furnace BSA Centennial Race - 10/23
  • Greenway Memory Miler - 10/23
  • Haunted Zip Line Rides - 10/23
  • Open Pool Kayak Roll Sessions - 10/24
  • Kayak Roll Instructional Series - every Sunday 11/7-21
Roanoke Regional Partnership

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

540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org