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PETE'S PICKS
 We know we have some incredible hikes in our area, but many people don't realize how spectacular the bicycling opportunities are as well. Whether it's speeding down a back country road, weaving through trees, or cruising along the greenway there are options galore waiting for you once you hop on two wheels. My recommendation this weekend is to pull your bike out of storage (or rent one if you don't have one) and go explore Roanoke via pedal power. And if you're looking to get more involved with the bike community, there are two upcoming events you should attend: Get Outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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HELP SHAPE THE VIRGINIA OUTDOOR PLAN
 The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state's official document regarding land conservation, outdoor recreation and open space planning. It helps all levels of the public and private sectors meet needs pertaining to those issues. The plan provides guidance for the protection of lands through actions of the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF), and the plan is required in order for Virginia to take part in the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program.
In other words...it's the document that helps shape the future of outdoor recreation in Virginia! It helps determine where the money gets spent.
Planners with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold two public meetings March 8 in Roanoke to gather regional input for the 2013 Virginia Outdoors Plan.
Here are a few topics relevant to the Roanoke Region:
- Expansion of trails such as the Roanoke River Greenway, the James River Heritage Trail and the Great Eastern Trail
- Increased water and trail access throughout the Roanoke River and James River Basins
- Increased access on Johns Creek, Jackson River and Lake Moomaw
- Further development of locals parks along greenways and blueways
- Potential for state Scenic River designation for sections of the Roanoke and James Rivers and Johns and Craig Creeks
- Expansion of partnerships and collaborative efforts to connect the region's natural, historic and recreational resources
Continue reading to learn more>>>
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WIN A COAST RAPID RESPONSE KNIFE 
We're occasionally contacted by companies asking us to check out their products, give them some exposure, etc., etc. COAST contacted us last year and asked us to check out one of their headlamps...which we did and are still using to this day. The mail came yesterday and we were pretty psyched to see a few of the new COAST knives. We haven't had a chance to test one out yet, but upon initial inspection they look very nice.
Aristotle wrote, "Quality is not an act, it is a habit," and COAST has adopted this approach. The new line of Rapid Response knives from COAST is heads and shoulders above the competition as far as folding knives go. Designed by the eminent custom knife maker Ron Lake, the Rapid Response knives are so revolutionary they require patents to protect many of their distinguishing features.
Continue reading to learn more about COAST and enter to win a free knife>>>
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SAVE SPACE & WATER WITH VERTICAL GARDENING
 There's still a winter chill in the air, and possibly snow on the ground, but many green thumbs are aching for the soil beneath their fingers and under their nails. Now is the perfect time for garden planning and this year why not save space and water consumption by giving vertical gardening a try.
Here are just a few examples of simple and space-saving vertical gardening solutions for patios, small homes and even indoors:
- Sack gardening
- Hydroponic window gardens
- Vertical backyard solutions
- Wall gardening
Continue reading to learn more and see pictures>>>
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LOCAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB KICK-OFF PARTY
 If you love mountain biking and care about the environment, you belong with IMBA - the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the world's largest mountain biking club. Local riders and advocates have spent that past few months forming a local IMBA chapter - Roanoke IMBA or RIMBA - and you're invited to a kick-off party this Friday (February 24). Join those who are passionate about supporting the trails they ride on. Supporting Roanoke IMBA is the most effective way for you to build, maintain, and open the trails you love to ride. Continue reading to learn more>>>
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UPCOMING EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!
- 8th Annual Explore Your Limits 5 & 10K - 3/3
- Sunrise Hike to McAfee Knob - 3/11
- Instant Classic Trail Marathon & Half - 3/17
- Montvale 5 & 10 Miler Trail Race - 3/24
- 33rd Annual Clean Valley Day - 3/31
- Beginner Cave Trip - 3/31
- Dragons Tale Bike Race - 4/1
- Roanoke River 5K - 4/7
- Mill Mountain 10K Trail Race - 4/14
- Party for the Planet - 4/14
- Komen Race for the Cure - 4/14
- Roanoke Twilight Roller Races - 4/20
- Blue Ridge Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay - 4/21
- Roanoke Twilight Criterium - 4/21
- YMCA Kids Marathon - 4/21
- Trail Nut 10K & Half Marathon Trail Race - 5/5
- Gallop 4 The Greenways - 5/12
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