CYCLING

Fireweed 400: Alaska's biggest bicycle race

WHEN: Friday and Saturday , various start times

WHERE: Start at Sheep Mountain Lodge on Glenn Highway

DETAILS: Alaska biggest bike race is a weekend-long affair with a variety of races (see story in this section with schedule) expected to attract more than 700 riders. Awards ceremony is 5:30 p.m. Monday at Bear Tooth Theatrepub. New this year is a two-day 300-kilometer tour -- not race -- that begins on Friday.

COST: Varies

CONTACT: Peter Lekisch, race coordinator, gdadak@aol.com or 562-2965

CLIMBING

Timmy O'Neill climbing show

WHEN: 8 p.m. today

WHERE: Bear Tooth Theatrepub

DETAILS: Previously postponed climbing show by Timmy O'Neill is back on after the prominent climber returns from Ruth Gorge with his brother Sean, a T-12 paraplegic. Program benefits Paradox Sports, an adaptive sports organization that rose out of the world of rock climbing. O'Neill's prowess on vertical rock and his urban climbing antics are matched by his laser-precise wit and jokes that make his shows sellouts.

COST: $8

CONTACT: www.timmyoneill.com; www.beartooththeatre.net

FLORA & FAUNA

See great horned owl

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Volunteer Ginamaria Javurek will give a presentation with the live bird in her care, followed by a three-mile walk on the Albert Loop in search of beavers and other animals active at night. Walk is not appropriate for children under 10. Walk limited to the first 16 people who register by phone.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 694-2108

HIKING

Weekly outdoor hikes

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Monday

WHERE: Thursday at Lyn's Prospect Heights Trailhead

DETAILS: Alaska Outdoors weekly hikes. Monday hike an easier trail, suitable for kids. Thursday is a mountain trail.

COST: $1

CONTACT: 770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org

KIDS

Outdoor summer photography

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-noon and noon-4 p.m. through Friday

WHERE: Reddington Photography Studio, 4460 Mars in Anchorage

DETAILS: Beginner and intermediate summer photography classes for ages 7-16. Theme: "The World Around Us." Digital and film cameras provided. Pictures will be developed and put together in a final project at the end of the week.

COST: $200

CONTACT: 947-0803

Parent and Me walks

WHEN: 11 a.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Kincaid Park chalet

DETAILS: Learn the trail systems in Anchorage with Parks and Recreation staff. Trail strollers and backpacks welcome.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 343-4217

Kids fishing derby

WHEN: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Taku Lake Park

DETAILS: Includes free clinics, fishing contests, refreshments and a chance to win prizes. Bring your poles. Pre-registration recommended. Ages 2-12.

COST: $2

CONTACT: 343-4247

What's in the water?

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Junior naturalists will explore local ponds and streams. Children accompanied by a parent or adult are invited to search for macro-invertebrates. Bring rubber boots and dress for messy exploration.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 694-2108

HIKING

Albert Loop hike

WHEN: 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Bob and Ann Fisher will lead a 5.75-mile round trip hike on the Albert Loop and Rapids Camp trails. Trails are fairly level with only slight elevation gains. OK for beginners. Bring a daypack with snacks, water, rain clothes and warm layers. Call for trail conditions. Limited to the first 12 people who register by phone. Well-behaved dogs welcome.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 694-2108

MEETINGS & CLASSES

'Big 5' mammals seminar

WHEN: Friday through Sunday

WHERE: Denali National Park and Preserve

DETAILS: Murie Science and Learning Center course will cover "the big five" -- bears, wolves, sheep, caribou and moose. Participants will experiment with the tools scientists use while learning about large mammals and their varied habitats. Course will be based out of a field camp along the Teklanika River.

COST: .$320

CONTACT: courses@murieslc.org; www.murieslc.org; 1-888-688-1269

Recreation

Sunday bear brunch

WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

DETAILS: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will host a Sunday brown bear brunch feeding, featuring a moose leg. A 15-minute talk about bear behavior and safety in bear country comes first.

COST: Free with admission

CONTACT: 783-2025

WILDERNESS RACING

Race across Alaska Range

WHEN: July 26

WHERE: Starts near Gerstle River Bridge on Alaska Highway south of Delta Junction; finishes near McKinley Village on the Nenana River

DETAILS: This is the 27th running of the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic that this year generally heads west. Racers figure out how best to get from start to finish. Mid-route checkpoint is Black Rapids Lodge on the Delta River off the Richardson Highway. This pioneer of wilderness racing is a three-to-six day affair with a start, finish and no set route. No roads. No motorized vehicles. No food or equipment pick-ups or drops. Race area changes every three or so years.

COST: Check with race organizers

CONTACT: Michael Martin, mickeym@u.washington.edu

Sign up for Crow Pass Crossing

WHEN: 7 a.m. July 18; pre-race meeting 6 a.m.

WHERE: Starts end of Crow Mine Road above Girdwood

DETAILS: 26th annual Crow Pass Crossing is about 24 miles along Crow Pass Trail to the Eagle River Nature Center at the Eagle River Nature Center. Elevation gain of 3,888 feet. Limited to 150 entrants.

COST: $60, portion goes to nature center with rest to UAA Milers Booster Club.

CONTACT: Race director Michael Friess, 786-1325

WRITING

Writing the Chugach

WHEN: Saturday

WHERE: Chugach State Park

DETAILS: Join nature writer Bill Sherwonit for a writing workshop that starts with a day-long hike into the Chugach Mountains to learn more about both Anchorage's "backyard wilderness" as well as note taking and journaling. Fee includes pre and post-trip meetings, a day in the Chugach and essay critique.

COST: $100

CONTACT: akgriz@hotmail.com, 245-0283