NWI offering biking adventures
By Anthony D. Alonzo Post-Tribune correspondent June 27, 2012 11:00PM
Updated: July 29, 2012 5:12PM
Though Northwest Indiana does not feature the topography that gave mountain biking its name, there are local groups that make use of area trails to promote pedaling adventures.
Portage-based Outback Trail Commission Mountain Biking will take to the terrain at Imagination Glen Park and host two ongoing weekly meetings at the Outback West Trailhead through September.
The Midweek Mountain Biking Madness offers the opportunity for local riders to meet others and get tips from experts. With the goal of making the sport more enjoyable, the group meets on Wednesdays around 5 p.m.
Friday Night Lights is geared toward the more experienced mountain biker and promotes the thrill of nighttime bicycling. Riders must have a good quality light that holds a charge for two hours mounted to their bike or helmet. The group meets on the first Fridays of each month at 8 p.m. through September.
Helmets are required for these free programs. There is no riding when trails are wet. For more information, visit www.outbacktrail.org.
Formerly Lisa’s Gymnastics, Indiana Elite Gymnastics will offer kids ages 4 and older a chance to train during a multi-day summer fun camp at the Wheeler studio.
The camp will be held daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Tuesday, July 10 and continue through Friday the 13th. Campers will focus on gymnastics theme days, as well as crafts and other activities. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
IEG coaches will help participants work toward the individual camper’s goals, while ensuring they have fun. Former AAU Junior Olympic Champion Lisa Whipps will train with the youth at the 12,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility.
Registration continues through July 3. Fees are $90. For more information, call 764-1019, or e-mail IEG_ASA@aol.com
For youth looking to stay safe and cool in the pool, Deep River Waterpark will offer two swim courses in cooperation with the American Red Cross.
Learn to Swim sessions are designed to teach swimming basics as well as safety in and around the water for kids 5 and older. Two classes are open offering instruction at the Merrillville waterpark from 9 to 9:45 a.m on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. The first section will run July 9 to Aug. 1 and the second will run July 10 to Aug. 2. The cost for the class sections are $40 for season pass holders and $60 for others.
The American Red Cross GuardStart: Lifeguarding Tomorrow program is designed to guide youth ages 11 to 14 to leadership by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. The program does not certify boys and girls to become lifeguards.
Classes are set to meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 9 to Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The cost for the lifeguarding classes are $80 for season pass holders and $100 for others. Inclusive of the fees are a booklet with a progress passport, folder for organizing activity handouts, whistle, Deep River Waterpark Visor and a hotdog lunch each day of class. For registration information, call 947-7850 ext. 604, or visit www.deepriverwaterpark.com.
