BWL Column: Run, ride or walk to find a great gift

Can you believe that Christmas is only 1 week away?  Still have some last minute shopping to do?  here are some good ideas for the cyclist, walker, or runner on your list.  Happy Holidays!

News-Press Go Coastal Section, Dec. 18, 2014

Have a cyclist or walker on your Christmas buying list? Stumped for ideas of things they might like? Let’s see if we can help, with an eye to different levels of talents and treasury.

Bicyclists:

•Obviously, if they don’t ride at all but would like to, the best gift (if your budget allows) is a new bike to get them started. If you’re dealing with a lapsed cyclist — with a bike that hasn’t been touched in a while — why not get them a tune-up at a local bike shop to make their old ride good as new?

•If they’re new to the road, get them a helmet to keep them safe. (Also works for current riders who like to live dangerously sans head protection.) For current (helmeted) bikers, if the expire-date sticker inside their helmet is illegible due to wear (or, worse, has disappeared altogether), that’s probably a sign a new helmet is overdue.

•Bike gloves can help those who find gripping the handlebars tough on their hands, or those whose current gloves are literally hanging on by a thread. Wintertime riders might even appreciate full-finger gloves to keep their hands warmer on chilly mornings.

•In the “more is better” school, if they ride at night (or plan to) cyclists can’t have enough lights — both head and tail — to let other riders, drivers and anyone else out there know they’re out for a ride. Lights that can attach to either the bike or helmet/body are particularly useful, as they can allow riders to double up for night-time safety.

•If your gift recipient has any mechanical skills (or just needs to be ready to deal with mid-ride mishaps), all-in-one tools and the other necessities for on-the-road repairs are essential … as are the bike bags to carry them. Check out your local bike outlet for an array of options, along with the advice necessary to put them to use. Another though is a good air pump (with gauge) to keep tires properly inflated … the simplest way to avoid flats.

•Attire for the ride is always welcomed, whatever way they prefer to dress. A new bike jersey or shorts may be in order, or perhaps a jacket to keep them dry (or warm) or a high-visibility vest to make them easier to see. Same thing for reflective straps that improve visibility and can keep loose clothing from getting caught on something vital.

•Speaking of keeping things dry, most riders won’t leave home without their phones. Since our weather can be unpredictable — even in the winter — a dry bag for their phone is a smart gift … and can offer the phone a little padding as well, should things get a little impactful out there.

Walkers, runners:

• If they’re not walking/running but would like to, the best gift you might be able to give is to join them so they can get started to make it a habit. People have a better chance of sticking with a new routine if there’s someone to do it with — both as incentive and to help make the time pass faster.

•Of course, aside from company the most crucial thing for walking or running is the right footwear. Each activity has a range of options when it comes to defeating foot pain, so talking it over with someone who knows feet (or shoes) might be wise. Also wise is replacing worn-out shoes before they hamper your scamper.

• For many, walking or running is time to listen to music. Those folks might appreciate new earbuds (unless your budget and their ears can handle headphones … that still allow them to hear surrounding noises, of course). In the same vein, new music is also a lift for walkers and runners, so gift cards for i-Tunes, Amazon or other music suppliers will be welcomed by them.

•One of the reasons to walk or run is to improve your health through movement — so an activity tracker will help them monitor their steps and energy usage — not just during their walk/run, but all day (and night) long. Prices have been coming down while features have been on the rise, so check your options online or in stores to see which might work best for them. (Don’t know for sure? Then a gift card will let them make their own decision.)

•Lights are prudent for walkers and runners, too — especially if they tend to go out early morning or at/after dusk. There are a number of clip-on blinking lights available which, in combination with a good flashlight, enables walkers and runners to see and been seen.

•Attire also matters here, both for comfort and visibility. Either see if something they currently wear needs to be replaced, or if there’s something new you think they might enjoy on their walk or run. (Again, gift cards let them make their own choices if you can’t figure it out.)

•Florida is all about the sun — so walkers and runners need to be all about staying shaded and cool. Hats help with the former, while sweatbands and visors can staunch the latter. Materials and design can range from low- to high-tech, and there’s style and comfort as well.

These are just a few ideas to get you started... stop by your local bike or sporting goods store for many more options. (Ride your bike or walk there, and a real gift inspiration might strike along the way!)

BikeWalkLee is a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org.

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

•Sunday: Knights of Charity 10K (3dracinginc.com), in the Three Oaks neighborhood. Registration 6:30 a.m., race begins 7:30 a.m.

•Jan. 10: Seahawk Sprint for Music 5K (3dracinginc.com), Jim Jeffers Park in Cape Coral. Registration 7 a.m., race 8 a.m.

•Jan. 11: 12^th annual River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva. Half marathon and relay 8 a.m., 5K fun run 8:15 a.m. (www.rrrtrail.com)

•Jan. 17: Tour De Cape 5K Run/walk, is designed for advanced and novice runners. Check in begins at 6:30 a.m. Race time is 8 a.m. Starts at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral. (tourdecape.net)

•Jan. 24: Cypress Sprint for Music 5K (3dracinginc.com), Lakes Regional Park inFort Myers. Registration 7:30 a.m., race 8:30 a.m. (3dracinginc.com),

Cycling, other:

•Jan.18: Tour De Cape. Routes from 15, 30, 60, and 100 mile courses in the west and north sections of Cape Coral. The event provides a continental breakfast, lunch, on route rest stations with snacks and beverages, SAG vehicles, Police support, and route maps. All rides start from Cape Harbour in Cape Coral. (http://tourdecape.net)

Triathlons:

•Sunday: Christmas Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon (run/bike/run), Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. (www.active.com)

•Jan. 10-11: HITS Triathlon Series, Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. Open, sprint Olympic half and full. (www.HitsTriathlonSeries.com)

TELL US

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.