Submit items at least one week in advance of publication for the Outdoors Calendar, a weekly listing of hiking, mountain biking, paddling, running and other activities in Western North Carolina. Share your events at CITIZEN-TIMES.com/events or email editor Karen Chávez at KChavez@CITIZEN-TIMES.com.
Cycling Races/Events
Bike lane clean-up: Aug. 8, 8:45 a.m.-noon, Clingman Cafe, 242 Clingman Ave., Asheville. Hosted by Blue Ridge Bicycle Club. After breakfast, pick up trash along Riverside Drive and Lyman Street bike lanes until noon. Bags, gloves, safety vests, and water supplied. 828-707-8920.
Lung Buster Series-Elk Mountain Time Trial: Aug. 13, 6:15 p.m., Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, North Asheville. Five mile uphill climb race (one way) with scenic switch backs. Designed to test your lungs and climbing legs. http://idaph.net/events/lung-buster-time-trial-series/elk-mountain-time-trial/.
Blue Ridge Breakaway: Aug. 15, 7:30 a.m., Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, 91 N. Lakeshore Drive. A variety of routes for all skill levels. Beginners and avid cyclists will find challenging rides to meet individual needs. This is a ride, not a race, so follow traffic laws. 828-456-3021 or http://Blueridgebreakaway.com.
Lake Lure Olympiad — Race to the Rock 25 Mile Bike Race: Aug. 16, 7:30 a.m., begins outside entrance to Chimney Rock State Park. Just like the 5K run, this event is unique in that athletes choose one or the other, but both races end with an intense 7-9 percent grade incline that finishes at the base of 315-foot-tall Chimney Rock. www.lakelureolympiad.com.
Gran Fondo Asheville: Aug. 30, 8 a.m., Pack Square Park, 121 College St., downtown. Designed for cyclists at varying skill levels with courses covering 30, 60 and 100 mile journeys. Also enjoy Organicfest: music, vendors, massage therapists, kids zone, organic food and beer. $50-$95. www.gfncs.com.
Asheville Gravel Grinder: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, Asheville. 40 or 60 mile options. The first 6-8 miles is on paved surface. Cyclists then switch to dirt/gravel paths on their way to the west side of the estate. http://idaph.net/events/du-the-asheville-du/gravel-grinder-bike-race-course-information/.
Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride: Sept. 26-Oct. 3, downtown Waynesville. Not classified as a race but a leisurely ride across the state making overnight stops. Waynesville will serve as base camp for initial kick-off. Participants arrive Sept. 26 and begin their journey Sept. 27 and travel 55 miles to Hendersonville, where they spend the night before continuing to Shelby. The ride ends in Oak Island. http://cnc.ncsports.org/fallCNCRide/.
Hiking/Walking
Hike to Douglas Falls in Barnardsville: Aug. 8, 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., meet at YMCA-Woodfin, 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville. 2.5 miles round trip. Easy. Bring lunch/snacks, water, hiking poles. Free, $5 gas reimbursement if carpooling. Contact Blanca Miller at 828-658-0047 or Bmoi735@gmail.com.
Classic Hike of the Smokies along Big Creek: Aug. 11 with Friends of the Smokies. Two guided hikes for beginning and experienced hikers near North Carolina/Tennessee border. Easy 5 miles with 288 feet elevation gain and and easy to moderate 10-mile hike. Participants will stop at Midnight Hole for a rest. Hikes second Tuesday of each month. $35, $10 Friends members. Register at www.friendsofthesmokies.org/events/.
Wild mushroom walks-guided hike: Aug. 14 and 28, 11 a.m.-noon, Chimney Rock State Park. Identify and learn about some of the most common mushrooms of more than 1,000 species that could be growing in WNC. Meet at Grady’s Animal Discovery Den. Important: collecting or removing plants from all N.C. State Parks is prohibited. Included with park admission. www.chimneyrockpark.com/events/event_detail.php?EVENT_ID=540.
“Secrets of Natural Walking” workshop: Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Secrets of Natural Walking Center of Asheville, 70 Woodfin Place, Suite 212, downtown. Theory is combined with interactive practical exercises so participants can “walk away” with the key components of each step removing stress on joints and enabling the muscles and organs to work as designed. Let your walking be your healing. Register at SONWAsheville@gmail.com. $150 (senior/student discounts available). Visit www.natural-walking.com.
Hike to Wintergreen Falls in DuPont Forest: Aug. 19, 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m., meet in lobby of YMCA-Woodfin, 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Three miles. Easy to moderate. Bring lunch/snacks, water and hiking poles. Boots recommended. Email Bmoi735@gmail.com or call 828-658-0047 to register. Free, $5 gas reimbursement if carpooling.
Hike to Cataloochee in GSMNP: Aug. 23, 8:45 a.m., meet in south parking lot at YMCA-Woodfin, 40 N. Merrimon Ave., Asheville. 6.5-8 miles. Moderate. Estimated hiking time five hours. Estimated driving time 50-55 minutes, not far from I-40. Bring lunch/snacks, water, hiking poles. Boots recommended. Email charlieflynn11@gmail.com to register. Free, $5 gas reimbursement if carpooling.
Multisports
Lake Logan Multi-Sport Festival: Aug. 8-9, Lake Logan Episcopal Center, 154 Suncrest Mill Road, Canton. The Lake Logan Half (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1-mile run) will return this year as the only race on Saturday. The original International race (1500m swim, 24 mile bike, 10K run) will celebrate its 10th anniversary and move to Sunday with the Lake Logan Sprint (500m swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run). http://gloryhoundevents.com/lake-logan-multisport-fest/.
Girls on the Run seeks volunteers at Lake Logan Multi-Sport Festival: Aug. 8, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. About 25 minutes from Asheville, this event features three triathlons in two days. Carpooling from central Asheville available. Email robin.mehler@girlsontherun.org or visit www.gotrwnc.org/get-involved/volunteer.
Annual Lake Lure Olympiad: Aug. 14-16, Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St. Family sports festival showcases scenery of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Compete in a sprint triathlon, junior Olympiad, 10K Dam Run, Race to the Rock and two-mile Open Water Championship. Try 3 races in 3 days. Also games, beach barbecue, free water ski show and fireworks display. Cost varies. www.chimneyrockpark.com/events/event_detail.php?EVENT_ID=389.
Race to the Rock 5K run or 25-mile bike: Aug. 16, 7:30-10 a.m., Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St. A challenging 5K run or 25-mile bike race that climbs 900 feet in the last three miles to finish at the base of Chimney Rock. This is the only time ever you can run or bike up to Chimney Rock. www.chimneyrockpark.com/events/event_detail.php?EVENT_ID=390.
Asheville Duathlon: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. The first 5K run on paved roads that will be a flat, out and back course starting at the winery and paralleling the French Broad River, followed by a transition to mountain bikes for a ride onto packed dirt roads with a couple miles on paved trails. The bike course is mountain bike recommended. Cyclocross may be OK but there is rock and gravel. http://idaph.net/events/du-the-asheville-du/du-asheville-du-maps/.
Asheville Du 4 Kids: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. Held in conjunction with Du the Asheville Duathlon + 10K Trail Run + Gravel Grinder Bike Races. For intermediate and advanced level youth athletes only. Individuals and teams are allowed to participate in 5K flat paved run and 10 mile bike course. Register at www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx.
Dig the Du Dirty Duathlon: Oct. 11, Sky Valley Farms, Sky Valley Road, Hendersonville. On undisturbed private land. 2.5 mile trail run before transitioning to 12 miles of chain-rattling off-road excitement on bikes. The finale is a 2.5-mile run, retracing your steps over the same trails. http://idaph.net.
Recreation/Outdoors
Women’s Wilderness Workshops: Aug. 12-16, Camp Daniel Boone, 3647 Little East Fork Road, Canton. Four days of cushy camping, local foods, healing arts, primitive skills, medicinal plants, permaculture, yoga, tea parties, homesteading, sisterhood, music and dance, connection with our Mother Earth and more. We provide personal platform tents, cots, two locally raised meals per day and all class and materials fees. $395. Register at www.womenswildernessworkshops.com or 770-893-1616.
Mystic Waters Ski Skeet Pro-Am Tournament: Aug. 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mystic Waters Ski Lake, N.C. 9, Lake Lure. The Mystic Waters Production Team, Lake Norman Ski Club and the best drivers in the world team up. Continues Aug. 23 with professional ski lessons. Health, wellness and maker’s fair, water-skiing and skeet shooting tournament. Also music, juggling, fly-fishing casting demonstrations. Free to spectators. www.facebook.com/mysticwaterslakelure.
Running Races
Race To The Taps #4: Aug. 8, 6 p.m., Twin Leaf Brewery, 144 Coxe Ave., Asheville. Featuring six-pack of 4-mile, chip-timed road races starting and ending at several of WNC’s premier craft breweries. Courses appropriate for seasoned runner as well as the casual runner/walker. Strollers and pets not allowed. $40. http://racetothetaps.com.
Lake Lure Olympiad 10K Dam Run: Aug. 14, 7 p.m., beginning at Ingles on N.C. 9, Lake Lure. Heads east on U.S. 64 and onto Buffalo Shoals Road. Cross the dam and follow winding route up and down scenic shore road to finish on the beach at Rumbling Bald Resort. Registration cost varies by event, free for spectators. www.lakelureolympiad.com.
Maggie Valley Moonlight Run Fun Run: Aug. 22, 7:30-11 p.m., Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, U.S. 19. 8K road race will start and finish at Festival Grounds. Kid’s Sunset Fun Run will start the festivities. $40. gloryhoundevents.com/maggie-valley-moonlight-run/.
ACR Music for the Sole 5K: Aug. 29, 9-10:30 a.m., Reynolds High School, 1 Rocket Drive, Asheville. $30. Register at www.RacesOnline.com.
Girls on the Run coach training: Aug. 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mountain View Room at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. Want to help inspire young girls through a character development, physical activity based program? No running experience required. All training and lesson supplies provided. Help grade 3-8 girls discover their strength, talents, and limitless potential. Contact robin.mehler@girlsontherun.org to register.
High Country Half Marathon: Aug. 29, 7:30 a.m., Kidd Brewer Stadium at Appalachian State University in Boone. Follows picturesque roads of Watauga County before ending in Blowing Rock at Equestrian Preserve. $55 until Aug. 11, $65 after. www.triplecrown.appstate.edu. Other races in High Country Triple Crown Series include The Knob and The Bonk at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 2.
ARX Half Marathon: Sept. 5, 7:30 a.m.-noon, The Mill Room, 66 Asheland Ave., Asheville. Debuts as opening race in new Asheville Running Experience. The course simulates the old Citizen-Times Half with few deviations. $65 until Sept. 2, then $75. http://ashevillerunningexperience.com/.
Asheville Brewing Super Hero 5K: Sept. 5, 5:30-8 p.m., The Mill Room, 66 Asheland Ave., Asheville. Part of new Asheville Running Experience. The course has been completely redesigned and features areas throughout the South Slope and River Arts District. A portion of each entry fee donated to Eblen Charities. To Sept. 2 $30, on site $35. www.ashevillerunningexperience.com.
Funktastic Fun Run: Sept. 5, 4:30-5:15 p.m., The Mill Room, 66 Asheland Ave., Asheville. Great for all fitness levels. 1K dash in downtown created to extend the fun of the new Asheville Running Experience. A portion of each entry fee donated to Eblen Charities. To Sept. 2 $7, on site $10 or $7 and three cans of food. http://ashevillerunningexperience.com/.
Chasing Trail 8K: Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-noon, Kolo Adventure Center, 1 Resort Drive, Asheville (on property of Crowne Plaza Resort). Directed by Jus’ Running, the folks who put on the Dupont 12K trail race and the epic Shut-In-Trail, you can expect an exciting challenge. A portion of entry fees donated to Eblen Charities holiday food program for children. To Sept. 2 $30, on site $35. www.ashevillerunningexperience.com.
The Incredible Asheville Urban Odyssey: Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Mill Room, 66 Asheland Ave., Asheville. Teams of four are guided by a series of clues to known and hidden locations. Arrive at a location, perform a specific task before receiving the next clue. Complete the eighth task and return to the Mill Room for a final task. Complete the final task and receive time. Teams will check in and receive clues via Twitter (Twitter handle=team name). Smartphone use is encouraged. www.ashevillerunningexperience.com.
Asheville 10K Trail Race at Biltmore: Sept. 13, 8 a.m., Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. Mostly single track trails. http://idaph.net/events/du-the-asheville-du/10k-trail-run-course-information/.
Freedlander 5K and Fun Run: Sept. 19, 8 a.m.-noon, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde. HCC celebrates 50th anniversary. After 5K the kids take center stage for Fun Run. After the races, stay for breakfast and awards ceremony. 5K: $25 to Aug. 31. Fun Run: $15 includes T-shirt and finisher medal. www.haywood.edu/freedlander-5k.
Southcliff Black Blue Classic: Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Southcliff Community, 10 Southcliff Parkway, Fairview. Unique courses on private roads and trails, amazing views, post-race lunch from Laurey’s Catering and beer from Wicked Weed and the most generous awards in the area. http://gloryhoundevents.com/southcliff-black-blue-classic/.
Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K Kids Fun Run: Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m., Grove Stone Sand Company, 842 Old U.S. 70, Black Mountain. Proceeds benefit Black Mountain Home for Children and Colburn Earth Science Museum. www.hedrickind.com/our-company/rock-the-quarry/.
Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon and 5K: Oct. 3, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Acquoni Events Center, 1501 Acquoni Road, Cherokee. This event has become famous for generous swag package, picturesque courses, local culture and post-race meal. Proceeds benefit Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation. http://cherokeeharvesthalf.squarespace.com/.
Race To The Taps #5: Oct. 3, 1 p.m., Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard. Featuring a six-pack of 4-mile, chip-timed road races starting and ending at several of WNC’s premier craft breweries. Courses appropriate for seasoned runner and casual runner/walker. Strollers and pets not allowed. $38 to Sept. 30, $40 on site. http://racetothetaps.com.
Thomas Wolfe 8K: Oct. 17, 10 a.m., Thomas Wolfe Memorial House, 52 N. Market St., Asheville. Winds through downtown, passing into historic Montford District, Reed Creek Greenway, and Riverside Cemetery before finishing in front of Thomas Wolfe Memorial House. https://raceroster.com/events/2015/5047/thomas-wolfe-8k.
The Power of Pink 5K, Relay and Honor Walk: Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-noon, Haywood Regional Medical Fitness Center, 75 Leroy George Drive, Clyde. Haywood County’s premier breast cancer event returns for ninth year providing screening and follow up testing for the county’s underserved women. http://gloryhoundevents.com/full-events-list/.
Trick or Trail 5 Mile Trail Race and 1 Mile Spooky Sprint: Oct. 30, 6 p.m., Guion Farm area in DuPont State Forest, Staton Road, Brevard. A unique nighttime racing format. Participants strap on headlamps and light up the night. The twists and turns of DuPont’s trail system will dare them to push forward, not knowing what bogies and specters might lurk around each corner. Headlamps are required and will be available for purchase online at time of registration. $17 5 mile, $8 1 mile. 828-684-0812 or http://idaph.net or www.eventbrite.com/.
Race To The Taps #6: Oct. 31, 11 a.m., Sierra Nevada, 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher. Featuring a six-pack of 4-mile, chip-timed road races starting and ending at several of WNC’s premier craft breweries. Courses appropriate for seasoned runner as well as casual runner/walker. Strollers and pets not allowed. $32 until Aug. 28, $38 to Oct. 28, $40 on site. http://racetothetaps.com or https://raceroster.com/series/2015/3979/race-to-th.
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