I’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes for the last 6 months. I’ve been balancing the responsibilities of working full-time with the full time-esque requirements of planning and coordinating multiple events. I’ve often wondered if all this effort is worth it. Then the reaction to last week’s announcement finally hit and I’m still bursting with excitement.

No, I’m not talking about Axios’ “12 Charlotte races to run in 2022” article for the masses. I’m talking about Human Powered Movement’s 2022 Event announcements for the non-masses. For the record, I’m all kinds of stoked for the article and the many amazing races included. In fact, I’ve been fortunate and am still fondly proud to create (2), be an ambassador for (2 more) and run in the majority of the races listed. Anytime more people get up, out, and moving, I’m all for it and I’m all in to support those events for many, many years to come!

Last week’s Human Powered Movement announcement was something different though. It was more focused. It was a rallying cry for those that don’t following Axios. It created its own style of excitement and buzz. And good heavens it’s amazing to feel, firsthand, the outpouring of support, the fiery energy, and the authentic reaction from another sliver of this vibrant active community.

Bike Group at Rocky River Shiver — Pre-Event announcements at Rocky River Shiver - 2021

I started Human Powered Movement with a mission to facilitate greater human powered experience in all of us. This means anything from challenging people to virtually climb the height of Everest over the course of a month (See #FindYourSummit), or simply picking up trash around the neighborhood on a leisurely walk (See #PlasticFreeFeb). This also mean sharing compelling and engaging Journals to inspire others to get their butts off the couch. These broad reaching efforts are aimed at people throughout the country, and world, that can experience this lifestyle on their own time, at their own pace.

With the success that we’ve found spreading this universal concept far and wide, Human Powered Movement is based in Charlotte, and you better believe that we are hella proud of the active community that we have here. I humbly invite you to check out Human Powered Movement’s 2022 calendar of Events and participate in one (or all) throughout the year but this piece is more about “Us”. “Us” is the greater Charlotte active community. “Us” is made up of a wide spectrum of people, personalities, backgrounds, ability levels and interests. “Us” motivates me to put in that full time-esque commitment mentioned above!

A small gathering of “Us” – Rocky River Shiver - 2021

I’ll be honest, although Charlotte may not have the concentration of outdoor active types that a quintessential Boulder, Salt Lake or Portland has, we sure as hell have an establish core in this region. There are thousands who are proud to be part of this active core. The events listed in the article along with the expansive Whitewater Race Series (I was fortunate to oversee the Events and Marketing Dept at Whitewater for nearly a decade), the multitude of offerings that Start 2 Finish brings to the community (I’m actively working with them for my event registration), and the world class bike facilities in Rock Hill are all massive parts of this core.

This core has also spawned a number of other grassroot efforts that are finding new ways to fill gaps and provide opportunities for people to find their active outlet. I’ve found myself continually gravitating towards the (arguably) lesser-known grassroots scenes of the Charlotte active world and this sub-culture is bursting with energy. It exudes authenticity. It draws people in. It needs to be shared and known.

By no means, is this a comprehensive list, but while we have a much smaller megaphone in our hands as compared to Axios, let us share a sprinkling of lesser-known grassroots efforts that are currently jolting the Charlotte active scene to make this community a better place to live, work and play.

Events:

Vagabond Endurance – Year-round races, handmade awards, and ever-changing new concepts to keep the local trail running community on their toes and thirsting for more
The Stevest 50K, OMR Ultras, and Halloween Hobble are all unbelievably down to earth distance events that will challenge the battle-tested veteran
Double Down – Annual group ride from Charlotte to Charleston lead by Ilan Paltrow (Head Goat at Gear Goat Exchange)

Groups:

Mad Miles Run Club – Did you know that founder Cornell Jones has run every single day for over 3 years straight?! Yeah, legit! 2 weekly group runs
704 Mural Tours – Quietly, one of the best ways to truly “experience” a Charlotte’s mural scene from an active perspective
Bank City Bike Club – Healthy lifestyles, social justice, increase youth cycling … what’s not to love?!
Plaza Midwood Tuesday Night Ride – It’s hard to find a more approachable entry into the urban causal pedal scene than what #PMTNR offers.

Resources:

runCLTrun – If you’re a runner in Charlotte you simply need to follow them. Endless information, inspiration, and resources for any distance
WeeklyRides.com – The “go-to” source for, you guessed it, weekly group rides and bike related events

To be clear, it doesn’t matter where you are in your path … a first timer looking for a way to increase your activity level or a seasoned veteran looking to ramp up your efforts, the Charlotte region is ripe with options. I want to bring more of those options to your attention. However, you choose to get involved, know that there are endless behind-the-scenes efforts going on to create these options for this community. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of them.

Even if I don’t see you at one of our Human Powered Movement events in 2022, I fully expect to see you at some other human powered efforts throughout the year. We need more “Us” around here.

About the Author:

Originally from Northeastern PA, Adam Bratton was a Kinesiology (study of human movement) major at William & Mary before moving to Charlotte to earn his MBA. With over 15 years of experience including ESPN and Whitewater, he now combines his educational & professional backgrounds with his personal passions to manage and operate MJ Bratton, a Strategic Business & Marketing Agency and Human Powered Movement. Connect via email (Adam@MJBratton.com) or simply keep your eyes open for the uber stoked guy at any number of active events throughout Charlotte.