Active Living

Miamisburg celebrates the 9th annual Tour d’Burg

June 21, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Tour d’Burg will host the 9th Annual Bike Tour starting at Library Park in historic downtown Miamisburg, Ohio.
All ages & abilities are invited to participate in this Ride that heads west through the well marked roads of Montgomery and Preble counties. The Ride includes routes of 25, 50 & 75 miles with water & food stops.

This Ride is not a race, so you can enjoy the countryside and camaraderie. On your return to Miamisburg, you are invited to stay for the Tour d’ Burg amateur and professional criterium bike races. There will be food, activities for the kids plus your favorite media personalities competing in the famous “Celebrity Race”.

Registration Location:
Library Park – Gazebo
Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM
3 miles west of I-75 (near the Dayton Mall) on Route 725
For more info: John Good 937-776-0481

This family-friendly event features a food and vendor court, and this year the Kids zone IS BACK!
There will also be a petting zoo, a bike rodeo and police bike helmet give away on the Backside on the course in River-view Park.

Bike Rodeo
Safety Village
Food Court
Free Bike Helmets
Decorate Your Bike!
12:20pm — Ride Your Bike in a race!
Check Out Cool Stuff

Bikeway Extension Opens June 21 Connects WPAFB, WSU to 330-mile regional bikeway system

June 11, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Five Rivers MetroParks invites area bike enthusiasts to a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Mad River Bikeway extension. With the completion of the new 3.6 mile recreational bikeway, downtown Dayton and the more than 330 miles of trails in the regional bikeway system are now connected with Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Museum, the Huffman Prairie Trail and the Kauffman Avenue Bikeway which extends to Wright State University and Fairborn. The new bikeway segment is also part of the multistate, 4,600 mile North Country/Buckeye Trail that continues past Fairborn on-road to Springfield and beyond.

Planning began on the Mad River Bikeway extension in 2003 with funding support from the Ohio Department of Transportation/FHWA through the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The total budget is more than $3 million.

The new section of accessible paved bikeway connects Eastwood MetroPark to Huffman MetroPark and offers many spectacular views of the Mad River. “The pathway passes an area where we have seen bald eagles nesting, under a 1918 railroad tunnel and over the top of Huffman Dam,” shared Joe Zimmerman, project manager for Five Rivers MetroParks.

The extension also passes the Hanitch-Huffman house. The house was home to Colonel Frank T. Huffman, whose Huffman Manufacturing Company came to national prominence with the Huffy bicycle.

“This trail has been a long time coming and wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our friends at the Miami Conservancy District,” added Zimmerman. “Their help with planning and infrastructure kept the project moving. We know that local cyclists will appreciate this extension and make great use of it.”

The grand opening of the Mad River Bikeway extension is scheduled for 11:30 am Friday, June 21, at the Eastwood MetroPark main parking lot, 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton. A group bike ride on the new bikeway from Eastwood MetroPark to Huffman MetroPark will follow.

Learn more about the largest connected bikeway network in the country by visiting www.metroparks.org/cycling or calling (937) 275-PARK (7275).

Hey Ladies- Join The Bike Ride To Benefit Artemis Center

June 3, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Grab your girls and prepare to be pampered! Artemis Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence is gearing up for their annual all ladies bike ride, Girls Gone Riding! This year’s ride will take place on September 14^th beginning at the University of Dayton River Campus. Riders will have the option of a 10, 16, 22, or 28 mile route along the Great Miami River filled with plenty of swag, activities, and entertainment all along the way! Last year’s event drew over 300 riders and already confirmed riders for this year’s event joining us all the way from Arizona! The exciting swag stops will feature activities such as hand massages, yoga, sweet treats, and much more. The purpose of the ride is to bring women together for a day full of pampering while raising awareness of Domestic Violence and funds for Artemis Center.

Stops will be located along the route at 5, 8, 11, and 14 miles with some smaller rest stations in-between. All the routes are out and back ensuring that riders can turn back if they feel they cannot go their selected distance. SAG drivers will also be located along the path, to assist broken down, injured, or tired riders. The ride is not a race, and riders have 5 leisurely hours to complete their route.

Past riders have described this ride as a “can’t miss event” in the Dayton area! Grab your best girlfriends and form a team! Awards will be given to the largest team, best team costumes, and top fundraising team. Teams of 10 or more registered by August 15^th will have their team names printed on the back of their shirt! You don’t have to join a team; you’ll make plenty of new girlfriends on the ride and be a contender for the award of top individual fundraiser. Registration is just $35 per person and includes an event t-shirt! Registration is going on now!

The mission of Artemis Center is to Lead the Community in its Commitment to End Domestic Violence. Since 1985, Artemis Center has guided more than 85,000 victims of domestic violence in our community towards hope and healing by providing vital services designed to help victims and their children stay safe. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline at 222-SAFE (7233). For more event information visit www.artemiscenter.org or call 937.461.5091!

Dayton Bike Share: More Than an Idea

May 29, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Murphy says, “We wanted to answer the question of whether the Dayton region was
ready for bike sharing. What we found from our research is that the answer is yes.”

With bronze-level recognition from the League of American Bicyclists already in hand, Bike Miami Valley has their eye on the prize of making Dayton one of the most bike-friendly cities around. What’s exciting is that they’re taking the steps needed to make it more than a good idea.

This Friday at an afternoon session of the Miami Valley Cycling Summit, Scott Murphy – one of the volunteers leading the bike share effort – will present the results of an in-depth feasibility study that 1) surveyed citizen interest and 2) examined regional data to determine if the region could sustain a bike share.

The more obvious of the two questions is that our community is excited by a bike share. Bike Miami Valley’s survey demonstrated that there is strong support among local young professionals for the concept (98%) and high interest in using the system (74%). This writer’s first guess was that it was mostly current cyclists answering (of course they want it), but the survey reached out into a much wider community. Over 54% of survey respondents don’t currently use a bike for transportation (and an additional 30% only use a bike “sometimes”). What would they think about a bike share? When broken out to the current non-riders – 80% support a bike share and over 50% are likely to use it. The survey went into a lot more detail – where would you ride, what kind of trips would be appropriate for bike share, when are you likely to ride, etc. This data was used to better determine how a bike share in Dayton would look and will be featured as part of the Cycling Summit presentation.

So – the people want to ride. But wanting something (see previous stories on grocery stores, music halls, etc) doesn’t mean that downtown has the infrastructure to support it.

Or does it?

Yes, it does.

Part two of the feasibility study focuses on the current infrastructure, population density, retail density, and other important factors that demonstrate bike share readiness. Note– current state of being. Bike Miami Valley doesn’t argue that if a few more shops come downtown or if more people move in, we could handle it. Downtown Dayton is ready now.

The team analyzed a two-county region to see where the ideal bike share area may be. They considered population, shopping, restaurants/bars, tourist attractions, topography, and many other factors to see where the greatest critical mass for bike share exists. The bike share demand analysis found a four square mile area around downtown Dayton that’s ideal (north to Dayton Art Institute, west to Wright-Dunbar, east to St. Anne’s Hill, south to University of Dayton). This area includes a high population density and retail, an abundance of university students, current bike lanes, trails and infrastructure, connections to the RTA bus system and a relatively flat topography.

In addition to looking at the factors that would make Dayton successful, they ran the same analysis against other cities that already have bike shares (San Antonio, TX, Boulder, CO, Chattanooga, TN and others). How does Dayton stack up? We’re equal (and in some cases higher) on most of the factors linked to successful bike shares around the country. “We were surprised to learn that our bike share demand is actually higher in Dayton than in other cities that have sustained bike sharing,” says Andy Williamson, another Bike Miami Valley volunteer who helped lead the effort.

So – the people want it and the region can sustain it. But Bike Miami Valley isn’t done yet.

“For cities that have started bike shares, the first step is always addressing the feasibility,” says Murphy. Next steps include conversations with community stakeholders to share the results and to collaborate on a business plan analysis to finalize the station locations, choose an operational model, and identify sources of funds. The feasibility study includes an proposed analysis from the team’s work applying industry standards to size the bike share network, identify possible station locations, and estimate the capital and operational costs.

Although membership will help to sustain the bike share, many cities have secured federal grants to partially fund the start-up and operations costs and sponsorships and advertising are an easy fit. The Bike Miami Valley team proposes a model where riders join with a daily, monthly and yearly membership with the swipe of a credit card at any of the bike stations. Members can take unlimited 30-minutes rides around the service area with no additional usage fees. Revenue estimates show the transportation system could approach self-sustainment from user fares as early as five years after the launch. “Bike sharing has already proven to be more self-sustaining than other forms of public transit,” says Williamson. “Fare revenue covers a much greater percentage of the annual operating cost than the national average for rail or bus transportation.”

It’s a good idea, and with this volunteer team it’s a lot more than that.

Get all the details (and see the data, charts, maps, etc) when they unveil the feasibility study results at the Cycling Summit this Friday.

Bicycle Infrastructure – Is the City of Dayton On The Right Path?

May 14, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 3 Comments

In 1976 the City of Dayton built the first eight miles of multi-use paths along the Great Miami River, setting the base for the trail system we have today (City of Dayton 3). This first step was followed by efforts to extend the trail network and to make the community more bike-friendly. The hard work paid off in May 2010. The League of American Bicyclists awarded Dayton with the Bronze Medal for bicycle-friendliness. On their homepage the League names one of the reasons for the award as the tightly knit trail network which reaches every part of Dayton and gives citizens convenient access. Dayton has no intention at stopping at the bronze level, though. In its extensive Bicycle Action Plan the city aims to reach platinum status by 2025. So what is Dayton doing right and what needs to be improved?

The city offers a good variety of infrastructure for different purposes. Shared-use trails, bike lanes, and sharrows make it easier to get around by bike, but not all of them are complete or ideal. While the city is filling in the gaps by connecting bike-paths, some shortfalls of existing infrastructure should be assessed before more of the same is built. Let’s start with the shared-use, or multi-use, trails. Within the city there are 30 miles of shared-use trails, connecting to 240 miles of regional trails (“Bicycle Friendly”). Those trails are usually away from the streets, only crossing them on occasion, sometimes they run parallel to roads, but they are almost always separate. The trails are ideal for people who are uncomfortable riding in the street, or who are simply inexperienced. In a survey about bicycling habits conducted for this paper, 108 out of 134 people found the trails very safe, only five did not feel safe at all. The trails are the biggest asset for the city’s cycling program. Beginners can try cycling without fear, advanced cyclists can ride long distances without the distraction of motorized traffic. The disadvantage of the trails, within the city, is that they are often close to the rivers and therefore get flooded regularly. After the water is gone, trail users have to deal with a debris, mud, and garbage covered surface. Since flooding is inevitable, quick clean up is important to keep the trails functional. Dan Sahli, from Five River MetroParks, explained that the responsibility for the trails is split between the City of Dayton, the Miami Valley Conservancy District and Five River Metro Parks. Five River MetroParks uses truck-mounted equipment, employees, and volunteers to clean the parks as fast as possible, after flooding, the Conservancy District is sweeping the trails (Rodney).

From personal experience I can say that they are doing a good job. During Spring and Summer, I find clean trails within a couple of days after the water is gone. A downside for cyclists, who ride in the winter, is that the trails do not get plowed because Five River MetroParks wants to encourage winter sport on the snow covered trails (“Winter Activities”). Although, this is not a big issue, because inexperienced riders are unlikely to ride during Winter months and experienced riders can switch to the streets. After all, the trails are called multi-use for a reason. Another part of the infrastructure are bike lanes. Dayton was the first city in the Miami Valley to install bike lanes during extensive street resurfacing. The first lanes were put in place in the heart of downtown, connecting Monument Street and Fifth Street within two blocks East and West of Main Street (City of Dayton 5). An addition was made in late 2012 when the Brown Street construction was completed. The big advantage of bike lanes is that they pass places of interest. They improve business, because cyclists are often slower than cars, they have time to look around and discover new shops. Though, possibly the biggest advantage is that they give cyclists a dedicated spot on the street. There is no room for arguments, the lanes are clearly marked. Unfortunately, bike lanes present three main issues.

The first one is easily solved. Bike lanes, because they are usually on the side of the road, get dirty. Every piece of gravel, every cup that was thrown into the street, every chard of glass, ends up in the bike lane, creating a hazard for the cyclist. A car will not be affected by rolling over some gravel, but on a bike it could cause an accident. The lanes that currently present this problem are the one going West on Monument Street and the bike lanes on Brown Street. As mentioned earlier, that is easily fixed. By making sure the bike lanes do not get ignored when the streets are swept it is resolved quickly. Taking the Brown Street lanes daily, I can tell that the city has been cleaning the lanes, but the gravel is back within a couple of days. According to Andrew Rodney money is easily obtained to build infrastructure, but almost no money is available for maintenance. Secondly, bike lanes, next to the curb, are sometimes blocked by cars. The car driver has a quick errand to run and drops the car off on the side of the road. Andrew Rodney told me that this behavior became an issue on the new Brown Street lanes, especially in front of coffee shops and during inclement weather. The city is now working with the Chief of Police to patrol Brown Street more frequently during high traffic hours to catch offenders right away. The bike lanes next to parking spots, like the ones on St. Clair Street, Jefferson Street, and Perry Street, are often cleaner than the ones next to the curb. The debris collects in the parking spots. Those type of lanes carry a different hazard. The lanes are built directly into the door-zone. The door-zone is the space a driver uses up when he or she opens the car door to get in and out. Experienced riders know to look for brake lights and occupants to determine if a car door might open up, beginners could be caught off-guard. Their is no real solution for this issue. Wider bike lanes allow cyclists to avoid a car door without cutting into other traffic, smart cycling classes can help inexperienced cyclists to learn how to avoid getting doored.

Motorist education can help make car drivers more aware, but distractions can always occur. The bike lanes on St. Clair Street and Jefferson Street are rather narrow and a car door can block the entire lane. If space permits, it would be nice to see wider bike lanes for future projects. The last type of infrastructure is the so called sharrow. Sharrows consist of street markings of a bicycle and two arrows accompanied by a Share the Road sign. Sharrows have a huge advantage. They are cheap and easily installed. Some paint and a traffic sign is all a city needs, which is why they are a great way to get started if a community has no room or money to build lanes and trails, and just like bike lanes they do not leave room for arguing. They are also a good way if a bike lane ends and the cyclist has to transition into regular traffic. A great example for this form of use can be found on Wyoming Street, between Alberta Street and Brown Street. The only issue I have with sharrows is that they could give a motorist the impression that this particular road has to be shared while other roads are solely for cars. This is where education is needed. Education is a big part of the 2025 Bicycle Action Plan (18), but how can non-cyclists be reached? In Los Angles the public transit operator Metro started an advertising campaign with signs reading “Every Lane is a Bike Lane” (Hymon). Dayton might be able to run a similar campaign.

The city’s current focus, however, is the increase in cycling infrastructure, and the enforcement of bicycle related laws. To achieve the education goal, Dayton relies on bicycle advocacy groups, like Bike Miami Valley (Rodney). All in all, Dayton has done a great job making downtown more bicycle-friendly. The city continues to close gaps in infrastructure by installing bike lanes and sharrows in alignment with the regular repaving schedule (Rodney) and offers amenities, and bike events, like the Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast in May (“Bike to Work”). It seems to be harder to get the message out that people can ride their bikes in the city. In my survey, most cyclists stated they ride for fitness and recreation, commuting made the third place. That means most of them do not need bicycle friendly streets, but in order to encourage more people to ride, they have to know of the possibilities. Another indicator that the facilities are available, but few know about it, are the survey comments on bike parking. Three quarter of survey participants said they have no trouble finding a place to park their bicycles. The ones who did, named the suburbs, where Dayton has no influence, and downtown government offices, as well as the Oregon District.

As announced in The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s 2012 year end report the city added 93 bright blue bike racks to downtown with the intention to offer bicycle parking “within one block of almost every downtown destination” (“New Bike Racks”). People who ride their bikes through downtown regularly started using the bike racks very quickly, but many do not know about them. Brown Street currently offers only one bike rack, whether there will be more or not is evaluated by the city. My survey’s question for improvement suggestions received a very positive response. While educating motorists is a general concern and should be addressed more aggressively, and many survey participants would like to see a general increase of everything, they seem content with the efforts and happy with what is currently available. Dayton is going in the right direction.

Submitted by Uli Bredulli Hi, I’m Uli, my mom rode her bicycle until she was eight months pregnant with me, and my brother crossed the Alps on a bicycle, so I guess cycling is a family tradition. But don’t mistake me for one of those crazy militant car haters, OK? Some of my best friends have cars.

Register Now for 5th Annual Miami Valley Police Memorial Week Bike Tour

April 30, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

You are invited to participate, along with law enforcement agencies throughout the Miami Valley area, in the 5th Annual Miami Valley Police Memorial Week Bike Tour on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at 8:00 a.m., at Riverscape, 111 E Monument Ave, Dayton. This event is held to honor and bring awareness to our fallen members in law enforcement that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community and in support of their surviving family members and friends. This ride is held in conjunction with the National Police Memorial Week.

The registration fee is $25.00. Your pre-registration form and registration fee should be turned in by May 3, 2013. You may also register the day of the event. A Miami Valley Police Memorial Week Bike Tour t-shirt and challenge coin will be provided to the first 100 registered riders. T-shirts and Challenge coins can be picked up prior to the beginning of the ride. Proceeds from this event benefits the Montgomery County Association of Police Chiefs, Inc., Scholarship Fund. Roll-out time at Riverscape will be at 9:15 a.m., and then proceed on the bike trail to Rice Field in Miamisburg. Riders will then return to Riverscape. Snacks and beverages will be available to riders at both Riverscape and Rice Field. The ride is a 28 mile round trip.

The ride should end at Riverscape by 11:00 a.m. A brief ceremony will be conducted at Riverscape as close to 11 AM as possible, or as soon as riders have returned from Rice Field. Riders of any skill level are welcome, as well as families. Bicycle helmets are required.

For questions about this event, call Captain Michael Molchan at 937-723-4938.

5K Derby Day Dash to Benefit Life Essentials

April 29, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Life Essentials helps people who slip through gaps of community services. Through a dedicated network of volunteers they provide over 25,000 hours of service each year to people in the greater Dayton area. Their services and programs help seniors and individuals living with mental illness. They aim to decrease isolation by providing participants with volunteer caregivers, guardians and help with small home projects.

This Sat, May 4th you’ll have a chance to to participate in their annual Derby Day Dash. This annual 5K Run and Walk involves every age group including fun runs for the little ones like the tot trot for 3-5 year olds, the Gallop for 9-10 year olds. All kids receive a medal and the top 3 each get a trophy. Teams are welcome too, with prizes for Best Name and Largest Team.

The professionally designed course starts and ends at Island Park and snakes along the Great Miami River. Once everyone has finished the race, prizes are awarded for participants in various age categories, farthest distance traveled, and best hat! More than $2,000 in merchandise and gift certificates are awarded at the race. Check in begins at 8am the race starts at 9am. You can register online at www.active.com.

Glow, Bark & Brew 5K

April 22, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Bring your glow sticks, jewelry, paints, friends and your dog to this first annual fun event in downtown Miamisburg on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Sponsored by Michelob Ultra, proceeds benefit the Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA) Pet Adoption Center. is excited to announce the inaugural Glow, Bark & Brew 5K, sponsored by Michelob Ultra with proceeds benefiting the SICSA Pet Adoption Center.

Registration includes entry to the run, T-shirt (while supplies last) and one complimentary Michelob Ultra (to those 21 and over). Register here prior to the event, or starting at 6pm the day of at the parking lot of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at 41 S. 1^st Street in Miamisburg. Early registration (through 4/25) is $30, and event-day registration is $35. Pre-event registration is available online, at http://www.active.com/5k-race/miamisburg-oh/glow-bark-and-brew-5k-2013.

The Glow, Bark & Brew 5K will also feature an after-party aglow with music, a Michelob Ultra Beer Garden, and numerous local vendors.

For more information about the Glow, Bark & Brew 5K, visit www.sicsa.org and http://www.active.com/5k-race/miamisburg-oh/glow-bark-and-brew-5k-2013, or call SICSA’s main office number at (937) 294-6505. Don’t miss this chance to Glow, Bark, and enjoy a Brew—all for a great cause!

About SICSA

Originated in 1974, SICSA was started as an alternative to the traditional animal welfare system with a mission of improving the lives of stray animals and promoting adoption. The organization runs an Animal Adoption Center in Kettering at 2600 Wilmington Pike, which is open seven days a week to the public for those interested in bringing a companion animal into their home. For more information about SICSA, please log onto their website at www.sicsa.org or call the Adoption Center at (937) 294-6505.

Five Rivers MetroParks Celebrates Golden Anniversary

April 9, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Five Rivers MetroParks and local artists collaborated to create unique “hidden nature” pieces. Check out the full exhibit, including Marsha Pippenger’s “Ode to King Billy,” featured here, at the kickoff celebration on Wednesday, April 10, at the Schuster Center.

On April 8, 1963, then-Probate Judge Neal Zimmers approved a petition to start a new park district in Dayton. Thanks to the efforts of a group of forward-thinking citizens concerned with quickly disappearing green space, efforts to protect the region’s natural heritage created what we know today as Five Rivers MetroParks.

For the past 50 years, Five Rivers MetroParks has provided outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature. These experiences are unique for each visitor — some come to the parks for their offerings in exciting outdoor adventure. Others visit as a get-away from harried urban life. Still others enjoy the reactions from their children or grandchildren watching them experience nature for the first time (or as if it were the first time). Echoing the individualized experience the parks offer, Five Rivers MetroParks has launched a “Hidden Nature” campaign, showcasing “secret” areas of the parks and glimpses into the history of the organization.

The activities kick off on Wednesday, April 10, with a public event at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton. The event is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public; complimentary parking is available at the adjacent Arts Garage. MetroParks VIPs from the past and present will be on hand to share stories, and select archive materials also will be on display.

One component of the “Hidden Nature” campaign is an art exhibit. Local artists Amy Kollar Anderson, Bing Davis, Gretchen Durst Jacobs, Marsha Pippenger, and Ron Rollins all contributed nature-inspired artwork. To illustrate the spirit of the campaign, QR codes and telephone extensions have been hidden throughout each piece of the collection. Scan the QR code and enter the four-digit extension to receive a secret message about the parks and their history.

Another way to celebrate MetroParks’ golden anniversary is by trying to find all 50 Things to See and Do. Some items on the list may already be a family favorite, but the MetroParks staff is willing to bet that you can find several cool things you never knew about your parks.

Visit metroparks.org/history and take a peek back into the archives. Staff has been searching through boxes and boxes of photos, scrapbooks, old brochures, and more, in pursuit of some really cool relics from our past.

We hope the community has enjoyed helping us preserve and enhance our regional green spaces as much as we love providing these facilities every day. See you at the Schuster!

Run with a Shelter Dog

April 4, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Paw Partners program connects shelter dogs in need of exercise with walkers and runners in our community.

How The Paw Partner Program Works

Go to 1 hour orientation:

Wed, April 10th from 7-8pm
Wednesday May 8th from 7-8pm

Run or walk with a shelter dog any day or time Mon-Sat 12-7pm, at your convenience. There is not a designated area you are required to run/walk in. There are several nearby options, the SICSA neighborhood is great (if you don’t want to drive anywhere) you can even run/walk to Delco Park from SICSA. According to SICSA, “you can also drive with the dog to any local area like Sugarcreek Reserve, WSU, Kettering, Centerville , but we want to keep it local. You will get a lot of info about this at the orientation. We are happy to have children run/walk with their parents. The adult must have completed the orientation. The dog must be one approved by staff as “kid-friendly”, as not all of the dogs are comfortable around children. In addition, the dog must remain under the adult’s control at all times.”

Run or walk 6 different days and receive a $25 gift card fromUp and Running Fitness Shoes & Apparel.
Free registration for SICSA’s 5K Lift Your Leg Run and Walk for Strays. Raise $100 and get a $25 gift card.

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine students to host 5K AIDS Benefit Walk/Run on April 14

March 21, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

While there have been significant advancements in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) research in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50,000 people in the United States are newly infected with HIV each year. One in four new HIV infections occurs in youth, ages 13-24 years.

To raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) of the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, along with the Boonshoft School of Medicine and Five Rivers MetroParks, is sponsoring the annual 5K AIDS Benefit Walk/Run on Sunday, April 14, at 9 a.m., at Wegerzyn Gardens, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., in Dayton. The race check-in begins at 8 a.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the AIDS Resource Center Ohio in Dayton.

“A quarter of those living with HIV are unaware of it,” said Joey Resch, a second-year medical student who is part of WSU AMSA. “Thanks to resources like the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, people in Dayton who suffer from HIV and AIDS are able to find treatment help. Hosting a 5K to help raise awareness of HIV and AIDS is a way for us to give back to our local community.”

Pre-registration costs $20 before April 1. After April 1, registration costs $25. To register, go to http://www.med.wright.edu/clubs/aids5k.

Get a Taste of Adventure with the Biennial Adventure Speaker Series

January 8, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Check out Eleanor Moseman’s presentation tonight at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. This Dayton native will tell her story about bicycling 15,000 miles across Asia as the kick-off to the Adventure Speaker Series.

We’re barely a third of the way into the winter season and I’m already feeling cabin-feverish. I try to take advantage of the snow while it’s here. I’ve gone sledding and skiing and ice skating, but regardless of how many times I try to use precipitation as a propellant and rocket myself down a hill or across a sheet of rock-hard ice, I still find myself craving more outdoor adventure. If you’re the type of adventure-seeker opportunist and, say, enjoys driving a car over the cobbled humps of frozen snow lining an un-plowed street because you can pretend you’re blazing trails across the Arctic tundra, you may enjoy the escapism offered through the Adventure Speaker Series.

Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University team up every year to produce the speaker series and the biennial Adventure Summit. This year’s speaker series features adventurers who hail from the East Coast and ones who call Dayton and Cincinnati home. If you’re looking for inspiring stories, generate ideas for your next big adventure, or just want to live vicariously through the tales of other adventurers, check out the speaker series.

Venues for the Adventure Speaker Series switch between Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark and the Wright State University Student Union. All programs start at 7 p.m. and are free to attend. The fun kicks off tonight at Wegerzyn with Dayton-native Eleanor Moseman and her presentation, “One Woman, Her Bicycle and 15,000 Miles across Asia.” The rest of the lineup is as follows:

ELEANOR MOSEMAN: ONE WOMAN, HER BICYCLE & 15,000 MILES ACROSS ASIA

7 p.m. Jan. 8, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

In the spring of 2010, armed with a fluency in Mandarin and a history of bike commuting, Eleanor took off on a two year cycling adventure. She went slow, avoided well-known routes, and took time to get to know the locals. While her exploits include braving sandstorms in the Gobi Desert, camping at -25°C in the Tianshan Mountains, and weathering a blizzard in Kyrgyzstan, Moseman’s aim were cultural experiences such as building a mud house in Yunnan, receiving a sponge bath from Tajik women, riding a horse during a Buzkashi match in Kyrgyzstan, and witnessing a Shaman ritual in U-Tsang Tibet. Learn more of Eleanor’s extensive bicycle explorations by visiting www.wandercyclist.com. This program is being co-hosted by the Miami Valley Outdoor Club, www.mvoc.org. Learn more at metroparks.org/adventuresummit.

THE MOVEMENT: ONE MAN JOINS AN UPRISING

7 p.m. Jan. 17, Wright State University, Apollo Room

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYNKlc1nbgk’]

The Movement is the story of one man returning to the mountain where his life was changed forever. He receives inspiration in his quest from four people who overcame physical disabilities to discover the freedom of movement. Peppered with humor and drama, this is a story of people who face adversity with an intense inner fire. Following the movie, a panel of local adaptive skiing experts will discuss how their lives have been impacted by sport. Learn more at metroparks.org/adventuresummit.

HENRY DORFMAN: ALASKA, A KAYAK EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME

7 p.m. Jan. 24, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark

Henry Dorfman is a co-founder of Paddlefest Cincinnati and founder of Cincypaddlers.org, the largest local paddling club in the country with over 2,200 members. In that capacity, he has led hundreds of sea kayak and whitewater paddling trips from Canada to Central America and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. In 2011, he set a record by kayaking on all five Great Lakes within a span of five consecutive days. Learn more at metroparks.org/adventuresummit.

CHRISTINE PLEPYS: UP AND AROUND MOUNT RAINIER

7 p.m. Jan. 30, Wright State University, Apollo Room

In 2004 Christine successfully and miserably climbed Mt. Rainier during a six-day climbing seminar with RMI Guides. The question of how well she does at altitude was answered: “Bad!” In 2008 she went back to happily backpack around the mountain on the lower elevation Wonderland Trail, which became one of her favorite trails. Come take the journey “Up and Around Mt. Rainier”! Learn more at metroparks.org/adventuresummit.

Photo by Gabe Rogel Majka Burhardt climbs Restonica Gorge in Corsica. Check out the Adventure Speaker Series’ featured speaker on Feb. 7 at Wright State University!

MAJKA BURHARDT

: ADDITIVE ADVENTURE

7 p.m. Feb. 7, Wright State University, Apollo Room

What’s Additive Adventure? It’s Featured Speaker Majka’s term for when adventure extends beyond exploration to create cultural and environmental connection. From climbing impeccable first ascents in Namibia, to climbing vertical grass for science in Mozambique, to treading the fine line of vertical legality in Ethiopia and Cuba, Additive Adventure takes a global look at the individual’s role in larger issues and communities. Can the grandest adventure create the smallest conversation with the largest impact? Can being a global citizen begin with a climb? Can your passion lead you to your greatest impact? If you said yes, then we’re all bound for a more globally integrated tomorrow. Learn more about her adventures at www.majkaburhardt.com or metroparks.org/adventuresummit.

Get inspired to “Get Out & Live” with Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University, and try not to break a hip while you invent new means of trans-ice travel.

24 Hour Sale Kicks Off Registration for Air Force Marathon

December 31, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Make your New Year’s Resolution and save some money by registering for the 2013 Air Force Marathon on January 1. New Year’s Resolution discounts are valid only for 24 hours on January 1.

The 2013 Air Force Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will be held on September 21, 2013. The Start and Finish Lines are at the National Museum of the United States Air force, 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433. Start Time is 7:25 a.m. for the Wheeled Division Race and 7:30 a.m. for the Full Marathon and10K. The Half Marathon‘s start time is 8:30 a.m.

The 5K Race hosted by Wright State University is held on September 20, 2013. The Start and Finish line are at Wright State University’s Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio 45435.

Registration for the 2013 Air Force Marathon will open on January 1, 2013. Runners who register on January 1 get a $10 discount off the full and half or $5 if they register for the 10K and 5K. Prices will go back up on the next day. Check their site for more information and details on registration. Click here for prices!

All runners will be required to pick up their bib, T-shirt, and goodie bag at the Sports & Fitness Expo at Wright State University’s Nutter Center on Thursday, September 19, or on Friday, September 20.

Race set for Saturday, September 21, 2013

The 2013 Air Force Marathon is set for the third Saturday in September. Find more information about the races on our FAQ page. We sold out in the beginning of May in 2012, so sign up early before you miss out on one of the best races in Ohio!

New in 2013: Course has changed!

The race team is very excited to début a new course in 2013! They’ll still keep some of the favorite features from past courses, including the spectacular finish line experience at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The C-130J Super Hercules will be our featured aircraft in 2013. The C-130J is a transport plane from the Hercules family, which has the longest continuous production run of any aircraft.

Beauty and the “Barre”

December 27, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

If you read fashion magazines you have probably noticed a growing exercise trend called the “barre” method. It is a combination of ballet, pilates and yoga promised to sculpt your arms, thighs, abs and give your back end a boost. From Allure to the New York Times fashion section women have suddenly started flocking to this new routine.

“Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective way to change the shape of your body. Using small isometric movements at the ballet barre set to motivating music, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record breaking time. Clients see results in just 10 classes, lose inches in weeks and have fun doing it!” – PureBarre.com

After reading this who wouldn’t be mildly curious? I had forgotten about this until 2 weeks ago when I was glancing at facebook and saw a post for a Pure Barre studio that opened in Centerville. I checked out the schedule and looked over the website. I decided to go and try the 9am class (your first class is free) It was good timing as my dad had bought me a ticket to Florida the night before and I had not seen a gym since October. Being the paranoid person I am I began reading blogs about peoples experiences at Pure Barre. What do you wear? What do I need? Am I going to look like an idiot? I soon found out that I needed to wear the usual yoga clothes, socks and bring water. Easy enough. I messaged my husband and told him I was heading to this new exercise studio to work out and he responded with “good luck” and “it looks kinda snobby” I had registered online and there was no going back so I headed to my first class.

It is important for me to stress that I am in no way a dancer and my flexibility is very limited so I was nervous. The only kind of dance I ever did was jazz class when I was 8, even then I couldn’t keep up. I had no idea what to expect. Would it be like the time I tried aerobics and I got so frustrated that I just sat on my step because I couldn’t get the steps? Most women will agree going into a new exercise place without a friend can be very intimidating. I arrive to nice modern building decorated for the holidays and I walk into a room selling Lululemon and grippy socks for twelve dollars. First I should note that I was late and the website stresses never be late but alas I got lost. The woman at the front desk was very nice and had already set up my stuff for me in the main room. The class had already began and I jumped in with the hopes of not being noticed. It started out easy enough some stretching, light weights and a 90 second plank (this is where you need the grippy socks) then we headed to the bar to do some thigh work. Right hand on the bar, right leg slightly bent, left leg back and up with toes pointed. Then we began doing small movements like circles and moving the leg up and down. Seems easy? Suddenly my right leg that was bent began shaking like it was going to run away! Apparently that is a good thing according to the instructor who keeps saying 30 seconds. You can do anything for thirty seconds. After the bar torture we return to do some stretching before going back to the bar then on to the ab work. Many of the exercises require you to hold a ball between your thighs while tucking your hips and trying not to fall over. I finished the class with mixed feelings. Some things were difficult and some were easy but I didn’t really feel like I did that much until the next morning.

Waking up the next day after my first Pure Barre class my thighs were sore, my abs on fire and my back side was tighter (I think) okay maybe there is something to this place. I decided to take a day off and try another class the following day. I arrived early this time and purchased the special package of 6 classes for $50.00 that had to be used in 14 days otherwise it is $21 a class. I also purchased the $12 grippy socks. Attempting a plank on carpet without them was trying. My fellow classmates arrive, all two of them, who were also both a size 2. Great. Once again the class begins and I struggle through the stretching as my classmates are bent like pretzels. We begin our bar work sitting on the floor this time right leg bent in front and left leg bent back. Now she instructs us to lift the left leg and make circles??? Okay this one is near impossible but I keep trying. Sweat is pouring off of me by this time and I am definitely feeling something burn. The instructor keeps telling me “good focus” which to me means “nice try” lol and I of course was also the one she gave the stretchy band to because I couldn’t stretch my legs straight up. I finished class 2 drenched in sweat and little disheartened. Any woman who has been over weight and then loses weight will at some point feel like that over weight person again. This was my day. Although I am a normal size 8 being surrounded by flexible size 2 women made me feel like the fat kid in gym class l0l.

I called my husband who of course assured my I was not fat and that I was there to get in shape. I decided not to give up and I am now on class 7 . My overall opinion is that the class is working. I feel good about myself when I leave and I am starting to notice that every class gets a little easier. Sure my abs are still shaking during the tiny up and down movements but the instructors are always knowledgeable and help me with my position. I am finding that I am actually starting to look forward to working out again. I still cannot do some of the exercises but I am guessing in time I will be able to. Unlike my previous experience mentioned above I am now seeing more normal size people in the classes, which is nice. My next step will be to try the unlimited month and see where it goes from there. Maybe one of the biggest lessons I am learning is to accept my body for the way it is. I am not the woman who can do the splits or stretch my leg back to my nose. I am not the graceful ballet dancer but I am in there trying and having fun while pouring with sweat. I guess you could say for now I am hooked on the Pure Barre Method.

To check out the Centerville location schedule and pricing or to read more about the method visit PureBarre.com.

New Workout Spot In Centerville: Pure Barre

December 5, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Centerville welcome a new excercise spot to the neighborhood today, Pure Barre. This franchised location is located at 62 W. Franklin St, Centerville, OH and owned by Janna Williams and Joni Green.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this fitness technique to the Dayton area. This will be our second location and we have seen first hand what the technique can do for women of all ages, shapes and fitness levels. Anyone can try a class for free! ” says Janna Williams. Janna and Joni currently own and operate Pure Barre in Mason.

The ballet barre workout has exploded in popularity since its inception in 2001. Using small isometric movements at the ballet barre set to motivating music, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record-breaking time. The workout launches a full-blown attack on the areas of the body all women struggle with: thighs, seat, hips, abs and back of the arms. Clients see results in just 10 classes. Since it began franchising in July 2009, more than 100 Pure Barre locations have opened nationwide.

The Studio at Pure Barre

According to their face book page you do not wear shoes in class and socks are required for both safety and sanitary purposes. They also ask that you wear an exercise pant or capri. It’s important to keep your legs covered to keep your muscles warm and prevent injury. Any comfortable shirt is fine, just keep your midriff covered. Feel free to bring water with you. A towel is also helpful if you are a sweater!

Pure Barre will operate 7 days a week with classes ranging from 6am to 6:45pm. Registering for a class is simple, and can be done in person, over the phone or online.

For more information on Pure Barre Dayton:
Please contact 937.535.BURN (2876)

Cookies For A Cause

November 29, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Once a year you have an opportunity to indulge in scrumptious little bites of holiday heaven! And that time is coming up on Sat, Dec 1st from 10am – 2pm for the annual We Care Arts Cookie Walk at the 3035 Wilmington Pike headquarters. Visitors have the opportunity to stock up on holiday cookies while raising much-needed funds for the We Care Arts programs, that help emotionally, mentally and physically disabled adults and youth achieve greater personal independence. Through a variety of art classes and experiences, they promote the artist’s individuality, self esteem, community skills, ability to focus, life skills, responsibility, confidence and job skills.

How does the Cookie Walk work?
Thousands of the most gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth cookies will be arranged on long tables. At the start of the cookie walk, you will receive a food service glove and a bakery box. Proceeding along the cookie tables, you select as many cookies as you want, in as many varieties as you want. At the end of the walk, your box (or boxes!) of cookies is weighed. The cost? Just $6 per pound. Limited candy is available for $7. Ms. Maples say, “We get such a wonderful array of cookies from high schools, chuches, colleges – they are just wonderful to us, it’s really an amazing event.”

How can you help?
Please consider helping We Care Arts by donating home-baked cookies for our event. The guidelines for donations are as follows:
1. Please contact Pat Maple at 252-3937 or [email protected] to confirm your donation to the Cookie Walk.
2. We’d prefer the cookies to be miniature, bite-sized (approximately 1-1/2”). Buyers feel they can get more variety if the cookies are smaller. If your cookie works better larger, that’s ok, we’ll take them all!
3. Make your cookies extraordinary! This is an event where people can purchase homemade cookies that they normally would not make themselves. Ethnic or unusual ingredients, dipped cookies, or a variation on an old favorite are big sellers. We also welcome diabetic-friendly cookies as well as bite-sized bar cookies.
4. Homemade candies and snacks are also accepted.
5. Please include a 3×5 card with the name of the cookie and listed ingredients to inform persons with food allergies. This card will be set out with the cookies, so please print! Also specify on your 3×5 card if the cookie is diabetic friendly or sugar-free. (If you wish to be contacted for donations for next year, please fill out the form below and return it with your donation.)
6. Cookies must be delivered to We Care Arts, 3035 Wilmington Pike, on Friday, December , between the 2hours of 10 AM and 3 PM. Please see their website for donation form.

We Care Arts is grateful for any participation you can offer. The Cookie Walk will help raise funds and awareness of We Care Arts while providing a fun (and yummy!) event for the community during the holiday season. Please call We Care Arts at 252-3937 if you would like to volunteer to work at the Cookie Walk.