October 30: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

• Saturday, Nov. 4: Making Tracks for Missions 5K. This project will help build a center in Baneasa, Romania. The center will provide hot meals, school supplies, health classes and even a greenhouse to grow veggies. First Assembly of God Church, 8 a.m. (3dracinginc.com)
• Sunday, Nov. 5: Fort Myers Marathon, featuring marathon, half-marathon and 5K distances (fortmyersmarathon.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, 7 p.m., Royal Palm Square, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Olde Naples 10K, 7:30 a.m., Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, Nov 12: Achieva Credit Union’s Coconut Run 5K, 7:30 a.m., Sun Splash Family Water Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com) 
• Sunday, Nov. 19: Naples Fall Classic Half-Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (napleshalf.com) 
• Thursday, Nov. 23: 37th annual Turkey Trot, Cape Coral Hospital (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Gulf Coast Runner’s Thanksgiving 5K, Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org) 
• Saturday, Dec. 2: 39th annual City of Palms River 10K Run and 2-mile fun run/walk. 8 a.m., Centennial Park, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Dec. 2: Run for Hannah 5K, 8 a.m., Rotary Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
• Saturday, Dec. 2: Collier County Public Schools Wellness Fun Run, 5K competitive race, 5K fun run and 1 mile fun run. 8 a.m., Barron Collier High School (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, Dec. 9: Babcock Ranch Jingle Bell 5K/10K, 7:30 a.m., Babcock Ranch (3dracinginc.com)
• Saturday, Dec. 9: QBE Shootout 5K, 7:30 a.m., Tiburon Golf Club, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, Dec. 16: Citygate Ministries Downtown Christmas Run 5K, 6 p.m., downtown Fort Myers (3dracinginc.com)
• Saturday, Dec. 16: Christmas Santa Stroll 5K Glow Run, 5:30 p.m. (eliteevents.org)
• Saturday, Dec. 23: Marco 5 Mile Hill Run, 8 a.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, Marco Island (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com/

Cycling:

• Friday, Nov. 3: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at a special time: 7:15 p.m. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Nov. 10: 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. 11: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Nov. 12: Tour for Epilepsy, 21-, 32- and 62-mile rides, Coasline Cyclery, Fort Myers (caloosariders.org) 
• Friday, Nov. 17: Roll Estero. Meet at Tropical Smoothie, 10011 Town Commons Drive #104a, Estero, at 7:30 p.m. for a 8 p.m. roll out on an easy 10-miler. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Nov. 24: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m. at 4706 SE 11th Place for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended.  (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Nov. 24: Turkey Leg Century, details to come at caloosariders.org.
• Saturday, Nov. 25: Saturday Slow Roll. 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Nov. 26: Iron Joe Turkey Ride, 62-, 30-, 20- and 5-mile rides, starts and ends at Fit & Fuel Bicycle Café, Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (caloosariders.org)
• 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.
• 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:

• Sunday, Dec. 17: Christmas Sprint Duathlon & Triathlon, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org)
• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Blame it on Irma

Dan Moser
BWL Guest Column - 10/25/2017

For all of us who’ve been attempting to get around outdoors since early September on foot, by wheelchair (manual or motorized), or by bike it’s still hit-and-miss as to whether the way is clear. Because this unfortunate condition continues I’m compelled to speak up about it.

Well over a month after the major storm event debris remains on vital infrastructure, some being on pathways along major roads too busy for pedestrians or even most cyclists to “share” with cars and trucks. What could be considered an inconvenience for some of us is much more serious for others. At the risk of sounding like a broken record and labeled a whiner I’m none the less going to make the case that our community priorities need to change when it comes to non-motorized elements of our transportation network.

At a community event I attended recently to promote and encourage bike and pedestrian safety I spoke to a woman who uses a motorized wheelchair. She told me of having to summon law enforcement to help get untangled from debris on the Summerlin Rd pathway. Over a month after Irma deposited large tree limbs and palm fronds from the Whiskey Creek neighborhood most remain on that pathway, continuing to hinder many non-motorists.

There were at least six more of these obstructions on a one-mile segment of Summerlin Road
well over a month after Irma.

These obstacles are quite obvious to anyone driving along that segment of Summerlin so it’s hard to imagine why no one in a position to take action to have the debris removed ever did, or, apparently, even reported it.

I’ve personally made a number of requests since the storm in an attempt to prod our local governments to ensure safe access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on our main roads, with a clear understanding that it would be impossible for every sidewalk and pathway to be made a priority. Just a short time after clean-up began very few, if any, motor vehicle travel lanes remained impassible, but pedestrians and cyclists haven’t received anywhere near the same level of service as the motoring public. At a certain point in time, even after a major storm event such as this one, that’s no longer justifiable, especially when access for people with disabilities remains hindered and when it puts anyone needing to use the facilities at risk.

The crews doing the heavy lifting are to be commended. I have no beef with their efforts – they’re simply doing what they’re tasked to do, sun-up to sundown in many cases. Where I believe change needs to occur is among those making the vital decisions about what tasks take precedence.

Any post-disaster recovery effort requires a plan that should be in place well before it’s needed, something I assume is the case for each of our local governments in this event. If the plan does not have pedestrian access and ADA compliance on the same level as that for motor vehicles the plan needs to be changed to make it so. Especially on major and busy roads and in areas where car ownership levels are lower than average, being able to walk and bicycle safely isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Along with public safety it’s also about social equity.

This is a common scene in Pine Manor where most sidewalks and bike lanes remain
impassible over a month after Irma.

 One glaring example of the inequity is in Pine Manor where more than one month after Irma’s devastation it appears no debris whatsoever was picked-up, meaning most sidewalks and paved shoulders remain impassible. This is a neighborhood with lower than average car ownership levels and many children and folks with disabilities needing a safe place to travel.

As we move forward and get beyond the first stages of recovery it’s looking like Irma’s going to take the blame for many programmed and funded projects that would improve safety and access for non-motorists to be pushed back indefinitely or even cancelled. While some delays are to be expected and justified I fear Irma will be used as an excuse rather than legitimate reason for delaying or killing some improvements already in the queue, especially by local governments. “Blame it on Irma” may well become the buzz-term for foot-dragging on moving towards creating a network of Complete Streets and working to remove the stigma that Lee County and all its towns and cities have earned by being tagged as the most dangerous place in the USA for pedestrians. I hope I’m wrong.

- 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. 

The case for biking

BWL Column
The News-Press, 10/26/2017
by Ken Gooderham

Image: courtesy www.velopa.com

The temperatures and humidity are starting to creep downward, albeit slowly. And with the county finally getting its head above water in debris pickup, bike lanes and paths are emerging from the vegetation piles to become rideable again. With all that, I’d like to make the case for biking.

This is not pushing you to hop in the saddle and pedal a century, metric or otherwise. Rather, I’d like to pose some of the reasons that making your bicycle a part of your day every day is a worthwhile thing to do.

• It’s good for your health. Physical exercise boosts your spirits, your mental awareness, your physical health and more… and bicycling is easy, accessible and possible for people of all abilities.
• It’s good for our roads. Every trip made by bike is one less vehicle on our roadways… and, since traffic is getting crazier earlier this season, every vehicle not driven helps.
• It’s a great way to see your neighborhood (and neighbors). Flying down the road at 30 mph with the windows up doesn’t offer much chance for interaction with the people around you. But pedaling down the road at 8 mph does.
• It’s a great way to explore new areas. Things you miss while driving through some place new are easy to take in from a bicycle seat… and
• You don’t have to hunt for a parking space… just a bike rack (or a sturdy place to lock your ride).
• It saves wear and tear on your vehicle. The short jaunts that work perfectly on a bike tend to be the toughest on your car or truck.
• It saves wear and tear on your nerves in season traffic. Even on a bike you still need to pay attention… but at least you get a little respite during the bike-only portions of your ride.
• It’s a great way to limit your shopping list (and load). If all you can buy is all you can carry on your bike or back, that discourages the impulse buyer in all of us.
• It makes every trip an adventure – not a drudgery. The change in perspective keeps things fresh, and you’ll find yourself planning your ride and enjoying the process of transportation a lot more than in your car.
• You just might have a lot of fun… perhaps the best reason of all!

Why not give yourself a break this season, and reach for your bike helmet instead of the car keys the next time you’re headed down the block.

Finally…

Two notes of import to local runners from the Fort Myers Track Club (FMTC) website:

“River Roots & Ruts Date Change: Due to storm damage from Irma, most of the half marathon course (at the Caloosahatchee Regional Park) is currently closed and not expected to re-open until late winter to early spring. This race will be held at a later date, tentatively March 4, 2018. Caloosahatchee Regional Park plans to host several volunteer days. The FMTC will be organizing a group to volunteer on one or each of these days. Please keep an eye on the website and Facebook page for more information as it becomes available.”

“After thoughtful deliberation, Hooters of South Florida has decided to make last spring's 2017 Hooters to Hooters Half Marathon the final event. The Fort Myers Track Club would like to thank Hooters South Florida for their dedication to 10 years of the Hooters to Hooters Half Marathon. It was a pleasure working with the Hooters organization as well as the City of Fort Myers, sponsors, volunteers and dedicated runners that made the Hooters Half a truly special event and runner favorite. Thank you all.”

Ready to ride or run?

Run? A full schedule on tap, with a variety of distances to choose from: Oct 28 brings the FISH 10K on Sanibel, the LCEC 5K in Cape Coral and the Monster Dash 5K in Naples. The following weekend includes a marathon/half/5K combo in downtown Fort Myers and a 5K at the First Assembly of God in Fort Myers. Details at ftmyerstrackclub.com, 3dracing.com, gcrunner.org and fortmyersmarathon.com.

Ride? Look for the regular Critical Mass rides: Cape Coral is Friday night, followed by the Saturday morning Slow Roll in downtown Fort Myers. Nov. 3 brings the downtown night ride. For night rides lights are required, helmets recommended, and details and sign-up info is online at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events. For a more traditional ride, there’s the Hurricane Irma Relief ride on Oct. 28, with 50- and 20-mile courses starting in downtown Bonita Springs. Proceeds benefit the Bonita Springs Assistance Office and the Guadalupe Center of Immokalee. Details at caloosariders.org.

Both? You’ve got time to train for the Dec. 17 Christmas Duathlon & Triathlon set for Sugden Regional Park in Naples. Otherwise, check active.com or trifind.com for statewide 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. 


 

October 23: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Check the current status of the event before heading out, using the links below.

Running/walking:

• Saturday, Oct. 28: Race 4 F.I.S.H. 10K, 7:30 a.m., Sanibel Community House (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Monster Dash 5K, 7:30 a.m., Fleischmann Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: 6th annual LCEC Goblin Gallop 5K Run/Walk.7:30 a.m. at Jim Jeffers Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
• Sunday, Nov. 5: Fort Myers Marathon, featuring marathon, half-marathon and 5K distances (fortmyersmarathon.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, 7 p.m., Royal Palm Square, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Olde Naples 10K, 7:30 a.m., Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, Nov. 19: Naples Fall Classic Half-Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (napleshalf.com) 
• Thursday, Nov. 23: 37th annual Turkey Trot, Cape Coral Hospital (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Gulf Coast Runner’s Thanksgiving 5K, Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com/.

Cycling:

• Friday, Oct. 27: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m. at 4706 SE 11th Place for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Saturday Slow Roll. 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Nov. 3: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at a special time: 7:15 p.m. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Nov. 12: Tour for Epilepsy, 21-, 32- and 62-mile rides, Coasline Cyclery, Fort Myers (caloosariders.org)
• 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.
• 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:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Public comments needed in support of Bonita-Estero Trail in Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor

 If you haven't acted already,  please provide comments to the State on its draft FL Greenways and Trails System Maps, urging the state to restore the Bonita-Estero Trail to priority status. Last week the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) heard a presentation by Bonita and Estero Council members urging citizens to support this effort.  Click here to see the PowerPoint presentation about the Bonita-Estero Trail and to see a sample comment letter.  Below is an excerpt from ECCL's latest newsletter reporting on this meeting.

For background information, see BikeWalkLee's earlier blog posts on the topic:

• 9/19/17: Updated Action Alert: Support Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor trail between Bonita Springs and Estero--Ask State to restore trail to Priority Florida Greenways and Trails Map

• 10/5/17: New Schedule for Florida Greenways and Trails Plan Workshops

The ECCL Report: October 2017
Executive Summary: 164th meeting of the Estero Council of Community Leaders

SUN TRAIL/ RAIL CORRIDOR - Nick Batos and Peter O’Flynn

The Florida SUNTrail Path Network was the subject of the first joint meeting between the Estero and Bonita Springs councils. This statewide system has been designed with regional connectors from coast to coast and throughout the state. The Florida legislature has committed about $100 million to this system of bike and walking trails. The Gulf Coast connector runs from St. Petersburg to Naples. The Seminole Gulf Railway right of way could be used to connect Estero to this massive trail system.

“The councils collaboratively decided this should be a priority,” stated Bonita Councilman Peter O’Flynn.  However, the state has now made the Coastal Loop, which runs along Fort Myers Beach down to the Bonita Beach area, the main Gulf Coast connector. The Bonita-Estero Trail, which runs along the rail corridor through Estero, has been downgraded from a priority trail to an “opportunity trail.”The Coastal Loop bypasses Estero.

The ECCL is asking its members to send a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protections’s Office of Greenways and Trails urging the state to restore the Bonita-Estero Trail to priority status. More information and a sample letter may be found here.

October 16: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Check the current status of the events, using the links below, before heading out.

Running/walking:

• Saturday, Oct. 21: Gulf to Gulf 80 Mile Relay. This relay race, consisting of 30 six person teams, will begin at 6 a.m. with runners winding their way through the tropical streets of Naples continuing north to Bonita Springs, Ft. Myers Beach with a turn around at the Sanibel Causeway. (gcrunner.org) 
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Race 4 F.I.S.H. 10K, 7:30 a.m., Sanibel Community House (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Monster Dash 5K, 7:30 a.m., Fleischmann Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: 6th annual LCEC Goblin Gallop 5K Run/Walk.7:30 a.m. at Jim Jeffers Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
• Sunday, Nov. 5: Fort Myers Marathon, featuring marathon, half-marathon and 5K distances (fortmyersmarathon.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, 7 p.m., Royal Palm Square, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Olde Naples 10K, 7:30 a.m., Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, Nov. 19: Naples Fall Classic Half-Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (napleshalf.com) 
• Thursday, Nov. 23: 37th annual Turkey Trot, Cape Coral Hospital (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Gulf Coast Runner’s Thanksgiving 5K, Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com/.

Cycling:

• Friday, Oct. 20: Roll Estero. Meet at Tropical Smoothie, 10011 Town Commons Drive #104a, Estero, at 7:30 p.m. for a 8 p.m. roll out on an easy 10-miler. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Oct. 22: Tour de North Port, start at 8 a.m. with 15-, 35- or 65-mile rides plus an off-road “Gravel Grinders” option. (peoplefortrees.com/tourevent1_17.php)
• Friday, Oct. 27: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m. at 4706 SE 11th Place for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Saturday Slow Roll. 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Nov. 3: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at a special time: 7:15 p.m. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Nov. 12: Tour for Epilepsy, 21-, 32- and 62-mile rides, Coasline Cyclery, Fort Myers (caloosariders.org)
• 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.
• 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:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Bike, walk or run to the nearest great event

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 10/11/17
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

It won’t be long until summer’s pattern of daily rainstorms, oppressive heat and high humidity will be little more than a memory. With the change of weather comes plenty of choices for outdoor activities that include running, walking and bicycling events.

There are quite a few organized running and walking events in our own back yard but the majority of managed and supported bike rides take place out of town until later during the tourist season. Especially for cyclists seeking a change of scenery and, in some cases, the challenge of riding hills, there are a number of choices to consider that make a road trip worthwhile. Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a logjam on the third weekend of October so you’ll have to choose wisely.

• Florida Bicycle Association’s 20th anniversary and annual meeting (floridabicycle.org), Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21, St. Petersburg.

Riders prepare for Tour De Cape in Cape Coral in January. Dan Moser / Florida Weekly

• Gainesville Cycling Fest (gccfla.org), Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22, Gainesville and surrounding communities. This weekend-long event offers many options to fit anyone’s plan. The Santa Fe Century on Saturday and Horse Farm 100 on Sunday; 18-mile Millhopper Ramble, 27-mile Providence Ride, and 65-mile Gravel Challenge dirt road ride on Saturday; and Horse Farm Tour rides of 25-, 30-, and 45-miles on Sunday.
• Tour de North Port (peoplefortrees.com), Sunday, October 22. Rides of 15-, 35-, and 65-miles through the pine flatwood areas of North Port and the parks that border the Myakkahatchee Creek.
• Tour for Epilepsy (epilepsy-services.org), Sunday, Nov. 12. Rides of 21-, 32-, and 62-miles in our own town, staging at Coastline Cyclery, Fort Myers. 
• Horrible Hundred weekend (horriblehundred.com), Friday-Sunday, November 17-19, Clermont. This long-established Florida Freewheelers’ event includes a bike products expo and rides of 35-, 70-, and 100-miles. One of the special aspects of the century ride is that cyclists will climb over 4,000-ft by the time the 100-mile ride is done, with Florida’s second highest point — Sugarloaf Mountain is among the ascents. Prior to the ride on Saturday, Nov. 18, the annual Florida Bicycle Best Practices Workshop takes place. It’s open to anyone who would like to learn or share ideas with other bicycle advocates, enthusiasts, and bike club leadership and be part of solutions for concerns. Registration for the workshop is available at FBA website: floridabicycle.org/floridabicycle summits-and-workshops. 
• Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club Pasta Bash (coastalcruisers.net), Saturday, Nov. 18, Port Charlotte. Closer to home than Clermont, this event includes rides of 25-, 50-, and 100-kilometer on flat terrain.
• Iron Joe Century Ride (naplespathways.org), Sunday, Nov. 26, Naples. This annual ride of 20-, 30-, and 62-miles has become a local tradition. ¦

- 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. 

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

Irma blows away local event schedule

BWL Column
The News-Press, 10/12/2017
by Ken Gooderham

(Photo: Liam James Doyle/Naples Daily News)

Besides its impact on vegetation, screen enclosures and structures in general, Irma also shredded the local run/bike schedule last month – and even into this month.

Hardest hit were local triathlons (the one time of year you can realistically hold them) and running events (which were just getting underway after a long, hot summer). Even now, some events are struggling to stay on schedule. For example, the 9th annual FISH 10K on Sanibel set for Oct. 28 may feature a new route to accommodate vegetation cleanup on the island.

Cancelling an annual and anticipated event is a disappointment for the participants, who trained hard to get ready and who often look forward to seeing fellow athletes and enjoying a good time. It’s also disappointing for event organizers, who have spent months getting things ready for the event while also spending plenty of money in event merchandise, vendors and permitting. (Most of these expenses have to be paid up front, and likely are not refundable.)

The logistical challenges of holding a group athletic event are many, compounded by both the length of the race in both time and distance as well as very real concerns about safety for athletes, volunteers and the general public. Even weeks after the storm blows through, it can be risky to stage an event if roadways are still clogged with debris (or with the trucks picking it up) or the necessary race infrastructure (roads, parking lots, beaches, golf courses etc.) is still being impacted by the post-storm recovery.

Safety for all is paramount, both to event organizers and to the local public safety officials who often have a major say in whether an event gets to go forward. If you’re holding an event on public property, you need a permit – and that permit includes safety plans as well as requirements from local police, fire and EMS officials that must be met for the event to be allowed. That’s good news for having a safe and pleasant experience, but it’s also a standard that race organizers must meet to proceed. (It’s a standard organizers are always happy to meet, since holding an unsafe event is a fast way to lose repeat customers – literally.)

Sometimes events can be rescheduled, if the length and logistics are simple and there’s an opening in the calendar to make that work. But often, getting the permits and other permissions in a different time of year is impossible… I mean, do you think anyone is going to agree to close a public road in season for a few hours?

And when it comes to runs, with something scheduled almost every weekend through November if your event can’t go off on its planned date it’s just unrealistic to move it without hurting someone else’s event (and it’s a small community when it comes to race organizing, so they all try to work together… mostly).

The other losers in the event disruption can be the nonprofits that may profit from an event’s income. No event, no funds, no donation… and a big hole in the budget. Fortunately, often event sponsors will agree to allow their payments to be directed to the charity in question (a round for applause for that generosity) or event organizers find a way to make some level of donation to a much needed community service.

Hopefully, upcoming events will have good weather and clear skies – and things can continue to get back to normal.

Meanwhile on the paths…

Speaking of normal, area bike and walkways are continuing to slowly recover from Irma’s wrath. The reopening of Lakes Park was good news, although trees still down on the Gladiolus Drive and Daniels Parkway paths have made travel on those heavily used routes treacherous.

Too many lanes and sidewalks are still impassable due to downed trees and debris as the one-month anniversary of Irma arrives. The slow pace of debris pickup is frustrating for all, as is the debris being left in (or not being removed from) public roads, sidewalks and lanes. It’s a hazard on many levels that needs to be addressed… but yelling at people probably won’t get anything done faster.

If you want to haul your own debris away, the county has opened collection sites to make that possible. The Solid Waste folks have also set up a special website to show where collections are happening now and where the next pickups are planned. (You can also see progress in overall pickups, which right now is not a very heartening sight.) Go to http://www.leegov.com/solidwaste and click on “Hurricane Irma Daily Updates” for information.

Let’s hope that the county and its contractors start picking up the pace for picking up debris, and that private property owners whose trees have fallen on public rights-of-way get those trimmed and moved soon so vehicles, bikes and pedestrians can get through.

Ready to ride or run?

Run? Scheduled events include the Cops & Joggers 5K on Saturday evening at Centennial Park in Fort Myers; Rocktoberfest 10-miler on Sunday at North Collier Regional Park; and if you really want to get a long run in, the Gulf to Gulf 80 Mile Relay that starts and ends at Cambier Park in Naples on Oct. 21. Go online for details to ftmyerstrackclub.com, eliteevents.org and gcrunner.org respectively – and it’s wise to check that the event is actually going off as planned.

Ride? Look for the regular Critical Mass rides (but remember that debris-strewn streets may screw up some best-laid plans): Friday is the NE Lee ride at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday is the Sanibel ride; and Oct. 20 is the Estero ride. These are all night rides so lights are required, helmets recommended, and details and sign-up info is online at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events. Looking for a traditional group ride? There’s the Tour de North Port on Oct. 22 with 15-, 35- and 65-mile options and an off-road ride as well. Go to http://www.peoplefortrees.com/tourevent1_17.php for details.

Both? Nothing on the horizon, alas.

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. 


 

October 9: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

• Sunday, Oct. 15: Rocktoberfest 10-mile (or 2x5 mile relay). The 6th Annual Rocktoberfest 10 Miler and Relay will be held at North Collier Regional Park. This rare distance course is one of the only 10 milers in the entire state of Florida and the only one in Southwest Florida. The 2 person relay category is another fun option that will have 2 runners each racing a 5 mile section of the course. 7 a.m., North Collier Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org)
• Saturday, Oct. 21: Gulf to Gulf 80 Mile Relay, 6 a.m., starts and ends at Cambier Park, Naples, with a turnaround at the Sanibel Causeway (gcrunner.org) 
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Race 4 F.I.S.H. 10K, 7:30 a.m., Sanibel Community House (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Monster Dash 5K, 7:30 a.m., Fleischmann Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, 7 p.m., Royal Palm Square, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Olde Naples 10K, 7:30 a.m., Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, Nov. 19: Naples Fall Classic Half-Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (napleshalf.com) 
• Thursday, Nov. 23: 37th annual Turkey Trot, Cape Coral Hospital (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Gulf Coast Runner’s Thanksgiving 5K, Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com/.

Cycling:

• 
  Friday, Oct. 13: 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, Oct. 14: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Oct. 20: Roll Estero. Meet at Tropical Smoothie, 10011 Town Commons Drive #104a, Estero, at 7:30 p.m. for a 8 p.m. roll out on an easy 10-miler. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Oct. 22: Tour de North Port, start at 8 a.m. with 15-, 35- or 65-mile rides plus an off-road “Gravel Grinders” option. (peoplefortrees.com/tourevent1_17.php)
• Sunday, Nov. 12: Tour for Epilepsy, 21-, 32- and 62-mile rides, Coasline Cyclery, Fort Myers (caloosariders.org)
• 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.
• 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:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

FDOT Context Classification Complete Streets Handbook and Design Manual Workshop Rescheduled for Nov. 6th

Due to Hurricane Irma, this FDOT workshop scheduled for Sept. 19th was postponed.  The new date is Nov. 6th.  Local governments (officials and staff) and their partners (including complete streets/bike/ped advocates) are encouraged to attend.  RSVP now.


 Previous BWL Blog:
6/30/17: Save the Date: FDOT Workshop Sept. 19th on Complete Streets Handbook and Design Manual

NEW Schedule for Florida Greenways and Trails Plan Workshops

 In BikeWalkLee's 9/19/17 Action Alert blog, we reported that the OGT workshops would be rescheduled due to Hurricane Irma.  This week, the new schedule has been released (see below).  If you're interested in seeing the Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor trail between Bonita Springs and Estero restored to the official Trail Map, please plan to attend one of these workshops (closest is in North Port on Oct. 26th) or submit comments to OGT.  Instructions are found in our Sept. 19th blog post.

Office of Greenways and Trails: October 3, 2017
DRAFT 2018-22 Florida Greenways and Trails System (FGTS) Plan & maps available online HERE.

Public Workshops Re-scheduled

The FGTS Plan establishes the vision for implementing a connected statewide system of greenways and trails for recreation, conservation, alternative transportation, healthy lifestyles, a vibrant economy, and a high quality of life. The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) is updating the FGTS 5-Year Plan and holding 14 public open houses throughout the state.
The purpose of these meetings is to receive public input on the proposed update to the draft written 2018-2022 FGTS Plan and Land and Water Opportunity & Priority Maps.

Please plan to join us at a location close to you. If you are unable to participate in person, there is a comment form online which you can submit by e-mail or conventional mail.

Comments accepted through December 15, 2017.

The Open House schedule:

Thursday, October 26 – North Port  (closest)
Morgan Family Community Center
Meeting Room A/B
6207 West Price Blvd.
North Port, FL 34291
4:00-7:00 ET

Monday, November 6 – Miami Lakes
Miami Lakes Optimist Park Clubhouse
6411 NW 162 Street
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
4:00-7:00 ET

Monday, November 6 – Tallahassee
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Douglas Building
Conference Room A
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399
4:00-7:00 ET

Tuesday, November 7 - Sebring
Bert J. Harris, Jr. Agricultural Center
Conference Room #2
4509 George Boulevard
Sebring, FL 33875
4:00-7:00 ET

Wednesday, November 8 – Port St. Lucie
St. Lucie Transportation Planning Organization
Coco Vista Center
466 SW Port St Lucie Blvd. #111
Port St. Lucie, FL 34953
4:00-7:00 ET

Wednesday, November 8 - Dunnellon
Historic Train Depot
12061 S. Williams Street
Dunnellon, FL 34432
4:00-7:00 ET

Thursday, November 9– Temple Terrace
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest District
13051 N Telecom Parkway
Temple Terrace, FL 33637
4:00-7:00 ET

Tuesday, November 14 - DeBary
Debary Hall
198 Sunrise Boulevard
DeBary, FL 32713
4:00-7:00 ET

Wednesday, November 15 - Palatka
Ravine Gardens State Park
1600 Twigg Street
Palatka, FL 32177
4:00-7:00 ET

Thursday, November 16 - Jacksonville
Ed Ball Building
Conference Room 851
214 N Hogan Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
4:00-7:00 ET

Monday, November 20 – Live Oak
Suwannee River Water Management District
Suwannee Room
9225 County Road 49
Live Oak, FL 32060
4:00-7:00 ET

Monday, November 27 – Port St. Joe
St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve Center
3915 State Road 30-A
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
4:00-7:00 ET

Monday, December 4 - Milton
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Visitor Center
5533 Alabama Street
Milton, FL 32570
4:00-7:00 CT

Related BWL Blog:
9/19/17: UPDATED Action Alert: Support Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor trail between Bonita Springs and Estero--Ask State to restore trail to Priority Florida Greenways and Trails Map

October 2: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

As we are still in the aftermath of hurricane Irma, please check with the organizer (use the links below) before heading out to these events.

Running/walking:

• Thursday, Oct. 5: Moe’s Corporate 3-Mile Run-Walk, 6:15 p.m., Moe’s Southwest Grill, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, Oct. 7: St. Andrews Run for the Stars 5K, 7:30 a.m., Jaycee Park, Cape Coral (3dracing.com)
• Saturday, Oct. 14: Cops & Joggers 5K, 7:45 p.m., Centennial Park, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Sunday, Oct. 15: Rocktoberfest 10-mile (or 2x5 mile relay), 7 a.m., North Collier Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org)
• Saturday, Oct. 21: Gulf to Gulf 80 Mile Relay, 6 a.m., starts and ends at Cambier Park, Naples, with a turnaround at the Sanibel Causeway (gcrunner.org) 
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Race 4 F.I.S.H. 10K, 7:30 a.m., Sanibel Community House (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Oct. 28: Monster Dash 5K, 7:30 a.m., Fleischmann Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, 7 p.m., Royal Palm Square, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Nov. 11: Olde Naples 10K, 7:30 a.m., Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, Nov. 19: Naples Fall Classic Half-Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (napleshalf.com) 
• Thursday, Nov. 23: 37th annual Turkey Trot, Cape Coral Hospital (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
• Thursday, Nov. 23: Gulf Coast Runner’s Thanksgiving 5K, Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com/.

Cycling:

• 
  Friday, Oct. 6: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at a special time: 7:15 p.m. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (twitter.com/swflcm or meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Oct. 13: 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, Oct. 14: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Oct. 20: Roll Estero. Meet at Tropical Smoothie, 10011 Town Commons Drive #104a, Estero, at 7:30 p.m. for a 8 p.m. roll out on an easy 10-miler. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Oct. 22: Tour de North Port, start at 8 a.m. with 15-, 35- or 65-mile rides plus an off-road “Gravel Grinders” option. (peoplefortrees.com/tourevent1_17.php)
• Sunday, Nov. 12: Tour for Epilepsy, 21-, 32- and 62-mile rides, Coasline Cyclery, Fort Myers (caloosariders.org)
• 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.
• 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:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.