Virginias vs. Carolinas: Which offers superior outdoor adventure?

Vote Here>>> and let us know!

Check out what other people have written about the two areas. I think you will be surprised!

Go Virginia!

Here is an excerpt from what one person wrote:

Jared Surasky-

“I thought so hard about this I got a headache! I have lived in Charleston SC, Asheville NC, and Charlottesville VA and I have to say that all are uniquely amazing when it comes to the outdoors. I have seen sunsets kayaking in the Ace Basin that would make your cry, hiked all over Western NC and seen beautiful things that would inspire a simple man to think profound thoughts (not that I’m simple), and climbed all over West Virginia, which is an endless playground of challenging routes! So, which is the best? I guess I will just have to be comfortable knowing that I won’t ever be able to answer that question. I can’t wait to see the results from this poll though!”

Aquapac Waterproof Backpack- Gear Review

What’s known as a commuter pack by some could be called a canyoneering or rafting pack by others. The Aquapac Wet and Dry Backpack is a 24-liter (1,525-cubic-inch) waterproof backpack made for a variety of uses.

With a roll-top closure and a TPU-coated nylon exterior with taped seams, it’s made to protect your stash 100 percent from all things liquid — in nature or on the way to work.

Aquapac Wet and Dry Backpack

The pack has an inner divider that helps keep your dry — or clean — gear separate from your wet — or dirty — gear. And it has a small clear pocket to stash and keep track of your phone, wallet, keys and other small items.

With a sternum and waist strap, rear light loop, reflective logo and mesh side pocket to store a water bottle, the Wet and Dry Backpack has the necessary features for a safe and comfortable commute, too.

The Aquapac Wet and Dry Backpack is currently available for $85. www.aquapac.net

—Ryan Dionne

Drink Beer, Save Water?

This summer if you were sipping a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, you were contributing to river conservation. The ever-popular Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. held a “Wild Rivers” campaign this past season where they donated 25 cents from every 12-pack sold to the Western Rivers

Conservancy. They recently cut the organization a check for $73,342.

-“Our beer is a product of our surroundings,” said Ken Grossman, Founder and President of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and member of the board of directors for Western Rivers Conservancy. “Sierra Nevada is not just the name of our brewery, but also a place with its own unique environment. We need to do our part in protecting that environment for generations to come.”-

Read more Here

Run for the Arts- Oct. 17th

Come out and help support the public arts.  Get in shape as your traverse along the City of Roanoke’s amazing public art installations. The Run for the Arts also includes a Poker Run with prizes for “best hand” and family walk. Pets are welcome too! (but must be on a leash)

Start Times

• 9:00 AM Race Start
• 9:15 AM Walk Start

Packet Pick-up

• Friday, October 16 – The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge offices – Center in the Square – One Market Square – 2nd Floor from 4-7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 17 – Roanoke Civic Center – Williamson Avenue – 7-8:45 AM

Join us after the race for refreshments, awards and prizes!

For more information visit Here or contact:

Krista Engl, Member Services and Programs Director
E-mail: kengl@theartscouncil.org or call 540.224.1203

Mud Run – Sept. 19

14th Marine Corp 5K Mud Run at Green Hill Park

If you have yet to take the Marine Mud Run Challenge, you’re missing out on the cleanest fun you’ll ever have with a 5K race! As you will see from the pictures on our web site, it’s a pretty muddy affair. Many folks ask, just how tuff is the course? We reply, it’s as hard or easy as you want it to be! We have semi-pro runners down to the neighbor next door that has never entered a 5k race. Individual and 5 Person Team races and a Pollywog Jog for 12 yrs. and under. One thing is for sure if you run this race the Marines will see to it that you finish it. Part of the Marines creed is to never leave another Marine behind. And for this event we will never leave a runner behind! Visit the official Mud Run website for details and to register.

Blue Ridge Marathon on the parkway!

I apologize for the lack of posts this week – we were a little busy preparing for the announcement of the Blue Ridge Marathon on the parkway!

Those of you who know me know that I am not a runner – a biker and kayaker yes, but not a runner. I’ve pledged to definitely do the half-marathon and will make my decision on the full marathon in January. I invite you to run with me.  If you are going to run the race, or just thinking about it, share your thoughts below in the “comments” section.

Join the Blue Ridge Marathon Fan page

Continue reading to see the full press release!

Bike Hero and Extraordinary Bike Professional Award Winners Announced

“Regional Bicycle Advisory Committee Recognizes Local Bicycle Advocates”
August 3, 2009 # 3:11 pm # Star City Harbinger

Roanoke, Va., August 3rd, 2009 – The Regional Bicycle Advisory Committee, organized by the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, is excited to announce the first winners of its Bike Hero and Extraordinary Bike Professional awards. The awards, sponsored by RIDE Solutions, honor individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to improving bicycle accommodations, education, access, and safety in the region. Individuals were nominated throughout this past May’s Bike Month event, and winners were selected by the Bicycle Advisory Committee. The awards and winners are as follows:

Touch-a-Truck (and other cool stuff)

Join the Roanoke County Parks & Recreation at Green Hill Park in Salem (July 25 – 10am-4m), as kids and adults get to see, touch, interact with and learn about dozens of cool vehicles. Look inside, sit inside and climb all over any of these unusual vehicles and talk to their operators. Additional favorite activities will include events involving “water” such as Firemen’s Foam, misting tent, water spray and much more. Face painting, balloon sculptures, costumed characters, food vendors and other special attractions will help to add to the event’s appeal. Over 100 vehicles will be here including:

• Firetrucks
• Garbage Trucks
• Race Cars
• Postal Cars
• Back Hoes
• Army Cars
• Small Planes
• Police Cars
• Tractors
• Dump Trucks
• Cement Mixers
• Tow Trucks
• TV Trucks
• Ambulances
• School Busses
• Helicopters
• and more!