Napa Valley Inline Marathon and Half Marathon July 13

In these days of high gas prices, bicycling is not the only way to go. The development of polyeurathane skate wheels and inline skate technology is making inline skating another way to get around.

More and more skaters are using their wheels to cover longer distances, so much so that inline skate marathons of 26.2 miles long are happening all over the country. There is even an 85-mile race in Georgia in the fall, the Athens to Atlanta Roadskate.

On Sunday, some of best skaters from the United States and other countries will take to the streets of the Napa Valley, putting their powerful legs to the test as they roll past the vineyards and wineries.

A 4.5-mile section of the Silverado Trail will be closed to all traffic from 7 to 10 a.m. between Oak Knoll and Yountville Cross roads July 13 for the Napa Valley Inline Marathon and Half Marathon, sponsored by the California Outdoor Rollersports Association.

Staging will take place in the parking lot of the Cliff Lede Winery at 1437 Yountville Cross Road, about 400 yards from the start line on the Silverado Trail.

Skaters will roll south, turn around near Oak Knoll Road and return to the starting point. One-and-one-half laps is 13.1 miles, three laps are 26.2 miles.

There will be an after-race barbecue at Yountville Park near Madison and Washington in Yountville.

In the past, the event was held at the northern end of the Silverado Trail near Calistoga. The venue moved south to avoid the steep, dangerous downhills, though the new course still has some hills that will fill the need for speed.

For more information, visit www.cora.org.

California Women’s State Championship July 14-16 at Hiddenbrooke

The 13th annual California Women’s State Championship will be played at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club in Vallejo on July 14, 15 and 16.

This event is open to all female amateurs who are California residents with a maximum U.S. Golf Association handicap-index of 10.4.

There is no age restriction. It is sponsored by four of the California women’s golf associations: Pacific Women’s Golf Association, San Diego County Women’s Golf Association, Women’s Golf Association of Northern California and the Women’s Southern California Golf Association.

The purpose of this championship is to determine the California State Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Champion and to determine who will represent the State of California in the USGA State Team Matches, which are held every other year.

Last year’s event, won by Jenny Shin of Torrance, was held at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrooke.

The entry fee of $195 includes green fees, carts, range balls, a player’s reception on Monday afternoon and the awards on Wednesday afternoon.

The format of the competition is 54 holes of stroke play at scratch.

For further information or additional entry forms, contact the California Women’s State Championship coordinator, Luckii Ludwig, 155 Inner Circle, Davis, Calif., 95616, or call (530) 756-4337, or e-mail Luckreel@sbcglobal.net.

More information may also be obtained by going to www.cwcgolf.org.

Basic street skills for cyclists July 30 at Napa City Library

A two-hour presentation on basic street skills for cyclists, a class sponsored by the Eagle Cycling Club, the Napa County Bicycle Coalition, and Bicycle Works, is July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Napa City Library, 580 Coombs St.

Cyclists will receive a street smarts manual and learn how to read the road and position yourself for safety and visibility, a three-step method for crossing any intersection without car conflicts, your legal rights and obligations, and how to outfit yourself and your bike for practical transportation and maximum visibility.

Cyclists will also see a presentation that explains traffic cycling principles and proper road position, demonstrations of essential street cycling techniques and skills, and samples of accessories for visibility and lighting.

The instructors are long-time cyclists Gabriela Gonzalez and Sandy Houck.

They are Bicycle Education Instructors, certified by the League of American Bicyclists, and have taught adults and kids in Napa and the Bay Area.

Reservations are not required and you don’t need your bicycle unless you plan to ride to the library. Call 253-7000 or 226-9108 for further information.

Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services golf tournament Sept. 12

Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services’ third annual golf tournament, sponsored by Outcome Resources, is Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. at Silverado Resort. For sponsorship opportunities and information, call 258-9080.