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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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Bikesport Ann Arbor Triathlon/Duathlon: Elite Endeavors.
Peony Peaking Party: U-M Nichols Arboretum.
"Free Fishing Day": Hudson Mills Metropark Interpretive Nature Programs.
 Monday
June, 2008
8 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 . June 2, 9, 16, & 23. Local yoga instructor Janine Bennett leads an intermediate-level 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.
6 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.-dark.
"Volleyball in the Park":
Ann Arbor Ski Club. Every Monday. All adults age 21 & older invited to join a volleyball game. All skill levels welcome. Postgame socializing at CUBS' AC.
Burns Park (just east of the picnic pavilion), corner of Wells & Baldwin. Free. 973-2136.
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
June, 2008
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jewish Older Adults:
Jewish Community Center. Every Tuesday. Activities begin at 10 a.m. with "Fitness Fun" ($4), a 60-minute exercise program led by Maria Farquhar, followed at 1 p.m. by a chance to play mah-jongg, cards, and board games or join quilting and other craft projects. Homemade buffet luncheon ($3) available at noon. All invited.
JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (off Stone School Rd. south of Packard). Free. 971-0990.
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: Ray Bantle and Shirley Harden call to music by the Scalar Scalawags. Also this month: caller Greg Meisner and others with music by Childgrove (June 10), callers Don Theyken and Mary Wilson with music by David West, Donna Baird, and Anne Ormand (June 17), and callers Bantle and Arlene Kindel with music by Debbie Jackson, Susie Lorand, and Brad Battey (June 24). 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
June, 2008
6 p.m.
"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.
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 31st 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
June, 2008
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.
4 p.m.-sunset.
"Full Suspension Mountain Bike Tuning":
Wheels in Motion Cycle & Fitness. All invited to bring your bike or ride one of Wheels in Motion's demo bikes around the trails of Olson Park and to learn the ins and outs of tuning a full suspension bike.
Olson Park, Dhu Varren Rd. just east of Pontiac Trail. Free. 971-2121.
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.
6:45 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 p.m.
"Frank Lloyd Wright Ride":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society . Every Thursday. Slow-paced 15-mile ride on mountain or wide-tired road bikes over the lightly traveled, hard dirt roads behind Domino's Farms.
meet at 2722 Georgetown Blvd. (north off Plymouth Rd.). Free. 995-5017, 663-5060.
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.
location TBA. $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
June, 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.
1-5 p.m.
Guided Tours:
Waterloo Area Farm Museum. Every Friday-Sunday, June 1-August 31. Museum docents give tours of the artifact-filled historic farmhouse, which contains everything from feather trees to a wooden wheelchair in the attic.
Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd. (left off Clear Lake Rd. 5 miles north from I-94 exit 153), Waterloo Recreation Area. $3 (seniors, $2.50; kids ages 5-17, $1). (517) 596-2254.
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.
7-9 p.m.
Dances of Universal Peace (Sufi Dancing).:All invited to join in song, chant, and circle dances in joyous affirmation of the unity of the world's spiritual traditions.
Friends Meetinghouse, 1420 Hill. $5 requested donation. 996-1332.
8:45-11:45 p.m.
Friday Night Swing:
Ann Arbor Swing Dance Association. Every Friday. Swing dancing to prerecorded music. No partner needed. Bring hard-soled shoes. Preceded at 8 p.m. by beginning lessons.
Dakota Building, 1785 W. Stadium. $5 (includes lessons; students, $3). 945-8428.
 Saturday
June, 2008
6 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.
meet at Wheeler Park, N. Fourth Ave. at Depot St. Free. 665-6327, 913-9851.
7:30-9:30 a.m.
"Morning Bird Walk":
Ann Arbor Parks Department. City ornithologist Dea Armstrong leads a bird identification walk to look for birds at the old landfill site. Bring your own binoculars, if you have any.
meet in the small parking lot on the right at the main entrance to the Materials Recovery Facility, Platt Rd. just south of Ellsworth. Free. 662-6319.
8 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. Also, after the bakery stop, a fast/moderate-paced swim extension ride (40 to 60 miles) continues to Silver Lake for a swim. 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 994-3001 (June 7 ride), 646-4978 (June 14), 665-3961 (June 21), 994-6340 (June 28).
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. 761-5204.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
"Green Girls Open House":
Gaia Center. June 7 & 11. Girls ages 10-12 and their parents invited to visit the Gaia Center for Herbal Studies, situated on 800 acres of meadows, gardens, and woodlands. Local herbalist Mary Light leads a tour of the medicine wheel garden, featuring native therapeutic herbs, and a Grandmother Tree. Also, a chance to identify edible flowers and try out a cream made from flowers. Tea is served.
Gaia Center, 9335 Scio Church Rd. Free. 769-7794.
Noon-4 p.m.
Peony Peaking Party:
U-M Nichols Arboretum. A chance to view the largest public collection of historic peonies in the United States. Watermelon and lemonade provided. Rain date: June 14.
the Peony Garden by the Reader Center, 1610 Washington Hts. Free. 647-9679.
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.
1st Saturday Contra:
Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance. Contra dancing with caller Ed Vincent and music by the Pittsfield Open Band. No partner needed; all dances taught. Wear cool, casual clothes and flat, smooth-soled shoes for dancing. Also, a free open jam for string and other musicians, 3-6 p.m. 8 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd.
(1'da2 mile south of I-94). $9 (members, $8; students, $5). 662-9290.
"Bird Hike":
Hudson Mills Metropark Interpretive Nature Programs. Hudson Mills naturalist Jennifer Hollenbeck leads a birding hike to observe the different species seen in the park and record the date and location of their appearance and learn about year-to-year trends. Bring your binoculars and field guide. 7:30 a.m., Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Rd. (between Dexter - Pinckney Rd. & Huron River Dr.),
Dexter. $2. Preregistration required. Vehicle entrance fees: $4/day, $20/year ($12 for seniors age 62 & over). 426-8211.
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.
1-5 p.m.
Guided Tours:
Waterloo Area Farm Museum. Every Friday-Sunday, June 1-August 31. Museum docents give tours of the artifact-filled historic farmhouse, which contains everything from feather trees to a wooden wheelchair in the attic.
Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd. (left off Clear Lake Rd. 5 miles north from I-94 exit 153), Waterloo Recreation Area. $3 (seniors, $2.50; kids ages 5-17, $1). (517) 596-2254.
2:30 p.m.
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.
Fuller Field. Free. info@a2ultimate.org.
7:30 p.m.
Dexter Twirlers Square Dance Club.:Glen Geer calls square dances for experienced dancers to recorded music. No partner necessary. Wear soft-soled shoes (not tennis shoes).
St. Andrew's United Church of Christ, 7610 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. $5. 433-0308.
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Singles Dance:
Parents Without Partners. All singles invited for an evening of dancing and socializing. With live music by the local rock cover band Sparx. Cash bar. Smoking allowed in designated areas. Preceded at 8 p.m. by free dance lessons.
Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium. $8 (PWP members, $6). 973-1933.
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
"Serious about Salsa" Latin Dance Party:
danceRevolution Dance Studio. June 7 & 21. High-energy dance party with salsa, merengue, bachata, and cha-cha dancing to recorded music spun by a DJ. No partner necessary.
danceRevolution, Dakota Bldg., 1785 W. Stadium. $5. 945-8428.
9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
"Milonga Picante":
Michigan Argentine Tango Club. June 7 & 21 (different locations). Tango dancing to recorded music. Note: People not affiliated with the U-M must arrive before 9 p.m.
Michigan Union Anderson Room. Free. 973-2338.
9:15 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Open House:
University Lowbrow Astronomers. June 7 & 28. A chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments at the Peach Mountain Observatory. The observatory's huge, 24-inch McMath telescope is operational, but participants are nevertheless encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Program canceled if sky is overcast at sunset or if the weather is extremely inclement.
(as long as the sky remains clear), Peach Mountain Observatory, North Territorial Rd. (about 11'da4 miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. 332-9132.
 Sunday
June, 2008
8 a.m.
Bikesport Ann Arbor Triathlon/Duathlon:
Elite Endeavors. All invited to compete in a triathlon (half-mile swim, 14-mile bike race, and 5-mile run) or duathlon (14-mile bike race sandwiched between 2- and 5-mile runs) in Pinckney State Recreation Area. Awards to top man and woman, top male and female masters, and 5-deep for ages 15-17, 18 & 19, 80 & over, and 5-year age groups 20-79; 3-deep for Clydesdales (men over 200 pounds). Partial proceeds benefit the Chelsea High School track and cross country teams and the Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Foundation, which helps people with this rare blood disorder. Note: This race has a limit of 700 participants and has sold out for the past few years, so register early.
sharp, Halfmoon Lake Beach, Hankerd Rd. (13'da4 miles north of North Territorial Rd.), Dexter Twp. Entry fees: $68 by May 27, $78 after May 25. USAT members receive $10 discount. Park vehicle entry fee: $6. Entry forms available at eliteendeavors.com. (419) 829-2398.
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.
Marathon Training Run:
Tortoise and Hare. 10- and 20-mile training runs over a well-marked course, with aid stations along the way. Postrun refreshments.
Tortoise and Hare, 2631 Plymouth Rd. Free. 623-9640.
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. 761-5204.
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.
"Free Fishing Day":
Hudson Mills Metropark Interpretive Nature Programs. This weekend only, no license is required to fish, and this afternoon Hudson Mills supplies tackle and bait for those who'd like to take advantage of this chance to fish for free. 1-3 p.m., Hudson Mills Metropark Rapids View area, 8801 North Territorial Rd. (between Dexter-Pinckney Rd. & Huron River Dr.),
Dexter. Free. Preregistration required. Vehicle entrance fees: $4/day, $20/year ($12 for seniors age 62 & over). 434-1615. 426-8211.
"Sleeker Senile Century Series":
Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society. Fast-paced 100-mile and moderate-paced 62-mile rides to shape up for the riding season. Also, at 9 a.m. a slow-paced 22-mile ride leaves from Wheeler Park. 9 a.m., meet at the downtown gazebo, Dexter .
Free. (248) 324-1879 (100-mile ride), 996-8316 (62-mile ride), 747-8774 (22-mile ride).
1 & 3 p.m.
Sharon Mills Tours:
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. WCPARC staff lead 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.
1-5 p.m.
Guided Tours:
Waterloo Area Farm Museum. Every Friday-Sunday, June 1-August 31. Museum docents give tours of the artifact-filled historic farmhouse, which contains everything from feather trees to a wooden wheelchair in the attic.
Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd. (left off Clear Lake Rd. 5 miles north from I-94 exit 153), Waterloo Recreation Area. $3 (seniors, $2.50; kids ages 5-17, $1). (517) 596-2254.
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.
2-5:30 p.m.
Advanced English Dance:
Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance. English country dancing for experienced dancers. Several callers with music by Childgrove. Fast pace, with limited walk-throughs.
Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. (1'da2 mile south of I-94), Saline. $10. (248) 288-4737.
3 p.m.
Ann Arbor-Motown Hash House Harriers.:Every Sunday & occasional Saturdays. The local chapter of an unorthodox running club for people who like to make a game of running. Each runner's task is to follow a trail designed to be confusing. The usual result is that the lead (i.e., fastest) runners run the longest distance, so that runners of varying abilities complete the course in nearly the same time. Each run includes at least one pit stop (with beer & pop hidden along the way) and is followed by a trip to a nearby restaurant.
location TBA. Free. Weekly locations available at a2h3.org.
6-8 p.m.
Ann Arbor Morris Dancers.:Every Sunday. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance said to have originated a millennium ago as a pantomime of war between Moors and Crusaders. Wear athletic shoes.
location TBA. In case of rain, under the Dental School overhang, 1011 North University. Free. 747-8138.
8-10 p.m.
U-M Ballroom Dancers.:Every Sunday. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including fox-trots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 7 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice.
Michigan Union Ballroom. $3. 763-6984.
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