2012 Gulf Coast Challenge Ride 2 Recovery presented by UnitedHealthCare

Ride 2 Recovery is coming to the Gulf Coast. This bicycle fitness challenge produced by the Fitness Challenge Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is designed to help improve the health and wellness of wounded warriors by providing a life changing experience that can impact their lives forever.

Come out and participate in the ride of a lifetime, while helping our nation’s wounded warriors. Beginning in New Orleans, LA the Gulf Coast Challenge will take you along the historic Gulf of Mexico all the way to Panama City, FL before taking a left hand turn to the Apalachicola National Forest and on to the State Capitol of Tallahassee. The last day will feature a tour of the Capitol City with state officials scheduled to take part in the ride. Whether you ride for one day, or multiple days, the Gulf Coast Challenge will be worth the ride.

There is a $50 registration fee which includes a one-day ride, t-shirt, giveaways, course refreshments, ride support, and lunch. You will need to arrange your own transportation back to the start.

If you’re interested in participating in the Gulf Coast Challenge, contact Jaime Magarity via email at jaime_magarity@uhc.com or by phone at 954.378.0606. You may also visit the Ride 2 Recovery website at www.ride2recovery.com/gulf-coast-challenge.

Ride Schedule
Date	Length	Starting Point	Ending Destination
March 4, 2012	75 miles	New Orleans, LA	Gulfport, MS
March 5, 2012	64 miles	Gulfport, MS	Mobile, AL
March 6, 2012	66 miles	Mobile, AL	Orange Beach, AL
March 7, 2012	66 miles	Orange Beach, AL	Fort Walton Beach, FL
March 8, 2012	58 miles	Fort Walton Beach, FL	Panama City, FL
March 9, 2012	100 miles	Panama City, FL	Tallahassee, FL
March 10, 2012	TBD	Tallahassee, FL	Tallahassee, FL

A little bit about Ride 2 Recovery:

Ride 2 Recovery supports Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at Military and VA locations around the U.S. helping injured veterans overcome the obstacles they face.

Cycling is an important part of the recovery and rehabilitation program for two reasons:

1.)    Cycling is an activity that almost all patients with metal and physical disabilities can participate.

2.)    Participation in the Ride 2 Recovery Program helps speed up the recovery and rehabilitation process.

What Are You Doing This Weekend? January 27-29, 2012

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

If you haven’t made your weekend plans yet Life’s A Beach wants to help. We’ve highlighted a few of the area happenings for the upcoming weekend below for your convenience.

MULTI-DAY EVENTS

A special showing of the comedy “Greater Tuna” is scheduled for a two-night performance at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28 at the Destin Community Center. For tickets, visit www.marinaciviccenter.com or call 850.763.4696.

The 50^th Annual Antique Show and Sale, the largest antique show with over 60 dealers will be held -January 27-29 at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27^th

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation will host Tasting of Champions from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in The Magnolia Ballroom at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. www.dcwaf.com.

The Denim and Diamonds event to benefit the United Way will start at 6:00 P.M. at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Come dressed in your favorite denim and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends, great food, casino games and an array of fabulous auction items. You won’t want to miss the dance competition! http://www.united-way.org/2012%20D&D.htm

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28^th

Starting bright and early at 7:30 A.M. join Biggest Loser Season 8 winner Danny Cahill for Destin's Bayou, Bay & Back 5K Run/Walk, 10K & Half Marathon sponsored by Shoreline Church. Race begins at Clement Taylor Park in Destin. www.DestinChamber.com

The TBS Comics Games Workshop – Coastal Assault 2012 will be hosted at the Emerald Coast Convention Center starting at 8:00 A.M. http://www.tbscomics.com/coastal-assault/

The Magnolia Grill is hosting at Pancake Breakfast to benefit the Choctawhatchee HS Chorus. Breakfast starts at 8:00 A.M. and includes pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, or water. The Choctaw Madrigals will sing and serve breakfast. 

The Crocheted Rug Making Class with Jean Lucas is the first in the Green Earth Living Craft Class Series. In this class, you will learn how to make a crocheted rug from recycled materials. Class is from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. and advance registration is required. http://www.fwb.org/index.php/museums

"Ruth's Secrets Revealed" Cooking Classes from 12-2 P.M. This class will include the following: 1. Crab Au Gratin 2. Steak Sampling w/salad. Instruction on Prime Steak vs Grocery Meats 3. Baked Ziti and Cheese 4. Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. www.RuthsChrisDestin.com

Gulf World Marine Park 2012 Winter Concert Series presents Margo Anderson with a Tribute to Patsy Cline. Show starts at 7:00 P.M. www.GulfWorldMarinePark.com

The Tony Award-winning musical comedy Damn Yankees will be performed at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College starting at 7:30 P.M. www.mattiekellyartscenter.org

Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Class will be held from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. This program is designed to be an introductory course to meet the boating education needs of all recreational boaters. www.flotilla14.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29^th

Playground Big Band Winter Concert Series from 2-4 P.M. at HarborWalk Village. Concerts are FREE and open to the public. www.emeraldgrande.com

David Seering and Friends Entertain the Emerald Coast for Children in Crisis at 7:00 P.M. at the Village Baptist Church in Destin.