Adventure Indiana | Spring 2013

SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA’S ADVENTURE MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2013

A B-Town

Grind Page 16

Also in this issue BIKING Page 6

HIGH-FLYERS Page 12

RUNNING Page 20

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ON THE INSIDE

CREDITS Publisher E. Mayer Maloney, Jr.

A B-town Grind Page 16

Editor Kathryn S. Gardiner kgardiner@hoosiertimes.com 812-331-4289 Advertising Angie Blanton angie@tmnews.com 812-277-7243 Marketing Shaylan Owen sowen@schurz.com 812-349-1400 On the cover Photo by Darryl Smith

Walking on Water

Page 24

Ball in Play Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adventure

Design by Andrew Lehman Š2013 Schurz Communications, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY COPYRIGHT. Prices, specials and descriptions are accurate as of the time of publishing.

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Frogs, Rails, and Eagles, Oh my!

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EDITOR’S Bleeding heartland roller girls PICS | Kassi Bowles

A

t my first practice, I sat on a churchpew-turned-penalty-box next to Kaka Caliente (aka Tyler Ferguson, one of the most impressive athletic specimens I’ve had the pleasure of meeting) and watched women circle the track at the Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls training warehouse in Bloomington.

On four wheels, many of them seemed to glide like birds of prey, their movements swift, lithe and lethal. There are about five ways to stop on skates, Kaka told me.

“Are any of them running into a wall and then crawling to the exit?” I asked.

Turns out, no.

When I signed up for the four-week BHRG training boot camp, I expected fierceness in fishnets and wickedly cute nicknames.

What I didn’t expect was how nice everyone was. No sooner would I—paff!— hit the ground (which I did, a lot) than I’d hear, “That looked great!

You almost had that!” If you fall, they said, you were probably trying something new, and that is always encouraged.

Even within that positive environment, they don’t sugar coat their sport: Roller derby comes with injuries—it’s a matter of when, not if— and they share tips and techniques for preventing and caring for them.

Safety is serious 4

Acting tough with Kaka Caliente business: You forget a single piece of protective gear, you get off the track right now and get it.

I had rough days, and let me tell you, on four wheels, I was more dodo bird than bird of prey [I’m not getting one-on-one attention in some of these photos because of this magazine—I needed that much help!], but I had tremendous fun with roller derby. My skating improved, and the women I met were just as tough, fun, smart and awesome as advertised. (My personal thanks to Kaka, Mo, Felony, Mauls, Knock’r and the other brilliant derby

gals who gave me their time, talent and friendship. You’re the coolest.)

Check out their site, bleedingheartlandrollergirls. com, for their next bout (there’s one coming up in Bloomington on March 23), and maybe even hit the flat track yourself. There are no size, age, skill, or fitness requirements; everyone is welcome. And it’s always a good time in my book if you leave with fresh bruises and new friends.

Get after it, girls.

Kathryn S. Gardiner, Editor

Take the adventure to a new level. See a slideshow of the Bleeding Hearts Roller Girls by downloading the free HTlivepage app and view the slideshow by aiming your smartphone or tablet camera at the photo below.

Hey, guys!

I didn’t get a nickname, but I did earn a yellow sticker that let me, finally!, join in more of the derby training games. Felony bestowed upon me my yellow sticker at my very last practice.

Men can be a part of derby, too. If you’re interested in becoming a referee, non-skating official, or other volunteer with BHRG, email them at info@bleedingheartlandrollergirls.com.

If you want to play derby, check out the Indianapolis men’s team, the Race City Rebels, at www.racecityrebels.com.

5

Party on

Two Wheels rs o t a t c e p s s t e g Cyclocross into the race 6

| Kasey Husk WORDS yl Smith PICS | Darr

I

“One of the best things about cyclocross versus running or any other sport ... is that you can be a couch potato one day, and the next you can come out and be in the beginner race and after one (lap) you won’t even know what place you are in.”

– Matthew Jourdan

ntense physical activity meets a heavy dash of silliness in one of the newest additions to the Indiana cycling scene, where falls are a given and getting muddy is practically a requirement.

“You are kind of going out and playing on your bike like you did when you were a kid, playing in the mud and grass and jumping over things,” cyclist Bradley Hayes, 39, of Brazil, Ind. said.

Cyclocross, affectionately described by one organizer as “redneck cycling,” sends cyclists racing across short grassy courses laden with obstacles, such as steep hills or barriers, that require them to dismount and carry their bikes a short distance. The sport came to Indiana in earnest in 2011 with the birth of the Indiana Cyclocross Cup, a seven-race series held in different locations through the state primarily in September, October and November.

“It’s the fastest growing non-motorized sport for us in the Midwest,” said Matthew Jourdan, co-owner of the event management company Planet Adventure that runs the Indiana Cyclocross Cup. The series, now coming up on its third season, saw 125 to 170 competitors per race in 2012, up about 30 percent over the inaugural 2011 year.

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t’s a sport that is attractive to both experienced road racers and mountain bikers and to complete neophytes, Jourdan said. Each race is separated by experience levels, from beginners to pro-level, so participants race against people at their own levels. And while in regular road races inexperienced riders might be pulled from a

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THE REST | From Page 7 competition if they can’t keep up, in cyclocross riders take to a very short grass course and simply go through it as many times as they can in the time allotted: usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on experience level.

“One of the best things about cyclocross versus running or any other sport ... is that you can be a couch potato one day, and the next you can come out and be in the beginner race and after one (lap) you won’t even know what place you are in,” Jourdan said. “Everybody is intermixed, you don’t get that bruised ego.”

Each event has a party atmosphere, complete with food trucks, TV screens and races for children, such as Hayes’ 10-yearold son, Marek.

Above all, participants say, it’s a sport with a sense of humor.

Attendees at the race are more than mere spectators, taking on the role of “good-natured hecklers” and offering cyclists “hand-ups,” incentives that

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might cause them to slow down, as they ride by. A hand-up, Jourdan said, could be a snack like licorice or even a beer.

In one memorable race, Hayes remembers, spectators put mudcaked dollar bills on the ground to induce riders to take the time to snag them.

“Fifty percent of the fun is the race, and the other 50 percent is the spectators,” said 37-year-old Christina Paul of Greencastle, who said she, husband John and 14-year-old daughter Grace are all hooked on the sport. “They make it what it is.”

Jourdan urged people to check out a race this fall or to sign up through the Indiana Cyclocross Cup website at indianacxcup.com.

A schedule for the 2013 season is expected to be released in early spring, he said.

Once people see just one day of races, participants insist, they’ll want to get involved as well.

“It’s just a party on two wheels, honestly,” Jourdan said.

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Frogs, Rails and Eagles, Oh, my!

Land preserve offers off-the-beaten-path hikes WORDS | Scarlett Brooks

10

s winter winds down, the folks at Sycamore Land Trust are gearing up for a gush of spring events.

Starting Feb. 22, Sycamore will offer a variety of activities to coax the winterweary out of doors, but one of the crown jewels of the spring schedule is the Frogs, Rails, and Eagles hike, which will be offered this year in two sessions: April 19 and April 27. An expertguided tour, Frogs, Rails, and Eagles will take place at the Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve at dusk.

One of 52 Sycamore-owned preserves, Beanblossom Bottoms is a highly accessible wetland that comes alive in spring with mating frogs and migrating rails, ground-dwelling birds with a reputation for secrecy.

Beanblossom Bottoms also boasts an active bald eagle nest.

Regarding the guided hikes, Katrina

Folsom, communications director for Sycamore Land Trust, says that one of the best features of Sycamoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preserves is their accessibility: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most properties where we host public hikes are short, flat, and wide,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The longest is only about 2 miles, and the hills arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t super steep. One [trail] in Evansville can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to being highly accessible, the trails at Sycamore do not require that hikers use any special equipment. According to Folsom, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Environment and weather determine the guidelines for gearâ&#x20AC;? for any given hike.

Besides Frogs, Rails, and Eagles, other popular hikes center upon spider spying and tree identification.

In the latter, participants learn how to identify trees in winter. stablished in 1990, Sycamore Land Trust is guided by the mission â&#x20AC;&#x153;to preserve the disappearing natural and agricultural landscape of southern Indiana.â&#x20AC;? The organization started out

small; according to Folsom, it began with â&#x20AC;&#x153;10 or 15 people who wanted to save green space. At first it was all volunteer-run.â&#x20AC;? Since then it has grown exponentially, now protecting 8,000 acres of hardwood forests,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I encourage people to get out and explore what the area has to offer.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Katrina Folsom family farms, native prairies, important wetlands, and critical habitat in 15 Indiana counties. Sycamore does its work by means of conservation easements, various kinds of donations, and outright purchases of land. The individuals who started the organization were concerned about the sad state of environmental conservation in Indiana. According to the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, Indiana ranks 46th in the nation â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the

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amount of land protected for public enjoyment.â&#x20AC;?

A particularly striking acquisition is the Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill, a 600-acre parcel that Sycamore purchased only recently from a group of investors that had bought the property in the mid1980s. Their purchase had essentially saved the parcel from being developed into a sub-division. On March 23, Sycamore is organizing a clean up of the preserve, which, according to the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, â&#x20AC;&#x153;helps create a block of nearly 18,000 acres of contiguous forest habitatâ&#x20AC;? that includes Brown County State Park and Gnawbone Camp. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a local, homegrown organization, and there are so many opportunities for people to make a long-term impact on their community,â&#x20AC;? says Folsom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I encourage people to get out and explore what the area has to offer.â&#x20AC;?

For a complete list of spring 2013 activities, interested parties can visit sycamorelandtrust.org, subscribe to its newsletter, or follow Sycamore Land Trust on Facebook and Twitter.

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Taking Life at a

oar S B-town trapeze group flies high

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WORDS | Lauren Slavin PICS | Darryl Smith

â&#x20AC;š Bernadette Pace, front and center, with some of her high-flying students

A

fter a devastating event or situation, some people might wish they could run off and join a circus.

After her husband of 28 years left her, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what Bernadette Pace did.

As a trapeze artist with two decades of experience, she fit in the acts of circuses such as the Flying Valentines and the Flying EspaĂąas, and even spent three months performing in Japan.

That was almost 20 years ago. While most 69-year-

olds might be cozy in retirement, Bernadette teaches a course on high-flying trapeze once a week in the backyard of her 1.2-acre Bloomington home. And when sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not teaching, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practicing one of more than a dozen tricks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think everybody ought to have something that thrills them and will go on thrilling them until they die of old age. It keeps you alive, it keeps you vigorous,â&#x20AC;? Bernadette says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people get old and depressed, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just old.â&#x20AC;?

Bernadette learned flying trapeze in the 1970s at the Denver Center YMCA and began performing with the Denver Imperial Flyers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After I started flying, I absolutely loved flying, and I just knew I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to live without it,â&#x20AC;? Bernadette says.

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n 1985, Bernadette moved into the Bloomington property she would use to teach what she figures in the last 30 years has been at least 1,000 people.

She built the permanent trapeze in her backyard where her class is held, which usually has about six to 10 students, from as young as 6 years old to their mid-30s. Some students, her “frequent flyers,” have been practicing with her for 20 years.

“It adds a richness to their lives,” Bernadette says. “If you can fly on the trapeze and do major tricks, you can do anything.”

In 1985, she founded the High Flyers Family Circus, which hasn’t put on a show recently, as it is difficult to run a volunteer-based circus.

Her students have also performed at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington.

Several of Bernadette’s students have gone on

to perform trapeze in circuses and teach flying.

Cirque du Soleil juggler Steven Ragatz was one of Bernadette’s first flyers, and flyer Elizabeth Feldman has formed her own group, Flight Club.

“The story is more than just mine. All of these people who’ve been doing it for these many years also have a story,” Bernadette says.

B

ernadette calls her backyard trapeze the best in the world. A soft net a flyer can fall into while practicing tricks surrounds the swinging and catching bars. The equipment is taken down and inspected at least once a year to maintain safety standards.

Once the temperature falls below 55 degrees, the net is taken down and flyers move inside the Twin Lakes Recreation Center in Bloomington to practice aerial silk, which also involves climbing and hanging to perform tricks.

Unlike riding a bike, flyers must continue to practice to perfect their tricks and timing.

Bernadette doesn’t see herself giving up flying “until her hands fall off.”

And though she went through a difficult period, Bernadette says she’s living her happily-ever-after high above the ground.

“I don’t think there’s anybody who would say their life was not enriched by having flown on the trapeze,” Bernadette says.

“I think everybody ought to have something that thrills them and will go on thrilling them until they die of old age.

It keeps you alive, it keeps you vigorous.

Some people get old and depressed, and I’m just old.”

– Bernadette Pace

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Local skateboarders talk tricksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and personal growth WORDS | Kathryn S. Gardiner PICS | Darryl Smith

Duncan Liden of Martinsville at the Upper Cascades Skate Park in Bloomington 17

A ˆ Jonathan Prather (above) and Ryan Smith hit the pavement at the Upper Cascades Skate Park

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sk Ryan Smith or Jonathan Prather what they love about skateboarding and they both begin to speak in half-poetry.

“Just the feel of the wheels on the concrete,” Prather says, describing how fresh concrete feels different than old, worn pavement; the rumbling sensation of pushing across cobblestones. “It can become personal.”

“You get to be really creative,” Smith says. “There’s really no rules to it. It’s yours.”

Both Smith and Prather are part of the close-knit Bloomington skateboarding community and have been practicing the sport for years—30-year-old Prather since age 14 when he first saw a cousin do an “Ollie” (a basic trick that is the basis of many others), and 35-year-old Smith since age 9 when his older brother got a board. And when they talk about it, it’s easy to hear the intensity and passion that has kept them going for so many years. “It’s so fun,” Smith says simply. “It’s endless.”

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hough it can and has lead to life-long friendships, skateboarding is “do-ityourself,” Prather says. No set practices, no coach barking out orders and making you do your drills—individuals succeed in the sport because they keep putting feet to board. Friends are there for support and company, but everyone is at their own level. “There’s camaraderie, not competition,” says Prather. The competition, he insists, is with yourself, “overcoming fear ... battling yourself … [it’s] between you and your board.”

And the success that comes with finally doing it, finally hitting that trick you’ve been working on—“that’s a great feeling,” Prather says. “When I figured out how to do Ollies, it was like when

man [first got to] fly. ‘We can do this?’”

Women fly, too, in the world of skateboarding. “It’s awesome,” Smith says, noting with enthusiasm that female involvement in the sport is growing rapidly. “They look so good on a skateboard.”

R

ecent generations have seen skateboarding go mainstream, though it still bears the stigma of its “juvenile delinquent” past, some deserved, some not. “I understand the stigma,” Prather says, as the “D-I-Y” nature of skateboarding can easily promote a “rebellious attitude.” But rebellion isn’t always bad. Growing up in Deputy, Ind., Prather says, “I rebelled from being on the farm—but it [skateboarding] also kept me out of drugs, alcohol.”

“A lot of people think skateboarding is obnoxious,” says Smith, another view that both he and Prather understand.

Some of that opinion is formed by skateboarders “grinding,” scraping the board across a curb or railing on public property. “A lot of people obviously see that as destructive,” Prather says.

Some communities, Bloomington included, chose to work with the skateboarders rather than against by building skateparks to provide an alternate location.

Build a good skatepark, Prather says, and the skaters will skate there all day. Which they do. Even if Bloomington gets snow, “kids will shovel out one of the ramps [at Upper Cascades Skate Park] to have a place to skate.”

(Incidentally, some architects have begun looking to skaters precisely because of how they view an urban environment. Where a pedestrian sees a safety handrail, a skateboarder sees endless possibilities for tricks. They interact with architectural landscape in a way that is unintended and limitless, which presents designers

with the potential for a whole new way to view structure and space.)

W

herever you are, if you want to give skateboarding a try, Smith and Prather suggest finding the skate shop or the skatepark and talking to the skaters.

(You can talk to Prather at his shop, Rhett Skateboarding, at 118 S Rogers Street in Bloomington.)

“The best way to start,” Smith says, “is to just get on and try.”

A longboard, he says, might be a good starting point for those concerned about balance. The bigger, softer wheels make for a more stable base.

“Invest in a good set of pads and a helmet,” Prather says.

“Do it for fun,” Smith says.

“Come in with an open mind. And be prepared to get hurt! You’re gonna take a slam.”

But those slams, after all, will make it even more rewarding when you finally figure out how to fly.

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Youth on the

Run Program trains kids to go the distance WORDS | Kathryn S. Gardiner

T

PICS | Courtesy YMCA

hanksgiving Day in 2009 found Angela Dilts and her three children at the crowded starting line of the annual Turkey Trot 5K sponsored by the Bloomington Bagel Company. During the run, her kids had to walk several times, “of course,” Angela said, “because they hadn’t trained.” And that realization lead to a thought that launched a program at the Monroe County YMCA: “Wouldn’t it be cool if you could train kids to run a 5K?” Soon after that holiday run, Angela, the preschool/youth/ camp director at the Y, created the youth running program.

More than 20 children enrolled for the first session. The program “feeds into our own races,” Angela said. Each spring and fall, the Monroe County YMCA hosts a fun run, which includes both a 5K and 10K running course. The six-week program prepares kids to participate.

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The original idea was to train kids who had never run before, to build them up and help them develop the endurance and skill needed to conquer a 5K. But the kids had so much fun, they kept coming back, season after season. “It becomes a social thing,” Angela said. “They look forward to running club because their friends are there.” So, Angela and her coaches started a 10K program for those experienced young runners who want to keep growing and having fun.

The running club easily accommodates all fitness levels—from the brandnew to the race-tested.

“It’s not competitive with each other,” Angela said. “What we focus on is that running is fun ... It’s an individual sport—you can go at your own pace.” Instead, kids compete with themselves, trying to better their own time. At least two coaches are always on hand to encourage, guide and accompany young runners in their efforts, one with newbies and another with the veterans.

T

he program runs (literally) two days a week and every other Saturday. One day focuses on speed and the other on endurance. Often, they play games (voted upon by the kids) that involve running; they have so much fun “they don’t even realize they’re running,” Angela said. Each practice begins with a thorough warm-up and stretch-

ing—and beyond just running, the kids learn the importance of nutrition, hydration, and even proper footwear. Because, like every machine, the body needs the right fuel to run most efficiently.

But it’s the unexpected results that Angela has found most rewarding. “We’ve had parents who

weren’t runners become runners to do the race with their kids,” Angela said.

She describes running the outdoor trail at the Winslow Sports Complex and coming across one of their first participants running with his mother. They run together twice a week since her son was in the club, the mother told her.

And the races themselves often reveals kids at their best. The coaches, club members and parents gather the night before the race for a big pasta dinner to “carb load,” then—all in matching shirts—they start the race together. They don’t finish together because each individual is free to go at his or her own pace—but they all finish.

“We’ve had kids walk half the course,” Angela says, “but we’ve never had a kid not finish.”

When they’re done, all the club members stay at the finish line to encourage their friends.

“Everyone stays and cheers,” Angela said, and describes a community spirit has warmly enveloped the coaches, the kids and even their families. “That wasn’t the goal—but it’s a nice side effect.”

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Ball in Play

Bloomington program offers soccer 101 and up WORDS | Holly Thrasher

22

S

PICS | Kassi Bowles

The women’s soccer crew practices at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center in Bloomington

occer, a favorite sport of many around the world, has an impressive presence in southcentral Indiana. According to Chris Doran, manager of Bloomington Soccer—located in the Twin Lakes Recreation Center—that’s no accident.

“Bloomington’s soccer culture is richly influenced by the number of kids who play, the university community and the fact that soccer is an easy game to return to or try as an adult,” he says. And Doran would know: known to many in the area as “Coach Chris,” Doran has promoted, taught and coached soccer in Bloomington for nearly 25 years. He says that the diversity of participants, “means that on any given game night during our indoor season or any given pick-up game at Karst Park, you could be playing with [or] against a future college All-American, a past national champion, a

former national teamer or a parent of three just looking for exercise and the chance to be a part of a team again.” No matter where you fit in that spectrum, Doran is confident you can benefit from soccer in one way or another.

“Don’t worry about fitness, don’t worry about not being good at it—just come out and try it!”

Doran says. “Our women’s soccer classes have a variety of players—some are new, some are returning to the sport; some are fit, some aren’t.

But it’s a safe environment to try the sport, learn it and have fun each Sunday afternoon. The women’s soccer classes offered by Bloomington Soccer at the TLRC are six weeks of hour-long sessions that offer a bit of instruction and the opportunity to play games.”

But what if you’ve never tried it? Is it ever too late to learn? Doran thinks not, and says that for the soccer beginner of every age, there

are tried-and-true tricks for getting familiar with both the techniques and the structure of soccer: • Watch the game.

• Spend time with the ball.

Kick it around in your yard or nudge it along as you take a walk or run. Doran says, “Keep a ball close as often as you can.

There’s no sense learning to play the piano if you don’t have a piano available.”

• Practice alone. Juggle the ball (keep it off the ground with your feet) or kick it against a solid exterior wall several times in succession to sharpen your kicking abilities and reflexes.

“Don’t worry about fitness, don’t worry about not being good at it—just come out and try it!”

• Practice with someone else.

“Always try to do it with someone better than you,” Doran advises. “In some cases, it’s your 12-year-old child. You can always pick up something new by playing the game at a higher level.”

• Show up and participate.

Don’t be intimidated; there are lots of other “newbies” out there looking to hone their own soccer skills. “The soccer culture offers a heavy dose of pick-up games,” Doran adds. Many of them take place at Woodlawn Field or Karst Farm Park. “That’s another way to get touches in every week,” he says.

Doran’s advice boils down to this: “Find other soccer enthusiasts and just play. You only need one more person to make it a competition.” Excited yet? Go pick up a ball and get moving. You might have more fun than you expect!

Crreek Park ey C Delan SALEM, IN

Camping • Fishing • Hiking • Swimming

812-883-5101

www.delaneypark.com

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Cabin Rentals Also Available!

– Chris Doran

Froehlich’s Outfitter and Guide HorseTrail Rides, LLC Cannelton, IN (812) 836-2117

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23

Walking on

Water Board brings paddlers to their feet WORDS | Lee Hadley PICS | Darryl Smith

Lauren Ellis and Amy Shacklady paddleboard with Indiana University Outdoor Adventures

24

W

ill Crimmins likes to put people on the water. A native Hoosier, Crimmins discovered a love of paddle sports during a 2001 college class in Auburn, Ala. “I had to have a PE credit and ended up taking a whitewater kayaking course,” said Crimmins. “During that course I ended up finding one of my biggest passions in life.”

This passion for paddling would later inspire Crimmins to found a paddling club at Indiana University in order to share adventures with fellow enthusiasts. It would also shape his career, guiding him to a position as paddle sports buyer at JL Waters in downtown Bloomington and certification by the American Canoe Association as a whitewater kayaking instructor.

Crimmins has noticed a rising interest in paddle sports that he believes is caused in part by changing economic conditions. “Because of gas prices skyrocketing, folks are looking for ways to stay at home,” he said. “Instead of fueling up a big powerboat or spending high dollars to go on a cruise, folks are looking at ‘How can I invest my money so I can get outside and not pay top dollar to get out and recreate?’” He believes that paddle sports fill that niche perfectly.

The three main “flat water” paddle sports in Indiana are canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Canoeing and kayaking are more established sports using boats based on traditional designs. “Everybody has canoed. Lots of people have kayaked,” Crimmins said.

“Right now, though, the major thing, MORE | Page 26

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THE REST | From Page 25 the new trendy thing with paddle sports is stand-up paddling.”

Stand-up paddle boarding evolved from long-board surfing in Hawaii and has been a part of island culture for a long time. It has enjoyed rapidly rising popularity in recent years as experienced paddlers have embraced the opportunity to apply old skills to a new experience. “Once I tried it, I was hooked,” Crimmins said. “Stand-up paddle boarding gave me a completely new perspective, not just looking out over the water but also looking down into the water.”

Canoes and kayaks sit very low

in the water. Light refraction makes it difficult to see below the surface of the water from a sitting position.

Standing on a paddleboard allows the paddler to observe straight down into the water, providing a much better view of aquatic life and landscape.

Crimmins also touts the physical fitness benefits of stand-up paddle boarding. “It can be one heck of a workout,” he said. “You’re working your arms and trapezius muscles; you’re working your core big time.

Your legs have to stabilize and balance you on the board.”

Just about anyone who can

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stand up and has decent balance should be able to paddleboard.

“You don’t have to be a gymnast,” Crimmins said. “Any average Joe can do it.”

In all water sports, safety is paramount. All paddlers should wear a personal flotation device while on the water, regardless of experience or craft.

To find more information, advice, or companions to float with, Crimmins recommends contacting the Hoosier Canoe Club. “For anyone looking to get into [paddle sports],” Crimmins said. “That is my go-to resource as a paddler in Indiana.”

Fun for the whole gang!

Six “Hop” tour totaling over 1200’

Book Now! Call 812-988-0085 Limited amount of space per “Hop”.

“Brown County’s Family Interactive Zip Line Tour” ONLY $30/person n

Zip Line at NIGHT!

March 9

Bedford Lions Club Fitness Challenge

Calendar

of

Events

RUN LONG

JUMP HIGH PLAY HARD GET SWEATY

AIM STEADY

BREAK AWAY

Go. Do.

Where: Englewood School, 3203 Washington Ave., Bedford, Ind. When: 8 a.m. 5K run and walk, children’s 200m, 400m, 600m, 1600m to follow Info: Race to support Blessings in a Backpack, an organization dedicated to helping those in need. mag7raceseries.com

MARCH 9-10

National Maple Syrup Festival Where: Burton’s Maplewood Farm, Medora, Ind. Info: Pioneer games, face painting, lumberjack activities, petting zoo and horsedrawn wagon rides. nationalmaplesyrupfestival.com

MARCH 23+30

Underground adventure Where: Marengo Cave, Marengo, Ind. Info: Don’t need a group—open to the public. Call for reservations 812-365-2705. marengocave.com

MARCH 23

Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls A/B double header vs.

Killamazoo Derby Darlins Where: Bloomington, Ind. Info: bleedingheartlandrollergirls.com

MARCH 29-31 Hopping Adventure Easter Weekend

Where: Big Splash Adventure Hotel and Indoor Water Park, French Lick, Ind. Info: 40,000-square-foot indoor water park. Brunch with the Easter bunny. bigsplashadventure.com, 877-936-FUNN

March 30 Bunny Rock 5K

Where: White River State Park Celebration Plaza, 801 West Washington St., Indianapolis, Ind. When: 9 a.m. 5K race start; 10 a.m. egg hunt (ages 2-8) Info: 5K run/walk and kids 100-yard dash egg hunt. Large live petting zoo that includes ducks, rabbits, goats, lambs, donkeys, and more! BunnyRockIndy.com

MARCH 30+31

Banff Mountain Film Festival Where: Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Bloomington, Ind. Info: Presented by IU Outdoor Adventures. $10 for IUB students with IDs $15 for general admission and free for children under 5 years old. imu.indiana.edu/iuoa/banff.shtml

STARTING APRIL 1 Lake Tours

Where: Patoka Lake Marina, Birdseye, Ind. When: Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Info: Public sightseeing tours on Patoka Lake.

Look for osprey, eagles, and blue herons. patokalakemarina.com, 888-819-6916

April 6

Want to see your event listed on this page? Email info to adventure@ hoosiertimes.com

Southern Indiana Classic Where: Vanderburgh County 4-H Center, 201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Road, Evansville, Ind. When: 7 a.m. marathon, half marathon, and 8K begin Info: A Boston-qualifing event. Proceeds benefit Rolling Thunder Inc., a nonprofit military appreciation organization that remembers POWs, MIAs and wounded military from all United States military branches. sicmarathon.com

APRIL 6+13

May 11

Underground adventure

Dances with Dirt: Gnaw Bone

Where: Marengo Cave Info: Don’t need a group—open to the public. Call for reservations 812-365-2705. marengocave.com

Where: Mike’s Music and Dance Barn, 2277 Ind. 46 W., Nashville, Ind. (4 miles west of Nashville) WHEN: Team relay start 7:30 a.m.

Info: Marathon, half marathon and 10K. The world’s most difficult 10K. Expect double your road time and triple the effort!

The terrain will bring you shock and awe!

Vicious 600-foot ridges, breathtaking natural beauty and wicked trails abound. dwd.runningfitsites.com/gnawbone-home

APRIL 7

3D Archery Shoot Where: Washington Conservation Club, Washington, Ind. When: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Info: Open to the public. Everyone who comes to the shoot will be able to shoot.

Email Greg Mundy (gmundy2000@yahoo. com) for more information.

APRIL 13

YMCA Spring Fun Run Where: Monroe County YMCA Info: monroecountyymca.org, 812-332-5555

Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls A/B double header vs.

Grand Raggidy Roller Girls Where: Bloomington, Ind. When: Doors open at 5 p.m.

Info: bleedingheartlandrollergirls.com

APRIL 19+27

Frogs, Rails, and Eagles hike

MAY 17-19

White River Bowhunters I.B.O. Triple Crown National Championship Where: 4-H Fairgrounds, Bedford, Ind. whiteriverbowhunters.com

MAY 18

Indianapolis Dirty Girl Mud Run 5K Where: Indianapolis When: Waves go every 15 minutes starting at 8 a.m.

Info: For women of all ages and athletic abilities. Eleven insanely fun obstacles designed by an elite ex-Army ranger. godirtygirl.com

MAY 30-JUNE 2

American Country Hoedown

Where: Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve When: Dusk Info: An expert-guided tour hosted by Sycamore Land Trust. sycamorelandtrust.org, 812-336-5382

Where: Campbellsburg, Ind. Info: Includes 5K walk/run on June 1. campbellsburghoedownfestival.com

APRIL 20

Beer Cruise

Where: French Lick Resort, French Lick, Ind. Info: Open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities and experience. frenchlick.com, 888-936-9360

Where: Patoka Lake Marina, Birdseye, Ind. When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Info: Cruise Patoka Lake at sunset with food and Upland Brewery beers. patokalakemarina.com, 888-819-6916

Spring 5K/10K Family Classic

Friends of Shakamak Long Fish Dash 5 & 10K Where: Shakamak State Park, 6265 W. Ind. 48, Jasonville, Ind. When: 9 a.m. junior mile for kids 12 and under; 9:30 a.m. 5K run and fitness walk; 10:30 a.m. 10K run around the park Info: The 5K course is a loop with rolling hills around Lake Shakamak. The 10K course is along Perimeter Road of the park. friendsofshakamak@gmail.com

APRIL 27

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/ Mini-Marathon Where: Louisville, Ky. When: Races start 7:30 a.m. derbyfestivalmarathon.com

APRIL 27-MAY 4

Orleans Dogwood Festival Where: Orleans Congress Square, Orleans, Ind. When: 5-10 p.m. weeknights, Saturday all day Info: Arts, crafts, carnival rides, games and more. historicorleans.com, 812-865-3484

MAY 4

500 Festival Mini-Marathon Where: Downtown Indianapolis and Motor Speedway When: 7:30 a.m. Info: 500festival.com

MAY 5

3D Archery Shoot Where: Washington Conservation Club When: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Info: Open to the public. Everyone who comes to the shoot will be able to shoot.

Email Greg Mundy (gmundy2000@yahoo. com) for more information.

MAY 31

JUNE 1+2

3D Archery Shoot Where: Washington Conservation Club, Washington, Ind. When: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Info: Open to the public. Everyone who comes to the shoot will be able to shoot.

Email Greg Mundy (gmundy2000@yahoo. com) for more information.

June 6-July 3

Summer Tennis Clinics Where: Indiana University Tennis Center Info: For beginners of all ages. Lead by USPTA master pro Mike O’Connell and staff. Early registration deadline May 30. indiana.edu/~tnscntr, 812-855-5750

JUNE 8

Gasthof Spring Festival Where: Gasthof Amish Village, Montgomery, Ind. Info: Craft vendors, flea markets, carriage rides, barrel train rides for the children and more. gasthofamishvillage.com, 812-486-2600

JUNE 21-23

Bleeding Heartland Roller Girls Super BAMF camp for beginner and intermediate levels only Info: Early registration price (until April 30) is $100 for skaters, $40 for non-skating attendees. bleedingheartlandrollergirls.com

27

Welcome to Daviess County!

UPCOMING SEASONAL EVENTS

April 3 D- Archery Shoot Washington Conservation Club April 7, 2013 Open to the public Check us out on Facebook (812)-254-7538 (812) 610-2490 Lawn and Garden Auction April 6th 2013 Dinky’ Center Cannelburg 812-486-2880 Registered Boar Goat Auction April 6th 2013 Dinky’ Center Cannelburg 812-486-2880 Taste of Daviess County April 22, 2013 Community Building Washington 812-254-4481

May 3 D- Archery Shoot Washington Conservation Club May 5, 2013 Open to the public Check us out on Facebook (812)-254-7538 (812) 610-2490

Auctions are every Friday at Dinky’s Auction Center. Feel free to call for special information Paul Raber at 812-4862786 or 812-486-2880

Special Horse and Tack Auction May 27, 2013 Memorial Day Dinky’ Center Cannelburg 812-486-2880

Gasthof Flea Markets open 9:00AM-3:00PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday April 7th through October at the Gasthof Amish Village.

Daviess County Rail Fest Second Weekend in May 18th 2013 Washington Main Street/Depot 812-257-0301 Wool Fiber Arts Fair Third Saturday in May 18th 2013 Washington Conservation Club Washington Marsha Mulroony 812-254-1186

June 3 D- Archery Shoot Washington Conservation Club June 1, & 2, 2013 Open to the public Check us out on Facebook (812)-254-7538 (812) 610-2490

Daviess County Fair June 21st through 29th 2013 SR 57 at Elnora Fairground www.daviesscofa.com

July

3 D- Archery Shoot Washington Conservation Club July 7, 2013 Open to the public Check us out on Facebook (812)-254-7538 (812) 610-2490 Washington Catholic Summer Social Daviess County 4-H Show July 12th through 19th 2013 First Sunday in June 2nd 2013 Eastside Park 4-H Building Washington Catholic Elementary Washington & High School 812-254-8668 Washington 812-254-2781 Mid-Summer Driving Horse Sale June 5th, 2013 Dinky’ Center Cannelburg 812-486-2880 Gasthof Spring Festival June 8th 2013 Gasthof Amish Village Montgomery 812-486-4900

For locations, time and more information call 812-254-5262.

Wine, Cheese and Art Festival Friday before Labor Day Weekend August 30st 2013 Corner Main Street and 2nd in Washington 812-254-5262 Daviess County Amish Quilt Auction Saturday of Labor Day Weekend August 31, 2013 Simon J. Graber Community Building Cannelburg 812-486-3491

August

3 D- Archery Shoot Washington Conservation Club August 4, 2013 Open to the public Check us out on Facebook (812)-254-7538 (812) 610-2490

Old Settler Festival First week of August, Tuesday through Saturday Park & Spark Car Club Car Show August 6th through 10th, 2013 West Boggs Park, Loogootee Odon City Park First Weekend in June1st and 2nd 2013 Odon 812-295-3421 812-636-8218

Veale Creek Players Inc. is planning an exciting summer program. We will offer a variety of a summer kids camp, a new stage show with magician Daniel Cullen, and musicals.

Watch for announcements!

Graber Auction; Every first Saturday of the month. For more information call Mark Graber at 812-254-2220

Daviess County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau One Train Depot Street, P.O. Box 430, Washington, IN 47501 Phone: 812-254-5262 or 800-449-5262 • Fax: 812-254-4003 www.daviesscounty.net

For all-season fun, bookmark www.daviesscounty.net now. OR HT-6182524

If you want to find out how friendly Daviess County folks are, call 1-800-449-5262