Start 2010 with a hike, a run, a ride — even a chilly dive

I can almost guarantee that your resolution to be more active in 2010 will last at least through New Year’s Day. That’s because there are way too many activities scheduled to keep you on the move.

Sure, some fall into the intense category. The Triangle Scuba Group plans to dive the frigid waters at Fantasy Lake at 10 a.m. The North Carolina Bicycle Club plans to get together for a little ride — of 62 miles at an average pace of 19 to 20 miles per hour. And no doubt someone has plans to lead a winter assault on Mt. Mitchell or Clingman’s Dome.

But there are plenty of events aimed at mortals. Here’s a sampling of some I’ve found throughout the state. (If you know of one you don’t see here, fill me in.)

Triangle

Hikes

Eno River New Year’s Day Hike
What: Guided hikes of 2 and 4-5 miles.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Eno River State Park, Durham. For directions, go here.
The scoop: A Triangle tradition, this Eno River Association-sponsored hike attracts upwards of 500 hikers when the weather’s good, so be sure to arrive early. “Hot chocolate, marshmallows, popcorn and s’mores will be served around the fire at the end of the hike.”
More info: 919.620.9099, association@enoriver.org

Ron Drago’s Annual New Years Day Hike Out at Umstead
What: Three loop hikes totaling 5 miles (the shortest option is 2.8 miles).
When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Umstead State Park, U.S. 70/Glenwood Avenue entrance, Raleigh. For directions, go here.
The Scoop: Three loop option lets you determine how far you’re up for.
More info: rd4ah@earthlink.net.

Sierra Club Hike at Falls Lake
What: 4.5-mile out-and-back hike on Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Shinleaf Recreation of Falls Lake State Recreation Area. To get there: Take New Light Road north from NC 98 north of Raleigh; entrance is on the right.
The Scoop: Hike is from the Shinleaf Recreation Area and group size is limited to 20; reservations required by contacting Jim Avery (below).
More info:  Jim Avery at 919-219-4165 or javery3@nc.rr.com.

Runs

North Carolina Roadrunners Club 9th Annual Resolution Run
What: 5k/fun run;
When: 9 a.m.
Where: NCSU Centennial Campus, 1099 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh.
The Scoop: Predict your time before the race, when a prize if you come close. Awards in 5K to top three male and female overall finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age divisions: 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-over. $20 for the 5K, $10 for the Mini-Resolution fun runs (100 meters for ages 6 and under, 1/4-mile for 6- to 10-year-olds.
More info:   joutlaw@nc.rr.com or visit the N.C. Roadrunners Club.

New Year’s Day Run
What: 5-mile cross-country run.
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Duke School for Children, 3716 Erwin Road, Durham.
The Scoop: Part of the Carolina Godiva track club’s Winter Series. $5 fee.
More info: 919.929.8582  pjbruer@gmail.com.

Rides

TORC/Cycling Spoken Here Governor’s Creek New Year’s Ride
What: 6- to 12-mile (your choice) group mountain bike ride.
When: Noon.
Where: Governor’s Creek Trails, 3392 Underwood Road, Sanford. Map here.
The Scoop: Mountain bike ride on fairly mellow trail system, described by organizers as such: Mostly flow trails with some rock and a fairly challenging creek crossing. Helmet required.
More info: Go here.

New Year’s Day Ride at Umstead
What: 10- to 14-mile ride on bike & bridle trails.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Umstead State Park, Raleigh. Meet at Harrison Avenue entrance. Map here.
The Scoop: If you’re not into singletrack (see Governor’s Creek ride above), this ride will be on the finely crushed, hard-packed bike and bridle trails at Umstead. Generally smooth riding (unless there’s been a hard rain, then watch for ruts) with some good climbs.
More info: Go here.

Triad

Hikes

Yadkin River Day Hike
When: Noon.
Where: Pilot Mountain State Park.
The Scoop: Five-mile, moderately difficult hike in the Yadkin River section. Bring water, snacks, and rain gear.
More info: 336.679.8672 before 9 p.m., joelhike@yahool.com.

Runs

4th Annual Resolution Run
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Bur-Mil Park, Greensboro.
The Scoop: 5K benefit run on greenway requiring 10 cans of food as registration fee. Preregistration requested, by going here.
More info: 336.288.7071 or go here.

Running of the Lights 5K
When: 12 a.m. (Jan. 1)
Where: Tanglewood, Clemmons.
The Scoop: Run through Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights, then watch a fireworks show and a “champaign toast (sparkling grape juice).” Free coffee, too. $25. Runners get a long-sleeve Dry-Fit T-shirt.
More info: Go here.

Rides

13th Annual Polar Bear Ride
When: Noon.
Where: Ride starts from Cycles De Oro, 1410 Mill St., Greensboro.
The Scoop: Routes of 18, 41 and 62 miles. Ride is supported. $15, plus at least two cans of food, benefitting the Second Harvest Food Bank.
More info: 336-274-5959 or go here.

Charlotte

Hikes

Hikin’ in the New Year
When: Two hikes, 10-11:30 a.m.,1:30-3 p.m.
Where: Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road.
The Scoop: Naturalist-led, 2-mile hike. Free, but advanced registration required by calling the number below.
More info: 704.598.8857, or go here.

Girls on the Run 5K
When: 8 a.m.
Where: CMC – East Lincoln Medical Plaza, 1585 Forney Creek Parkway, Denver (northwest of Charlotte in Lincoln County).
The Scoop: 5K is part of the Girls on the Run program. $25.
More info: 704.748-9311 or go here.

Wilmington

Hikes

New Year’s Day Hike
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Lake Waccamaw State Park, 1866 State Park Dr. Lake Waccamaw (west of Wilmington).
The Scoop: Ranger-led hike.
More info: 910.646.4748, or go here.

Photo: Hikers welcome the new year on the Eno River Association’s annual New Year’s Day Hike. Photo by Ed Clayton/Eno River Association.

3 thoughts on “Start 2010 with a hike, a run, a ride — even a chilly dive”

  1. Thank you so much for all of this information…it’s nice to know of things to do with just a click and not a full search all over on the internet. Best wishes and happy new year! Lynn

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