Midwest Outdoor Experience brings extreme fun

Every year, the Five Rivers MetroParks puts on the Midwest Outdoor Experience, formerly known as GearFest.  This year the event is happening at Eastwood MetroPark on Friday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 6.  Events will take place all day, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“This is for anyone who is interested in learning a new recreational activity without any kind of upfront investment,” said Val Hunt Beerbower, the Public Information Manager at Five Rivers MetroParks.

The Outdoor Experience will host competitions such as the MoMBA  (MetroParks Mountain Bike Area) XC Classic, the Off Road 5k and the USA National Slackline Championships.

If watching competitions isn’t enough, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in biking and slacklining activities. Those who are unsure of what slacklining is may recall seeing one of the members of the Gibbon Slackline team at Madonna’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. Now is your opportunity to experience it with the pros and try it yourself.

Everyone is invited to watch some of the competitions, see and participate in the demos and speak to representatives from local clubs and groups.

The event will include an Exhibitor Village, where attendees will have the opportunity to speak to retailers and sponsors about the various outdoor events, get information on upcoming events and purchase equipment.

Many retailers will also offer used equipment, so that interested participants may try out a new activity without the heavy financial investment.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to see what kind of outdoor recreational amenities are available in the Dayton area,” said Hunt Beerbower.

Besides a variety of different outdoor activities, the Midwest Outdoor Experience will also include Dayton Music Festival performers and a Beer Garden.

Dogs are welcome and are encouraged to take part in the Pooch Island Dog Park.

The amount of activities and opportunities that the Outdoor Experience is offering is a long and distinguished list, and anyone who is interested in learning more about participating in this event should check out the website at http://www.metroparks.org/outdoorx.  There is literally something for everyone, no matter your outdoor background.

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