(NEWS CENTER Maine) -- It's often inspiring to watch the Winter Olympic Games; athletes competing in events some of us only see once every four years.
If you're interested in trying some of the sports out, Shannon Bryan from fitmaine.com tells us where to go to become the next speed skating or curling Olympian.
Be a biathlete:
Liberal Cup Biathlon
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4. Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson. $35 for adults, $10 for kids and students. www.midcoastconservancy.org
Compete in a biathlon, even if you’ve never been on cross-country skis or shot an air rifle before! The annual Liberal Cup Biathlon on March 4 is a beginner-friendly amateur event, with categories for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Sign up as a team or individual, and costumes are encouraged. After your race, hang out in the warming hut or by the fire and enjoy a beer from Hallowell Brewing Company and Liberal Cup Brew Pub.
Be a cross-country racer:
Introduction to Skate Skiing Course
10:30-12:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Fogg Farm (LL Bean), Freeport. $40. www.llbean.com
Get an overview of skate-skiing fundamentals, including weight transfer, poling and timing with experienced guides who'll teach you the skate-skiing basics so you're reading to get out on the trails on your own. All equipment provided.
More lessons: Harris Farm in Dayton, Bethel Village Trails in Bethel, Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley.
Be a short track speed skater:
Try Speedskating Event
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. Family Ice Center, Falmouth. $20 for adults and $15 under 18. speedskatemaine.wordpress.com
You, too, could be a short track speed skater. The Great Atlantic Speedskating Club is hosting a “Try speedskating event," where you’ll learn the basics (speedskates provided) and, who knows, maybe go on to win gold! Or at least have a fine time learning a new-to-you sport. Open to anyone age 8 and up. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance by emailing gascmaine@gmail.com.
Be a curler:
Learn to Curl lessons
Multiple lessons in March and April. Pine Tree Curling Club, Troubh Ice Arena, Portland. $25-$35. www.pinetreecurlingclub.com
Learn to curl with the Pine Tree Curling Club this March and April. Sessions on March 1, March 17, March 31, April 7, and April 14. No experience necessary – club members will teach you the basics of the game, stone-throwing form, and explain what all that sweeping is about. Spring session runs May and June.
Be a bobsledder (kinda)
Toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Camden Snow Bowl, Camden. $5 per person per hour. www.camdensnowbowl.com
It’s not really bobsledding, but it’s close enough: the toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl. The U.S. National Toboggan Championships just happened, but the 400-foot toboggan chute is open on weekends and holiday weeks all winter (conditions pending, of course). You can pile a couple of friends onto your toboggan and pretend you’re a champion bobsledder.
