Outdoor Calendar of Events

This Calendar of Events is created specifically for outdoor users! You won't find any bowling league events here... just outdoor activities, events, festivals, and initiatives.

Want to add an event? All events must be approved before going live. You can include a photo and a web link. Submit your outdoor event!

If you are looking for non-outdoor related events check out our friends at MyScoper.com. They maintain one of the most up-to-date list of what's happening in the Roanoke area.

And for arts and culture, visit the Arts Council events calendar.

<< May 2013 >>

View Past Dates

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

Wilderness Wednesdays: Beginner Backpacking Class

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Walkabout Outfitter, 4822J Valley View Blvd, NW, Roanoke 24012 This four-week course is designed to encourage Beginner Backpackers to gain new skills and knowledge to ensure that they are comfortable out in the backcountry. SERIES of classes will cover packs, Leave No Trace, tents, clothing, hydration, food, hygiene, and trip planning.
Class size is kept low, so don’t delay- sign up today!

There will be a three-day backpacking trip at the end of the course - date to be determined. Course is FREE. Space is very limited. Must reserve a spot by calling 777-0990 or emailing valleyview@walkaboutoutfitter.com Link: http://www.WalkboutOufitter.com

Roanoke Ultimate Weekly Pickup

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: River's Edge Sports Complex - South - Field 4 Roanoke Ultimate hosts weekly Ultimate (Frisbee) pickup each Wednesday from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at River’s Edge Sports Complex South – Field 4. Weekly pickup is open to all interested adults and runs from mid-April through mid-November. Visit www.roanokeultimate.com for field location/directions, membership levels, calendar of events, sponsorship opportunities, liability waiver/release, and other information.

Pickup Equipment Checklist:
dark and white shirt/jersey (no gray)
cleats (recommended) or athletic/running shoes
water / sports drink and snack
completed Roanoke Ultimate liability waiver/release (available at fields or online)

Contact: info@roanokeultimate.com; 540.632.2386

Link: http://www.roanokeultimate.com

Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Derby Day Garden Tour

Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Alleghany County, Covington, and Clifton Forge, VA Grab your Derby Day Hat and tour some gardens in Alleghany County. End your garden tours at the Merry Go Round Farms and watch the Derby. Tours are $10/person. For more information call the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center at 540-862-4447. Link:

Free Kayak Demo with Back Country Ski and Sports

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Rotary Park, Salem Looking for a kayak but not sure which one is right for you? Join Back Country Ski and Sports for a free kayak demo from 12 to 4 pm at Rotary Park on the Roanoke River in Salem. Located just upstream from our Salem store on Electric Road, Rotary Park provides a great spot on the river to test out your new sit on top, sit in, or whitewater kayak before you make the big purchase. Link: http://www.bcski.com

10K Training

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Location: Green Ridge Recreation Center, 7415 Woodhaven Road, Roanoke Want to take your training to the next level? Ready for 6.2 miles? This training program is designed to increase mileage in a safe, supportive environment. Participants should be able to run a 5K or 3.1 miles before starting this program. Participants will train to run the Green Ridge 10K. Free includes race registration.
Cost: $50
Contact: 772-7529 or register online (course #22614) Link: http://www.roanokecountyparks.com

6th Trail Nut 10K and Half Marathon

Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: Falling Creek Park, Bedford This park is one of Bedford’s little known treasures. It is a family park, with a playground, pavilions, paved path, Frisbee golf, fitness circuit, shuffle board, bird watching trails, mountain bike trails, and pump track (get maps and trail info at Bedford Trails). It is loaded with over 9 miles of intermediate rolling, twisty, single track in a beautiful wooded setting. It isn’t uncommon to see wildlife during one of your trips to the park (turtles, raccoons, rabbits, ground hogs, the occasional skunk, and deer). T-shirts guaranteed to all runners registered by May 17.

Cost: 10k: $25 on or before May 17, $30 after May 22; 13.1: $30 on or before May 17, $35 after May 22

Register online: www.raceit.com/register/?event=14960 Link: http://www.mountainjunkies.net/Trail_Nut.htm

Family Couch to 5K

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Location: Green Ridge Recreation Center, 7415 Woodhaven Road, Roanoke Looking for a program you can do as a family? Family Couch to 5K will give you all the tools you need to finish your first race. Parents may also push strollers. Program will take place at local parks. Cost includes registration for the Green Ridge 5/10K.
Cost: $50
Contact: 772-7529 or register online (course #22633) Link: http://www.roanokecountyparks.com

7th Annual Run for Raft as a De-stress Express 5k Fun Run and 1-Mile Terry Grimes Memorial Walk

Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Margaret Beeks Elementary School in Blacksburg, VA Description of Event: 7th Annual Run for Raft as a De-stress Express 5k Fun Run and 1-Mile Terry Grimes Memorial Walk. The event takes place at 9AM on May 4, 2013 starting at Margaret Beeks Elementary School in Blacksburg, VA.
The 5k Fun Run will include Prize Dashing for those willing to rush and nab a gift card suspended across the path and humorous tidbits to read while running. Before and after the event, there will be music, relaxation stations, and MUCH MORE including awards given for best and most humorous running costume!
Description of Raft: Suicide prevention and support hotline serving the NRV for over 40 years.
Link: http://runforraft5k.eventbrite.com

Couch to 5K

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Green Ridge Recreation Center, 7415 Woodhaven Road, Roanoke Couch to 5K will give you all the tools you need to finish your first 5K or first 5K in a while. This program will take place at local parks. Fee includes personalized training schedule and registration fee for Green Ridge 5/10K.
Cost: $50
Contact: 772-7529 or register online (course #22632) Link: http://www.roanokecountyparks.com

6th Annual BrewRidge Music Festival

Time: 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM Location: Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke, VA Celebrate local bluegrass talent and Virginia craft breweriess on Top of the World at our 6th Annual BrewRidge Music Festival! We will have an array of Virginia Microbreweries present such as Jefferson Street Brewery, Williamsburg Ale Werks, The River Company, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Starr Hill Brewing Company and more! Musical performances by Indian Run Stringband, The Boatmen from Beckley, WV, The Black Twig Pickers and Blacksburg's own, The Jugbusters. Concessions available throughout festival; lawn chairs and blankets encouraged. This is a fundraiser event for the Mountain Lake Conservancy, fostering a relaxing and family friendly atmosphere!

Porch jam with Indian Run Stringband beginning at 5:30 pm in Stony Creek Tavern on Friday, May 3. Saturday, May 4, 11:30a-7p pm. Ticket prices include entry to 7 and half hours of live music, souvenir tasting mug and tastings. In advance through the website is GA $10, Mini Tasting $20 and Full Tasting $30. Day-of tickets available at an increase of $5. Limited to 500 participants. All proceeds benefit the Mountain Lake Conservancy. Link: http://www.BrewRidgeFestival.com

Crabtree Falls and Spy Rock Day Hike

Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: Roanoke City Public Works Parking Lot This hike is a two for one hiking spectacular! Crabtree Falls is arguably the most beautiful set of waterfalls in Virginia. Billed as the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Crabtree Falls is a must see for anyone who lives in the mid-Atlantic region. Spy Rock with a 3,700 ft elevation and 360-degree view show why this rock is believed to have been used by Confederate scouts to monitor movements of the Union troops.

Sponsored by Roanoke Park and Recreation. Register using No. 3658. Ages 15 and up.

Cost: $17
Contact: 853-2236
Register online: https://activenet008.active.com/roanokeparksrec/servlet/registrationMain.sdi?source=activityframes.sdi&pubnav_index=2 Link: https://activenet008.active.com/roanokeparksrec/servlet/registrationmain.sdi?pubnav_index=1

New River Trail 10K Run & 5K Walk

Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Galax 15th Annual New River Trail/Dr. Ed Dannelly 10-K Run & 5-K Walk

Co-Sponsored by Galax Parks and Recreation Department and the New River Trail State Park. Link: http://www.galaxparks-rec.com/tenkrun.aspx

Brushy Mountain Trail Rehabilitation

Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: Contact leader This work hike is near the far end of the RATC section just south of Kimberling Creek on Brushy Mountain in Bland County. We will be redigging sidehill trail that is slipping down slope. If we have adequate time and people we may put in some water bars and steps.
Leader: David Jones 540-552-3058 dhjones@together.net Link: http://www.peckmanjazz.com/blazer/13-04-blazer.pdf

Down Syndrome Assoication of Roanoke 5K

Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Location: Vinton, VA The Down Syndrome Association of Roanoke is holding it first annual 5K run/ 1 mile family walk. It will be held on May 4th, 2013. The DSAR is a non-orofit organization providing advocacy. educational, and support services for families, friends, and individuals with Down Syndrome. Please see our website dsar.org/ for event fyler and updated information. Link: http://dsar.org/

Letterboxing Hike

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Mill Mountain Discovery Center Letterboxing is an outdoor hobby that combines hiking and treasure hunting. We will hike 1.5 miles while following close to find different hidden boxes on Mill Mountain. Ages 7-10. Cost is $6.00. Deadline to register online is May 1. Call 540-853-1236 for more information.
*Class is offered again in afternoon from 4:30-6:30 pm. Link: http://www.playroanoke.com

Beginner Outdoor Climbing Clinic

Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing Even if you have been climbing at gyms or with friends somewhat frequently this course will cover a lot of valuable skills to help you to become more confident belaying, climbing and setting anchors on real rocks. The beginner clinic will cover climbing techniques that are essential to climbing on real rock, belaying, mock rappelling (with a back up belay), lessons on the equipment necessary to climb on real rocks, basic bolted anchor setting for top roping, and tips from the pros on how to take your friends & family climbing safely.

Just $50 for a full day of instruction from the best guides in the industry, with all equipment & transportation included. River Rock Climbing Gym Members receive 15% off! Link: http://www.wilderness-adventure.com/adult-clinics/

Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon

Time: 9:00 AM - 9:00 AM Location: Smith Mountain Lake State Park - Huddleston, VA If you can’t make up your mind about what kind of event to compete it, register for the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon! The event includes a 750 meter swim that starts and finishes at the resort’s beach, a 20K bike, and a 5K run course. Proceeds from the event benefit the Virginia Amateur Sports and The ALS Foundation.

Note on time:
Optional pre-race meeting at 6 PM at the race site on Friday May 3, 2013

Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting at the beach at 8:45 AM on Saturday May 4, 2013

Cost:
Before February 1—Relay Events: $120, All else: $65
Before April 1—Relay Events: $125, All else: $70
Before May 1—Relay Events: $135, All else: $80
Before May 4—Relay Events: $145, All else: $90

+ $12 fee for each non-USAT member

Pick up packets on Friday May 3, 2013 (4-7 PM) and Saturday May 4, 2013 (7-8:15 AM) with a proper I.D. at the Smith Area Pavilion.

Register online: http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=2305 before May 1, 2013. On-site registration may be available during packet pick-up hours. Link: http://www.commonwealthgames.org/Special_Events/SML_Appalachian_Power__Triathlon.htm

Novice Canoeing

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Camp Roanoke Don't get lost up the creek without a paddle. Instead come out to Camp Roanoke and learn the right way to guide a canoe. Whether it's your first time canoeing or you're looking to refresh your skills, this program will give you the tools necessary to paddle a tandem canoe on flat or moving water. Ages 9 and up. Fee includes equipment.
Cost: $25
Contact: 772-7529 or register online (course #22402) Link: http://www.roanokecountyparks.com

Sunday, May 5th, 2013

Coffee Pot Sunday Ride

Time: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Roanoke, VA Coffee Pot Afternoon Ride
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Nations Bank across from MoJo’s on Brambleton
Ride Type = Road Ride
Terrain = Gently Rolling
Ride Length = 25 – 30 miles
Average Pace = Decided by the Group! Usually a Moderately Fast Ride. Link: http://brbcva.org/calendar/

County of Bath Middle Mountain Momma Mtn. Bike Race

Time: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Location: Douthat State Park The course provides mass-quantities of singletrack--and--it's almost entirely unduplicated trail! There's so much singletrack you might actually seek something wider after a while. Moreover, about the only non-singletrack sections of the 21-mile-one-lap race are the short start road, a few yards of asphalt, and that is it. And not only is it singletrack, it’s freaking majestic singletrack.

If you raced any edition on this legendary course, you know what we mean. God bless Franklin Delano Roosevelt and New Deals everywhere.

The XXC course is back of course--a trail Odyssey. Double XC'ers leave the state park and traipse across the coolest big-ring pedal-assist slight downhill on the Middle Mountain Ridge--all the way--to route 125. Then, take a quick lasso-loop on ancient CCC, blueberry bush-infested trails of Brushy Ridge, and then you'll know that not many people have pedaled through there before! Later, after climbing route 125 again for a 4 mile ascent (capped with a 1/2 mile trail up Middle Mountain's backside that burns-baby-burns), you rejoin the 21 mile XC loop, making the best course on the planet 10 steps better. Link: http://www.mountainbikevirginia.com/MiddleMountainMomma.htm

AT Hike: Catawba Mtn. (311) to Dragon's Tooth Parking Lot

Time: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: Contact leader This 9-mile, strenuous hike begins at the 311 A.T. parking lot - just 15 minutes from Roanoke. The Appalachian Trail is followed south over the many humps of Catawba Mountain before dropping down to the open fields of Beckner's Gap. Between Routes 785 and 624, the trail crosses Sandstone Ridge. Beyond 624 the trail heads uphill past the Boy Scout Trail. It then reaches Rawie's Rest, a knife-like rocky outcrop, with good views. Continue on to Lost Spectacles Gap, where a blue-blazed trail on right leads down to the Dragon's Tooth parking lot.
There is a $1.00 carpool fee, to be paid to the driver.
Leaders: Carina Hughes 540-588-0433 chughes@rcs.k12.va.us
Karen Callahan 540-961-0640 callahankm@appstate.edu Link: http://www.peckmanjazz.com/blazer/13-04-blazer.pdf

AT Hike: Jennings Creek (RT614) to Bryant Ridge Shelter

Time: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Location: Contact leader Located in Botetourt County not far from Arcadia and
Buchanan, this is a 6-mile, moderate out and back hike to the Bryant Ridge Shelter on the A.T. This shelter is located on a scenic part of the creek. The shelter has three levels and is well worth seeing.
There is a $2.00 carpool fee, to be paid to the driver.
Leaders: Mervin and Blanche Brower 540-387-9732
mervinbrower@verizon.net
blanche.brower@verizon.net Link: http://www.peckmanjazz.com/blazer/13-04-blazer.pdf

Intermediate Outdoor Climbing Clinic

Time: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Location: Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing More or less topics can be covered based on interest and experience level. Potential topics include anchor set up (both natural & bolted), practice mock leads (use of quick draws & lessons on back clipping, z-clipping, etc.), potentially try leading on your own, how to clean a route (i.e. take down the anchors & rappel off the bolts) and advanced climbing technique. The Bozoo Climbing Area located on the New River has a wide variety of climbs to accommodate all ability levels. It also has sport and trad climbing options and the opportunity to teach setting up advanced anchors. Also you can take the next step by experimenting placing “trad” gear and mock leading.

Just $50 for a full day of instruction from the best guides in the industry, with all equipment & transportation included. River Rock Climbing Gym Members receive 15% off! Link:

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Backpacking Botetourt: Thunder Hill to Camp Bethel

Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: Contact leader This is a 32-mile, 3-day, moderate to strenuous backpacking trip. Trip starts on the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Thunder Hill shelter to Bryant's Ridge sh
elter then on to Bobblets Gap. The last day will end at Camp Bethel in Botetourt county. Meet at Camp Bethel. Shuttle to the BRP then off to Bryant Ridge; this is a moderate hike of 9 miles. Day two is Bryant Ridge to Bobblets Gap and is a strenuous day of 12 miles. Day three is Bobblets Gap back to Camp Bethel and is also a moderate day of 11 miles. Trip is limited to 6 people.
There is a $3.00 carpool fee, to be paid to the driver.
Leader: John Hubbard fhowdy@yahoo.com Link:

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

Tuesday Tuneups

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Sharebike - downtown Roanoke Sharebike members now have access to a great bike education, building and repair opportunity hosted by board member John Johnson. Members have the option to make minor repairs and tune-ups to their bikes or even build new bikes from scratch from Sharebike's vast collection of new, reclaimed, and scrap bikes and parts. Prices range from $1 to $10 for parts, or $35 for an entirely new bike.

Tune-up Tuesdays provides new and experienced riders with the skills to maintain their bikes for safety and performance for a reasonable rate. Plus, you get the benefit of hanging out with other area cyclists and supporting the valley's only community bike shop.

Contact Sharebike.org or visit their downtown location for more information about becoming a member. Link: http://www.sharebike.org

Famous Tuesday Night Ride

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Virginia Museum of Transportation parking lot Location: Transportation Museum Parking lot

Ride Distance: 20.4 Miles. Terrain: Rolling hills. Traffic: moderate.

Ride Description: This weekly ride starts at the Virginia Museum of Transportation and follows one of several routes depending on your skill level. The more challenging ride climbs up Mill Mountain, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, and back to Downtown Roanoke via Vinton. The easier Lowlander ride remains largely on neighborhood streets. In both cases, riders typically join up at the Cornerstone pub for post-ride thirst quenching and fellowship.

This is a ride-at-your-own-risk ride. There are no organizers...over time it has become known that avid road cyclist gather every Tuesday night for a road ride followed by hanging out at Cornerstone Pub. It's a Roanoke tradition.

Additional Info: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/209573 Link:

AT Hike: Curry Gap (BRP) to Daleville (RT 220)

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Contact leader This 9.4-mile, strenuous hike is located in Botetourt County. From Curry Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the trail ascends on Salt Pond Road for .9 miles to the A.T. crossing. Turn left on the A.T.(south). The trail follows the ridge line, with limited views to the valley below. At 3.7 miles the blue-blazed trail on left leads to Fullhardt Knob Shelter and the wooded summit of Fullhardt Knob. The trail then descends from Fullhardt Knob. At 6.7 miles the trail crosses Mountain Pass Road (Route 652). It then ascends an open knoll, with good views of McAfee Knob and Tinker Mountain, before descending and crossing Va. Route 11. The trail continues through mainly old orchards to Route 220.
There is a $1.00 carpool fee, to be paid to the driver.
Leader: Ed Burgess 540-565-0016 or 330-523-9788
eb1574@gmail.com Link: http://www.peckmanjazz.com/blazer/13-04-blazer.pdf

Mill Mtn. Night Rides

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: Mill Mountain Park - start/finish at Fork in the Alley Brought to you by East Coasters Bike Shops.

Meet at 7:45pm every Tuesday at Fork in the Alley restaurant (2123 Crystal Spring Ave). Ride the trails on Mill Mountain and then head back to the Fork for a bite to eat and a beverage. Intermediate level ride.

Need a light? Contact www.eastcoasters.com - they have a few demos available. Link: http://www.eastcoasters.com