Recreation briefs

Hazards spotted along area trails

Area blogging cyclists are warning of some dangerous vandalism on local biking and hiking trails.

One rider found a campfire ring in the middle of the Ash Canyon trail, along with shotgun shell casings.

"It's just too small a canyon and too close to the water towers and town to be shooting high velocity weapons (any weapon for that matter)," writes Jesse on nowherenevada.com. "There is a pretty decent shooting range on the east side of town for this kind of stuff."

Lester Fitzhenry, a contributor on bikecarson.com, warned of some trenches along the Jackrabbit trail.

"Just as you reach the end of Jackrabbit someone has decided it would be fun to dig some trenches in the trail. Coming down the first is right in the bottom of a dip and appears it isn't quite done.

"Then maybe a 100 yards further down trail there is a hole right in the middle of the trail. The worst is a 3 foot long by 1 foot deep trench dug directly across the trail directly after the big dip and jump.

"The trail leading to the dip is now covered with branches in hopes nobody hits that dip not knowing about the trench. It truly could be ugly if someone goes through there fast not ready for this trashed area."

'Hike for Health' Hike-a-Thon kicks off on Earth Day

The Carson Valley Trails Association will kick off its "Hike for Health" Hike-a-Thon on Wednesday " Earth Day " and April 25.

Both hikes will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Fay-Luther Trailhead, located on Foothill Road 4.5 miles south of the Kingsbury Grade.

The Hike-a-Thon, a fundraiser for the Genoa Foothill Trail System project, offers participants the opportunity to engage in a healthy, outdoor activity and to learn about trails in the Carson Valley and the surrounding area. A $5 registration fee is required for participants over 15.

Participants may sign up individually or as teams, and have the option of securing pledges for the miles they hike or making a lump sum, cash donation. Participants will hike or walk wherever they choose from April 22 through June 6. A grand finale celebration is planned for June 6, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mormon Station State Historic Park.

As part of the Hike-a-Thon, the trail association will offer weekly "Hikes with a CVTA Expert" beginning Wednesday and continuing through June 6. Experienced hikers will accompany participants on the hikes to answer questions and provide trail information. Participants in these hikes must register for the Hike-a-thon.

For more information, go to www.carsonvalleytrails.org, or contact Chic Moxley at (775) 265-0766 or Melissa Granat at (775) 783-1764.

The Genoa Foothill Trail System will be located in the foothills of the Carson Range west of Genoa, and to the north and south, from Adams Canyon to the Kingsbury Grade. Final construction and opening of the trail system is expected in 2012.

Marathon training program available at Tahoe

The snow has nearly gone from the trails, so now is the time to drag out your favorite pair of running or walking shoes.

As most of you know we have miles and miles of some of the most incredibly scenic running/walking trails on earth.

If you've ever thought about running a marathon, getting into better shape or just looking for new training partners and friends, here's what you're looking for.

USA Fit - Lake Tahoe, the annual Marathon Training program is still available.

At 11 a.m. Saturday the 2009 Lake Tahoe Fit season will begin with program orientation and pace finder walk/run.

To register, visit laketahoefit.com.

Escape from Prison Hill and relay next week

The annual Escape from Prison Hill half-marathon will be 7 a.m. April 25 at the Silver Saddle Ranch.

This hallmark half-marathon is an excellent way for those wishing to experience the taste of ultra-marathoning without the added distance. The course offers exceptional views of the Carson River Valley and eastern Sierra.

For more information, go to www.tahoemtnmilers.org.