RoanokeOutsideGetOutsideNewsletterphoto 
In this issue
Weekend Update
Pete's Pick - Fall Waterway Cleanup
Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day
Haunted Zip Line
Botetourt Wine Trail - A Hidden Gem
Chaco Winner - and Why You Ride Bikes
Upcoming Events to Keep Your Eye On
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WEEKEND UPDATE       
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PETE's PICKS                          

Pete Eshelman

Did you know that the Roanoke, VA region is home to the largest lake in Virginia (Smith Mountain Lake), the 2nd oldest river in the world (New River), and the headwaters of the James River? And, all of this in addition to the dozens of creeks and rivers that are ideal for paddling and fishing.

Well, it's your turn to help keep these bodies of water clean!

Saturday is the 10th annual Clean Valley Council Fall Waterway Cleanup Day.  Last year more than 600 volunteers collected 23 tons of trash. Click here to learn how you can help increase that number.

Get OUTSIDE!

signature image

Pete Eshelman 
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
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Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day            

The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) will celebrate its seventh annual International Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, Saturday, October 2.  This is a great opportunity for you to share your passion for pedaling! Don't have kids, borrow one from a neighbor, relative, or co-worker.

The Roanoke, VA region has some of the best mountain biking in the U.S. (RSN TV ranked them in their Top 5). Here are a few recommendations to help get you outside:

Trail recommendations:dad son mountain biking

Watch A Race:

  • Virginia's original point-to-point mountain bike race The Great Escape takes place on 10/3. This classic race hasn't happened in seven years and it is back for one last hurrah. If you can't race it, at least watch it.

Register for a Race:

  • Freak-out at Fallon is a new four-part cyclo-cross race series (you do not have to register for all four races) taking place every Saturday in October. Cyclo-cross is growing in popularity and a great way to get your feet wet with racing.

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2nd Annual Haunted Zip Line           

Come out any of the first four Saturday nights in October (6-9 pm) at Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing and experience for yourself what everyone else is screaming about. Don't believe us? Watch the video below (opens in new window) but picture it at night, flying through the woods, and being operated by the worst of creatures...

Cost: $15 in costume; $20 if not. Call 800-782-0779 or email info@wilderness-adventure.com for more information.

zip line video photo

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Botetourt Wine Trail - A Hidden Gem                  winetraillogo

The Wine Trail of Botetourt County was recently recognized as a Top 5 Hidden-Gem Wine Regions by Away.com. The county's three wineries place a special emphasis on quality wines made with old-world techniques.

  • Fincastle Vineyard & Winery
  • Virginia Mountain Vineyards

Here's an idea for a perfect fall day:  Start your day off with a fall foliage canoe float on the James River followed by a wine tasting at each of the wineries.  A downloadable map of the wineries ensures you won't get lost.  Each of the wineries offer special events and tasting throughout the fall so be sure to check their websites for an event list.

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Chaco Winner - And Why You Ride Bikes            

Last week we posted a blog asking "why do you ride?" We wanted to know why you started riding your bike and why you still do.

Most people ride bikes now because it is the way they like to experience nature. Others love riding because of the freedom they feel while on a bike - the bike only goes as far as you pedal. Riding also reminded many of their childhood -- outside, playing, riding with friends, and getting home just before dark.

Now, our winner!!!

Congratulations to SusQ!  She wins $110 in Chaco Cash which she can use to purchase anything on www.chacousa.com.

Here is SusQ's submission:

"I ride my bike because I never feel closer to creation than when the wind is whipping through my helmet as I fly through the woods. I ride to get away from my high stress life. I ride my bike because it makes my heart strong. I ride because it clears my mind. I ride because I cannot knowingly continue to over consume non-renewable resources unnecessarily. I ride because my bicycle is not on a schedule. I ride because my booty looks fantastic in bike shorts. I ride to find out what is over the next hill or around the next berm. I ride because the little girl inside me squeals when I take both hands off the handlebars. I ride because it makes me a better mom. I ride because the tan lines from my gloves opens a dialogue with non-riders about the benefits of riding. I ride to set a good example for my community. I ride because I have never had to worry about a parking spot. I ride because I love the camaraderie. I ride because it gives me time to notice everything. I ride because it's easy on the knees. I ride because if I don't, someday I'll wish I had."

Click Here, to read all of the comments.


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Get2KnowNoke logo
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
  • Vinton Fall Festival 5K - 10/9
  • Free Climbing at Rise Up Climbing Gym - 10/9
  • Haunted Zip Line Rides - 10/9, 10/16, and 10/23
  • Freakout at Fallon Park Cyclo Cross Race Series - 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, and 10/30
  • Open Pool Kayak Roll Sessions - 10/10
  • Devils Backbone Challenge - 10/10
  • Learn to Belay - 10/13
  • Michael B. Perry 5K Run & Walk - 10/13
  • Bottoms Creek Gorge Hike - 10/14
  • Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Symposium - 10/14-16
  • Wine, Moon, & Stars - 10/15
  • "A Park Ranger's Life" book signing - 10/15
  • Haunted Zip Line Rides - 10/16
  • Fall Foliage Biking on Creeper Trail - 10/16
  • AR Fall Finale 24 hour race - 10/16
  • Roanoke Region Adventure Tourism Workshop - 10/19
  • Twilight Canoeing - 10/20
  • Fall Family Camping Weekend - 10/22-24
  • 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
  • Backpacking at Mount Rogers - 10/27
  • Blacksburg Brew Do - 10/30
  • 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