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).

Desert Honda Riders: The Desert Honda Riders of Las Vegas will have a ride to Pine Valley, Utah, on Saturday, about 400 miles. Meet at 8 a.m. at Carter Power Sports, 6725 S. Dacatur Blvd. For more information go to autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/deserthondariderslasvegasnv/.

Red Rock Canyon: A beginner easy to moderate six-mile bike ride will take place Sept. 14. Helmets are required. Ages 10 and over (515-5367).

OTHER PROGRAMS

Red Rock Canyon Visitors Center: A program and discussion on the geology of Southern Nevada will take place Tuesday, ongoing from 1 to 4 p.m. On Saturday, the Las Vegas Astronomical Society will present a special program to view objects in the night sky from 6 to 10 p.m. Also on Saturday, will be a program for children ages 2-5 to hear about what animals eat (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. The final class will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. To register or for more information, call Clint Moore, 255-3590.

Archaeo Nevada Society: A presentation titled "Tracks in the Desert: The Great Race Through Nevada" will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the West Charleston campus of College of Southern Nevada, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd. (254-7883). Archaeo-Nevada Society along with the Bureau of Land Management invites volunteers to help with Red Rock Conservation projects. Visit www.archaeonevada.org.