Monday, November 28, 2016

November 28: Upcoming running/walking/biking/tri events

Upcoming events

As always, we start the work week with an update of upcoming running/walking and bicycling events.

Running/walking:
  • Saturday, Dec. 3: 38th annual City of Palms River Run, 10K or 2 mile fun run/walk, starts 8 a.m. from Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Dec. 3: Collier County Public Schools (CCSP) Wellness run/walk. 5K run, 1-mile walk, at Barron Collier High School, Naples. (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Dec. 10: Franklin Templeton Shootout 5K, Tiburon Golf Club, Naples. (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Dec. 17: Marco 5 Mile Hill Run, Marco Island. (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Dec. 17: Christmas Santa Stroll 5K, Lake Avalon, Naples. (eliteevents.org)
  • Sunday, Jan. 8: 14th annual River Roots & Ruts Half Marathon and 5K. A change of pace at Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)

Cycling:
  • Friday, Dec. 2: SWFL Critical Mass giant monthly evening ride, side lot next to the downtown Publix, 2160 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. Tailgate starts at 7:15 p.m. (though many arrive earlier). Wheels roll at 8:00 p.m. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/ccmrtlyvqbdb/).
  • Friday, Dec. 9: NE-Lee Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. (http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
  • Saturday, Dec. 10: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:15 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
  • Friday, Dec. 16: Estero Critical Mass ride. A shorter 7-8 mile ride around Estero and San Carlos Park. Meeting location is Our Lady of Light Catholic Church at 19680 Cypress View Dr, Estero. Roll out at 7:30 p.m. We'll be riding in the dark so don't forget your front and rear lights.
  • For more Lee County cycling and tri events, visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).

Triathlons:
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Sunday, November 27, 2016

Attend Fiddlesticks multi-use path ribbon cutting on Dec. 8

Now that the Fiddlesticks multi-use path project at Daniels Parkway in South Fort Myers nears completion, all interested parties are invited to attend the multi-use path unveiling ceremony by Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, whose District 2 includes this site.

The ribbon cutting will take place on Thursday, December 8 at 9:00 a.m. in the southeast corner of the Publix parking lot at the Fiddlesticks Shopping Plaza. Refreshments will be provided by Publix at 8:45 a.m.

For more on the Fiddlesticks multi-use path, see:
https://bikewalklee.blogspot.com/2012/03/want-bikeped-improvements-on.html
https://bikewalklee.blogspot.com/2012/03/report-from-town-hall-meeting-on.html
https://bikewalklee.blogspot.com/2014/04/bocc-approves-palomino-lane-shared-use.html
http://www.news-press.com/story/news/2016/08/03/work-begin-fiddlesticks-bicyclepedestrian-path/87995024/
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December 15: Public Kickoff Meeting for the Able Canal Pathway Project

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, is holding a Public Kickoff Meeting for the Able Canal Pathway Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from Harns Marsh to Joel Boulevard (CR 884) in Lee County.

The public is invited to attend the meeting anytime from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2016, at the Veterans Park Recreation Center, 55 Homestead Road South, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.

The proposed shared-use pathway will traverse the north side of Able Canal in Lehigh Acres. The pathway will be approximately 5.58 miles in length. The purpose of the pathway is to facilitate the use of viable, non-motorized travel options for commuters and recreational users in the Able Canal corridor and within the Lehigh Acres community. The intent is to provide connections between nearby residential areas and Lehigh Acres park facilities. Numerous amenities will be considered, such as signing, knowledge stations, boardwalks, and pedestrian bridges.

The meeting is an open house with no formal presentation. People attending the meeting may review project displays and aerial photographs and speak one-on-one with project team members. This meeting will give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

FDOT is sending notices to all property owners located at least 300 feet on either side of Able Canal within the project limits, as well as to public officials, organizations, and people interested in the project. FDOT welcomes and appreciates everyone’s participation in the project. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact FDOT Project Manager Patrick Bateman, E.I., at least seven days prior to the meeting at (863) 519-2792, toll free at 1-800-292-3368, extension 2792, or by email at patrick.bateman@dot.state.fl.us.

For more information about the Able Canal Pathway PD&E Study, please visit the project website at www.swflroads.com/ablecanalpathway.


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Thursday, November 24, 2016

BikeWalkLee: Infrastructure investment in our future

BikeWalkLee column, the News-Press, 11/23/2016
by Ken Gooderham

Photo: The News-Press
Let’s talk infrastructure, a popular phrase these days on both sides of the aisle. Both presidential candidates spoke of sinking billions into infrastructure, a political panacea for workers, businesses and the economy alike.

However, turning a litany of campaign promises into actual funded infrastructure projects can take a torturous trail to achieve. Suppose, for a moment, such political promises do become legislative reality and a significant sum is allocated to build and rebuild the bones that run our country and economy.

What would (or could) that mean for Southwest Florida?

Let’s take a slightly contrarian view and say we really don’t need more roads. We may need to enhance their capacity and maintain the ones we have while bringing them up to current design standards – which would be good for bikers and walkers if it helps complete some of our streets.

But if we want to guide this infrastructural investment in a way that create not just jobs, but value as well, we need to focus on our most significant industry (tourism) in such ways as to make this a more attractive area to visit, live and work.

Three assets ripe for improvement come to mind:
  • Natural infrastructure: Investment that can enhance or protect our still-considerable natural resources. We’re talking beaches and bays here, but also waters safe to fish and swim in and preservation lands open for recreation. Targeting projects that could keep our natural assets safe (or at least not let then deteriorate any further) would support a lot of jobs and future economic health.
  • Bike/ped infrastructure: Not only does this give people who play and stay here another recreational amenity (hey, you can only spend so many days at the beach!), but it enhances mobility and safety by making it easier to get around our area in something other than a motor vehicle. (That matters for a number of workers as well as those who ride or walk for fun.) These are also “fast to build and quick to contribute” kinds of projects – and ones where our existing backlog could offer a fast return on a funding investment.
  • Mass transit: This area is getting closer and closer to the point where it needs to find other ways to move people and things both to here and around here. If you’re not quite ready for high-speed passenger rail, then how about building capacity to bring in goods and materials by plain old rail – and getting some of those big long-haul trucks off the road? And I bet if you could offer them a way to get into light rail or buses to get to and from work, a lot of those people stuck on the interstate every rush hour might be happy to leave the driving to you.
Could this happen? Yes, with the right investment and imagination behind it. Will it happen? Who knows?

But simply building more roads won’t help our tourism economy. Building more value through innovative investment will.

 

Cape project wins more funding

Speaking of infrastructure investment, the Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) just announced $44.4 million in funding under the Shared Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail program for 45 projects around the state, which will add or improve miles of shared-use trails around Florida.

Of particular local interest is the $1.78 million allocated for Cape Coral’s Kismet Parkway multi-use path – which brings the funding total up to $3.6 million for the project’s first phase, from Burnt Store Road to Nelson Road. This project will eventually go to Del Prado Blvd., and is part of the statewide Coast to Coast SUN Bike Trail.

Congratulations once more to the Cape Coral public-private team that is turning the Cape from a bike-barren burgh to a very bike-friendly city.

 

Biking, walking to happier holidays

While we always encourage people to enjoy the plentiful opportunities to bike, walk and run in Southwest Florida, holidays such as Thanksgiving are an especially excellent time to hit the trails and paths.

Why?
  • To create family-friendly moments. Biking and, in particular, walking is something almost all of your family and visitors can do… so you can do it together.
  • To give everyone a little space. Getting on each others nerves? Get out and go for a walk or ride… it breaks up the routine and break downs some of the bad family habits we all can fall prey to.
  • To burn off some calories. Even the most prudent among us can partake a little too festively this time of year. Moving around is still the best remedy to too much food… so get moving!
Enjoy your holidays – and any walks or rides you can fit in.

Ready to ride or run?

Run: Hopefully, you got up early this morning to enjoy one of the numerous Turkey Trots around our area. If not, plan to be part of the 38th annual City of Palm River Run, a 10K (and 2-mile fun run) on Saturday, Dec. 3, in downtown Fort Myers (ftmyersttrackclub.com). Collier County Public Schools are also holding a 5K run/1-mile wellness walk that day at Barron Collier High School (gcrunner.org).

Ride: Need to shake off the post-turkey (or post-Black Friday) blues? Critical Mass to the rescue, with rides Friday (Cape Coral), Saturday (downtown starter ride) and Dec. 2 (downtown classic ride). Details and RSVP at http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events. Want more? Join the 11th annual Fit & Fuel Iron Joe Turkey Ride Nov. 27 in Naples, with 62-, 30- and 20-mile options (https://raceroster.com/events/2016/9300/fit-fuel-iron-joe-turkey-ride). There’s also the Turkey Leg Century on Nov. 25, leaving from Daniels Crossing in Fort Myers at 7:30 a.m. for Sanibel, the Beach and Naples. Not for the novices. (caloosariders.org)

Both: Get ready for the Christmas with a sprint tri (or duathlon) on Dec. 18 at Sugden Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org).




TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:
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.


# # # 


Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, 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.





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Monday, November 21, 2016

November 21: Upcoming running/walking/biking/tri events

Upcoming events

The upcoming Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to go for a run or walk, with runs in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero and Naples. There's also a number of organized rides, both fast and slow. And of course you can always set out on your own to breathe some fresh air and burn off those excess calories. Happy thanksgiving!


Running/walking:

Cycling:

Triathlons:
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Thursday, November 17, 2016

As our streets and paths fill up during season, be extra careful out there

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 11/16/2016 
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

As our seasonal residents and visitors reappear, making our roads and pathways even more challenging, it’s a good time to go over some basic tips and insights that can keep those of us walking, running and cycling from becoming a traffic crash statistic. Like most injury prevention recommendations, these are well known by most and involve common sense. They shouldn’t come as a surprise.

For pedestrians:

  • Be visible.
  • Photo: running.about.com
    Wear a brightly colored or white shirt during the day (white reflects light, including sunlight).
  • After dark and in low-light conditions wear reflective clothing or at least white and consider carrying a flashlight.
  • Be aware of visual barriers that may make it difficult for a motorist to see you or visa-versa (our lush landscaping makes this a common occurrence).
  • Be aware.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected from motorists, bicyclists, and other pedestrians.
  • Don’t put yourself at risk by wearing headphones or being distracted by electronic devices.
  • Be predictable.
  • Don’t make unexpected moves that motorists, cyclists, or other pedestrians can’t anticipate.
  • Follow traffic laws, but don’t count on motorists to do the same.
  • Be courteous.
  • Stay to one side of the pathway so as to share the space with other users.
  • If running, give priority to walking pedestrians.
  • Alert those you are coming up upon of your intention to pass, especially if you’re running.
  • Be friendly and greet those you encounter.
  • Exercise your rights to use the public right-of-way but keep in mind that motorists, cyclists, and other pedestrians may not acknowledge or understand those rights.
  • Be smart.
  • Use sidewalks when they are available (it’s the law to do so); on sidewalks it’s a good idea to walk or run in the direction of traffic if possible in order to reduce conflicts with motorists making right turns from side streets and driveways.
  • Walk or run against traffic when sidewalks are not available so you can easily see approaching vehicles and take evasive action when necessary.
  • Be aware of various surface and weather conditions and be prepared to deal with them.
  • Carry a phone, identification, a friend or relative’s contact information, and relevant medical information (locked phones do emergency personnel no good in terms of identifying you).
  • Make sure your friends or relatives know your usual walking or running routes (leave the routes written down somewhere or inform someone of your route).
  • Stay in familiar areas; know the location of safe places to go in an emergency.
  • When alone, avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails; especially avoid unlit areas at night.
  • Don’t wear jewelry that can make you a target for being robbed.
  • Ignore verbal harassment but be observant and keep moving.
  • Use your intuition about suspicious persons and areas.
  • Call the police immediately if something happens to you; don’t wait until you’re home.
  • Report broken sidewalks and other hazards and obstacles, including illegally parked vehicles.
  • Carry a whistle or other noisemaker; pepper spray may be appropriate when dog encounters are possible.



For cyclists:

  • Be visible.
  • Lights are required by Florida law when operating between sunset and sunrise whether on the road, sidepath, or even private property with public access (white light in front, red light and reflector in rear).
  • Wear brightly colored clothing during the day and reflective or white clothing after dark.
  • Be aware.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected from motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists.
  • Headphones are not allowed per Florida law.
    • Image: bicyclesafetyinstitute.org
  • Be predictable.
  • Don’t make unexpected moves that motorists, cyclists, or other pedestrians won’t anticipate.
  • Cyclists operating in the roadway are considered legal vehicles so most traffic laws apply; minimum speed laws do not apply and cyclists may ride far enough into the lane to ensure their safety (motorists may pass in a no-passing zone when safe to do so).
  • Ride with the flow of traffic on the road and stay to the right on pathways.
  • Be courteous.
  • Cyclists are second-class users of pathways; pedestrians must be given the right-of-way and warned when passing (if they don’t acknowledge/respond the responsibility still rests with the cyclist).
  • Be nice and offer a friendly greeting to those you encounter.
  • Be smart.
  • Exercise your rights to use the public right-of-way but keep in mind that motorists may not understand or respect those rights.
  • While it’s legal in much of our area to cycle on sidewalks (pathways less than 8-feet wide) they are intended for pedestrians so speed must be kept low and pedestrians take precedent; when practical ride in the direction of traffic on sidepaths in order to reduce conflicts with motorists making right turns from side streets and driveways.
  • Be aware of various surface- and weather conditions and be prepared to deal with them; wet or sandy surfaces are potential hazards.
  • Carry a phone, identification, a friend or relative’s contact information, and relevant medical information.
  • Make sure someone knows your routes (leave them written down somewhere or inform someone of your plan).
  • Call the police if you’re injured, put at risk, or harassed during your ride.
  • Report roadway and sidepath hazards and obstacles.
  • Pepper spray may be appropriate when dog encounters are anticipated.

As I stated up front, none of this should be news for anyone who routinely traverses our roads and pathways. However, observation and statistics bear out that way too many people in cars, on bikes, and on foot either lack common sense or choose to ignore it. Be prepared to deal with these folks and you’ll enjoy your walk, run or ride. ¦



Events:

Running and walking




Cycling, triathlons and other events


The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site (bikewalklee.blogspot.com) has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally. ¦


- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417.
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Monday, November 14, 2016

November 14: Upcoming running/walking/biking/tri events

Monday morning, time for your weekly running, walking and biking events update. Check out the various events around Thanksgiving. Be safe out there and use lights when going out after dark.

Upcoming events

Running/walking:
  • Saturday, Nov 19: Bonita Springs Rotary's 5K To End Polio Now. 7.30 a.m., Riverside Park - Pennsylvania Ave., Bonita Springs (3dracinginc.com/event/inaugural-rotarys-5k-to-end-polio-now/)
  • Sunday, Nov. 20: Naples Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K. 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (napleshalf.com)
  • Thursday, Nov. 24: 37th annual Turkey Trot 5K run, walk, plus one-mile fun run and tot trot. Starts at 7:30 a.m., Cape Coral Wellness Center (ftmyerstrackclub.com).
  • Thursday, Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk. 7 a.m., Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
  • Thursday, Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day 5K and 1K kids race. 7:30 a.m., downtown Naples (gcrunner.org) 
  • Saturday, Dec. 3: 38th annual City of Palms River Run, 10K or 2 mile fun run/walk, starts 8 a.m. from Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)

Cycling:
  • NEW Ride: Friday, Nov. 18, Estero Critical Mass ride. Meet at 7:00 p.m. and roll at 7:30. Parking lot of Our Lady of Light Catholic Church at 19680 Cypress View Dr, Estero, FL 33967. We will use the parking lot between the church and the road. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/235009679/)
  • Friday, Nov. 25: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Meet at 7:00 p.m, ride at 7.30 p.m., Farmers Market Parking Lot, 4706 SE 11th Place (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/qbmrtlyvpbhc/)
  • Saturday, Nov. 26: SW Florida Critical Mass starter/sightseeing ride; gather at 9 a.m., roll at 9:15 a.m. from 2160 McGregor Blvd. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
  • Sunday, Nov. 27: 11th annual Fit & Fuel Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Naples’ Sunday-after-Thanksgiving cycling tradition. 62-, 30- and 20 miles rides, begins and end at Fit & Fuel Café. (raceroster.com/events/2016/9300/fit-fuel-iron-joe-turkey-ride) 
  • Friday, Dec. 2: SWFL Critical Mass giant monthly evening ride, side lot next to the downtown Publix, 2160 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. Tailgate starts at 7:15 (though many arrive earlier). Wheels roll at 8:00. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/ccmrtlyvqbdb/).
  • Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at (www.caloosariders.org).

Triathlons:
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Thursday, November 10, 2016

Nov 11 NE Lee Critical Mass ride cancelled

From Facebook:

CANCELING TOMORROWS NE LEE RIDE TOMORROW: Ride Leader John Lavalla just had a setback with his kidney stone surgery. Send him well wishes on his fb. Let anyone you know that rides NE Lee, but doesn't do Facebook.

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Don’t be afraid of the dark

BikeWalkLee column, the News-Press, 11/10/2016
by Ken Gooderham

Photo: ilovebicycling.com
After last weekend’s falling back of the clocks, it’s a little tougher to walk or ride in the daylight – there being less of it, after all. That’s even more troublesome as temperatures become more inviting (at least to some) for outdoor activities.

You don’t have to let the growing gloom keep you off the sidewalks and bike lanes. But you do need to take a few precautions to keep your exercise safer.


  • Be visible: Think bright… both colors and lights. When the sun goes down, it’s not the time to grab your darkest outfit for a ride, run or walk. Instead, go for the high-vis colors. Throw in some reflective materials as well, to help you stand out when lights sweep over you.
  • Light it up: This deserves another mention… use lights both to see and be seen. Flashing red lights get drivers’ attention, while bright white lights let you see where you’re going.
  • Stay in the light: If you have that choice, opt for a well-lit route for your run or ride. Easier for you to see and been seen, and a boost to safety overall.
  • Know where you’re going: It’s often wise to pick a route you know, both for overcoming any obstacles and to ensure you know how to find your way home… and so that your ride or run doesn’t go longer than you want because you can get there from here. 
  • Strength in numbers: If you like to run or ride with others, extra people can also improve your chances of being seen – and in dealing with any issues along the way. If you really prefer to go solo, at least let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return, so they can worry if you’re not back in a reasonable time.
  • Pay attention: It’s even easier to make mistakes in the dark, even on a route you know. So don’t make any risky moves, don’t go where you don’t know what’s there (like a pothole or a tree branch, say) and ditch the headphones as well… you’ll need all your senses to compensate for the decreasing vision driven by dusk.
  • Carry ID (at least) and a phone: You’ll want the former if something happens to you, and the latter if you (or someone else) needs some help.

A little darkness shouldn’t impinge on your exercise routine. But it shouldn’t put you at risk, either. A few simple steps will keep you safe.


Bike/ped video deadline nears

Attention, Lee County middle and high schoolers: You still have time to submit your PSA video to the “BikeWalkSafely2Live” contest, being held as part of the city of Cape Coral’s bike/ped safety initiative. Your winning entry could earn your school $1,000 to buy media equipment, as well as get your fine efforts aired on local TV and websites.

The deadline for submittals is Nov. 18; details and an upload link is online at www.CapeCoral.net/Bicycling. So let your creativity soar to help keep your fellow students (and all bikers and walkers) safer.  


Ready to ride or run?

Run? Some unique opportunities for runners ahead. Tomorrow (Nov. 11), you can run across the Midpoint for the Veterans Day 5K, which begins at 7 p.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com). On Nov. 12, you can try a 10K (not your usual distance) at the Olde Naples 10K (gcrunner.org)… and, if you like the extra miles, try a half-marathon Nov. 20 at the Naples Fall Classic. Of course, with Thanksgiving nearing, there will be a trio to Turkey Day 5Ks in Cape Coral, Estero and Naples.

Ride? There’s a new Critical Mass ride for you to try: On Nov. 18, CM adds Estero to its growing list of offerings with a 7-8 mile ride around Estero and San Carlos Park. Gather at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church, 19680 Cypress View Drive, around 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. rollout… and bring your lights and helmet. Of course, the usual Northeast Lee (Nov. 11) and Sanibel (Nov. 12) rides should be on your calendar as well. Details at www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/.


TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:
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.


# # # 


Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, 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.





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Monday, November 7, 2016

November 7: Upcoming running/walking/biking/tri events

This month is packed with a choice of running/walking and biking events. So many opportunities to go outdoors, get moving and enjoy our crisp Southwest Florida fall weather!

Upcoming events

Running/walking:
  • Friday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day 5K, begins at 7 p.m. over the Midpoint Bridge (fswflymca.org/news/2016/10/14/fort-myers-news/veteran-s-day-5k-2016/). 
  • Saturday, Nov. 12: Coconut Run 5k and kids run, Sun Splash Water Park, Cape Coral. 6:30 a.m. Packet Pick-up and Race Day Registration, 7:30 a.m. 5K, 8:15 a.m. Kids Run (www.cocofest.com)
  • Saturday, Nov. 12: Olde Naples 10K. 7:30 a.m., Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Nov 19: Bonita Springs Rotary's 5K To End Polio Now. 7.30 a.m., Riverside Park - Pennsylvania Ave., Bonita Springs (3dracinginc.com/event/inaugural-rotarys-5k-to-end-polio-now/)
  • Sunday, Nov. 20: Naples Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K. 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (napleshalf.com)
  • Thursday, Nov. 24: 37th annual Turkey Trot 5K run, walk, plus one-mile fun run and tot trot. Starts at 7:30 a.m., Cape Coral Wellness Center (ftmyerstrackclub.com).
  • Thursday, Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk. 7 a.m., Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
  • Thursday, Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day 5K and 1K kids race. 7:30 a.m., downtown Naples (gcrunner.org) 
  • Saturday, Dec. 3: 38th annual City of Palms River Run, 10K or 2 mile fun run/walk, starts 8 a.m. from Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)

Cycling:
  • Friday, Nov. 11: NE-Lee Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
  • Saturday, Nov. 12: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:15 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
  • Saturday, Nov. 12: Caloosa Riders membership appreciation ride, Bike Bistro, 20351 Summerlin Rd. (across from Sanibel Outlets Mall) (www.caloosariders.org.)
  • NEW Ride: Friday, Nov. 18, Estero Critical Mass ride. Meet at 7:00 p.m. and roll at 7:30. Parking lot of Our Lady of Light Catholic Church at 19680 Cypress View Dr, Estero, FL 33967. We will use the parking lot between the church and the road. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/235009679/)
  • Friday, Nov. 25: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Meet at 7:00 p.m, ride at 7.30 p.m., Farmers Market Parking Lot, 4706 SE 11th Place (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/qbmrtlyvpbhc/) 
  • Sunday, Nov. 27: 11th annual Fit & Fuel Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Naples’ Sunday-after-Thanksgiving cycling tradition. 62-, 30- and 20 miles rides, begins and end at Fit & Fuel Café. (raceroster.com/events/2016/9300/fit-fuel-iron-joe-turkey-ride)
  • Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at (www.caloosariders.org).

Triathlons:
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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Check these events to help you burn off football, holiday calories

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 11/02/2016 
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Watching football on Saturday and Sunday is quite popular this time of year but it comes with a price. Specifically, the combination of sitting for hours, getting one’s mind numbed by the onslaught of repetitive commercials, and overeating foods that otherwise wouldn’t be consumed so frequently or in such quantity, are the culprits.

And let’s not forget the extra calories that come with beer and sugary beverages, sometimes starting to be imbibed in the early afternoon and going into the late evening when the last game is finally over. But there’s a way to offset the damage, at least to some degree.

With so many active outdoor events in which to participate this time of year it’s pretty hard to justify not taking part in one or another as a check and balance to enjoying the games as passive spectators.

It’s a given that these participatory events mean there’s physical effort involved, but they can be just as much fun as sitting, eating, drinking and cheering on one’s team.

Top: Riders taking off at this year’s Epilepsy Ride at Coastline Cyclery. Above: Runners at the Sanibel FISH 10K last month.
Riders taking off at this year’s Epilepsy Ride
at Coastline Cyclery. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Below are a few options upcoming through the end of the year and beyond.

Friday, Nov. 11, the annual Midpoint Madness/Veterans Day 5K takes place at Royal Palm Square on the Fort Myers side of the bridge. This evening race is always a unique experience as it’s the only time one can access the bridge on foot (there are no sidewalks and pedestrians are banned at all other times). Details and registration can be found at www.swflymca.org and ftmyerstrackclub.com.

Those who are especially ambitious can roll out of bed the next morning and run or walk the Coconut Run 5K at Sun Splash Water Park in Cape Coral.

Happening the following Saturday is a new race, the Bonita Rotary 5K, staging at Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs. Register for the two afore mentioned events at www.3dracinginc.com.

DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Runners at the Sanibel FISH 10K last month
DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Up next is Cape Coral Hospital’s Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24. This very popular run/walk is just what’s needed to diminish guilt associated with the overindulgence that comes from the combination of holiday feasting and football watching on this long weekend.

Soon afterward is one of the oldest races in our community: River Run 10K and 2-miler. The 10K crosses the Caloosahatchee River Bridge (another structure off limits to pedestrians so this is the only chance to use it) and Edison Bridge. Both races begin and end in downtown Fort Myers. Turkey Trot and River Run are both conducted by the Fort Myers Track Club.

If running or walking isn’t your thing, or if you want to mix it up, biking options abound. Southwest Florida Critical Mass rides are happening on a regular basis with the next ones being Friday, Nov. 11, Winn-Dixie parking lot, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. (at Buckingham Road), 7:30 p.m; Saturday, Nov. 12, Sanibel, Jerry’s parking lot, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 25, Cape Coral, Farmers Market Parking Lot, 4706 SE 11th Place (at 47 Terrace, across from Dixie Roadhouse and behind Iguana Mia and Nevermind), 7:30 p.m.; and the local granddaddy of the Critical Mass Rides, Friday, Dec. 2, downtown Fort Myers in the empty parking lot next to Publix on McGregor at Victoria Avenue, 8 p.m.

For those looking for rides that test one’s physical limits the Caloosa Riders are conducting a membership appreciation ride on Sunday morning, Nov. 12, from the Bike Bistro, 20351 Summerlin Rd. (across from Sanibel Outlets Mall); come and join the club for this free ride (caloosariders.org).

Then on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27, the Iron Joe Turkey Ride takes place in Naples (naplespathways.org).

As an alternative to riding, volunteers are needed at Fort Myers Schwinn Cyclery on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 10, to repair and refurbish bikes that will go to at-risk kids; contact the bike shop at 939- 2899 or www.bicycleshopfortmyers.com or learn more about the program at I Will Mentorship Foundation (iwmf2.org).

Finally, it’s a good time to sign up for the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb (ClimbFortMyers.org), being conducted April 29 at the 30-story Oasis Condo in downtown Fort Myers.

Whatever you do, get out there and burn off those holiday calories. ¦


- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417.
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