ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 29, 1996 TAG: 9604300001
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
3 - Optimists sweeten bait
The Cave Spring Optimist Club fishing tournament is the biggest and oldest - some will say the most fun - of all tournaments on Smith Mountain Lake. One of the reasons it has been popular for 28 years is that the sponsor uses big bait to lure participants. That bait has been sweetened for this year's contest, set for Friday through Sunday. The cash payoff has been boosted to $13,200.
The first-place prize in categories for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, crappie, catfish and walleye is $800. That's $200 more than last year. Cash awards for second, third and fourth places also have been increased.
Tickets will be available until 7:30 p.m. Thursday at most outlets, such as tackle shops and marinas. The very last minute to purchase one is 7:30 a.m. Friday at Foxsport Marina, the tournament headquarters. That's the hour the contest begins. It ends at noon Sunday. The ticket price has increased from $20 to $25 this year.
5 - Paddling your own canoe
You wouldn't buy a car without giving it a test drive. Why should canoes and kayaks be any different? It won't be Sunday, when more than 40 canoes and kayaks are scheduled to be available for paddling at Loch Haven Lake in Roanoke County. The event is sponsored by Loch Haven Lake, Perception and Aquaterra kayaks and Old Town canoes.
The festival will give beginners and experts a chance to do some test paddling in a natural setting. An American Canoe Association certified instructor will offer tips on techniques. Representatives of canoe/kayak manufacturers will be around to answer questions. There is no charge to participate.
Loch Haven is a private club 2.3 miles north of the Interstate 81-Virginia 419 intersection near Hanging Rock. The festival is from 1 to 5 p.m.
5 - Time to take a child hiking
The Appalachian Trail isn't just a Georgia-to-Maine pathway for adults. Youngsters like it, too, or would if given an opportunity. On Sunday, the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club is holding a ``Bring-A-Kid Hike'' to Niday Shelter in Craig County. The leaders include Homer and Theresa Witcher, a Botetourt County couple who have had their daughter, Taylor, 5, and son, Bennett, 2, on the trail since day one. Both youngsters were baptized on McAfee Knob.
The hike will be a brief, 2.6-mile trip to the shelter, where the youngsters will be treated to a hot dog roast. The Witchers can be reached at 992-3932. Other leaders are Malcolm and Jimmie Black, 929-4369, and Bob and Kris Peckman, 366-7780.
6 - Monday is mountain biking
Monday night mountain bike riding is back, and bigger than ever. Ballyhooed as the ``ride-fast-for-fun series,'' bikers this year will alternate between last year's venue on Brushy Mountain and a new course that starts at the junction of Buck Mountain Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway. All the rides begin at 6:15 p.m.
The next ride, May 6, is the Buck Mountain-Parkway course. All you need to do is show up at the starting point. The following Monday, is the Brushy Mountain ride, when participants are asked to park at the Orange Market at Hanging Rock, then start the course at the nearby dead end of Timberview Road. The rides alternate Mondays between the two areas.
``These events will be self-directed, and are entirely voluntary, designed for fun and not legally affiliated in any way with any official cycling organization,'' said organizer Dick Howard. Information is available from Howard, 387-1795, or Kyle Inman, 981-1034.
11- Time for the trout rodeos
The Earnest ``Pig'' Robertson Trout Fishing Rodeos have had kids squealing and trout flopping for 45 years, and that won't change this year. But there will be something of a new look. The 1996 rodeos will celebrate the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Lake Spring Park, said Charlie Hammersley, director of Salem's Department of Parks and Recreation.
The first of four fishing days is May 11, when the rodeo will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for youngsters ages 3 to 8. On May 13, 10 a.m. to noon, fishing will be for handicapped children. May 15, 10 a.m. to noon, is for nursing home patients. May 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will give youngsters ages 9 to 12, an opportunity to fish.
LENGTH: Medium: 83 linesby CNB