There's nothing better than kicking back after a long day on the trail or even in the backyard. And there's no better place to relax than an Eagles Nest Hammock.

 

The super-lightweight hammocks are won't add bulk to your pack and transport easily. They are also durable enough for anytime use. ENO Hammocks come in single and double sizes and are just one of the many items in the 2012 Roanoke Outside Outdoor Lover Gift Guide. 

 

We compiled a list of great gifts from local retailers to help you check items of your holiday shopping list - with suggestions for hikers, cyclists, runners, anglers, and everyone.

 

It's the perfect reason to visit Roanoke Region outdoor retailers. And the money you spend locally is good for everyone.

 

So check out the list and shop local this holiday season >>>

Nothing feels quite as good as a nice run ... except maybe a nice run for charity.

 

Registration is open for Sunday's Mill Mountain Run-A-Round Trail Race with proceeds from the event being donated to Mill Mountain Park to benefit the trails, Discovery Center, and education programs.

 

And you can do even more. In conjunction with the race, Fleet Feet Sports is conducting a toy drive. Every participant who brings a new toy on race day will receive a free gift from Montrail. Toys will be donated to The Community Christmas Store.

 

Find out more about the race and register today >>>  

The Roanoke Region of Virginia has been selected to host the 2013 Bike Virginia Tour, an annual event in June showcasing the area's best cycling routes.

The tour, scheduled for June 24-26 in the Roanoke Region, is expected to attract 1,600 cyclists from around the world. The second leg of the tour will be based at Botetourt County's Greenfield Recreation Park, where cyclists can camp out, swap stories and revel in the region's growing outdoor culture in between scenic rides.

"Today's announcement is a clear affirmation of our region's reputation as an outdoor recreation hub," said Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership. "We look forward to building on our vibrant cycling scene by showing off our miles of road-biking routes up hills, through valleys and along forests and waterways."

The Bike Virginia Tour will host 1,600 cyclists for six days of bicycle touring. Riders range in age from 6 to 88. The tour has operated for 26 years, providing participants with memorable riding experiences on more than 7,000 miles of rural Virginia roads since it began.