Join Five Rivers MetroParks for the annual Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast, 6-9 a.m. Friday, May 18, at RiverScape MetroPark. Details at www.metroparks.org/biketowork

Who’s got two thumbs and can help save the world while saving some dough and burning calories? This girl! And that guy, and that girl, and that girl, and especially that polydactyl guy. That’s right, anyone can accomplish this earth-friendly laundry list simply by biking to work. Celebrate your two-wheeled liberation on Friday, May 18, with a free pancake breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark, compliments of your outdoorsy pals at Five Rivers MetroParks.

Since gaining status as a bronze-level bike-friendly berg, Dayton’s cycling population has grown. New initiatives include the City of Dayton’s program that will place 100 new bike racks in strategic downtown locations. Following in the footsteps of other cities that have proven the “if-you-build-it-they-will-come” strategy is effective, the bike racks should provide ample parking to some of downtown’s coolest spots. Bonus—no more circling the block like a parking space vulture or endless see-sawing as you attempt to squeeze your four-door sedan into a parallel spot that could barely accommodate the recently vacated Geo Metro.

Besides ample parking right next to your destination, swapping your car for the bike has myriad benefits. Let’s talk economics. Let’s say you fill your 14-gallon tank once every two weeks. If gas prices were to stay at a reasonable $3.50 per gallon (maybe there’s no turmoil in the Middle East because everyone went on vacation?), you spend about $1,274 a year on gas. Reduce that cost by putting your foot to the pedal instead of the pedal to the metal. Studies show us that 25 percent of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40 percent of all trips are within 2 miles of the home, and 50 percent of the working population commutes 5 miles or less to work—yet 82 percent of these trips made that are 5 miles or less are made by motor vehicle!

Photo by Elzora.com Photography

What if you used a bike for those short trips? Even if you start small—one trip 2 miles away or less once a week for a year—you can still save some money. In my beautiful hypothetical world where gas prices hover at $3.50, you could save about $50 a year! If this doesn’t seem like a lot of money to you, please send all your extra cash my way because I’d love an extra $50 a year. I’d stop in the middle of the street to pick up a quarter!

If the wallet surplus isn’t enough motivation, how about the health aspect? Steady cycling burns approximately 300 calories per hour. If you cycle for 30 minutes every day you would burn 11 pounds of fat in a year. (This solves the mystery of how those bike commuters pack away thousands of flapjacks at our bike to work event every year and manage to avoid stretching out their spandex.) Bad knees you say? Pish posh! The Mayo Clinic suggests adding exercise like cycling to increase your mobility if you suffer from arthritis or other types of joint pain. Any way you slice it, using your bike is beneficial.

What? Being rich and fit don’t rank high on your personal goals? What if I told you cycling could make the world a better place? Recent studies reveal big payouts for bike-friendly cities. Researchers reviewed the effects of using a bike instead of a car in 11 different cities around the upper Midwest. Combining data on air quality, medical costs, mortality rates, car accidents and physical fitness, the research team discovered that if residents of the sample cities used bikes for just half of their short trips (less than 5 miles), they’d create a net societal health benefit of $3.5 billion annually from reduced air pollution, and net $3.8 billion in health care savings from those Midwest denizens being so trim.

Find a bikeway near you: www.metroparks.org/cycling

Of course because this is a Five Rivers MetroParks initiative, there is another ecological angle here. Those who drive 5 miles to work daily produce roughly 1860 pounds of greenhouse gases (CO2) into the atmosphere each year. It would take 133 fully matured trees per year to absorb those yearly emissions. Think about that for a second. Imagine planting 133 trees for your car alone. Now think about how many of your fellow commuters you see each day. We need another 133 trees to off-set the carbon from all those vehicles, and unless we’re willing to grow trees on a Cambrian-era level, we’re going to have to find ways to reduce our pollution.

If you think you have what it takes to start bike commuting but you’re not confident enough in your skills to make it to this Friday’s pancake breakfast, try taking the bike commuting class from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. This program will include bike terminology, commuting equipment and trip and bike preparation. You’ll also get an overview of traffic laws, potential hazards, safe-riding skills and proper route planning.

Use the bike instead of the car. Start small—commute one short trip once a week and see how you like it. Uneasy about traffic rules? Check out the monthly Courteous Mass rides. This group-led ride will orient you to the rules of the road (Rule #1: Bikes are recognized as “vehicles” in the eyes of the law, so not only is it your right to ride on the road, it’s your legal obligation) in a safe environment. The group meets around 5:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Field on the first Friday of each month. Get in gear for your health, your finances and the environment!

Ben & Tori do their thing on Fifth Street during Urban Nights

Ben Rivet (known as BJSR in the local music community) has not stopped creating since his days as a student at the University of Dayton just a few years ago. After a bit of traveling that included performing on a cruise ship, Ben returned to Dayton and got noticed quickly with his iPhone-shot video that became a bit of a YouTube hit.  After that came the release of his popular debut album Axe and Vox that showcased Ben as not only a talented musician but an able producer and songwriter.  These days, Ben has returned back to something he discovered while at UD – yoga – and quickly became a well known member at Practice Yoga – a popular yoga studio on Fifth Street in the Oregon District.  Late last year he took his passion for yoga to the next level and began yoga teacher training, which is how he connected with PY instructor Tori Reynolds…

Tori discovered yoga while studying psychology at Wright State, and took it to the next level by signing up to get certified in Live Love Teach training and eventually becaming an instructor at Practice Yoga.   Through that program and with the support of her Practice Yoga community, she was inspired to get creative and explore new ways of practicing her craft.  The connection she made with Ben eventually led to the creation of a new concept called GO W/ THE FLOW – a unique rhythmic fusion of Ben’s beatboxing and acoustic guitar along with Tori’s yoga sequencing.

I spoke with Ben recently about the journey he has taken that has blended his passions for music and yoga…

DMM: How did the GO W/ THE FLOW concept come about?

Ben:  I had been working on completing my yoga teacher certification at Practice Yoga from September to April of this past year, and spending a LOT of time at Practice Yoga. I had played for a couple classes before and had fun doing it. Tori was just starting to teach a class or two at the studio and I asked her if she wanted me to play one of her classes. I think because we are close in age (24/26), have similar tastes in music, and similar ideas about a yoga practice – we complimented each other well right from the start. We got a great response and decided to cultivate it a little more.
I recorded one of the classes we held and posted it online for free to share with yogi friends, titling the track “GO W/ THE FLOW” because it was all very improvised based on the environment, mood and experience level of that class. Once it was online, word began to spread and we realized we had something worth focusing on. With the contacts Tori had through her teacher training we started making contacts and setting up classes along side my tour to SXSW music fest in Austin and the rest is history. The blog pretty much takes it from there…

DMM: What kind of feedback have you gotten from participants?

Ben: We are almost overwhelmed with how tremendous the response has been from GWTF. Not only from our friends and family, but from Yogis, instructors and fitness enthusiasts around the country. When we started, we were just trying to provide the best class we could for the yogis at Practice. But the more we worked on it, the more we realized that the music makes the class very accessible for first-timers as well as deeply beneficial for even an experienced practitioner. Tori’s goal is to teach a class that is fun and challenging for THAT group of people, my goal is to give her the best possible soundtrack to do that to. Participants walk away feeling invigorated limber and eager to do more yoga, which is the point.

DMM:  What are your hopes for the future of GWTF? Do you see this as something you’ll do for a while and then move on to other things, or something you want to stick with and grow?

Ben: For as much planning as it feels like Tori and I have been doing preparing for this summer tour, we are both trying to enjoy where we are RIGHT NOW… If we stick to our guns regarding the philosophy about GWTF, we will constantly be learning and growing from the practice as we grow ourselves as yogis, instructors and musicians, and hopefully we will never get “bored” with it. We’ve always thought that GWTF was a unique experience and not something that should replace a normal yoga practice, therefore we think that it could always be something that is sprinkled into our teaching and practice in future. Tori and I also really liking traveling, so it makes sense for us to get out and do this for as many people as possible right now. I still plan on cultivating my BJSR work and Tori will continue teaching in Dayton, but hopefully GWTF will always be apart of it. It does as much for our well-being as it does for our classes.

DMM: What is your message about GWTF to those who have never done yoga before but might want to try GWTF? To those who are experienced with yoga?

Ben: Yoga can definitely be intimidating for those who’ve never tried it or only done it via a DVD or gym experience. What we’re hoping is that the music and environment that we work to create will entice people to give it a try and have some fun. Tori’s teaching is encouraging and playful and my music keeps you moving and sweating. We’ve never had anyone leave unhappy and, in fact, many of our friends who tried yoga for the first time are now adding yoga classes into their regular workout routine. There is really nothing to lose by trying… other some sweat.

For the more experienced practitioners, the classe is a power Vinyasa class that is influenced by the Baptiste and ashtanga method. It moves a lot but the real focus is on the breath! We’ve found that music really helps guide the breathing throughout the class to give everyone the best opportunity to move fully through the practice with support and energy. The steady tempo acts as a subtle reminder under Tori’s cuing to keep you focused and motivated.

On Monday May 14 at 6:30pm, Ben and Tori will be at the RiverScape pavillion helping MetroParks kick off Bike Week 2012 with their GO W/ THE FLOW “Power Vinyasa” yoga which is also the start of their two-month bike tour in conjunction with BikeBot, an Austin, Texas-based “pro-pedal movement”  they connected with at the SXSW Festival earlier this year.  Power Vinyasa yoga is geared for all experience levels and builds whole-body strength, flexibility and mental focus.

Bring a mat if possible; Practice Yoga will provide a limited number of “loaners.” Another independent downtown business, basho apparel, will screen-print GWTF shirts live on-site.

SUPing in Dayton (ok, this isn't Dayton but you get the picture)

The increasingly popular sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is sweeping the Miami Valley.  Cruising around local waterways is fun and easy to get out and play on the water for all ages. You can paddle anything from lakes and rivers to the ocean—no waves required.

Anyone who has been on a SUP can tell you it is an amazing full body workout and provides an excellent cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, runners and other athletes. While standing up you all get a new perspective and view of the natural surrounding you might not get while sitting down. It’s almost like walking on water!

What You Need To Get Started:

• Stand up paddleboard: By far the biggest investment. Sizes are based on the paddler’s weight and experience. More experienced and lighter paddlers can choose narrower boards. Novice paddlers should choose wider, flatter boards, which offer more stability.
• Paddle: Yes, they are different. They have an angle or “elbow” in the shaft for maximum efficiency, are much longer since you are standing up and are usually taller than the paddler themselves (roughly 6” to 8” taller than you are)
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): No matter what you are paddling, you should wear one, and that includes a SUP.  The U.S. Coast Guard classifies stand up paddleboards as vessels, so always wear a PFD whenever you’re paddling navigable water.
• Proper clothing: For cold conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. In milder conditions, wear shorts and a T-shirt or bathing suit—something that moves with you and can get wet.
• Sun protection: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses.

Where to buy, rent, or try in the Miami Valley

Whitewater Warehouse, fulfilling the regions paddle sports needs for years.  Located in downtown Dayton. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Demo – Sunday, June 3

Great Miami Outfitters, where you can find anything to suite your next adventure in the heart of Miamisburg

Here is a great video to show you what it is all about and some tips to get started.

Now that I got you here you should know that the title is spot on, the band Naked Karate Girls will be playing at the Fraze and you can not only get VIP bike parking but also a free ticket if you ride the bike to the event.

Here is the skinny:

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC)  is sponsoring the Fraze Pavilion’s $2 Tuesdays Concert Series.  As a special bonus,

MVRPC will be providing FREE, secure/preferential bike parking for cyclists and up-close/preferential parking for those who carpool to these family-friendly concerts.

Spaces are limited to the first forty (40) cyclists (total of 40 cyclists) and the first twenty (20) carpools (carpools must have exactly 4 people in them).  Everyone who registers for the special bike/carpool parking, and actually uses the bike parking/carpool parking, will receive a FREE ticket to that evening’s concert.  They must check-in with a Drive Less Live More team member upon arrival.    Addition prizes and goody bags will also be given out to participants.

Bike parking will be located near Lincoln Park Boulevard and Shroyer Road on the Lincoln Park Plaza.  Look for the bike racks and signage.

Here’s how it works:  Concert goers MUST pre-register for the special bike/carpool parking online and select the concert you’re interested in attending.  Complete all fields of the on-line registration for whichever parking space (bike or carpool) you’re interested in.  Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email so you’ll know you’re all set for the free concert ticket and free reserved parking.  Pre-registered bike and carpool parking open at 6:00 p.m.  All $2 Tuesday concerts begin at 8:00 p.m.

$2 Tuesday Concert Series dates and acts are as follows (click on each to see event details and listen to band tracks):

June 19 – Mountain Heart

July 17 – Big Sam’s Funky Nation

August 7 – Naked Karate Girls

August 21 – MojoFlo

The Drive Less Live More initiative also supports this effort to encourage cycling or carpooling to events.  For information on other Drive Less Live More events go to www.drivelesslivemore.org

For questions regarding the preferential bike/carpool parking at the City of Kettering’s Fraze Pavilionduring the $2 Tuesday Concert Series, contact Laura Loges, MVRPC’s Director of Marketing & Public Affairs, at (937) 223-6323.  For details about biking and the regional Rideshare Program, go to www.mvrpc.org .

The Adventure Summit

(from our friends at Five Rivers MetroParks)

When cabin fever hits its apex, Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University come to the rescue, co-presenting the biennial Adventure Summit. This year’s event is set for February 10-11 at the Wright State Student Union. Admission and parking are free. There is a full slate of inspirational speakers, engaging hands-on activities, and intense competitions:

Gary Fisher - Trek Bikes

Speakers

This year’s featured speaker is Gary Fisher, noted as the “father of mountain biking” who broke the mold on traditional bicycle racing and took his sport to the hills, riding on bikes he modified to better negotiate the craggy surface of Mt. Tamalpais in California. Fisher is credited with early mountain bike prototypes and now works for Trek, where he participates in designing innovative cycling products as well as racing. Catch Fisher’s presentation, “The Past, Present and Future of Cycling,” at 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, in the Apollo Room. Other speakers this weekend include Deia Schlosberg and Gregg Treinish, who will share their experiences on a two-year, 7,800-mile trek of the Andes. Their presentation will be 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 11. Local speakers also are on tap.

Activities

Once you’ve been inspired by a speaker or classroom presentation, why not try a few activities? Take a kayak for a spin in the pool, get a grip on the climbing wall or participate in a fitness session such as yoga or cycling. There’s something for everyone, and because there’s no cost, you can try it out risk-free.

Bouldering Competition

Competitions

There are several competitions throughout the weekend that are as much fun to watch as they are for those competing. The indoor duathlon includes a 2-mile run/walk, followed by a 6-mile bike ride and concludes with a second 2-mile run/walk. One of the most popular competitions is the bouldering challenge, in which participants (many of whom come from all over the Midwest) face off on the climbing wall. New this year is the Canoe Battleship. Teams compete to try and “sink” the opposition’s canoe while bailing out their own. Rounding out the weekend is a kayak challenge, where slalom racing hits the pool.

Expo

Those who are ready to bring adventure into their lives can do so at the exposition area. Mingle with local, regional and national outdoor-related exhibitors, a variety of outdoor clubs, specialty retail shops, outfitters, resorts, and more organizations that will help you reach your outdoor adventure goals.

Cultural Exhibits

In addition to all things outdoors, Adventure Summit patrons can enjoylive music and craft beer tastings.

This will be a special year for mountain biking enthusiasts. In addition to attending an inspiring presentation from Gary Fisher, the 2012 Adventure Summit will showcase the region’s mountain biking community through inspiring presentations, engaging discussions and appearances by industry leaders. The Great Lakes Mountain Biking roundtable takes place Saturday, February 11. Participants will be able to mingle at the continental breakfast and submit their questions to Gary Fisher, International Mountain Biking Association President and Executive Director Mike Van Abel, national bike manufacturers, regional bike shop owners, state mountain bike club leadership, and IMBA’s new Great Lakes regional director. The focus of the mountain bike-specific tracts will be advocacy.

The Adventure Summit has something for everyone, from the “armchair adventurer” to the hard-core enthusiast. Visit www.theadventuresummit.com  for a complete schedule, competition registration, sponsorship details and more information. For further information, call Outdoor Recreation Special Events and Development Coordinator Tom Helbig at (937) 567-4478.

(coming…)

(coming…)

AND here we are. Broomball. Around this very time last year, I was asked by Lorka Munoz-Daughtery if I would be a commentator when FiveRivers MetroPark’s RiverScape began hosting Monday Night Broomball.

“Sure,” I told Lorka. “But… uh… just what is… uh… Broomball.” (Okay. That’s not a TRANSCRIPT of the conversation we had; rather, it’s kind of the transcript of what was going on in my HEAD.) In essence?

I had no clue what Broomball was… and I certainly had no idea I would fall in love with this exciting, light-speed fast sport played on ice.  And no, Broomball is NOT ice hockey. Hmmm… Best to say that Broomball is not exactly ice hockey. That, I guess, would be a much more accurate description of the sport.

In fact, to get your head around Broomball and to understand how incredibly addictive the sport is, try and imagine a version of soccer played on ice… with a round ball being hit towards this goal with one hand and with that other hand using…

Yep: BROOMS.

Yep: you hit a BALL with your BROOM

And better – Broomball is being played by an equal number of women AND men, many of whom are wearing jeans, sweatshirts and running shoes. Oh, yeah. And they are having the time of their lives, sweating in their sweatshirts and running the soles of their running shoes off.

But all this understanding came to me slowly early this year, when I arrived at my first Broomball gig at RiverScape, to that brand new and beautiful ice rink. There I found… ta da!… Broomball teams with Broomball players eager to get out on that ice and play their matches.

Me, I’m a kind of a curious person, so I started talking to the closest player I could find; I’ll protect his anonymity because I believe in that, and I don’t think I ever got his real name… just his Broomball game – which, when the game was going well, was “CheeseHead” (I think the Green Bay Packers may have had something to do with that) and his Broomball nick name when things had gone awry was – BlockHead.

What he told me that night stunned me… and made me pretty happy about getting to be the commentator to… well, let’s just admit that over the course of the season from January (first week) to March (maybe the second or third week), my “commentator” job was to talk to the two or three folks who maybe roamed up from Monument to see what was going on in the rink.

So here’s what CheeseHead/BlockHead told me: most Broomball players in the U.S. of A. come from places like Wisconsin and Minnesota where it snows in August (well… maybe) on until like June or early July. (I am — I hope — exaggerating. For effect.)  ”But,” he went on to say, “Broomball is a HUGE SPORT on college campuses. Like at Miami University down SOUTH in Oxford of Ohio”. There, he told me, a couple of THOUSAND students play intramural Broomball.

Right there in Oxford, Ohio. Right under our Dayton, Ohio noses.

But HOORAY and HALLELUJAH! because watching Broomball (bad knees… ice rinks would have me crawling the instant my left knee joined my right knee on the ice) is about as wonderful an experience in the bitter cold weather of Midwest winters as a person can have.

It’s FAST: ice does that, and the players go like the wind. The “soccer” part of it is like a thousand times more exciting than soccer on dirt and grass… and soccer played on those summer grounds is fast and exciting in itself. (I’ve already fessed up on these electronic pages to being from St. Louis, where there used to be only two sports: soccer and baseball. Football? What’s that? Basketball??? That’s for the Protestants who don’t know any better… Keeping in mind that even those “”proper and pious” followers of Methodism or the folks who go to the Temple every Saturday will identify their neighbors as being in, like Holy Innocents or Our Lady of the Pillar of… Well, the PARISH where their homes are located… because, well, Saint/St. Louis has a LOT of Catholics. And all those Catholic kids are usually playing… soccer of baseball.

(These days, probably even in St. Louis, Methodists and atheists probably are playing soccer.)

Oh and by the way – way to go St. Louis Cardinals. You guys had fun the whole baseball season (driving fans NUTS), and then you went to work in time to win the World Series. Sorry Reds fans. Whether a person lives in Dayton or Hong Kong… always a Cardinal fan. You go, Stan Musial.

Broomball, though. Ah… Broomball is a sport that must be enjoyed from close up. As close up as you can get, to appreciate the speed, athleticisim and the great manners with which the game is played.

Yep. Good manners. “Foul” somebody and you get sent off the ice for a minute or two (LONG MINUTES, it must be noted) and on the way off the ice, shake hands.  The intent of Broomball is not to hurt the other players: it’s to have fun.

To have fun. Not to “kill ‘em” like in football or to “wing ‘em” like in baseball and not to like those phony fouls in basketball… and my GOD… not even close to the “I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out” mentality of… Well, you get the comparisons.

Broomball will be played again, beginning right away in January on Monday and Wednesday nights. Wrap yourself up with every layer of clothing and outer wear you own (and borrow some more of that stuff just to be careful) and come down for Broomball. Really. You will be freezing and loving every frozen minute… Loving it all, in fact.

Really. Would I lie about freezing in January in Dayton?

Photo by Leah Stahl

(from Five Rivers MetroParks)

The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink was a hit when it debuted in 2010, and this year, MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark (229 E. Monument Ave., Dayton) is set to open Friday, November 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is only $5, which includes the cost of skate rentals.

MetroParks Ice Rink will be open every day of the week—even special holiday hours—through Sunday, March 11, 2012. Patrons can take advantage of concessions at Café Vélo, which will be open during skating hours, serving snacks, such as hot pretzels and also featuring healthy options, such as chicken snack wraps. Visitors can warm up with seasonal favorites like hot chocolate and cappuccino.

Work off Thanksgiving indulgence calories on the ice and enjoy holiday music during the grand-opening weekend:

• Friday, Nov. 25, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 26, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 27, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Patrons who bring their own skates can skate for free Mondays through Thursdays when there is no admission to the rink. Rentals are available for $3 on these days. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays cost a $5 admission fee, which includes the cost of skate rentals.

MetroParks Ice Rink will be open during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as well as several more holidays and special events throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/IceRink to find the complete schedule. Lessons and other skating programs also will be hosted at the rink throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/Skating or read the winter issue of ParkWays to learn more.

Season passes are available for purchase: $60 family passes cover admission and rentals for up to five people, and $25 individual passes cover the same costs. Visit the RiverScape MetroPark Facebook page for a chance to win a family pass!

Slots are still available for businesses, church groups, youth clubs and anyone else interested in renting the rink for a private function. Private rentals include 50 pairs of ice skates and 50 cups of hot chocolate for $200. Call (937) 274-0126 for more information and a list of available dates.

To learn more, visit the website or call the skating office at (937) 278-2607.

Photo by Leah Stahl

Megan Lachey and friends after a recent 5K race

Editor’s note: please welcome Megan Lachey, another Dayton Campus Connect intern, to our Active Living section.

With fall here many people start to turn their active living styles inside. There is still so much outdoor recreation to do. The Dayton area offers quite a few events throughout the year. Here are just a few of the upcoming events.

On September 30th the much anticipated Gearfest will be taking place at Eastwood MetroPark. Gearfest has quite a few things to offer from mad river kayaking, athletic demonstrations to much more. It will be a fun filled and outdoor recreation event.

Fall is also a big time for 5k’s and fast paced races. Just a few of the 5k’s are: The New Carlisle Annual Heritage of Flight 5K walk/run will take place on October 2nd. The 35th Annual Dayton River Corridor half-marathon and 5K will be held at Welcome Stadium and University of Dayton on October 9th. On October 18th the 26th Annual Ghost N Goblin 5K will be at RiverScape MetroPark.  Join Miamisburg on November 24th for the ever famous Turkey Trot that has been going strong for 33 years.

For some slower paced recreation activities try Hike for the Health of it at Sugarcreek MetroPark. The events begin on October 1st and will repeat more times at other MetroParks throughout October. On the 5th Bellbrook will hold a Stroller Fit walk at Ron Kehl Park. Even look for Zumba, yoga and other fun classes at fitness centers and studios in the area that are held every week.

For family and children activities try Gymbus which is held in Miamisburg at Sycamore Trails Community Park. Gymbus has 4 sessions and starts on the 24th, is a fun way to get children motivated about moving and staying active. The Metroparks are also a great place to enjoy family recreation everday with their many walking trails, biking trails and some even offer horseback riding.

Fall is a beautiful season, with the leaves changing and the nice weather, it is easy to stay active outside. Take time and enjoy the many recreational activities Dayton has to offer.

Editor’s note: please welcome Rebecca Weaver, another Dayton Campus Connect intern, to our Active Living section.

Outdoor families and enthusiasts of all sorts are welcome to join in the 2011 Five Rivers Metroparks’ GearFest, a multi-day event packed with all the Midwest Outdoor Experience has to offer. The fun-filled event takes place on Friday, September 30, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and not to mention parking and attendance is completely free!

GearFest has something to offer for all of our outdoor adventurers including camping, off-road races, regional music acts, competitions, a Friday and Saturday night beer garden, and much more! The two-day event has grown to be more than just a place to offer great outdoor gear, it has evolved to become a nature lover’s paradise. GearFest is one of the Midwest’s largest festivals celebrating the many thrilling activities mother nature has to offer.

On Friday night there will be the GearFest Off Road 5 K, the start of the National Slackline Competition, live music presented by WYSO including Front Porch Revival and The Spikedrivers, and a chance to watch the Earth Joy Tree Climbers. There will also be places and opportunities to try Backpacking, Fly Fishing, Geocaching, Skateboarding, and much more. Stop by the Subway Fresh Fit Youth Adventure Zone to learn about healthy and active outdoor lifestyles for the kids.

Saturday features the finale to the National Slackline Competition, Freestyle Whitewater Kayaking, speed rock climbing, a ski/snowboard competition, the Hub Trex Bike Ride, more live music presented by WYSO featuring the Buffalo Killers, and many other musical talents. There will also be a chance for guests to try many other activities including: disc golfing, snow tubing, kayaking, canoeing and much more.

Not only will GearFest be the hot spot for some of the Midwest’s best outdoor fun, they will also be featuring some deliciously appealing food and drinks. This year’s food vendors include: All Souped Up, Bolaskos Concessions, Las Americas, Skyline Chili, Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, Kona Ice, and The Monch On. The Yakima Beer Garden will be featured on both Friday and Saturday night, and it will be hosted by Bonbright Distributors. All of the proceeds will be going towards the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol.

Help GearFest in the effort to go green and reduce plastic cup waste by purchasing the world’s first and only Silipint, provided by Green Earth Outdoors. The Silipint is BPA free and practically indestructible, purchase one when you stop by the beer garden or pre-order one by calling Green Earth Outdoors (502) 475- 7455.

Enter the Ultimate Gear Giveaway for your chance to win your very own “Ultimate Outdoor Experience.” Simply like the “Get Out and Live” Facebook page and become automatically entered to win one of the many prize packs provided by GearFest sponsors. Some of the packages include items such as kayaks, mountain bikes, snowboards, skis, backpacks, and much more!

This year GearFest will be hosting many opportunities for all you nature nuts with a competitive edge. Along with the Gibbon National Slackline Competition, many other competitions will be taking place at the event as well. The featured events include the GearFest Off-Road 5K Run/ Walk, Colavita-Zipp Speed Time Trials Finale, Ohio Valley Cyclocross GearFest CX, “The Hunt for Shred October” Freestyle Competition, and the “Rock the Climb” Speed Climbing Competition. So if you’re seeking an outdoor escape this weekend, stop on out to Five Rivers Metroparks’ GearFest 2011, and grab yourself a breath of fresh air and some friendly competition.

(from Five Rivers MetroPark)

Five Rivers MetroParks has been awarded bronze-level “bicycle-friendly business” (BFB) status, conferred by the League of American Bicyclists on Wednesday, Sept. 14, during the Interbike trade expo in Las Vegas. Five Rivers MetroParks was one of 111 new bicycle-friendly businesses that “actively promote bicycling for transportation, recreation, exercise, and sport,” according to information from the LAB. “A BFB practices social responsibility by weaving bicycling into the business culture and gives employees the opportunity to be active stewards of their personal and environmental health through bicycling.”

According to MetroPark officials, the process of obtaining the certification was as valuable as the title itself. “The application contains checklists and indicators that help you evaluate what you’re doing—or not doing—in terms of being bicycle-friendly,” says Five Rivers MetroParks Outdoor Recreation Program Manager Andy Williamson. “The process helped us, as an entire agency, to see what we’re doing well and what we can do better. It’s an eye-opening experience.”

There are a total of 344 awardees in 40 states—the Buckeye State boasts three businesses based in Columbus and one Cincinnati-based business. “We are happy to recognize these businesses for their investment in bicycling as a vehicle for improved employee health, social responsibility and economic growth,” said LAB President Andy Clarke. “Some of the most successful companies in the world are showing that investing in bicycling is not only good for health and sustainability but also the bottom line.”

Microsoft, Inc. is one of the new BFB winners, recognized at the silver‐level for incentive programs such as supplying funds for employees to purchase bikes and gear, subsidized bike tune‐ups, bicycling skills clinics and a free shuttle service for cyclists cut off by an interstate bridge. “For Microsoft, supporting bicycle commuting is simply a smart business strategy and helps us do our part to protect the environment,” said Lynn Frosch, Microsoft real estate and facilities transportation manager. “It helps us attract and retain employees and reduces our carbon footprint. That’s why we offer programs and amenities that help offset the cost of biking to work and make it as convenient as possible. It’s an integral part of our sustainable transportation program.” As a result of Microsoft’s efforts, the company has increased bike commuting, reduced parking demands, improved health and productivity.

Five Rivers MetroParks currently is the single BFB in the Miami Valley and the only park district in the country to earn such distinction, but it doesn’t have to be lonely at the top. “The LAB provides technical assistance, a report on your application, and feedback on what you’re doing right and how you can improve,” Williamson explains. “The best part is that the application and feedback are free! You don’t have to be a huge corporation to become a BFB—anyone can promote cycling at work or incorporate cycling as an employee benefit.”

In addition to an extensive network of bikeways, downtown Dayton employees can take advantage of the state-of-the-art RiverScape Bike Hub located at RiverScape MetroPark. Amenities such as these contributed to Dayton obtaining bronze-level bicycle-friendly community status in 2010. Bicycle-friendly status is conferred following these “5E” guidelines:

• Engineering: Safe cycling access; bike racks for employees and guests; showers and lockers for commuters and lunchtime riders.
• Education: Bike-safety programs; mentorship for new commuters; and equipment tutorials.
• Encouragement: Benefits for bike commuters; paid mileage for trips made by bike; loaner bikes for errands and short trips; and earn-a-bike programs.
• Evaluation: An assessment of what’s already being done and what to aim for in the future; in-house bike coordinators; and target ridership numbers. This is also the section to highlight your business’s unique programs and policies that promote and celebrate bicycling—from loaner bikes for short trips and in-house spin classes to supporting charity rides and sponsoring bike-racing teams.
• Enforcement (for communities, not businesses): Measure the connections between the cycling and law enforcement. Identify if there are bicycle divisions of the law enforcement or public safety communities, if the community uses targeted enforcement to encourage cyclists and motorists to share the road safely, and the existence of bicycling-related laws such as those requiring helmet or the use of side paths.

Five Rivers MetroParks hosted the inaugural Miami Valley Cycling Summit and has helped coordinate concurring summits, bringing community leaders, government representatives, cyclists and business owners together to discuss the potential for cycling and how it can be a boon to the region. “A recent study by Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission revealed that bikeways helped bring about a $15 million return on investment to the region annually,” Williamson says. “This is one example of a direct benefit from cycling.” This dollar figure is just one measure based on tourism; the Miami Valley has not yet realized the long-term effects of improved wellness through active, healthy lifestyles and reduced stress from traffic congestion or respiratory benefits from reduced vehicle emissions. “We are proud of the roadmap that the Bicycle Friendly Business program provides and how these companies used it to transform into a BFB,” said Bill Nesper, director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program. “When employees bike, great things happen.”

To apply or learn more about the free BFB program, visit the League online at bikeleague.org/businesses. Learn more about the region’s bicycle amenities, download maps, find classes and get connected at metroparks.org/cycling.