Climbing Harnessed
ONGOING
Galyan’s Trading Company, the sporting goods behemoth at 11801 Nall in Leawood, has a climbing wall that reaches 976 feet above sea level. Unfortunately for the serious climbing crowd, the base of this prefabricated wall starts at 933 feet above sea level. For the inexperienced climber, though, 43 feet is the perfect elevation: low enough not to be daunting but high enough that cocky, wanna-be speed-climbers who miss a hold will receive a superatomic wedgie from the climbing harness. For $2 a try, you can strap into equipment provided by the store while certified belayers (they basically hold the rope — and your fate) watch your back as you navigate one of four routes of varying difficulty. There’s no age or weight limitation, but climbers must be at least 30 inches tall, and everybody has to sign a waiver. Lines are common, especially during the holidays, so be prepared to shop while you wait. For details, call 913-661-0200.— Michael Vennard
Before the Feast
11/20 & 11/27
Here’s to those bike-riding fools who pedal their way around town even when the wind’s a-bitin’. Those hardy souls might join the Brookside Weekly Ride, which meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Breadsmith (6227 Brookside). After the 16-mile to 20-mile tour, the group enjoys refreshments. This week’s miniadventure should be a great way to pick up the pace before next week’s Thanksgiving ride, Tim’s Annual Turkey Trot. (That 20-mile to 30-mile ride begins at 8:30 a.m. in Liberty and promises to sharpen participants’ appetites for big dinners.) For information on the Brookside Weekly Ride, call 816-753-3164; anyone interested in Tim’s Annual Turkey Trot should call Tim himself at 816-781-8028.— Gina Kaufmann
Stones on Ice
The KC Curlers play with brooms.
ONGOING
Attention, everyone interested in taking the Kansas City Curling Club’s introductory curling classes: please wear rubber-soled shoes. Ice skates or cleats would be cheating, and penny loafers aren’t going to get any traction at Pepsi Ice Midwest (12140 West 135th Street in Overland Park), where the lessons are from 4 to 6 p.m. every Sunday (except the weekends after Thanksgiving and Christmas) until March 28.The club wants to drum up interest in this 400-year-old winter sport with informal demonstrations at which rookies can learn what the hell’s going on with the stone-sliding, ice-sweeping team game. Experienced curlers demonstrate delivery and sweeping techniques and, if space is available, get fresh curlers involved in a game. Each class costs $10. For details, call 913-599-9965.— Michael Vennard
