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PETE'S PICKS
 Got any plans for tonight? If you like whitewater kayaking then head over to Back Country Ski & Sports tonight for the Dirty South Film Tour. Ten bucks gets you four incredible paddling films, great camaraderie, and best of all ... you aren't the shuttle bunny. Bring a chair, your favorite beverage, and sweet demeanor; maybe Pat will give you a deal on that new paddle you've been eyeing. And if you've ever pondered hiking the Appalachian Trail, then be sure to register for the Feb. 7 Long Distance Backpacking Class hosted by Walkabout Outfitter. Whether you'll be a North Bounder, South Bounder, or Section Hiker, this free class will make sure you start off on the right foot. In light of all the rain we recently received, I have a favor to ask of everyone. When we hike, bike, or ride horses on trails that are wet and soggy it severely damages the trails. We have an incredible network of volunteer trail builders that work hard to keep our trails in pristine shape. We need to give the trails time to dry out! A good rule of thumb is -- if the trail is pooling water, thick with mud, and/or you have a burning desire to walk off trail and around the mess, then you shouldn't be on the trail. So ... give our trails a break this weekend!
Get outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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BREAKING DOWN THE BEST GEAR OF 2013
 A tsunami of gear hit the Salt Palace Convention Center in Utah last week, where the twice-annual Outdoor Retailer trade show sprawled for 10s of thousands of square feet. On display were to-be-released tents, packs, jackets, ice axes, GPS gadgets, fire-starters, lights, shoes and all manner of equipment and apparel imaginable. Gear Junkie was on the ground with a crew of six editors and reporters to scour the halls in search of the most stand-out new items, our "Best in Show" picks for winter 2013.
Here are five of the best:
- Uber-Aero Roof Box
- Built-in Helmet Cam
- Stealth-Mode Running Shoes
- iPad in your Pac
- Tiny, Packable Watercraft
Check out descriptions and prices of each item and more >>>
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WORK FOR THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
 The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is hiring a seasonal "ridgerunner" for April through November working Saturdays and Sundays. This might make the perfect part-time job for a hiker or trail runner.
But you have to apply by Jan. 31. The application process includes completed form, cover letter (or email) and two letters of recommendation.
What is a ridgerunner? Ridgerunners provide information about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, location, regulations, and traditions. They work to encourage good behavior among hikers, facilitate a positive trail experience and elicit support of those who live near the trail. Ridgerunners must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Want to apply? Fill out the application online >>>
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIVA!
 KIVA (Kids in the Valley, Adventuring) celebrated its fifth birthday this weekend, but gave rather than received gifts.
The group sponsored a food drive for Feeding American Southwest Virginia as part of its birthday bash. In the past five years, KIVA has collected and donated more than 1,000 pounds of food.
KIVA is a free family nature club for families in the Roanoke Region with a focus on three goals - play, nature education, and volunteerism. KIVA events are located at different parks across the region and include speakers and point families to volunteer events. KIVA also sponsors overnight camping trips with a focus on education.
Read more about the origins of KIVA, the brainchild of Chip and Ashley Donahue from The Roanoke Times. And join their mailing list and keep up with activities on the KIVA website.
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FINAL HOURS TO WIN GREAT OUTDOORS PRIZES
 You can never have enough outdoors gear, right? Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School, based here in Roanoke, is running a gear giveaway contest that ends tomorrow (Feb. 1). You can win survival course, shirts, snack packs, socks, survival bracelets, flashlights and many other great goodies. There are 100 prizes in all! Entry is simple. Just head over to Facebook, like Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School, and provide your name and email. Then cross your fingers and hope you get picked. And even if you don't win a prize, you should think about scheduling a trip out and sign up for a course or two. (You can find course information online.) What you'll learn is not just useful but also fun. Good luck!
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UPCOMING EVENTS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Visit The RoanokeOutside.com Calendar of Events for details on these upcoming events!
- WazUpWidis Urban Race - 2/9
- Kayak Roll Instructional Series - 2/10-24
- International Beer Tasting and Dinner - 2/23
- Explore Your Limits 5 & 10K - 3/2
- Instant Classic Trail Marathon & Half - 3/16
- Montvale 5 and 10 Mile Trail Runs - 3/23
- Mill Mountain Mayhem 10K - 4/13
- Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon - 4/20
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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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