SPECIAL NOTE added by Charlie Fri Sep 21: REI's Outreach Director notified me this afternoon that because of an insufficient number of registrants they are canceling their formal Sep 22nd presentation of this "Basics of Hiking" class. If any of you other AOC registrants are still interested, we can meet at 1:40 PM (or other time convenient to you) and do our own informal discussion of the same hiking-related topics - also walk together through the store to compare various designs of hiking boots & shoes, trekking poles, packs, clothing, etc.
IN A NUTSHELL: If you can't take the time this Saturday to do one of our exciting outdoor AOC events, please consider joining us instead for this concise but informative "INDOOR program about the outdoors" at the REI store right here in NE Atlanta.
In the interest of learning more about the basics of our most popular AOC pastime, HIKING, we've arranged for up to 10 AOCers to attend this special class on the "BASICS of HIKING" at the REI "Atlanta Store," with special emphasis on the colorful Fall season of the year which is so well suited for hiking. (See directions and more specifics about the class below.)
Many of our members may be unaware that our four Metro Atlanta REI stores regularly offer FREE classes & presentations such as this, on topics that include backpacking, camping, hiking, bicycling, paddling, skiing and climbing—also first-hand accounts of exotic adventures and favorite wilderness destinations. Each session is presented by an invited guest speaker who is an expert in their field or by an REI employee who is a specialist in the featured topic.
WHEN & WHERE TO MEET? Our AOC reserved subgroup will first gather at 1:40 PM just inside the store entrance where we'll introduce one another and discuss our various reasons for attending. Then a few minutes before 2:00 PM we'll find seating together in the designated presentation room where we'll meet the featured speaker(s) and other attendees. Classes are normally in the large "Gear Room" which adjoins the store's public restrooms behind the right wall after you enter. If you have to arrive a bit late, no problem - just ask an REI employee to direct you.
Here's some of REI's recent promo material for this class:
THE BASICS OF HIKING: GO TAKE A HIKE! Join REI staff to learn about the basics of hiking, with special emphasis on FALL HIKING since fall officially begins at this time of year. In this program, REI experts will share tips and tricks on all aspects of hiking. Learn about trip planning, essential items, equipment, safety precautions, along with local resources and places to go.
WHY an AOC "SUBGROUP" for this REI CLASS? Several good reasons:
- Members can conveniently register to attend by clicking, etc. at the base of this article and may not be aware that the class is available without seeing this online AOC event article.
- While in the store together our AOC group can discuss upcoming Club events and specialty gear that relate to the class topic and browse the store to discuss examples of the relevant gear.
BY THE WAY: If you'd like to make PERSONAL RESERVATIONS for yourself and your friends or family at OTHER UPCOMING REI CLASSES & PRESENTATIONS: You can check the offerings & availability at an REI store near you and reserve your spot(s) as follows:
1. Go to REI.com.
2. Click on "Store Locator" at the top of the home page and choose your Store of interest from the menu that appears.
3. Click on the free Class or Seminar of interest. (Note that various fee-based classes are also available.)
4. Fill in the online Reservation form and submit (may require your REI member number. A lifetime membership costs just $20).
5. If you aren't able to make a formal reservation, keep in mind that walk-ins at these events are usually acceptable, but only on a space-available or standing-room-only basis. |
| Event Directions: |  | THE REI "ATLANTA STORE" is at 1800 Northeast Expy, Atlanta, GA 30329 about 4 miles toward downtown from "Spaghetti Junction" (the I-85/ I-285 interchange in NE Atlanta). You GPS or Google.com/maps users may find its Lat/Lon coordinates handy as your entered destination: 33.8395,-84.3213
The store is on the southbound I-85 Access Road just south of the Clairmont Rd exit. Two approach options are detailed below. The store's phone number is 404-633-6508.
FROM SPAGHETTI JUNCTION ETC. via I-85 SOUTH:
1. Going southbound on I-85, take Exit #91 "Clairmont Rd" and continue straight ahead at the exit traffic light (crossing Clairmont).
2. After you cross Clairmont bear slightly right to stay in the rightmost lane of the I-85 southbound Access Road.
3. The store is on the right side of the Access Road, about 0.5 mile south of Clairmont and just beyond the Briarwood Road junction.
FROM MIDTOWN ATLANTA, ETC. via I-85 NORTH:
1. Going northbound on I-85 take Exit #91 "Clairmont Rd," and stay in the far left lane of the exit ramp as you near Clairmont. This will loop you counterclockwise onto the southbound I-85 Access Road without any traffic lights.
2. Bear quickly right to get into the rightmost lane of the Access Road without re-entering I-85.
3. The store is on the right side of the Access Road, about 0.5 mile south of Clairmont and just beyond the Briarwood Rd junction.
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