FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or-
ERIC BARNETT - 216-635-7014
Learn the skills necessary to become an outdoor recreation
enthusiast. Join Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great
Outdoors for upcoming �Outdoor Recreation Skills� courses!
Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO)
provides a wide range of outdoor recreational classes to people of
all abilities. Participants can enjoy the knowledge and expertise
of seasoned instructors with all IGO courses and have fun at the
same time with the following �Outdoor Recreation Skills'
classes:
Backpacking Basics:
This class is made to appeal to both the casual hiker and
backpacking enthusiast. Come see what's new for 2012 as IGO staff
covers important topics such as tents, backpacks and other gear;
water treatment; and outdoor ethics.
Ages: 14 years & up
Date / Location: May 24 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. � Rocky
River Nature Center
Cost: $10
Cycling Made Easy:
It is a perfect ride...until one hears air escaping from the
tire. Take part in this two-part class, and begin with an evening
learning how to change a flat tire and other cycling tips. For the
second class, participants grab their bike and helmet for a
hands-on session of balancing skills, instant turns, and obstacle
dodging. Practice newly-learned skills on a ride along the all
purpose trail. Participants must bring their own bike, and lunch
for the second session.
Activity level: Easy
Ages: 14 years & up
Date / Location: May 31 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. AND
June 2 � 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. � Park Operations Building, Rocky
River Reservation
Cost: $55
How to Survive Just About
Anything:
Late spring, early summer can bring deadly storms to Northeast
Ohio. With proper planning and the right kit, learn how to stand a
greater chance of surviving tornadoes, floods and other disaster.
Participants can get resources to begin making their own disaster
kits for home and on the go. And, discover how to reuse old camping
gear.
Ages:16 years & up
Date/Location: May 31 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. � Rocky
River Nature Center
Cost: $15
Beginner Backpacking Trip:
Have you ever wanted to go backpacking, but were nervous about
the experience? Join IGO staff for an overnight trip to experience
and learn about backpacking essentials including backcountry
hygiene, cooking, safety, and more. A port-a-john will be available
for the introductory class.
Activity level: Easy
Ages: 4 years & up
Pre-trip:June 13 � 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. � Garfield Park
Nature Center, Garfield Park Reservation
Date/Location: June 23 - 24 � 1 p.m. - noon � Hinckley
Reservation
Cost: $55
Mountain Bike Lessons: Beginner:
Build basic skills to enjoy negotiating beginner level mountain
bike trails with confidence. Discover how to prepare for a ride,
avoid beginner pitfalls and find limitations while having fun on
the trail. Body position, shifting, braking, trail etiquette and
�hills and holes� are just a few topics that are covered. All
participants must bring their own mountain bike and ensure that the
bikes are in good/safe working condition prior to the class. IGO
staff strongly recommend that the bike be fully serviced by a
knowledgeable person prior to the class. Helmets required.
Activity level: Easy
Ages: 14 years & up
Date/Location: June 19 � 6 - 8 p.m. � Royalview Picnic
Area, Mill Stream Run Reservation -or- June 30 � 9 - 11 a.m. �
Royalview Picnic Area, Mill Stream Run Reservation -or- July 10 � 6
- 8 p.m. � Royalview Picnic Area, Mill Stream Run Reservation
Cost: $15
Mountain Bike Lessons: Intermediate:
This class is designed for mountain bike riders with a little
experience who want to continue building skills. Learn techniques
to increase speed and acquire skills for wheel hops, steep grades
and �ride-able drop offs�. Hone bike set-up, braking and cornering
techniques, and more. All participants must bring their own
mountain bike and ensure that the bikes are in good/safe working
condition prior to the class. IGO staff strongly recommend that the
bike be fully serviced by a knowledgeable person prior to the
class. Helmets required.
Pre-Requisite: Complete Beginner Class
Activity level: Moderate
Ages:14 years & up
Date/Location: June 26 � 6 - 8 p.m. � Royalview Picnic
Area, Mill Stream Run Reservation -or- July 24 � 6 - 8 p.m. �
Royalview Picnic Area, Mill Stream Run Reservation -or- July 28 � 9
- 11 a.m. � Royalview Picnic Area, Mill Stream Run Reservation
Cost: $20
Adventure Race Training:
Want to participate in IGO's adventure race on September 22, but
don't know how to get started? Join IGO staff for a multi-sport
training series on the trail and on the water. The class focuses on
skills and endurance needed for paddling and trail running.
Equipment provided for paddling sessions, but participants are
required to bring their own running gear.
Activity level: Moderate to Strenuous
Ages: Adults
Date/Location: July 7 � 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. � HinckleyLake
Boathouse, Hinckley Reservation -or- August 11 � 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. �
Hinckley Lake Boathouse, Hinckley Reservation
Cost: $35
For more information on these �Outdoor Recreation Skills�
courses, a complete list of all IGO courses and trips, and to
register, call 216-341-1704 or go online at
clevelandmetroparks.com.
Upgrade your �Outdoor Recreation Skills� with the Institute of
the Great Outdoors of Cleveland Metroparks - part of your
life, naturally!
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