Community Corner
Hike, Bike or Paddle Your Way into Summer
The local Brentwood REI offers free classes to gear up for the great outdoors.
It was a long winter, full of restless days indoors and trying to find fun things to do, so you wouldn't hear the words "I'm booreed" for the rest of the season.
But that's all behind us now. With incoming warm weather, your options for an adventurous great escape widen considerably.
A good way to relieve stress and feel rejuvenated is to set a new goal for yourself to accomplish by summer's end.
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in Brentwood continually offers free educational classes to help you get ready and gear up for your next great escape outdoors.
On April 20 you can learn about the S. Illinois river to river trail, which stretches 150 miles and ranges in difficulty from beginner to advanced. If nothing else it will teach you important hiking skills and you will gain motivation.
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Backpacking Basics on April 27 is perfect for the avid hiker who wants to take his/her enthusiasm to the next level. This course will demystify the art of backpacking, teaching you exactly what to bring and how to stay comfortable on your adventure.
March 5 you can sign up for a basic Bike Maintenance class that will teach you important skills like how to fix a flat tire and lube a chain, so you can stay on the road and have fun.
If you've ever wanted to take up a water sport and learn how to kayak, here's your chance. The introductory class on March 4 will help you know how to choose the right kayak for you, plus get the inside tip on local paddling destinations.
Despite learning a skill and feeling motivated to achieve a new goal, spending more time outside is good for your physical and mental health.
According to an article by DiscoveryHealth, when the optic nerve in your eyes hits the sun, your body begins producing seratonin, which causes that familiar feeling of being in a good mood.
Also, your skin in contact with the sun produces Vitamin D, which aids in bone strength.
Remember, all these classes are free, so you have no reason to not start planning your next great escape. Register online for more information.
Looking for an outdoor store with helpful advice closer to home? in Kirkwood offers all the camping, hiking, footwear, paddling and backpacking gear you could possibly need. Friendly, professional staff are always willing and able to answer any questions you may have before heading out on the trail.