While I am wild as in slightly crazy, my friend, Jonathan, is wild as in the wilderness, so, while I was up in NYC being a city girl, I called on my outdoorsy boy to attend the season grand opening of the US National Whitewater Center and the unveiling of the new mega zip line. Zip-a-dee-do-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay ... my oh my what a shitty day (to be outside embarking on outdoor activities that is).
By Jonathan Grubbs
Rainy weather didnt stop the U.S. National Whitewater Center from unzipping its new Mega Zip attraction last Thursday. Mayor Pat McCrory and County Councilwoman JenniferRoberts even came for the unveiling of their four new 1,123-foot long ziplines extending across the unruly rapids of the worlds largest Olympic whitewater training center. Unfortunately, the mayor and councilwoman were both uninvited to ride it due to the rainy and unsafe weather conditions. As a consolation, they both decided to ride down the class III and IV rapids together... in the rain.
Although this even marked the official introduction of the Mega Zip, its actually been open to the public since last November and Ive had the privilege of zipping down the zipline, reaching speeds of around 20 mph.
Meanwhile, the USNWC just announced that theyre offering an AllSport Pass; as
of April 1, 2009, you can buy one pass to play all day. This Single Day Unlimited pass gives you access to Family Rafting, Adventure Rafting, Rodeo Rafting, Climbing, Climb 2 Zip, Mountain Biking, Flatwater Kayaking, Eco Caching, and the Mega Zipline for only $49 for adults / $29 for children under 12. (Thats like the Super Wal-Mart for the outdoor recreationalists). They also have a One Sport Pass for $25 for all day access to any single sport activity. And if youre a regular you can also buy an Annual One Sport Pass for $139 for adults / $109 children under 12 or you could just be a regular at the White Water Centers watering hole: Rivers Edge Bar and Grill
Some other upcoming events at the White Water Center ...
Moonlight Brews Cruise #1
Thursday, April 9th
5:30 - 10 p.m.
$40
World Kayak Hometown Throwdown
Saturday, April 11
2 p.m.
KinderMourn Duck Race
Sunday, April 19
2 - 5 p.m.