Who’s up for hiking the Appalachian Trail?
If you’re interesting in taking a crack at the AT, you might want to check this out. Five local thru-hikers will share their experiences and info at a panel discussion at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Alliance Brewing Co. REI is sponsoring the event.
Friday, Feb. 1
Friday Fitness with Missy Kane: 9:15 a.m., Hot Springs, N.C. Meet at Iron Horse Inn. Free. Info: Covenant Health at 865-541-4500. Join Missy on the first Friday of each month for a 3-7-mile hike (various trail locations), moderate but not beginner. Register by calling Covenant Call Center at 865-541-4500 or emailing callcenter@covhlth.com.
CVTA North Boundary Trails Group Run: 5:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails in Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. We’ll break into several groups of similar distance and pace. Veteran trail runners will lead newcomers on a low-key introduction to trail running. Easy, ~3.5 mile, no drop run. Options available for more experienced runners to break off and run faster/farther/harder. Bring a headlamp.
Friday Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Pour Taproom. Free. Info: 865 Running. Run 3 miles downtown, World’s Fair Park and river walk. Then drinks with 10 percent off! All levels welcome.
Saturday, Feb. 2
Saturday Group Run: 8 a.m., Runners Market Bearden. Free. Info: Runner’s Market at 865-588-1650. Join us for a relaxed-pace run of 3 to 5.5 miles along the Third Creek and Sequoyah Hills Greenways. Afterward, enjoy coffee and refreshments.
Bike Zoo Saturday Ride: 9 a.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. 3-hour ride of 50+ miles at a fast pace of 18/20 mph. Weather permitting!
Strawberry Plains 1/2 Marathon and 10K: 9 a.m., Rush Strong Elementary School. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Scenic and rolling course that meanders through the Holston River Valley with views of Clinch and House Mountain. 10K course is a mostly flat, out and back with a few climbs. Details and registration online.
Winter Creepin’: 9 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. This program will focus on Winter Creeper, a ground cover that spreads rapidly and damages native plant life. After a short introduction, volunteers will have the opportunity to help Ijams fight this deadly invader by removing it on the Quarry side of the property. Tools are provided. Please bring work or gardening gloves if you have them. Register online.
Flat Tire Clinic: 9-10 a.m. or 11-12 p.m., West Bicycles. Free. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Flat Tire Clinic to learn to repair flats quickly. Cost: $10. Limit 10 per class. Includes one spare tube.
Run 4 Their Lives 5k: 10 a.m., UT Gardens. Info: Freedom 4/24, CCAHT and Street Hope TN. Run 4 Their Lives raises awareness and funds to bring sexually exploited women and children into freedom.
Catalyst Climb: 10 a.m., River Sports Outfitters. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. The first Saturday of every month we are climbing with Catalyst Sports! This event is for anyone with physical disabilities. All ages are welcome to come and climb our rock wall!
Coffee and Climb with a Ranger: 10 a.m., Obed Wild & Scenic River. Free. Info: Obed Wild & Scenic River at 423-346-6294. Join National Park Service rangers for a free cup of coffee and Q&A about climbing. Then we’ll head over to the climbing area. We provide all of the gear. All you need to bring is drinking water, sturdy footwear. Details online.
Ijams Hiking Club February Hike: 10 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. Ijams Hiking club meets the first Saturday to hike a different trail each month with an Ijams naturalist to learn about plants and animals. Details and registration online.
Guided Trail Walk: 10:30 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Free. Info:Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. Each monthly walk is guided by a naturalist who can answer your questions about what you are seeing, on-going projects, future programs, and more. This is a perfect way to get to know more about the nature center. This is a FREE program with a recommended $5 donation. No registration necessary. Details online.
Resolution Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Join us for our third annual Resolution Ride, a free social-paced ride of 15- or 35-miles over gently rolling terrain.
Gears/Brake Clinic: 1 p.m., West Bicycles. Cost: $40. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Learn gear and brake repairs in our one-hour class on Saturdays. Limit 4 per class. Call shop to reserve your spot.
Sunday, Feb. 3
Hike Meigs Mountain to Lumber Ridge: 7:15 a.m., Alcoa Food City ORat the Townsend Wye at 7:45 a.m. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leader: Dale Potter. This is an 11-mile shuttle hike starting at Jakes Creek in Elkmont to Meigs Mountain trail, across Meigs Mountain to Lumber Ridge and out at Tremont. We will climb 3,500 feet along the way with a stop at a cemetery before descending to Lumber Ridge. Rated moderate.
First Annual Super Bowl Shenanigans: 9 a.m., Fort Southwest Point in Kingston. Info: Roane County Disc Golf. First round will be a reverse round – very challenging. Second round will be an epic safari round with shenanigans involved! $10 a player or $20 per team; random A-B draw.
TVB Winter Gravel Series Ride: 11 a.m., North Boundary Trails in Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Tennessee Valley Bikes at 865-540-9979. We’ll ride ~12.6 miles with under 1,500 ft. elevation. There is some mixed gravel as well as the trail surface to test out different tire pressures and gear setup. Easy, no-drop ride open to all skill levels.
Intro to Climbing: 1 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Yoga for Climbers: 7 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost: $8. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Join us for yoga every Sunday. Participants will receive a 20 percent off PrAna & Lole card.
Monday, Feb. 4
KTC Group Run: 6 p.m., Balter Beerworks. Free. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Monday evening social-pace group run; afterward, stick around for a discounted beer.
South Knox Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Alliance Brewing Company. Free. 865 Running. Social pace 3-ish mile run, come back for $1 beers. All levels are welcome.
Bearden Beer Market Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Bearden Beer Market. Free. Info: Bearden Beer Market at 865-851-8922. Group Fun Run through the neighborhood. Open to all levels of walkers and runners followed by $1 off all pints.
Group Run Alcoa/Maryville Greenway: 6:30 p.m., Bike N’Tri in Maryville. Free. Info: Bike N’Tri at 615-944-1729. Group run on the Alcoa/Maryville Greenway. All levels welcome.
Ladies Night at the Climbing Center: 7-10 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost: $12. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. First Monday of each month is Ladies Night. Come enjoy a fun night at the gym! It’s only $12 for a pass and gear rental.
SCO Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. Southern Cycling Operations is a Bike Zoo-sponsored cycling club focused on all levels of bicycle racing and supporting local and national cycling advocacy. Join us on the first Monday of each month for our monthly meeting.
Tuesday, Feb. 5
Tuesday B Group Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. B Group is a “No Drop” ride (15-18 mph) 35-45 miles. Must have general skills to ride roads with car traffic. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Tuesday A Group Ride: 10:30 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. A Group rides 40+ miles at 20+ average pace. This group is for advanced riders with good pace line skills. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Intro to Climbing: 6 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Tuesday Night No-drop MTB ride: 6 p.m. The Cove at Concord Park. Free.Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Meet in the parking area near the boat ramp across from the Cove at Concord. Must have at least one fully charged light on your handlebars or helmet. We will be riding in the dark. This 2-hour weekly ride is designed to be a fun social MTB ride. May split into multiple groups.
Clean, Protect, Lube: 6:30 p.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Learn about cleaning and inspecting your bike, including the drivetrain; lubrication and protective finishes; and what to avoid. Information and demonstration, 45-60 minutes.
Wednesday, Feb. 6
TVB Yoga for Cyclists: 7 a.m., Tennessee Valley Bikes. Cost: $10. Info: Tennessee Valley Bikes at 865-540-9979. Every Wednesday morning for 75 minutes. No subscription or membership required.
KTC Group Run: 5:30 p.m., Runners Market Bearden. Free. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Wednesday evening social-pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Grab a beer with some good folks afterward.
Thru-Hiking the AT: Panel Discussion with Local Thru-hikers: 6 p.m., Alliance Brewing Company. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. Whether you have dreamed about hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, you are sure to gain some firsthand knowledge from this Thru-Hiking panel discussion. Five local long-distance thru-hikers who have hiked the AT will share their experiences and information with you. Meet at Alliance Brewing Co. and your first beverage is on REI! Member price: $5. Non-member price: $15. Register online.
Night Gravel Grinder Ride: 6:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails. Free. Info: Knoxville Bicycle Company at 865-240-3499. Very casual pace about 11 miles, just for fun. Night Gravel Grinder ride: Bring your Cross, Gravel or MTB. Two levels of riding: “A” and “B.” Bring lights. Regroups as necessary.
KTOS Monthly Meeting – Atlantic Odyssey: 6:45 p.m., UT College of Veterinary Medicine, Room 118. Free. Info: Knoxville Chapter TN Ornithological Society. Ron Hoff will present “Atlantic Odyssey,” about a 34-day trip that started in Argentina, made several stops in the Southern Ocean before ending in the Cape Verde Islands off Eastern Africa. As Ron called it, “a lifetime experience.” All visitors are welcome.
Thursday, Feb. 7
Tuesday A & B Group Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. A Group ride is usually a 40+ miles at 20+ average pace. This group is for advanced riders with good pace line skills. B Group ride is a “No Drop” ride (15-18 mph) 35-45 miles. Must have general skills to ride roads with car traffic. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Superfly Happy Hour: 5-7:30 p.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Free. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. Join us on Thursdays for fun and friendship; everyone is welcome. This week’s speaker is local legend Mike Bone, the Godfather of fishing guides in East Tennessee. This is your opportunity to pick his brain about high-water tactics, what flies work best or how to row a weir dam.
North Knox Beer Runners: 6 p.m., Central Flats and Taps. Free. Info: North Knox Beer Runners. Fun and easy run through North Knox and Happy Holler. Don’t forget lights and reflective gear.
Fleet Feet Sports Open Group Run/Walk: 6 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports. Free. Info: Fleet Feet Sports at 865-675-3338. Our 30- to 60-minute route varies week by week in the various neighborhoods and greenways around the store. All levels welcome.
Night Trail Ride: 6 p.m., Check Facebook for meeting location. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Social-pace ride on Beginner Plus/Intermediate cross-country terrain with roots, rocks and challenging climbs. Ride subject to cancellation or change in location due to wet trail conditions. Must have lights.
Rock Climbing Basics with She Moves Mountains East: 6 p.m., REI Knoxville. Free. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. Join REI and She Moves Mountains for an in-store, introductory class in rock climbing. Participants will leave with an understanding of the different types of climbing, what gear is necessary and the basics on how to get started. She Moves Mountains, a local climbing company, will be onsite with information about upcoming climbing clinics. Register online.
Friday, Feb. 8
Liken’ Lichens Teacher Workshop – Feb 8-10: 8 a.m., Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont at 865-448-6709. Spend the weekend delving into the enchanting world of lichens as we learn their basic ecology, identification and natural history during this field-based teacher workshop. Participants will practice methods for setting up a lichen-monitoring project back in their schoolyard. Workshop lasts from Friday supper to Sunday lunch. Register online.
Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) – Feb 8-10: 8 a.m., Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont at 865-448-6709. Come learn and practice skills that will connect you to nature. We will take inspiration and tips from the rich history of naturalist-explorers, learn to use a journal as a place to capture observations and grow, and share the wonder and joy with each other as we probe the secrets of the world around us. Register online.
CVTA North Boundary Trails Group Run: 5:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. We will break into several groups of similar distance and pace. There will be veteran trail runners on hand to lead newcomers on a low-key introduction to trail running. We look to do a nice, easy, no-drop run of approximately 3.5 miles. More experienced runners can break off and run faster/farther/harder.
Friday Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Pour Taproom. Free. Info: 865 Running. Run 3 miles downtown, World’s Fair Park and river walk; then drinks with 10 percent off. All levels welcome.
Saturday, Feb. 9
Winter Backpack, Little Frog Wilderness – Feb. 9-10: 8 a.m. TBA. Free.Info: Harvey Broom Sierra Club. The Little Frog Wilderness, adjacent to the Ocoee River near Ducktown, Tenn., and the infamous Copper Basin, is a great example of how relatively small areas can be set aside to preserve critical wilderness. Hike distance: 7.4 miles. Rated moderate. Must preregister with Ron Shrieves at ronshrieves@gmail.comfor meeting time and location.
Bike Zoo Saturday Ride: 9 a.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. Three-hour ride of 50+ miles at a fast pace of 18/20 mph. Weather permitting.
Climbing Scout Badge Clinic: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost: $30. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Scouts can complete the requirements for their Climbing Merit Badge on the second Saturday of every month.
AMBC Trail Building Work Day: 9-12 p.m. Baker Creek Preserve. Free. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Come help us build trails! Bring your gloves, water and eye protection. We’ll provide tools and lunch.
Flat Tire Clinic: 9-10 a.m. or 11 a.m.-12 p.m., West Bicycles. Free. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Flat Tire Clinic to learn to repair flats quickly. Cost: $10. Limit 10 per class. Includes one spare tube.
Spread the Love Volunteer Day: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Seven Islands State Park at the Bluebird Barn. Free. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Participants should be prepared with sturdy footwear, work gloves, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water and food (snacks and/or lunch). Much of this work will be physically demanding, but we can find a project for everyone! With minimal park staff, every little bit helps from our volunteers. Sign up online.
Hike Ijams, Mead’s Quarry, Ross Marble Quarry and thereabouts: 9:30 a.m., Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. We’ll begin by walking some of the trails in Ijams Nature Center, loop around Mead’s Quarry and head off to Ross Marble Quarry and back. Depending on weather and enthusiasm we’ll walk 5-7 miles. This hike is moderate, with one steep climb around Mead’s Quarry and the possibility of muddy trails. Leader: Claudia Dean at claudiadean0@gmail.com
Ijams Birds-N-Bagels: Birds of Prey: 10 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost: $10. Info: Ijams Nature Centerat 865-577-4717. This month we start preparing for the spring hawk migration. Together we will learn how to look at birds of prey to find common field markings, flight patterns, behaviors and more. We will use feathers, skulls and real live birds to get a better understanding of these regal animals. Cost: $10. Register online.
Resolution Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Join us for our third annual Resolution Ride, a free social-paced ride of 15 or 35 miles over gently rolling terrain.
Cupid’s Undie Run: 12 p.m., Merchants of Beer. Info: Cupid’s Undie Run. Join us for a “brief” fun run that takes place in the middle of a BIG party. That’s right: party, run (a mile-ish, at your own pace), party – all to find a cure to neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that affects one in every 3,000 children born. We encourage undies, but we get that it’s not for everyone; maybe costumes are more your style.
Gears/Brake Clinic: 1 p.m., West Bicycles. Cost: $40. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Learn gear and brake repairs in our one-hour class on Saturdays. Limit four per class. Call shop to reserve your spot.
Astronomy from the Fire Tower: 6:30 p.m., Frozen Head State Park. Cost: $15. Info: Frozen Head State Park at 423-346-3318. See the winter constellations in full splendor as you join park rangers and explore the wonders of the stars from the top of Frozen Head Mountain. Dress for high winds and extreme temperatures, as we ascend the fire tower and receive an unobstructed view of the night sky. Feel bring to bring snacks, a blanket and a camp chair. We will be meeting at the park visitor center and shuttling. Register online.
Sunday, Feb. 10
Duck Day: 8:30 a.m., Douglas Dam Boat Launch. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318, ext. 349. Join Keith Watson to check out our area’s waterfowl! We’ll scope the headwaters of the main body of Douglas Lake then visit some fringe areas of the lake and a couple of prime spots in Jefferson County to search for wintering waterfowl like ducks, loons, geese, gulls and grebes. Two miles maximum; rated easy to moderate. Register online.
Intro to Climbing: 1 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Frozen Kayak Paddle: 3 p.m., Fort Loudoun State Historic Park. Cost: $10/personal kayak or $20/rental kayak. Info: Fort Loudoun State Historic Park at 423-420-2331. Join a park ranger on a 2-mile paddle around Fort Loudoun and learn the history of the waterway, Fort Loudoun and the Tellico Blockhouse. Paddling during the wintertime gives a unique opportunity to view animals and birds that are actively foraging and may not be seen as often during warmer weather. This is a cold-weather paddle, recommended for experienced paddlers. Register online.
Yoga for Climbers: 7 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost: $8. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Join us for yoga every Sunday. Participants will receive a 20 percent off PrAna & Lole card.
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