During the offseason, the Fagowees Ski Club takes lake cruises, hits the golf course, and hosts tailgating parties. But as winter approaches, the agenda calls for clinics, like Tuesday's seminar on ski-tuning. "You know how you change the oil in your car to keep it running smoothly? Same thing with skis," says membership chair Jodi Leal. "Before you get out there every winter, you want to make sure they're in the right condition." In its 36th year, the club boasts 364 members, who meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. "Believe it or not, we have lots of people who don't know how to ski. Others aren't good skiers, but they do try," says Leal. "They may go on a ski trip or two, but they're really there for the social aspect of it." The Fagowees meet at 9 p.m. at Ampol Hall, 4737 Pearl Road. Annual dues are $35; call 216-561-4754. -- Cris Glaser
The Worm Runs
SAT 10/29
Saturday's Great Pumpkin Fun Run and 5K Race awards prizes to the fastest and longest caterpillars at the finish line. At first, we thought the best-dressed person in a fuzzy wormlike costume would be snagging that honor -- you know, since it's Halloween and seasonal attire is encouraged. Then we found out that a caterpillar is a run consisting of five or more participants sporting a similar item of clothing. "It doesn't matter how they are connected, even if it's just a wristband worn by all runners," explains co-chair Karen Lenehan. The race starts at Lakewood Park, winds down to the Edgewater area, then to Lake Avenue. And don't forget your costume. "Our race caters to the offbeat," says Lenehan. It starts at 8:30 a.m. at Lakewood Park (at the bottom of Belle and Lake avenues in Lakewood). Fees range from $12 (for the one-mile fun run) to $20 (for the 5K). Call 216-623-9933 for more info. -- Lucy McKernan
Wet and Wild
SAT 10/29
Consider Saturday's Rivers and Wetlands Bike Ride an outing for pedalers who are also nature lovers. The 25-mile excursion through Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Ira Trailhead travels along a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath that includes a restored marshland -- complete with lily pads and critters. "It's really one of the nicest freshwater marshlands in Ohio," says CVNP ranger Paul Motts. Plus, plenty of beaver sightings await. "It's really amazing." The ride starts at 1 p.m. at CVNP's Ira Trailhead (on Riverview Road, north of Ira Road, in Cuyahoga Falls). Admission is free. Call 800-257-9477 for more information. -- Lucy McKernan
