Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are your weekend recommendations for what's going on OUTSIDE in and around the Roanoke, VA region.

Festivals, Events, & Outings

• MUSIC - Chunk of Funk 45 at Blue 5 - 2/3
• Art by Night - 2/3
• United Nations of Comedy Tour - 2/3
• East Coasters Women's Ride - 2/4
• Winter Tree ID - 2/4
• MUSIC - American Dumpster at Awful Arthur's - 2/4
• MUSIC - Delta Rae at Kirk Avenue - 2/4
• Hoop Hole Exploratory Hike - 2/5
• Kayak Roll Class Open Session - 2/5
• MountainXCross Race - 2/5
• Mountain Lake Trails Hike with RATC - 2/5
• MUSIC - HURT with the Wandering Madman at Kirk Avenue - 2/6
• Nature Lab Series - Discovering Animal Behavior - 2/7
• Mill Mountain Night Ride - 2/7
• Founder of Jansport Speaking at Roanoke College - 2/7
• MUSIC - Rubblebucket at Martins - 2/7
• Chicky Mountain Bike Ride - 2/8
• For even more events visit the complete Roanoke Outside calendar

Pete's Picks!  -  What's my recommendation?

When is the last time you visited the Mill Mountain Zoo?

It's been a while for me so I logged on to www.mmzoo.org and was pleased to see their new red panda webcam.

So of course I now have to go see the panda face to face. And while there we are also going for a hike on one of the many great trails that circle the zoo.

If you feel like swapping places with the red panda, you can head up to the base of the star, call your family/friends, and they can view you on the StarCam (there is an instructional sign at the base of the star that tells you how to do this).

One last thing...if you're in need of some new outdoor gear, Walkabout Outfitter is having a 30% sale on all their winter gear.

Get Outside!

Pete Eshelman (friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter)
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership

Check out the Outdoor Calendar for upcoming events you need to keep your eye on!

Skip Yowell, a founder of JanSport, will speak as part of the Honors Conference Week at Roanoke College.

The event is open to the general public and admission is free.

Skip Yowell, one of the founders of JanSport, is an avid outdoorsman, businessman, author and much more. His lecture titled, "The Hippie Sharing the Vision of Founding JanSport", will share his outdoor adventures and economic success.

Details:

• February 7
• 7:30-9:00pm
• Wortmann Ballroom, Roanoke College. Wortmann Ballroom is located on the 2nd floor of the Colket Campus Center (#24 on campus map).
• Free (open to general public)
• More details

If you love mountain biking and care about the environment, you belong with IMBA - the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the world's largest mountain biking club.

Local riders and advocates have spent that past few months forming a local IMBA chapter - Roanoke IMBA or RIMBA - and you're invited to a kick-off party February 24.

Join those who are passionate about supporting the trails they ride on. Supporting Roanoke IMBA is the most effective way for you to build, maintain, and open the trails you love to ride.

The interim board will introduce themselves and talk about where RIMBA stands now. Bring your thoughts and visions for the future of mountain biking in our area because they'll want to hear from you too.

Come hear what RIMBA means to the future of mountain biking in the area...and if you like what you hear, join!

Details:

• February 24
• 6:30pm +
• Blue 5 Restaurant (downstairs Red Room). Blue 5 will be offering a select menu and specials, so bring your appetite and thirst for the 46 beers on tap.

A little over a week ago we attended the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City. More than 1,000 brands and 20,000 attendees made for quite a busy week.

Outdoor Retailer is a twice-a-year show where gear manufacturers unveil the newest products.  This show was the winter show which means we were treated to a sneak peak of gear that won't be available to the general public until next winter.

GearJunkie editors and reporters spent the week searching for the best new equipment which they've compiled into the “Best in Show” awards - a spread of to-be-released products for 2012 that represents true innovation in the outdoors industry and some of the neatest new gear ever made.

Continue reading to view the "Best in Show" awards>>>

The National College Blue Ridge Marathon recently announced the addition of a pre-race pasta dinner to its ever-expanding lineup of events.

Runners can load up on carbs while listening to former American marathon record holder Bill Rodgers and Dr. Tim Maggs, one of the country’s foremost authorities on running injuries. The Foot Levelers Pasta Dinner is open to anyone - you don't have to be running in the Blue Ridge Marathon to attend.

Details:

• Friday, April 20 (6:30-8:00pm)
• Limited to 200 people, so register now
• $19 adult, $12 (kids 12 & under)
• Register online

More on Bill:

William "Bill" Henry Rodgers is a former American record holder in the marathon who is best known for his victories in the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon in the late 1970s. His victories made him a hero and secondary fuel for the running boom of the 1970s. He came to be referred to by sportswriters and others as "Boston Billy".

Rodgers won both races four times each between 1975 and 1980, twice breaking the American record at Boston with a time of 2:09:55 in 1975 and a 2:09:27 in 1979.

Track & Field News ranked Rodgers #1 marathoner in the world in 1975, 1977 and 1979. Of the 59 marathons Rodgers ran, 28 had times under 2:15. In all, he won 22 marathons in his career.

More on Dr. Tim Maggs:

One of the country’s foremost authorities on running injuries and the developer of The Structural Management® Program. Dr. Maggs has been in practice for 33 years, lectures nationally on The Structural Management® Program, has worked in the New York Giants strength department, consulted with the Chicago Bulls strength department and has authored over 250 articles on sports biomechanics.
 

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are your weekend recommendations for what's going on OUTSIDE in and around the Roanoke, VA region.

Festivals, Events, & Outings

Team Roanoke Outside will be attending Outdoor Retailer Winter Market next week, and as a result are including events for this weekend as well as the rest of January. See you in February!

• Earth Friendly Fridays: Rainforest in Your Backyard - 1/13
• Bicycle Maintenance Class - 1/14
• East Coaster's Womens Ride - 1/14
• Beer Tasting at Wilderness Adventure - 1/14
• Letterboxing Hike - 1/14
• The Winter Milky Way - 1/14
• Frozen Backpack Overnight Hike - 1/14-15
• Kayak Roll Instructional Series - 1/15
• Rock Castle Gorge Hike - 1/15
• Cascade Falls Hike - 1/15
• Mill Mtn. Night Ride - 1/17
• Tru Gold Roller Racing at Starlight Bicycles - 1/20
• East Coaster's Womens Ride - 1/21
• KIVA Birthday Bash #4 - 1/21
• Kayak Roll Instructional Series - 1/22
• Mill Mountain Loop Hike - 1/22
• Catawba Mountain Hike - 1/22
• Nature Lab Series: Discovering Animal Behavior - 1/24
• Mill Mountain Night Rides - 1/24
• Montrail Movie Night at Fleet Feet - 1/24
• Roanoke Ski Club Monthly Happy Hour - 1/25
• Cross Country Ski Weekend at Whitegrass - 1/27-29
• East Coaster's Womens Ride - 1/28
• Wine & Dine at Wilderness Adventure - 1/28
• Bird Song Basics - 1/28
• Kayak Roll Instructional Series - 1/29
• Douthat State Park Hike - 1/29
• Nature Lab Series: Discovering Animal Behavior - 1/31
• Mill Mountain Night Rides - 1/31
• For even more events visit the complete Roanoke Outside calendar

Pete's Picks!  -  What's my recommendation?

Load up the car and get lost! - We have some incredibly beautiful back roads around here. Click here for a list of some recommend routes to explore. I usually try to find a unique dining experience when we go exploring. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Drive the Alleghany Highlands scenic drive and grab a bite to eat at Jack Mason's Tavern in Clifton Forge.
  
• Rts. 311, 42, & 658 (Craig County) to the small town of Paint Bank. Have lunch at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant.
  
• Rts. 43, 615, 621, & 606 through Botetourt County. Finish with a nice dinner at Pomegranate in Troutville.
  
• Rts. 602, 640, 748, & 623 (Franklin County). For some Cajun food try Bayou Cafe in Rocky Mount.
  
• Rts. 42, 635, 61, 40 & 730 (Giles County) to small community of Eggelston. Have the pizza at Palisades Cafe.

And if you're into skiing then join the Roanoke Ski Club for their monthly happy hour. Non-members interested in joining are invited to come learn more about the club...which is much more than just a ski club.

Get Outside!

Pete Eshelman (friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter)
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership

Check out the Outdoor Calendar for upcoming events you need to keep your eye on!

For those who frequent Carvins Cove (Bennett Springs access point) you know that paying and obtaining the required access fee hasn't been all that simple.  The primary reason being that you couldn't purchase the parking pass at the actual parking lot/trail head. You had to purchase it at either a local bike shop or from the marina which is located on the opposite side of Carvins Cove, and not all that easy and quick to get to.  Plus, if you showed up on a Sunday (when the bike shops are closed) you're out of luck.

Roanoke Parks and Recreation and the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) have been working to develop an onsite payment system which should be installed within the next few weeks.

They're also working on some other things to make your time here more enjoyable including a newly installed a port-a-toilet.

Signs were posted this fall reminding people to people to purchase and display their permits, and the WVWA has recently begun issuing tickets for those in violation - so don't think you can get by without a permit.  Daily passes are $2 but you can alleviate a lot of headaches by purchasing a yearly pass ($20) at one of the local bike shops.

Many people have asked where this money goes, so we asked the WVWA and here is their response:

Thank you for contacting the Water Authority about the fees collected at the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. There is a $2 daily land use pass fee and $20 yearly land use pass option in place.  The Authority uses these funds to help offset some of the costs of providing security and staffing at the reservoir as well as general maintenance.  As Carvins Cove is the primary drinking water source in the Roanoke Valley, we must protect it.  All boats are inspected by our staff before they launch to make sure that invasive species are not introduced into the reservoir.  We also inspect boat motors to prevent large motors on the lake that could contribute to water pollution or shore erosion.

Although most of the land around the reservoir is owned by the City of Roanoke, Water Authority staff provides security in the Natural Reserve as well as the reservoir.  We respond to calls from lost or injured hikers, and our staff monitors and patrols the trails and land to make sure that there is no illegal activity on the property such as hunting or ATV use that could harm visitors, wildlife or the watershed.

Authority staff also provides maintenance to the fire road to make sure it can remain open in case of emergency or fire, are installing mile markers along the fire road and are working with the City of Roanoke to increase the amount of informative signage at the Cove.  We also are responsible for having all trash collected from trash cans, maintaining the restroom facilities and the new port-o-john facility at Bennett Springs and general grounds maintenance at the boat landing.

As you know, Carvins Cove is a wonderful recreation and clean water asset to this valley.   We are thankful for the many volunteers who help maintain the trails and the trail users who purchase passes to help keep the reservoir open, secure and enjoyable for all.

Carvins Cove is an incredible asset, one that we're fortunate to have access to. There is a lot of positive momentum surrounding the Cove and you're encouraged to get involved and help make it even better. The trails are built and maintained by volunteers and these die-hard volunteers can always use a helping hand (click here to learn more).

Via Hometalk...

It may seem hard to get through a day without generating trash or even recyclable waste. The easiest ways to buy products, clean surfaces and perform other tasks often involve disposable items. However, you can often reduce your environmental impact and save money by replacing standard disposable items with reusable alternatives.

Even if you buy disposable items made with recycled and recyclable materials, they require energy and materials to create. Moreover, they require more energy to recycle. If disposable items end up in landfills, they might take months or years to decompose.

Here are 12 categories of disposable products that can easily be replaced with reusable products.

1. Beverage bottles: Disposable plastic water bottles are one of the great demons of the environmental movement, sending unnecessary plastic into the landfill. A variety of reusable metal and plastic alternatives are widely available. They are typically more expensive than a bottle of Evian, but they are infinitely refillable, saving plenty of money in the long run. Also consider reusable bottles and cups for soda and other beverages.

Milk containers pose other environmental problems. While plastic jugs are typically recyclable, they often end up in the landfill, where they may take hundreds of years to decompose. However, old-fashioned milk delivery in reusable glass bottles is becoming popular again. Also, more vendors, particularly natural foods grocers, are offering milk in reusable glass or plastic bottles.

To be sure, production and transportation of glass bottles is quite energy-intensive. However, reusing the glass and getting milk from local dairies significantly reduces the environmental impact.

2. Plastic bags: Disposable plastic grocery bags, though convenient, are another environmental scourge. An estimated 60,000 plastic bags are used every five seconds in the U.S. However, it seems that with each passing month, more shoppers at local grocery stores are bringing reusable bags made of cloth, canvas or other materials.

Smaller disposable plastic produce bags can also be replaced with cloth bags. Consider getting some used pillowcases at thrift stores, or sew small cloth sacks, and take them to the store along with your reusable shopping bags. Also look for bulk bins, and bring your own containers for grains, snacks, cereals and other foods. Instead of getting cereal in a disposable waxed paper bag within a disposable cardboard box, just put it in your own container.

You can even pour cereal or other foods into your own glass jars for home storage. Just be sure to measure and mark the tare, or empty, container weight.

3. Takeout containers: Even if you get reusable containers and bags to clean up your act at the grocery store, you may still get plenty of disposable materials when you eat out. Fast food outlets and other restaurants that use plastic cutlery and containers generate plenty of waste. But you can help reduce the waste stream by carrying your own metal or bamboo utensil sets, and bringing reusable food containers.

Some restaurants may bar such containers for fear of cross-contamination. However, others encourage reusable containers and recognize the financial and environmental benefits. At the very least, they can’t stop you from putting leftovers in your own container instead of their disposable plastic or Styrofoam boxes.

4. Coffee cups and filters: Many of us can’t do without our daily coffee, but we can enjoy it without disposable cups and filters. Carry a reusable mug in your car for coffee on the go, and keep one at the office for workplace coffee. Many coffee shops even offer a discount for java junkies who bring their own cup.

For making coffee at home, consider replacing disposable paper filters with permanent filters made with stainless steel or other products. Also consider replacing disposable single-serving packages of coffee grounds with bulk coffee in reusable containers.

5. Toiletries: Next, it’s time to brush away the coffee breath. While a partly disposable toothbrush is essentially unavoidable, you can reduce 93 percent of toothbrush waste by replacing the head on these reusable toothbrush handles.

Likewise, disposable razors can be replaced with less wasteful (albeit more expensive) razors with permanent handles and small disposable heads, which last longer than many disposable alternatives. Other less wasteful alternatives include straight razors and electric razors. Of course, the latter require energy for charging, but they don’t require hot water or shaving foam.

6. Baby diapers and wipes: In 2006, American babies wore 3.6 millions tons of disposable diapers, generating 2 percent of all municipal waste, in the form of stinky plastic balls that might take centuries to decompose.

However, the reusable cloth alternative is making a comeback. Cloth diapers can either be washed at home or cleaned through a diaper service.

Stacks of studies in recent years have compared the environmental impacts of disposable and cloth diapers. While some studies show that more water and electricity is used in laundering cloth diapers than in producing an equivalent number of disposable diapers. However, it is undeniable that disposable diapers generate more waste. Moreover, cloth diaper users can reduce energy usage by line-drying diapers.

Reusable baby wipes and nursing pads are also widely available.

7. Feminine products: Women in the United States throw out an estimated 12 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons every year. There are several reusable alternatives, including menstrual cups and washable cloth pads.

8. Toilet paper: This may be the toughest sell on the list, but washable cloth wipes can replace standard toilet paper. Another option, although it is a big-ticket item, is to switch to a bidet.

9. Newspapers and magazines: By some measures, newspapers and magazines are the only single source of trash larger than diapers. As a magazine contributor and former newspaper editor, it pains me to admit that reusable alternatives can replace physically delivered newspapers and magazines. Computers and e-readers offer low-waste options for reading the news, and many laptops and e-readers use relatively little energy.

10. Cleaning products: Replace paper towels and other cleaning products with reusable alternatives. For example, Skoy uses cotton and cellulose to make quick-drying, absorbent cloths that can replace both paper towels and sponges for many cleaning jobs.

Swiffer mops are also very popular, but are essentially disposable and quite wasteful. Reusable microfiber cloths do the same job with less waste. Standard disposable sponges can also be replaced with natural cellulose sponges, which can be disinfected in the microwave. These natural cellulose sponges also have other environmental advantages. They are not packaged with embedded chemical disinfectants, like most disposable sponges.

11. Batteries: As a new parent, I am starting to realize that children can generate a steady stream of used batteries, which should only be tossed out in certain locations. Avoid the hassle and the waste by using rechargeable batteries and a home charger.

Check for compatibility before using rechargeable batteries in certain devices. There are several types of batteries, and some devices work better with specific types. Also seek out high-quality rechargeable batteries, as their charge levels and longevity are worth the extra cost. The Sanyo Eneloop may cost more than $3 each, but they come pre-charged and can be recharged up to 1,500 times, and they are widely considered the best rechargeable batteries on the market.

12. Pens and ink cartridges: Disposable plastic pens may be everywhere, but you may be able to write better and generate less waste with a refillable pen. If you let your printer do most of your writing, switch to refillable cartridges. Many companies remanufacture and refill ink cartridges. These professional refills are generally considered a better option than home refill kits, which can be messy and ineffective.

Our blog/newsletter will be taking the next two weeks off...why you ask. Because we'll be attending the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market tradeshow - the season's biggest gathering of the outdoor industry, or as our friends at The Gear Junkie like to say, "a literal tsunami of gear".

We'll be sending out live updates via Twitter (@roanoke_outside) and share a "drool report" when we get back.

In the mean enjoy some sneak-peak pictures shared by The Gear Junkie...

—Watch for coverage of more new gear with GearJunkie’s reporting on the Outdoor Retailer trade show throughout the month.

Could your artwork be the face of America's Toughest Road Marathon?

National College Blue Ridge Marathon has partnered with the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge to bring you an opportunity to have your art chosen as the official artwork of the Blue Ridge Marathon.

Runners along with family and friends will participate in the National College Blue Ridge Marathon held for the 3rd year in downtown Roanoke. The winning art from this contest will be used for the marathon t-shirt, posters, and other print and promotional materials.

Schedule

• Deadline for submissions is January 30, 2012
• Submissions may be dropped off at The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge’s office (20 Church Ave. SE, Roanoke) Mon – Fri between 9:30am and 4:30pm, January 1, 2012 through January 30, 2012.
• Entries may also be shipped to the above address but must be RECEIVED by 5pm January 30th.
• Winners will be announced February 3rd.
• All non-winning entries must be picked up by 5pm February 10, 2012. Artwork left after that date will become the unrestricted property of The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge.

Awards
The selection committee will be looking for one original image to represent the marathon. The winner will receive $500, a t-shirt, poster, and a lot of recognition. There will also be a $150 second and $100 third place prize awarded..

Specifications

• All 2D media accepted; winning entry will be reproduced & printed by 4-color process
• Digital artwork should be vector format. (.eps), and entry version mounted on foam core
• Overall size should not exceed 30”x 30” (20”x 30” is suggested)
• Artwork should have a vertical orientation (keep in mind the proportions of a t-shirt)
• Submit up to three designs
• Sign and attach entry form.
• No age limit

Send questions to marketing@theartscouncil.org.