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Recreational Activities
Despite Ann Arbor's "four seasons a day" weather, its numerous
parks and sports venues provide ample opportunity to work up a
sweat, or just get out and about. The Calendar covers them all.
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"Back Roads Ramble": Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
"Monday Chelsea Ride": Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
"Yoga at the Gardens": U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
 Monday
May, 2008
 9 a.m.
"Back Roads Ramble":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Monday. Slow-paced ride, 12-35 miles, along dirt and gravel roads to Independence Lake and other low-traffic destinations.
meet at 960 Forest Rd. (off Country Club Dr.), Barton Hills. Free. 761-2885, 663-5060.
9 a.m.
"Monday Chelsea Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Monday. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 35-45 or 55-65 miles, to either the Munith or Stockbridge area.
meet at Aberdeen Bike & Fitness, 1175 S. Main, Chelsea. Free. (517) 285-6830.
Noon-1 p.m.
"Yoga at the Gardens":
U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Local yoga instructor Janine Bennett leads a session of Vinyasa-style hatha yoga sun salutations and postures to recorded music. Bring a mat and towel.
Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. $10. 647-7600.
"May Madness":
Michigan Argentine Tango Club. May 16-19 (different locations). Four days of tango dance parties. Preceded by tango lessons ($20 & up), 8-9:30 p.m.
Michigan League Ballroom. $15 (students, $10). 973-2338.
5:30 p.m.
"Paved Roads Country Roads Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Monday. Fast-, moderate-, and slow-paced training ride, 18-24 miles, along country roads west of town.
meet at Royster Clark, 885 Parker Rd. at Pine Cross Lane (just south of Jackson Rd.), Scio Twp. Free. 426-5116.
6 p.m.
"Smoothie King Recovery Ride":
Ann Arbor Velo Club. Every Monday except May 26 . Cyclists invited to join club members on this moderate-paced ride, 15-20 miles, down Huron River Drive to Dexter and back.
meet at Smoothie King, 222 N. Fourth Ave. Free. 827-2792.
7 p.m.
"The Civilized Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Monday except May 26. Slow-paced ride, 12-18 miles, to Dexter, with a possible stop for ice cream.
sharp, Wellington Park, Alice at Bruce St. (off Arborview from Miller). Free. 213-2908.
 Tuesday
May, 2008
6 p.m.
"Huron River Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Tuesday. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 18-40 miles, to Dexter and back.
meet at Rudolf Steiner School, 1655 Newport Rd. Free. 662-0205.
6 p.m.
"Big Sky Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Tuesday. Moderate-paced ride, 20-35 miles, along flat, relatively quiet picturesque roads south of Ann Arbor.
meet at York Baptist Church, 1220 Stony Creek Rd. at Platt. Free. 971-5763.
6:30 p.m.
Ann Arbor Front Runners.:Every Tuesday & Thursday. Gay, lesbian, and straight runners invited to choose a distance of 3-5 miles to run with Front Runners members.
meet at Furstenberg Park, off Fuller Rd. across from Huron High School. Free. 741-1763.
7-9:30 p.m.
English Country Dancing:
Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance. Every Tuesday . Historical and traditional English dancing. Today: callers Bantle and Don Theyken with music by Childgrove. All dances taught. No partner or experience needed. Dress comfortably and bring flat, nonslip shoes (running shoes OK).
Chapel Hill Condominium clubhouse, 3350 Green Rd. $7 (students, $4; children age 13 & under, free). 665-7704.
 Wednesday
May, 2008
"Saline Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Wednesday. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 30 miles or more, south to Milan and then west to the area around Britton-Macon. 6 p.m., meet at municipal parking lot on Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. south of Michigan Ave., Saline .
Free. 645-5840.
6 p.m.
"West Side Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Wednesday. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 22-25 miles, and a slow-paced ride, 13-18 miles, to the Dexter Dairy Queen and back. Now in its 30th year, this ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders.
sharp, meet at Sweepster parking lot, 2800 N. Zeeb Rd. Free. 426-5116 (longer ride), 665-4552 & 761-2659 (shorter ride).
9:30-11 p.m.
Wednesdays @ Michigan Union:
Swing Ann Arbor. Every Wednesday. Swing dancing to prerecorded music. No partner needed. Bring casual or nicer shoes that stay on your feet when you're active. Preceded by beginning Lindy (6:30 p.m.), intermediate swing (7 p.m.), progressive Lindy hop (8 p.m.), and beginner East Coast (9 p.m.) lessons.
Michigan Union Pendleton Room (occasionally Ballroom or U-Club). $5 (includes lessons). 945-8428.
 Thursday
May, 2008
8 a.m.
"Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum":
Washtenaw Audubon Society Every Thursday, April 10-May 29. All invited to join club members for a
walk through the Arb to look for resident birds and early migrants, which begin
arriving in earnest toward the end of April
Meet at the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview off Geddes. Free. 994-3569.
9 a.m.
"Jackson County Brunch Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Thursday. Moderate-paced ride, 25-50 miles, along the less traveled roads of scenic Jackson County.
meet at Cavanaugh Lake Park, Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Waterloo Recreation Area, 3.2 miles west of Chelsea. Free. 994-5908.
10 a.m.
"Spring Unfolding Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Thursday. Beginner-friendly slow-paced ride, 10-15 miles, around Ann Arbor neighborhoods to explore the delights of local gardens, parks, and cafes.
meet at Gallup Park Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Rd. (west side of Huron Pkwy.). Free. 971-5763.
6 p.m.
"Chelsea Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Thursday. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 20-30 miles, to either Dexter, Grass Lake, Munith, Stockbridge, or the Waterloo Recreation Area.
meet at the north side of Aberdeen Bike & Fitness, 1178 S. Main, Chelsea. Free. (517) 285-6830.
6:30 p.m.
Ann Arbor Front Runners.:Every Tuesday & Thursday. Gay, lesbian, and straight runners invited to choose a distance of 3-5 miles to run with Front Runners members.
meet at Furstenberg Park, off Fuller Rd. across from Huron High School. Free. 741-1763.
6:45 p.m.
"Thursday Evening Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Thursday. Fast/moderate-paced 25-mile ride around northeast Ann Arbor that includes some good chances to improve your climbing skills.
meet at the Fuller Pool parking lot, Fuller Rd. Free. 996-9122.
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Tartan & Thistle Scottish Country Dancers.:Every Thursday. Instruction for intermediate-level dancers in a wide range of traditional and contemporary Scottish dances, followed by social dancing. Soft-soled shoes recommended. Refreshments.
the barn at Gretchen's House V, 2625 Traver (off Nixon). $5. 769-4324, 426-0241.
9 p.m.
Renaissance Dances:
Bedlam. Every Thursday. Beginning to experienced dancers invited to try English country dances, 15th- and 16th-century Italian dances, bransles, pavanes, almans, and more. Instruction provided. Wear comfy clothes and shoes.
Michigan League Room D. Free. 971-1809.
 Friday
May, 2008
9 a.m.
"Huron River Bike Trail Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Friday. Slow-paced ride, 13 miles or more, along the Huron River from Bandemer Park to Parker Mill, along with some alternate routes.
meet at Gallup Park Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Rd. (west side of Huron Pkwy.). Free. 663-4498.
6 p.m.
"Dexter DQ Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Friday. Slow-paced 26-mile ride to the Dexter Dairy Queen for a snack.
Abbot School, 2670 Sequoia Pkwy. (off Maple 1 block south of Miller). Free. 662-0205.
8 p.m.
4th Friday Advanced Contra Dance:. Dave Sebolt calls contras for experienced dancers to live music by the Golden Griffon Stringtet. Wear cool, casual clothes and comfy, flat-soled shoes.
Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. (1'da2 mile south of I-94). $8. 747-8860.
 Saturday
May, 2008
6:05 a.m.
"Sunrise Saturday Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Saturday. Very slow-paced 22-mile ride to Dexter for breakfast. Begins at sunrise.
(May 24), & 6:01 a.m. (May 31), meet at Wheeler Park, N. Fourth Ave. at Depot St. Free. 665-6327, 913-9851.
9 a.m.-noon.
Ecosystem Restoration Workday:U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens. All invited to help Matthaei staff members remove invasive plants and prepare new planting sites. Dress for outdoor work. Tools provided, or bring your own.
Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free. 647-8528.
9 a.m.
"T'ai Chi Ch'uan at the Cube.":Every Saturday & Sunday. Local t'ai chi instructor Chad Eisner leads a session of these slow meditative movements for beginning and advanced practitioners.
U-M Cube, between the Union and the SAB. Free. 930-2747.
9 a.m.
"Dexter Breakfast Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Every Saturday. Beginner-friendly slow-paced (22 miles) and moderate/fast-paced (30 to 80 miles) round-trip rides to the Dexter Bakery. A very popular ride. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone or change for a phone call, and snacks.
meet at Wheeler Park, N. Fourth Ave. at Depot St., or at Barton Park, Huron River Dr. Free. For information, call 646-4978.
10 a.m.
Walk:
Grex. Every Saturday. All invited to join members of this local computer-conferencing group for a walk from Gallup Park through Nichols Arboretum
meet in Gallup Park parking lot, 3000 Fuller Rd. (west side of Huron Pkwy.). Free. 741-9351.
Noon.
Draw Doubles:
Local 101 Disc Golf Club. Every Saturday. All invited to play disc golf at one of Hudson Mills Metropark's 24-hole disc golf courses. Disc golf is a popular sport played with a Frisbee-like disc; the goal is to land the disc in a "pole hole" in the fewest shots. In draw doubles play, beginners are paired with advanced players to create parity. Prizes. Golf discs available free from the Hudson Mills Metropark office.
Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Rd. (between Dexter-Pinckney Rd. & Huron River Dr.), Dexter. $5 per player; free for spectators. Vehicle entrance fees: $4/day, $20/year ($12 for seniors age 62 & over). 449-4300.
"Charity Hat Tournament":
Ann Arbor Ultimate. All invited to compete in this sport played with a flying disc. Names are pulled from a hat in order to form teams. Beginners welcome. Proceeds benefit a charity TBA. The club also sponsors weekly pickup games (see 3 Saturday listing). 10 a.m., Lillie Park, Platt at Ellsworth (entrance on Platt, 1'da2 mile south of Ellsworth). $10 per player in advance at a2ultimate.org and $15 at the tournament. * info@a2ultimate.org
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"Bird Hike":
Hudson Mills Metropark Interpretive Nature Programs. Naturalist Jennifer Hollenbeck leads a morning hike to look for birds in a variety of habitats and record their locations. Bring binoculars and a field guide. 7:30 a.m., Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, Dexter . $2. Preregistration required. Vehicle entrance fees: $6/day, $24/year ($6/year for seniors age 65 & over). 475 -
3170, 426-8211.
Ultimate Frisbee:
Ann Arbor Ultimate. Every Saturday (tentatively). All invited to join a pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly aggressive players are politely asked to leave. 2:30 p.m., Fuller Field. Free. *
info@a2ultimate.org
Ballroom Dance Party:
Come Dancing School of Ballroom Dancing. Dancing to recorded music on a huge dance floor. Preceded at 6 and 7 p.m. by 50-minute lessons ($11 each) in different styles. Refreshments. 8-10 p.m., Come Dancing, 7025 E. Michigan (Country Creek Plaza), Saline .
$10 (with one lesson, $6.50; with both lessons, free). 944-1888.
4th Saturday Contra Dance:
Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance. Carol Jacobs calls contras to music by Phil Chen and friends. No partner needed. All dances taught. Beginner lessons at 7:40 p.m. Wear cool, casual clothes and bring flat, smooth-soled shoes for dancing. 8 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.
(1'da2 mile south of I-94). $9 (AACTMAD members, $8; students, $5). 730-6919.
 Sunday
May, 2008
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Falun Gong.:Every Sunday. Local practitioners introduce this Chinese discipline, which consists of 5 exercises and meditation.
location TBA. Free. 834-4978.
8:30 a.m.
"A2Sunday Runners":
Two Dogs Running. Every Sunday. All invited to join informal runs of 5-7 miles along various scenic routes.
meet at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Kerrytown. Free. 657-0214.
9 a.m.
"T'ai Chi Ch'uan at the Cube.":Every Saturday & Sunday. Local t'ai chi instructor Chad Eisner leads a session of these slow meditative movements for beginning and advanced practitioners.
U-M Cube, between the Union and the SAB. Free. 930-2747.
9 a.m.
"Memorial Day Sunday Democratic Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. The assembled riders determine the ride's pace and destination. All invited.
Wheeler Park, N. Fourth Ave. at Depot St. Free. 904-6431.
9-11 a.m.
"Bagels & Boats":
Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation. All invited for bagels, fruit, and juice, followed by a guided paddle around Gallup Pond.
Gallup Park Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Rd. (west side of Huron Pkwy.). $9 (includes paddleboat rental) & $18 (includes canoe or kayak rental). 662-9319.
10:15 a.m.
Ultimate Frisbee:
H.A.C. Ultimate. Every Sunday. All invited to a very relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave.
Mitchell Field. Free. 846-9418.
Southern Michigan Orienteering Club.:May 17 & 25 (different locations). All invited to try this at-your-own-pace sport of reading maps and compasses to follow an outdoor course. Maps, some compasses available. No experience necessary.
Pond Lily Lookout, Green Rd., Chelsea (east on Green Rd. off Clear Lake Rd. north of I-94). $10 (members, $5). 995-4783.
1-4 p.m.
Bird Hills Neighborhood Coalition Series:
Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division. All invited to help city parks natural area preservation staff restore and maintain the natural areas in Bird Hills Park. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance.
meet at the Bird Rd. entrance to Bird Hills Park. Free. 996-3266.
1 & 3 p.m.
Sharon Mills Tours:
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. WCPARC naturalist Faye Stoner leads 30-minute tours around this park on the River Raisin that features a newly operational hydroelectric generator, a beautiful multicolored stone house, a wooden mill, and a former winery, plus spots for fishing, canoeing, and picnicking.
Sharon Mills Park, 5701 Sharon Hollow Rd. (between Pleasant Lake & Sharon Valley rds.), Manchester. Free. 971-6337.
1-4 p.m.
Bird Hills Neighborhood Coalition Series:
Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division. All invited to help city parks natural area preservation staff restore and maintain the natural areas in Bird Hills Park. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance.
meet at the Bird Rd. entrance to Bird Hills Park. Free. 996-3266.
1-3 p.m.
Contact Improv.:Every Sunday. All invited to try this interactive, freeform dance style that involves contact with one or more partners. It can involve improvisational lifts and other experimentations with gravity. You might find yourself upside down, so dress appropriately for easy movement. No partner required; beginners welcome. (The 1st Sunday of each month begins with an hour of formal instruction.) Followed by discussion and socializing.
The Mind Body Spirit Academe, 1785 W. Stadium. $5-$10 sliding scale based on ability to pay. 604-4416.
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