Events, News & Notes: 12/3/08

Published online on Wednesday, Dec. 03, 2008

ON THE WEB
Cold-weather bike commuting
Web address: www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive

Think cold-weather bike commuting is only for men and women who sleep in lycra?

REI has created an online guide to inspire people to use two wheels instead of four by exposing myths and breaking down misconceptions associated with using a bicycle as an alternate mode of transportation.

The site offers how-to video demonstrations, a calculator to figure environmental, caloric and financial savings and recommended cycling gear.

Expert advice and other tools assist riders in understanding bike maintenance, rules of the road and how to pack the clothing you'll need at work.

REI reports that urban bike sales have increased this year because more people are riding bicycles to save money, get exercise and cut down on traffic congestion.

Still, according to figures provided by Trek, less than 1% of all trips in the U.S. are made by bicycle, even though 40% of them are less than 2 miles from home.

EVENTS

Homegrown Cyclocross Series

When: Sunday

Where: Woodward Park (near Sunset parking area)

The Central San Joaquin Valley's hottest (and only) cyclocross series returns to the dirt for the fourth of five events.

Races will be held for beginner (11 a.m.), sport (10 a.m.) and expert (12:15 p.m.) riders. Registration fees are $15 and $8 for juniors. Mountain bikes are permitted. Details: www.homegrowncross.com/.

History of the SJ&E on McKenzie Preserve

When: Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: McKenzie Preserve (along Auberry Road, 3 miles east of Millerton Road junction)

Take a hiking trip through time with local historian Bud Olson, who will talk about the fascinating history of the old San Joaquin & Eastern railway line, which was used to transport materials, supplies, and workers to the Big Creek Hydroelectric Project.

Fees are $15 for non-Sierra Foothill Conservancy members and $30 for families. Details: (559) 855-3473.

NEWS & NOTES

• About 1,500 pounds of jumbo rainbow trout weighing between 4 and 7 pounds apiece will be stocked in the San Joaquin River at several spots below Friant Dam on Friday morning and afternoon. The big fish will hit the Kings River below Pine Flat Dam beginning Dec. 19, San Joaquin Hatchery manager Greg Paape said.

• Course details of the Merced to Clovis and Visalia to Paso Robles stages for the 2009 Amgen Tour of California will be announced this morning at a news conference in Visalia. North America's largest cycling race runs from Feb. 14-22.

• Warren Miller's latest film, "Children of Winter," narrated by freestyle skiing icon Jonny Moseley, will be shown twice on Dec. 13 at the Tower Theater. Showtimes are 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $17 and are available at Herb Bauer Sporting Goods and the Sierra Summit Ski Outlet. Ticket buyers also receive one free Sierra Summit lift ticket -- check www.sierrasummit.com for restrictions.

• Sierra Summit will resume limited operations Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the beginner and learning areas open. The resort will be closed during the week until the next major storm hits.