Outdoor Journal

Wheel you be there?: The nonprofit outdoors program for at-risk youth, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, will hold a benefit “Fat Tire Festival” at Camp E-Toh-Kalu, near Brevard, on Saturday, May 18.

The event will consist of two races: “The Back 40,” a fast, 18-mile course that promises “no waterfalls, no slickrock, less horse poop and lots of rocks,” according to the festival flyer; and “The Slower Seven,” a more moderately paced 7-mile course aimed at “those who should have skipped dessert last night.”

Also taking place will be children’s activities, trout fishing and live music. Early registration is $30 for the longer ride, $20 for the shorter, until May 13. Late and day-of registration is $10 more for each event. Entrance fees include a meal for riders.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. the day of the race, with rides setting out at 10 and 10:30 a.m.

Camp E-Toh-Kalu is located at 1079 Sky Valley Road, bordering DuPont State Forest. For more information, call (800) 237-0308 or visit www.active.com and enter event code 1505747.

Enter the dragons: Lake Lure will celebrate its first annual “Lure of the Dragons” boat races and cultural festival on Saturday, May 10. More than 300 paddlers are expected to stroke the waters of the Rocky Broad River and Lake Lure in vessels done up Asian-style. 

The event, which is free, runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will include an extraordinary mix of bluegrass, clogging, square dancing, gospel singing, lion dancing, sword dancing, Kung Fu and Tai Chi, all in support of children’s programs. For details, visit www.lureofthedragons.org or call 980-8838.

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