Sundays @ Ft. Ben: All-Weather Training/Gear/Beer/Pizza/Picnic Run/Hike/Amble

PURPOSE: whatever you want.
► Running, ambling, nursing a nagging hip, testing new boots/rain gear/snow cleats, heart-rate training, pack questions, hiking questions, running questions, Indiana trail(s) questions, dealing with rain -- OR!!! Simply gliding along in the woods with the fellowship of fellow humans... IT'S ALL GOOD.
► Also, Existential Questions, limited Herpetology, and Small Engine Repair.

RAIN OR SHINE. SLEET & SNOW. LIGHTNESS, DARKNESS, WHATEVER.
► These are all-weather events: we take the trail as it comes.
► We take to the trail at the same time, every week, throughout the year.
► OFF-TRAIL hikes will increase while the foliage is leaf-less.
► Hikes generally run 2mph and 2 HOURS, but are circumstance-responsive.
► A pint/hour of WATER is always a good idea.
► FLASHLIGHTS may be helpful in the winter months.

Ft. Ben Trails (including the asphalt circuit and the sledding hill on those occasions when trails are soaked) are a marvelous training resource. If the trails are gooey, we may hike off-trail or hit the asphalt or the sledding hill. Test your rain gear in inclement weather; test your hydration strategies when it's broiling; test your layering when it's cold.

MEET NEAR THE REDDICK SHELTER at 4:10pm; departure 10 mins later.

HEATED/AC RESTROOMS NEARBY.

PARK ENTRY FEE/PERMIT REQUIRED. If you'd like to arrange a carpool from near the gate (or Jockamo Pizza), saving the $7 State Park fee, post a Comment.

PRE/POST BEER/WINE/PICNICing/PIZZAing: Refueling is just so wonderful! (And for those in the habit, a fine pre-fueling beverage/snack may be shared/enjoyed earlier than 4pm...) in nearby shade, up the sledding hill, and/or perhaps less commonly (as rain or heat suggest) at Jockamo Pizza (or other nearby venue).
► Bring a chair!
► Bring what you have; come as you are.
► Wonderful wines, beers, cheeses and cheeses, fruits and nuts and buttery crackers!!! Specialty salsas, fun breads, pesto(s) -- you get the idea. Perhaps a small grill might appear!
► POST-HIKE almost always, PRE-HIKE mostly On Demand. (Thus, if you wish for this and don't see it in the Event's Comment section, do post a Comment on the Event page!)

RSVPs: Open/Close 9:30am Sundays. Your "Going" RSVP means people will rely upon your presence. As well, Bad Ju-Ju (and a "No Show" flag) befalls those who take up a limited-supply slot after 9:30. Be considerate to your trail companions. Keep your RSVP up-to-date, always.