THRIVE ‌ Fitness

Lance might be done, but that can’t quell the enthusiasm of the millions of people currently gripped by the Tour de France. Get up-to-the-minute updates at

www.letour.fr

(remember to switch to the English version), as well as commentary from former cycling greats. Consider starting your biking career with a day rental and checking out some trails around town, including county parks. Here are some resources and upcoming dates for would-be or established cycling maniacs:

• Palmetto Cycling Coalition: Contribute to making Charleston more bike-friendly and research possible

routes at

www.pccsc.net

. The coalition has rides scheduled for July 29 and Aug. 26.

• Coastal Cyclists Bicycle Club: This group offers a discussion board for advocacy and action as well as

riding maps and tips. Drop in on the next meeting on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at Rising High (480 E. Bay St.) at

6 p.m. or visit

www.coastalcyclists.org

for more information.

• Charleston Moves: This nonprofit works to promote healthier lifestyles by reducing Charleston’s

dependency on cars. Look for their forthcoming map that ranks tri-county area roads

according to biking safety, or find how you can get involved at

www.charlestonmoves.org

.

GO WILD


When Roualeyn de Haas’s motorcycle crashed in 1996, he broke his C-6 vertebrae and suffered paralysis from the neck down. It took him three-and-a-half months to recover, but these days he’s back to much more than walking. De Haas, who now lives in Charleston with his wife, signed on for a 600-mile, 8-day mountain bike stage race across South Africa as a benefit for two charitable organizations. But he isn’t keeping the beauty and adventure of his native continent (he was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa) to himself. His company, Pioneer Africa, offers personalized guided tours though South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique. If you need convincing beyond his registration as a field guide, whitewater guide, and coastal kayak instructor, check out the pictures on his website, pioneerafrica.net. Words really can’t do justice to what the trip offers. Contact “Rou” at 881-9129 or visit

pioneerafrica.net

.

COOLIN’ OFF


Even temps in the triple digits can’t take the fun out of the Sixth Annual Charleston Open Figure Skating Competition, hosted by the Figure Skating Club of Charleston. The event features 140 athletes competing in ice dancing, jumping, and spinning. Entrance is free for spectators, and shows run from Fri. July 28 through the afternoon of Sun. July 30 at the Carolina Ice Palace (7665 Northwoods Blvd.) in North Charleston. Visit

fscofcharleston.com

for details or to enter.

More Sporty Action to

Check Out



• Aug. 5-6: 3rd Annual Governor’s Cup of

Surfing at Folly Beach.

www.sscesa.com



• Aug. 5-6: Rockville Regatta at Sea Island Yacht Club,

Wadmalaw Island


• Aug. 12: Paddle the Echaw Creek with author and guide

Ralph Earhart. 928-3368


• Aug. 17-18: 37th Annual Muhler Sertoma High School Football Classic.

www.charlestonsertoma.org



• Aug. 19: 11th Annual Big Kahuna Fishing Tournament at Folly Beach

www.ccprc.com



• Aug. 19: 8th Annual Half-Rubber Tournament at Isle of Palms.

886-8294.

www.halfrubber.com



• Aug. 25-27: Charleston Rated Adult Open Tennis

Tournament.

www.charlestoncity.info

Save the boozin’ for the weekend. Instead, unwind with an after-work paddling trip. The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission offers kayak trips on the Folly River and through Charleston Harbor that start in the early evening, when the hottest part of the day and the nine-to-five are over. With a leisurely pace and a perfect view of the sunset, it might just be better than a Bloody Mary. Tues. July 25 at 6 p.m. and Tues. Aug. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Call 795-4FUN to register or visit

ccprc.com

for more information.