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PETE'S PICKS
This week has been one of the longest weeks of my life. Why? Did you not notice how nice it was outside this week? 5pm Friday can't come soon enough.
Actually it hasn't been all that bad as I've been able to ride my bike to/from work every day...and that got me thinking.
It is supposed to be in the upper 70s this weekend which is perfect bike riding weather; so here is my recommendation:
- Visit the newly opened UnderDog Bikes.
- UnderDog is located at the western end of the Roanoke River Greenway.
- Rent a bike if you don't already own one, and take a ride on the greenway. The 5.4 mile greenway is well marked.
- Turn around and ride back to the other end (at UnderDog Bikes), turn left onto Memorial Avenue, cross the bridge, and ride the half mile (in the bike lane) into Grandin Village.
- Lock up your bike, walk around, grab a bite to eat, or catch a movie at the Grandin Theater.
My daughter and I did this a couple of weeks ago (although in reverse order). Click here to watch a video we made together.
And last but not least, gather up your friends and head down to Kirk Avenue Music hall on March 20 to be part of the Toni Blackman & the Sisters of the Circle experience. I saw Toni at the CityWorks (X)po this past fall and can't recommend this enough.
Have a great weekend and safe St. Patrick's Day!
Get Outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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RIVERS ARE UP, RAFTS ARE LOADED, TRO IS OPEN
 If you haven't been to the Town of Buchanan lately, you'll be pleased with what you find. The quiet little river town is bustling with activity, and if you head down to the James River you'll be greeted by John and Dan Mays, owners of Twin River Outfitters (TRO) - and yes they are twins.
March 15 marks opening day for TRO, so book your spring trip now!
Twin River Outfitters is a full service canoe livery that rents canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, and now rafts, on the James and Maury Rivers in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Since 1978 TRO has been offering trips on nearly 100 miles of river in the Upper James River and they have numerous trip options to suit every level of paddler.
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UnderDog To The Rescue
 A new bike business popped up on the Roanoke River Greenway a few days ago. If you haven't had a chance, we highly recommend you stop in and meet shop owner Chris Heslin, and shop dog Zombie.
The first thing you'll notice about UnderDog Bikes is that they aren't what you expect...and that's a good thing. The shop is small and intimate, and did we mention it's located within the eclectic Black Dog Salvage. UnderDog offers the cycling enthusiast, and those interested in getting started, several options: - Bike rentals
- Geared cruises, hybrid comfort bikes, and even a tandem bike
- Kid bikes and tow-behind trailers
- Prime location on the Roanoke River Greenway
- Complete service repair (give your bike a spring tune-up)
- Retail bikes and accessory catalog orders (check out the latest KHS Bicycle)
- Functional works of art created from recycled bicycle parts
It won't take you long to realize Chris has an incredible amount of passion for bikes. His ultimate goal is to support the local riding community in both recreational and commuter riding...and get more people on a bike. So, the next time your kids say they're bored, head down to UnderDog, rent some bikes, explore the greenway, and have a picnic along the river.
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33rd ANNUAL CLEAN VALLEY DAY - 3/31
 Clean Valley Council (CVC) wants you! The CVC welcomes individuals and groups to volunteer for the 33rd Annual Clean Valley Day. Last year 76 teams and 1800 volunteers collected 34.9 tons of trash and 468 tires.
This valley-wide clean up promotes respect and dedication to the beautiful community we share. It's a great team-building opportunity for corporations and organizations, or some plain old family bonding time.
So pick your spot - a park, playground, roadside, stream bank, or your very own neighborhood - and get started. Anyone can participate. Heck, if you aren't feeling social you can just pick up trash at your favorite outdoor hang out. The whole point is to make our community a cleaner one.
All volunteers are provided with trash bags and gloves. All the CVC asks is that you pre-register which enables them to track the amount of trash collected.
- March 31, 2012
- 8:30am: Kick off at Vic Thomas Park
- 9:00am - Noon: Clean up - your location of choice
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LAST CALL FOR BIKE HERO NOMINATIONS
 Nominations are now being accepted for the 4th annual Bike Hero and Extraordinary Bicycle Professional Awards.
Recognizing those who are working hard on bicycling issues in the community is an important part of making the Roanoke a bicycling friendly community.
These awards recognize individuals in the greater Roanoke Valley area who are improving the opportunities for bicycling as a form of transportation, either through their individual effort and example as a cycling enthusiast, or through their professional work.
All nominations must be received by close of business on Monday, April 9th. Winners will be recognized at the Mayor's Ride on May 5th at 9:45 a.m., and will be invited to join Mayor Bowers in leading the short family-friendly greenway ride into Downtown Roanoke.
Continue reading to learn more and submit your nomination>>>
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UPCOMING EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!
- 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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Roanoke Regional Partnership · 111 Franklin Plaza, Suite 333 · Roanoke, VA 24011540.343.1550 X 104 · www.roanoke.org
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