This week's column focusing on the great upcoming running and biking events and a shout-out to the Sanibel Bicycle Club on its 20th anniversary.
All it takes is a trip on one of
our main roads or an attempt to have dinner out at just about any area
restaurant to confirm that we’re hitting the height of our season. Along with
our tourism peak so go organized cycling and running/walking events — and
just about anything else that can be done outdoors. This is the time of year
that attracts so many to visit and live here, so get out and enjoy the
weather.
Following are a few of the many active-living events to consider.
¦ Calusa Nature Center is hosting
a Bike & Hike Day on Saturday, Feb. 22. Those who take part in a “Rules
of the Road & Pathway” program will be welcome to participate in a guided
boardwalk hike or trail bike ride (it’s the first time the trails are being
opened to bicycles). The center is easily accessible by bicycle. Go to www.calusanature.org or www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL for more
information.
The Hooters-to-Hooters Half Marathon takes
place on Sunday, March 2. Since the first one in 2008 it has been extremely
popular for a 13.1-mile run, considering it’s a challenge for just about
everyone to complete that distance (after all, it ain’t a 5K.) Last year,
more than 1,100 participated, with scores of volunteers also joining in the
fun in Hooter’sparking lot after the race is done. If you’re not ready
to tackle the entire distance there’s a relay option. And the Fort Myers
Track Club always needs course volunteers. Whatever you choose, you’re
guaranteed to have a great time when Hooters does its thing. Visit www.hootershalfmarathon.com.
¦ Another event with a beer payoff
is the Royal Palm Classic on Sunday, March 16. After years of this
well-established bike event being staged at Buckingham Park, the Caloosa
Riders have partnered with new hosts, Fort Myers Brewing Company located in
Gateway, so you know what to expect after completing rides of 15, 30 or 62
miles. And there’s a “no one left behind” 15-mile loop, so those with every
speed and skill level are encouraged to take part. Visit www.royalpalmclassic.org.
¦ If you’d like to take a daytrip
to experience what our neighbors to the north have to offer, consider the
Legacy Trail Tour de Parks Fun Ride. Beginning and finishing at the historic
train depot in downtown Venice, you’ll cycle north to Sarasota on the Legacy
Trail, which is an excellent example of a top-notch railto trail project. The
shorter rides stay on the trail while longer ones include road riding. Many
parks are among the attractions you’ll experience on the ride. And it’s only
an hour drive from Fort Myers. Visit www.legacytrailfriends.org.
¦ It’s time to start training for
the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Stair Climb Challenge, which is
taking place on Saturday, April 28, at High Point Place on the river in
downtown Fort Myers. Those registered can climb the 30-stories where the
event will be taking place each Saturday morning and soon on Wednesday
evenings as well. The post-climb activities on the day of the event on the
pool deck overlooking the Caloosahatchee River are as excellent as the view.
More details and registration can be found at www.fightforairclimb.org.
Advocacy matters
One of Florida’s most effective
and fun-loving bicycle organizations, the Sanibel Bicycle Club, celebrated
its 20th anniversary recently with a major bash. It seems like it’s actually
been around much longer, considering the progress the island has made in
accommodating cyclists and other non-motorists on its extensive pathway
system. Many of the forefathers and foremothers of what I believe is a model
bike club were in attendance. The SBC serves as a powerful influence in
shaping its community by being involved, being heard and putting its money
where its mouth is.
Sanibel Island is a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly
Community thanks to the SBC’s cooperation with and support of city planning
and policy initiatives, including sharing the cost to develop a
bike/pedestrian master plan as well as raising the funds necessary to build a
welcome kiosk and rest area for pathway users. If you haven’t been out to the
island for a while you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the improvements that
have been made to the pathway network. So when you see someone with an SBC
jersey or T-shirt, be sure to thank them.
To catch up on all that’s
happening that affects quality of life throughout the region, check
BikeWalkLee’s blog at www.bikewalklee.blogspot.com.
Until next time, I’ll look for you
on the roads and trails. ¦
— Dan Moser is C yclingSavvy
instructor/ trainer and program director for Florida Bicycle Association who
cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness.
He can be contacted at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334- 6417.
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The official Blog for bikewalklee.org. BikeWalkLee is a community coalition
raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County, FL.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Moser Column: It’s ride, run and walk season
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