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gopherhockey
08-24-2004, 10:37 PM
Welcome to the REI Events Update. It is starting to feel like fall and the cooler weather is great for paddling, cycling or adventure racing. If you are looking to get outside this month, we have plenty of event choices. Save your knees by paddling in the Great Rivers Marathon or sleep in (guilt-free) after the 24-hour Wild Adventure Race. Also look for us at the St. Paul Bike Classic.

We have a full clinic schedule that includes our popular GPS series and an exciting clinic to help endurance athletes make the jump to a 24-hour adventure race. The 50-year old Minnesota Rovers will hold their Fall Intro Show at REI Bloomington as well. Looking ahead a bit, we have a volunteer service project on October 2nd at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes and are hosting mountaineer Eric Simonson on Tuesday, October 5th. Scroll down for details.



REI Bloomington

494 & Lyndale 952/884-4315

REI Roseville

Cty B2 & Prior 651/635-0211

Shop on-line and sign up for REI's Gear Mail e-mail newsletter at http://www.rei.com (http://www.rei.com/)



SPECIAL EVENTS



MURPHY MOUNTAIN BIKE 10K SPRINT SERIES

Wednesdays:

August 25th

September 1st and 8th

Murphy-Hanrehan Regional Park, Savage

Each race is only $10! Registration will begin at 5:30 PM with a mass start at 6:30 PM

REI has teamed up with Three Rivers Park District to offer a mountain bike race series at one of the metro area's premier off-road trails. These 10K sprints are accessible to riders of all abilities. Prizes will be awarded in men's and women's divisions. Come out and race!



ADVENTURE SPORTS ROAD TOUR

Saturday, September 4th from 12 to 4 PM REI Bloomington

Adventure Sports magazine is on the road and coming to REI Bloomington. Take this opportunity to learn more about adventure racing from the folks who race and report on races all over the country. There will be free copies of Adventure Sports, giveaways, and a chance to see the latest racing gear from Silva, Adventure Medical Kits, Spenco and more.



GREAT RIVERS MARATHON

Saturday, September 11th at 7 AM

Murphy's Landing, Shakopee

This is the no-running marathon (or half marathon) for everyone! Join the MN Boat Club for their second annual race on the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Paddle a canoe or kayak, or row your boat along these urban waters. All proceeds will go to support the work of the American Diabetes Association. Visit www.greatriversmarathon.org (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/www.greatriversmarathon.org) for complete race info.





ST. PAUL BIKE CLASSIC

Sunday, September 12th at 7 AM

St. Thomas Campus, St. Paul

Join in the state's largest urban bike tour. Choose a 15 or 31-mile loop through our beautiful capital city and pedal the mostly car-free route. REI is excited to be a sponsor of this great family event and all proceeds will benefit the conservation work of the St. Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium. This is not a race so bring the whole family and enjoy the ride. For ride information visit www.spnec.org (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/www.spnec.org).



WILD ADVENTURE 24-HOUR RACE

Saturday & Sunday, September 25th & 26th Giant's Ridge, Biwabik

This is the final event for the 2004 Minnesota Adventure Race Series. This 24-hour race is set in the rolling northwoods surrounding Giant's Ridge near Biwabik. Navigate your way through a course that includes mountain biking, paddling, trekking and fixed ropes. There will even be some team challenges along the way. Registration is already open. Visit www.marseries.com (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/www.marseries.com) for complete race information.



MN ROVERS FALL INTRO SHOW

Tuesday, September 28th at 7 PM

REI Bloomington

Want To Play Outside? The Minnesota Rovers Outing Club is a diverse group of people drawn together by a common appreciation for the outdoors. The Rovers hike, bike, canoe, climb, snowshoe, camp, sightsee, and take an active role in the preservation of the wilderness with which Minnesota is so well endowed. This informational meeting and slideshow can answer all of your questions. See you there!



ERIC SIMONSON: DETECTIVES ON EVEREST

Tuesday, October 5th at 7 PM

REI Bloomington

World-renowned mountaineer Eric Simonson stunned historians and the mountaineering community by discovering the remains of famed Everest explorer George Mallory. The news made headlines worldwide and offered clues to some long-held mysteries: What happened to Mallory and climbing partner Andrew Irvine, who both vanished on Mt. Everest in 1924? Had they reached the highest spot on earth decades before Sir Edmund Hillary's successful ascent in 1953? Hear Eric's story at a lecture and book signing at REI Bloomington. Free tickets will be available to members beginning Sept. 3, and to the general public beginning Sept. 20, while supplies last. Tickets can be picked up in person at REI Bloomington and are limited to 2 per member. For more information call (952) 884-4315 ext. 9 or visit www.rei.com/ericsimonson (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/www.rei.com/ericsimonson).



CAMPING/HIKING



INTRO TO GPS

Tuesday, September 7th at 7 PM

REI Bloomington

Wednesday, September 8th at 7 PM

REI Roseville

Anyone who spends time in the outdoors should understand this powerful handheld navigation system. REI expert staff will give this informative clinic on the basics of choosing and using GPS technology to aid in your outdoor adventures. The clinic will also cover GPS compatible mapping software.



GPS NAVIGATION SKILLS DAY

Saturday, September 11th from 9 AM to 2 PM REI Bloomington & Lake Jensen, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan

Pre-register (required) by calling REI Bloomington at 952/ 884-4315 x9.

Fee: $15 for REI members

$20 for non-members

Great hands-on, in-the-field opportunity to improve your navigation skills hosted by REI and National Geographic Maps. Learn how to use your GPS unit in conjunction with maps and mapping software. The program is intended to teach useful skills for hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Attendance at Intro to GPS (see description above) is required. Participants must bring their own GPS unit.



GPS NAVIGATION & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Monday, September 20th at 7 PM

REI Bloomington

Join the Inland Sea Kayakers for their monthly program meeting covering GPS and computer software use. Creating and managing waypoints, tracks and routes using a GPS and mapping software will be discussed and demonstrated. The National Geographic TOPO software used for the demonstration is compatible with most popular GPS units that can be connected to computers. The skills that will be presented can be applied to manufacturer specific software. This is a great addition to the GPS series offered earlier in the month.



ADVENTURE RACING



MAKING THE JUMP: THE 24-HOUR ADVENTURE RACE Wednesday, September 8th at 7 PM REI Bloomington

Thinking of doing a longer adventure race? Is it 6 times harder than a 4-hour race? NO! Learn how to prepare for a longer race from experienced adventure racers Dan Williams and Rebecca Lundberg. They will offer tips on training your team, transitions, water purification, food, how much to eat and drink, how much and when to sleep, clothing options, and how to plan what you'll need. Learn some basics on how to use the emergency gear you'll be carrying and how to pace your team so you will finish the race. There is one Minnesota Adventure Race left. Do not miss your chance to try this exciting endurance sport.



CYCLING



GREAT FALL RIDING: LOCAL MOUNTAIN BIKE GEMS Wednesday, September 15th at 7 PM REI Bloomington

The volunteers at the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) have been working hard and this is your chance to get a glimpse of the great off-road riding that the Twin Cities have to offer. From beginners to experts, from flowing singletrack to teeter-totters, there is a riding opportunity for everyone. Join MORC members for a slideshow and presentation on some of the most popular local trails. Also learn about volunteer opportunities and get the scoop on future projects.



COOL WEATHER & NIGHT CYCLING

Wednesday, September 15th at 7 PM

REI Roseville

Wednesday, September 22nd at 7 PM

REI Bloomington

The days are getting cooler and shorter, but it is too early to pack up that bike until next summer. Whether you are a commuter or a recreational rider, join REI cycling staff for a clinic designed to keep you in the saddle a bit longer (or even all year). Proper clothing, lighting and safety concerns will be addressed.



CLUB MEETINGS



CAMPFIRE, USA FAMILY CLUB

Thursday, September 9th at 6 PM

REI Bloomington

FUN-FOOD-FAMILY! REI Bloomington is proud to partner with Camp Fire USA to host a Community Family Club! This unique club will focus its activities on outdoor recreation and education. Every month will bring a different experience. The whole family is welcome and encouraged to come. Please contact Marnie Wells with questions at 651-632-9175 or marnie.wells@campfireusa-mn.org.



UPCOMING SALES



Labor Day Sale and Summer Clearance

Sale starts on Friday, August 27th and runs through Labor Day, September 6th Great deals in all departments!

Shop 3 ways - visit REI Bloomington or REI Roseville, click http://www.rei.com (http://www.rei.com/) or call 800/426-4840



COMING IN OCTOBER



REI SERVICE PROJECT: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Saturday, October 2nd from 9 AM to 1 PM

Wargo Nature Center, Lino Lakes

Join REI and Wargo Nature Center for some great work in the dirt! Wargo Nature Center sits on a peninsula overlooking George Watch Lake on the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. Help us with hiking trail maintenance and some exotic species removal. REI will provide lunch and Wargo will provide the necessary tools. Please dress appropriately and bring work gloves. No experience is necessary. Please pre-register (for proper lunch count) to Don Begalle at (952) 884-4315 ext. 203 or email to dbegall@rei.com.



CLASSES



CLIMBING CLASSES

1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the Month at 6 PM (September 1st or 15th) REI Bloomington Pinnacle

An introductory climbing class taught by a certified Vertical Endeavors instructor. Participants will learn about equipment, knot tying, belay technique, rope work, climbing commands, and safety issues.

The course is $20 for REI members, $30 for non-member and includes the use of climbing shoe and harness. Classes are offered from 6 PM - 9 PM. All students must be at least 14 years of age. Advanced registration and payment is required.

Call 952/ 884-431 5 x 9 to register.



WOMEN ONLY CLIMBING CLASSES

2nd Wednesday of the month at 6 PM (September 8th) REI Bloomington Pinnacle

A Women's only version of our introductory climbing class taught by a certified Vertical Endeavors instructor.

The course is $20 for REI members, $30 for non-member. Students must be at least 14 years of age. Advanced registration and payment is required. Call 952/ 884-4315 x9 to register.

The course is $20 for REI members, $30 for non-member.



FAMILY CLIMBING CLASSES

4th Wednesday of the month at 6 PM (September 22nd) REI Bloomington Pinnacle

The Family version of our introductory climbing class. Family classes are open to children under 14 who meet the height requirement and are accompanied in the climbing class by a parent. Advanced registration and payment is required. Call 952/ 884-4315 x9 to register.

The course is $20 for REI members, $30 for non-member.



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REI

750 West American Boulevard

Bloomington, MN 55420



Don Begalle

REI Special Events

952/884-4315 ext. 203

dbegall@rei.com