Just because the days are cooler does not mean you can't hit the trail for a run.

The Mountain Junkies Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series kicks off Jan. 5 with the Frozen Toe 10k. (This is a great race to help you shed some of those holiday pounds.)

• You do not have to participate in every race. Just pick the ones that work best for you.

The Frozen Toe 10k takes runners through the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail in Roanoke. It's the first of six different trail races in the series through June. Each of the runs are held in beautiful locations, have varying types of trail, offer different challenges, and are designed to help you push your limits.

The series is designed for racers to slowly increase race mileage over the course of the year and can serve as a spring board for ultra events (those that are 26.2 miles or more).

 Read more about the series and upcoming events >>> 

 

Looking for a last minute gift? Register yourself or a friend for the upcoming Learn to Kayak Roll Class in February.

 

The class is a great for boaters of all levels as instructors will help you take your skills to the next level. They will spend time with you in the water and guide you through every step of the roll so you don't have to bail and swim if you flip your boat. 

 

Classes have a low student-to-instructor ratio so you will get personal attention during each lesson.

 

No equipment? 

 

That's ok too. All technical equipment is provided.

 

Classes are Feb. 10 through Feb. 24 on Sunday evenings at Gator Aquatic Center. Registration is open and it is $60 for all three sessions.

 

 

Virginia state river access laws are among the least boater-friendly in the nation, but a proposed bill seeks to modernize Virginia's navigation rules. The bill would confirm that paddlers have the right to float on Virginia streams and rivers so long as they do not violate any other laws in the process.

 

Neighboring states, such as West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Maryland have more nationally consistent river laws which support the public use of rivers. As a result, these states have bustling river-based economies, great quality of life for residents, good public health, and a high societal value on healthy rivers.

 

Virginia's legislature needs to update its laws and encourage the economic benefits of eco-friendly tourism, associated economic development, and recreation.

 

To change this, Virginia's paddling enthusiasts are drafting a proposal to the General Assembly that would update the definition of navigability. Visit www.virginiastreamnavigationbill.wordpress.com to learn more.

• Public meeting:  Friday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.   

Find out more about how you can support this change and contact your state representative >>>