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OPINION
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day(r) is held the first Saturday of every June. It is America’s largest celebration of trails and the outdoors. With more than 1000 events hosted by trail and community groups, public agencies, and businesses from coast to coast, there is something for everyone! Here in Colorado Springs Bike Week 2007 kicks-off with the Bike & Trails Festival at America the Beautiful Park . This is a free community event, and it offers something for everyone. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. and will include vendors and exhibits; a designated Kids’ Zone with activities, games and prizes; a bike rodeo; competitions and demonstrations, entertainment, music, and loads of fun and frivolity. There are also other biking events across the state. To see these go to http://www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/events.html. Walking is one of the most relaxing ways to exercise. For 20 minutes a day at a moderate pace one can: When you hike, you need to know the appropriate pace and activity level for you. Normally walking has three main speeds-strolling, brisk walking, and aerobic walking. As you begin your walking exercises try to use all three speeds during your 20-minute walk. In our beautiful area hikers, runners and bicyclists can travel from Palmer Park to Fountain on a continuous pathway. It ties together the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, Pikes Peak Greenway and the Fountain Creek Regional Trail.. The 35-mile stretch has never been completely accessible before, but the Pikes Peak Greenway, the center stretch of this trail, conceived in 1991, was completed in the summer of 2002. The Greenway was all but finished before a devastating flood tore it apart in 1999. But before you decide to go on a hike, make sure you are prepared. Plan ahead-learn about the area before you hike. Know what type of wildlife may be in the area. And, make sure you have the appropriate clothing and food for the hike. Take an extra days worth of water with you. Don’t forget to check the weather, and also take along a first aid kit. More fact sheets on hiking can be found at the American Hiking Society’s web page http://www.americanhiking.org/news/ index.html. We are truly fortunate in Colorado to have so many beautiful hiking trails. Take advantage of them. Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have a comment or question, email her at waltbon@comcast.net. CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET |
