Fun runs, fun rides, fun hikes – you’d think people were trying to be merry or something. Some are even adding a little jingle to their wheels. Bah, hum… ho, ho, ho! It’s all good.
Friday, Dec. 7
Friday Fitness with Missy Kane: 9:15 a.m., Lenoir Museum in Norris. Free. Info: Covenant Health at 865-541-4500. Join Missy on the first Friday of each month for a 3-7-mile hike (various trail locations), moderate but not beginner. Register by calling Covenant Call Center at 865-541-4500 or emailing.
Glenn Cardwell Heritage Museum Tour & Hike: 10 a.m., Glenn Cardwell Heritage Museum. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318, ext. 349. Join this wintertime adventure to learn more about Glenn, the wild areas he studied and the deep history of the Big Greenbrier area. Rated moderate, 3-5 miles max. Register online.
Sunset Stroll Winter Whereabouts: 5 p.m., Ijams Nature Center. Info: Ijams Nature Center or 865-577-4717, ext. 110. Enjoy an evening walk along paved and manicured trails to look for wildlife as the sun sets. Welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy dinner on the lawn prior to the hike. No pets. Register online.
Friday Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Pour Taproom. Free. Info: 865 Running. Run 3 miles downtown, World’s Fair Park and river walk. Then drinks with 10 percent off! All levels are welcome.
Saturday, Dec. 8
Jingle Bell Run 5K: 7:30 a.m., World’s Fair Park. Info: Arthritis Foundation at 714-402-9448. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to conquering arthritis.
Forks of the River Loop Hike: Must preregister with Ron Shrieves for meeting time and location. Free. Info: Harvey Broome Sierra Club. Urban hike is a 6.1-mile loop hike within the Forks of the River WMA, part of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Start at the McClure Lane parking lot. Rated moderate.
Bike Zoo Saturday Ride: 9 a.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. Three-hour ride of 50-plus miles at a fast pace of 18/20 mph. Weather permitting!
Climbing Scout Badge Clinic: 9-12 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost $30. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Scouts can complete the requirements for their Climbing Merit Badge on the second Saturday of every month.
Campfire Session: Camp Coffee: 9-12 p.m., REI Knoxville. Free. Info: REI at 865-584-1938. A Good Cup of Coffee can help start the day off on the right foot. In this 20-minute session, our “Guide” will share his/her favorite way to make coffee in the backwoods.
Loyston Point Scramble and Ramble: 11 a.m., Loyston Point Trails. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Kids race at 10:30 am. Multisport event with three options: Trail Run Only, Trail Run/Mountain Bike Individual or Trail Run/Mountain Bike Relay. Details and registration online.
Trail Run with a Ranger: The Point Trail: 1 p.m., Obed Wild & Scenic River. Free. Info: Obed Wild & Scenic River at 423-346-6294. Runners of all levels are welcome to join Ranger Rick Ryan for a run that loops around the Lilly Bluff area and enters the back side of the Point Trail heading to Lilly Arch before returning via the Point Trail for a round-trip total of 5.5 miles. Meet at the Lilly Overlook parking area.
CVTA Trail Elves at the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade: 5:15 p.m., SAIC – Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. Calling all trail elves (Mountain Bikers, Trail Runners, Hikers and CVTA members) to join us at the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade for an evening of fun, laughter and a little community exposure for CVTA. Best elf costume/decorated bike wins a prize!
Bike Zoo/SCO Christmas Party: 6-9 p.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. Join the Bike Zoo and Southern Cycling Operations for our annual Christmas party. Our special guest, current USA Cycling National Road Race Champion Johnny Brown, will be signing autographs from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 9
Hike House Mountain: 9:30 a.m. at Comcast parking area or 10 a.m. at House Mountain trailhead. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leader: Brad Reese. Please join us for a pleasant hike to the top of the highest point in Knox County. Hike is approximately 5 miles, rated moderate, but trail is steep and rocky and can be muddy at times. Carpooling is encouraged.
Intro to Climbing: 1 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
The Leftover Run: 2 p.m., Tyson Park. Cost $5. Info: Knoxville Track Club. This is a social event and not a timed event. No frills event and no post-race food, so please bring your own. Course is roughly 5k and will run out and back on the greenway. Bring a bag filled with all the leftover T-shirts and awards that you won. Any leftovers will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley.
Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K: 3 p.m., Pride & Joy Children’s Academy. Info: Will Run for Food 5K. Don your ugliest sweater – the more jingles, sparkles and hot glue the better – and come on out to run/walk/race for prizes AND to love your community. ALL proceeds will be going to Second Harvest Food for Kids. Details online.
Appalachian Mountain Bike Club Holiday Soiree: 6-10 p.m., Suttree’s High Gravity Tavern. Free. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Gather with your mountain biking family for a HOLLY JOLLY good time! Finish (or start!) your holiday shopping at the AMBC merch table! Ho! Ho! Ho!
Yoga for Climbers: 7 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost $8. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Join us for yoga every Sunday. Participants will receive a 20 percent off PrAna & Lole card.
Monday, Dec. 10
KTC Group Run: 6 p.m., Balter Beerworks. Free. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Monday evening social pace group run; afterward, stick around for a discounted beer.
South Knox Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Alliance Brewing Company. Free. 865 Running. Social pace 3-ish mile run; come back for $1 beers. All levels are welcome.
Bearden Beer Market Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Bearden Beer Market. Free. Info: Bearden Beer Market at 865-851-8922. Group Fun Run through the neighborhood. Open to all levels of walkers and runners. Followed by $1 off all pints.
Group Run Alcoa/Maryville Greenway: 6:30 p.m., Bike N’Tri in Maryville. Free. Info: Bike N’Tri at 615-944-1729. Group run on the Alcoa/Maryville Greenway. All levels welcomed.
Tuesday, Dec. 11
Classic Hike the Smokies – Kephart Prong: 8 a.m., TBA after registration. Info: Friends of the Smokies. Join us for an easy 4-mile hike that highlights a historic fish hatchery, railroad and CCC camp. Cost: $20 current members; $35 new or renewing members. Register online.
Easy Guided Hike: Elf on the Shelf Urban Hike: 9:30 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Free. Info: Little River Trading Co. at 865-681-4141. Easy to slightly moderate 3-mile-plus hike (may add a short side trail or two). Bring water, snacks and lunch. RSVP required – email trip leader Dolphin Riggs.
Nature Nuggets: Hi”brrr”nation: 10 a.m., Ijams at the Miller Building. Cost: $4. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. Children 2-4 years old and their caregivers. Discover how animals survive the chilly winter and learn different tricks they use to hibernate, migrate, or tolerate the cold. We will explore furs, build places to hibernate and have a ton of fun outside. Register online. Registration deadline: Dec. 10.
Tuesday B Group Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. B Group is a “No Drop” ride (15-18 mph) 35-45 miles. Must have general skills to ride roads with car traffic. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Tuesday A Group Ride: 10:30 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. A Group rides 40-plus miles at 20-plus average pace. This group is for advanced riders with good pace line skills. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Tuesday Night No-drop MTB ride: 6 p.m., Haw Ridge trailhead on Edgemoor Road. Free. Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. This weekly ride is designed to be a fun social MTB ride. Depending on the number of people and skill levels we may split into multiple groups. Bring HEADLIGHTS and water. Check Facebook for any last-minute changes (weather).
Intro to Climbing: 6 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Clinch Valley Trail Alliance Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m., Crafter’s Brew, Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at Crafter’s Brew. Come join us!
Harvey Broome Group Monthly Meeting – Annual Holiday Party and Slide Show: 7 p.m., Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Free. Info: Harvey Broome Sierra Club. Bring some of your favorite edibles to share. HBG members and friends are invited to show favorite photos of travel, outings, the environment or other things of interest to our group. All Harvey Broome Group programs are free and are open to the public. Contact Ron Shrieves for details. All welcome.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
KTC Group Run: 5:30 p.m., Runners Market Bearden. Free. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Wednesday evening social pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Grab a beer with some good folks afterward!
Night Gravel Grinder Ride: 6:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails. Free. Info: Knoxville Bicycle Company at 865-240-3499. Very casual pace about 11 miles, just for fun! Night Gravel Grinder ride, Bring your Cross, Gravel or MTB. Two levels of riding, “A” and “B,” Bring lights! Regroups as necessary.
Climbing Fundamentals at the Climbing Center: 6-8 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Come learn the basics of climbing with our Climbing Center staff. Call to reserve your spot.
Thursday, Dec. 13
Tuesday A & B Group Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. A Group ride is usually a 40-plus miles at 20-plus average pace. This group is for advanced riders with good pace line skills. B Group ride is a “No Drop” ride (15-18 mph) 35-45 miles. Must have general skills to ride roads with car traffic. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
North Knox Beer Runners: 6 p.m., Central Flats and Taps. Free. Info: North Knox Beer Runners. Fun and easy run through North Knox and Happy Holler. Don’t forget lights and reflective gear.
Fleet Feet Sports Open Group Run/Walk: 6 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports. Free. Info: Fleet Feet Sports at 865-675-3338. Our 30- to 60-minute route varies week by week in the various neighborhoods and greenways around the store. All levels are welcome.
Yoga for Runners: 7:15 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports. Info: Fleet Feet Sports at 865-675-3338. Shaheen Dewji is a certified yoga instructor and an experienced runner, with the knowledge and experience to help you improve your running through yoga. Sessions are free for current training program member, and $5 for everyone else. Bring yoga mat and a towel.
Friday, Dec. 14
Interpretive Loop Night Hike: 5:30 p.m., Frozen Head State Park at Shelter C. Cost $3. Info: Frozen Head State Park at 423-346-3318. Join Ranger Kayley for a nighttime adventure on the Interpretive Loop Trail. This experience offers a unique chance to potentially see some night wildlife and see how the forest settles down in the dark. Gentle hike. All ages are welcome. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a headlamp or flashlight.
12th Annual Tour de Lights: 6:15 p.m., Market Square. Free. Info: I Bike Knox. More than 1,000 people participate in this fun, 5-mile bike parade through downtown, Fourth & Gill and Old North Knoxville. Decorate your bikes and yourselves to win one of the coveted awards. Details online.
Friday Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Pour Taproom. Free. 865 Running. Run 3 miles downtown, World’s Fair Park and river walk. Then have drinks with 10 percent off. All levels are welcome.
Saturday, Dec. 15
Hike Hidden Passage Trail: 8 a.m., Books-A-Million – Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leaders: Diane Petrilla and Karen Brackett. For this interesting hike in Pickett State Park near Big South Fork and Pogue Creek Canyon, we will do a loop hike that takes in small arches, waterfalls, numerous rock houses, a gorge overlook and a “hidden passage.” Hike is 9.5 miles and rated moderate.
Birding at Seven Islands State Birding Park: 8 a.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318, ext. 349. We’ll trek through a rich mosaic of habitats looking and listening for a wide variety of wintering avian species. One of our main targets will be to see how many sparrow species (Passerellidae) we can observe and identify. Hike 3-5 miles. Register online.
Rockin’ Santa Half Marathon & Sunshine Santa 5K: 9 a.m., Victor Ashe Park. Info: Endurance Sports Management. Get into the holiday spirit with either a half marathon or 5K run. Events benefit the Sunshine Ambassadors. Register online.
Bike Zoo Saturday Ride: 9 a.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. Three-hour ride of 50-plus miles at a fast pace of 18/20 mph. Weather permitting!
Christmas Bird Count: 9 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost $8. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. We will look high and low to count as many birds as possible. Join us and thousands of other Citizen Scientists as we help protect the birds we love. Register online.
Campfire Cooking: 12 p.m., Panther Creek State Park at the Upper Campground Shelter. Cost $5. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. Want to try cooking over an open fire but not sure where to start? Join Ranger Jammie as we learn how to make some tasty treats and savory eats. Register online.
Navitat at Night: Holiday Color Burst: 5:30 p.m., Navitat Canopy Adventures at Ijams Nature Center. Info: Navitat at 855-628-4828. We’re lighting up our treetop adventure park with twinkling lights, and you can glow, too! We’ll have glow sticks for all adventurers and colorful lighting to make your adventure even more incredible. Space is limited, so book in advance!
Sunday, Dec. 16
Intro to Climbing: 1 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Yoga for Climbers: 7 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost $8. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Join us for yoga every Sunday. Participants will receive a 20 percent off PrAna & Lole card.
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