Around the Bend Friends: This group of people over 50, interested in hiking and related social activities, plans a three- to four-hour moderate hike each Saturday at Mount Charleston. They meet at the third floor (left side) of the east parking garage of Santa Fe Station, 4949 N. Rancho Drive, for an 8:30 a.m. departure (228-0773).

BIKES

Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club: Tuesday at 6:15 a.m. Meet at Einstein's Bagels, 9031 W. Sahara Ave., for an easy-paced ride to Red Rock (e-mail: dgcasey@cox.net or call 379-3737). A 6:15 a.m. moderate to fast 15- to 20-mile road ride on Wednesday. Meet at the NuVision Cyclery on West Lake Mead Boulevard, between Rampart Boulevard and Scholar Lane (228-1333). There will be a 30-plus-mile, moderate and hilly ride Wednesday and Thursday at 7 a.m., and a 30- to 50-plus -mile grade ride on Saturday at 7 a.m. Meet behind Starbucks on West Charleston Boulevard and Town Center Drive. Friday at 6:15 a.m., meet at Einstein's Bagels, 9031 W. Sahara Ave., for an easy-paced ride to Red Rock (e-mail dgcasey@cox.net or call 379-3737). Bring plenty of water for all rides.

The Desert Riders Club of Nevada: The Las Vegas Desert Riders Club of Nevada, a local chapter of the Honda Rider's Club of America, meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of the month at Carter Power Sports, 6725 S. Decatur Blvd. All motorcycles are welcome (795-2000).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center: A program about the owls of Red Rock Canyon and surrounding areas will be presented Tuesday, ongoing from 1 to 4 p.m. On Friday, there will be a fun and interactive program abut the desert tortoise for children 2-6 years. Also on Friday, take a close look at the flora, fauna or geology of Red Rock and the surrounding Mojave Desert, ongoing from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday's events will include "Bats in our Belfry," a short program at the visitor center followed by a drive to Red Spring for an evening with the bats, for those ages 12 and over; and an interactive program on recycling for 2-6 year-olds where children will learn ways to save our planet with hands-on activities (515-5367).

Boating classes: The Las Vegas Sail and Power Squadron will present a public boating course for all interested boaters. Topics include boat handling, rules of the road, docking and anchoring, required and recommended equipment, marine radiotelephone and trailering. There is no charge for instruction, however a small fee for course materials will be charged for each registered student. Classes will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Sept. 11. To register or for more information, call Clint Moore, 255-3590.

Archaeo-Nevada Society along with the Bureau of Land Management invites volunteers to help with Red Rock Conservation projects. Visit www.archaeonevada.org.