Road scholar
It’s open road season and nothing beats a motorcycle ride on a sunny spring day. If you’ve always wanted to learn to ride, or just want to hone your skills, then register for the Motorcycle Ohio Education Classes. The beginner to advanced sessions range from six to 16 hours and happen statewide April through October. For beginners in particular, “the classes are an excellent way to learn in a safe, low-stress environment with the added benefit of highly skilled instructors,” says long-time teacher Vickey Johnson. Beginners are supplied with a motorcycle and helmet. Once a person successfully completes the class, they’re endorsed by the program and can then get their license through the Ohio BMV. For info, registration, fees, and locations go to motorcycle.ohio.gov. Johnson emphasizes the best safety rule for everyone “is to know your limits and ride in your comfort zone. For instance, if you get nervous in heavy traffic, avoid rush hour.”
Best road trip advice
Johnson, owner of a Harley Davidson Road Glide, takes road trips all over the country and offers “it doesn’t matter where you are riding, always ride with people you like — they make the trip fun”. She takes road trips all over the country — her favorite Ohio path is through the Hocking Hills and Vinton County area. “It’s a beautiful place to ride.”
Wheel life
Don’t blink or you’ll miss something awesome: the sight of the athletes skating and dodging past each other in a rushed blur of colorful shirts, their wheels gliding across the floor as they form an incredibly addictive sporting event. It’s the fast-paced, palatable excitement of a Glass City Roller Derby bout at the Seagate Center (401 Jefferson Ave.). Experience one of the last three very fun, very family-friendly games of the season on Saturdays March 30, April 13 or May 4 at 7pm. Grab seating on the floor level (suicide seating) to be close to the action or sit in the stands for a great bird’s eye view. Enjoy dancing with the frog mascot during halftime and line up to high five team members after the game. Bypass the online Ticket Master fees by buying tickets for $11 at the Seagate Center or Huntington Center box offices. Kids twelve and under are free. Meet the amazing team and learn how the sport is played beforehand at glasscityrollers.com.
From the mountain tops
Can't afford an adventure in the Canadian Rockies? The next best thing is the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour — though it's only a visual adventure, it's a fantastic one nonetheless. Presented by the University of Michigan Outdoor Adventures organization, the film will take you beyond Banff to exotic locations around the world — they're sure to amaze your inner explorer. Sunday, April 7. 7pm. $15/$12 with student ID. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8436. www.michtheater.org.