First, we’re guessing a lot of you are wondering what an Open Fat Bike is. Actually, it’s just a Fat Bike, which is a mountain bike with bulbous tires, defined as wider than four inches. Typically, they’re used to bomb down mountains, rolling over whatever lies in wait. In this case, however, they will be used to race on the beach, in sand, which any cyclist will tell you is a challenge at best, a nightmare to the drive train at worst.read more
The timing of the Triangle Land Conservancy’s “Wild Ideas for Getting Outside” symposium on Tuesday couldn’t be much better. If ever there were an audience receptive to the notion of discovering new ways and places to to get outside and explore, the frozen Triangle would be it. After two straight weeks of cold, snow, ice and no school, who isn’t ready to bust down the door and go a little wild?
TLC hatched its Wild Ideas concept last fall, with its inaugural “Feeding the Triangle: Increasing Access to Fresh Farms and Food.” The goal of Wild Ideas, according to TLC, is to provide “a dynamic, interactive venue for the community to share their innovative ideas for safeguarding clean water, protecting natural habitats, supporting local farms and food, and connecting people with nature.”
It’s the “connecting people with nature” goal that’s the impetus for Tuesday’s gathering. It’s a goal that dovetails with the mission of GetGoingNC, which is why they asked us to play a role. The event begins with GGNC’s Joe Miller offering an overview of the myriad ways you can connect with nature in the Triangle. Then, representatives from disciplines including hiking, mountain biking and paddling will discuss their areas of play in greater detail. But not too much, which is one of several great things about this program: the introductory speaker has 10 minutes to talk, the other speakers five. The emphasis is on sharing ideas, which will occur in a follow-up Q&A, and afterward, where at least 20 local groups will participate in an Outdoor Expo where you can learn more about connecting with nature in the Triangle.
And while you’re learning about connecting, enjoy free food by Parizade and beer donated by Lonerider Brewing Company. (We should note, too, that the event is supported by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Great Outdoor Provision Co., both of which are major supporters of GetGoingNC.com.)
Then, once you get all excited about getting outside, TLC isn’t going to just let you loose to your own devices. On Saturday, March 7, there’s a follow-up: Wild Ideas Goes Outside, a series of outings intended to actually connect you with nature. There are bird walks, trail runs, a bike ride, paddle trips and hikes (we’re especially keen on the GetHiking! Triangle hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail). Find a complete rundown of Wild Ideas Goes Outside events here.
Again, the timing for Wild Ideas for Getting Outside couldn’t be better. While the forecast calls for cold with light rain Tuesday, the thaw, and our return to connecting with nature, begins in earnest the following day. Forecast high high for Wednesday?read more
A flat run at the coast, a rolling ride in the mountains and a thoughtful hike in between.
Coast
Looking for a fast race to get your season off to an encouraging start? Check out the 2nd Annual Brunswick Forest 15K/5K Sunday down Wilmington way,
Specifically, the 5K and 15K courses are in the Brunswick Forest neighborhood. Racing by gender and age category for more serious runners, or show up looking like Ludwig and perhaps win a prize. Food, adult beverages and more afterward. Proceeds benefit the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.read more
It’s a new year and time to branch out, to learn a new sport, learn about a new place to explore.
Coast
Looking for new adventure in 2015? Check out the Cold Stroke Classic Saturday in Wrightsville Beach.
Now in its seventh year, the classic is a stand-up paddlboard competition that appeals both to the experienced SUPer with a 7-mile race and the beginner, with a course half as long. Cash awards in the elite category, $5,000 in prizes for the beginners. Don’t have a board? No problem; check out the used gear swap on Friday. Don’t have a wetsuit? That’s a problem.read more
Little Long Mountain (photo courtesy The Land Trust for Central North Carolina)
When Don Childrey was a Boy Scout in Burlington in the 1970s, his Troop No. 73 frequently went backpacking in the Uwharrie Mountains.
“I didn’t realize at the time what a big deal it was,” recalls Childrey.
The big deal was that Asheboro area scout leader Joe Moffitt had grown weary of taking his troops to the mountains for their 50-mile backpacking badges. Shoot, we could do those here, he figured, what with the 51,000-acre Uwharrie National Forest in his backyard. So he set about, over just five years, to build a trail running from the Asheboro airport off NC 49 south to NC 24/27, distance of about 40 miles. (Additional trail on the southern end of the forest boosted the overall total closer to 50.) Moffitt worked with the U.S. Forest Service to blaze some of the trail, he worked with private land owners, primarily on the north end, to blaze more. Moffitt’s localness and ability to get along with anyone went a long way toward getting private landowners on board.
In the ‘80s. Moffitt’s handshake agreements didn’t always translate as land was handed down to younger generations. Increasingly, sections of the once legendary Uwharrie National Recreation Trail on private lands disappeared. By the early ‘90s, the trail was down to 20 miles, from Tot Hill Road south to NC 24/27.read more
