Got Boots? Looking for Adventure?

As I write this, the sun is shining in that deceptive, is-it-spring-yet way we know so well in the Buckeye State. It's barely 42 degrees outside, yet I think (I wish) that it's much warmer. I've got a bad case of spring fever, and the advertisement for the "Hocking Outback Trail Adventure" in my Buckeye Trail Association newsletter is definitely making it worse.

I love the new bumper sticker, available from the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA). Playing off the old "milk" ad campaign, it simply asks, "GOT BOOTS?"

Yeah, I've got boots. And a bad case of wanna-get-out-and-use-'em. If you're feeling the same way, here's some advice: Hit your local trails now, and plan to hit the road next month to join other outdoor enthusiasts at the Hocking Outback Trail Adventure weekend, May 15- 16th, at Hocking College in Nelsonville.

Sponsored by the college and the BTA, the weekend promises everything but good weather. Here's the scoop:

WHEN: Saturday 8 - 7, Sunday 8 - 4
WHAT: EVERYTHING for Outdoorsy, Sports-minded folks.
Everything? Yeah, everything.
For Bikers: Rocky Classic Mountain, Bike Race and separate tour (on Saturday), and Mountain Bike Clinic "School of Dirt."
For Hikers: Survival classes, food dehydrating demos, edible and medicinal plant clinics, orienteering, plus more clinics, demos and education on snakes and raptors, backpacking, fly fishing, and more!
For Runners: The Hocking 5K and Hocking Half Marathon are both held on Saturday. For more information about these races, go to http://www.hfpracing.com
PLUS:This trail adventure includes Equestrian training, and trail rides at Smokerise Ranch; and for the truly adventurous, there is an Adventure Race scheduled for Sunday.

Whew. I have to catch my breath...
OK, here's the best part: ADMISSION IS FREE. Hope to see you there!

HELPFUL LINKS:
Find out more about the event: http://www.trailadventure.org/
Find your way to Hocking College at http://www.hocking.edu/ (You've gotta love a college who's slogan is, "Where Nature Meets Technology.")
Where to stay, what to do in Athens County: http://www.athensohio.com/

HEY, You in the Northern Half of the State...
If you're not motivated to drive south for the adventure, don't despair. You can get out and enjoy the great outdoors close to home, too. Saturday, May 15 is also the date of Pedal with Pete, which for the second year in a row, includes a hiking option. (Pedal with Pete, in case you don't know, is a non-competitive bike benefit offering two routes, and--my favorite part--free massages for riders!) The bike ride starts in Kent; walking options are available in Kent and in Hudson. Sign up or just find out more about this ride that supports research for treatment and (we hope!) a cure for Cerebral Palsy at http://www.pedalwithpete.com/

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