Upcoming events
Check out the latest BikeWalkLee Column for our take on organized running and biking events this summer.
Most of the near-term upcoming events are
still
postponed or cancelled, but don't let that stop you if you want to take a run or a bicycle ride. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast now that rainy season is around the corner, and watch out for motorized traffic as always.
Virtual events are fun and offer a sense of community. Check out the event websites, such as Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) to find out more.
Protect
yourself and others by avoiding group activities and close proximity to
other
people. Getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors is fine. Just remember to practice social distancing (at least 6'
distance, more when you're exercising, use common sense) to keep
yourself
and others safe. If you feel sick, consider wearing a face mask or
staying home. Stay healthy. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Thursday, May 21, 2020
BikeWalkLee: Races? Not quite yet
BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, May 21, 2020
by Ken Gooderham
Gyms are open, albeit at half-capacity. Can organized running and biking events outside be far behind?
Unfortunately, while local race sites are posting the possibility of an event in mid-June and beyond (with the expected qualifiers that any event may be postponed or rescheduled), the reality is that mass-gathering events are probably a long way off.
It’s not just coronavirus that’s the problem. There’s also the cliff-like drop-off in business activity and the normal patterns of fitness that come into play.
First, of course, come the coronavirus. Organized races are very definition of mass gatherings, with a horde of people assembled at the start and finish (plus, usually, another horde of people watching and cheering them on). No social distancing there, and exerting at that level while masked is another challenge.
Sure, you could use timed starts to keep competitors the appropriate distance apart… which works right up to the time they start really competing by passing others and sprinting in groups. Plus, finding a finish line that isn’t a mob of people would be both unlikely and unsatisfactory for most dedicated racers.
So, until the government guidelines allow for some degree of mass gathering, you won’t see your typical run or triathlon (although cycling events might be able to handle distancing more effectively). Even if the participants were willing to abandon distancing for the sake of competition, an event organizer with any sense would not want the liability of potentially putting people at risk for coronavirus exposure.
Which leads to the second issue: Most race organizers are small businesses as well, and they have been hammered by the ban on the events that keep them in business. Even if an event is organized by a nonprofit, “nonprofit” does not mean “no profit” – which is what most of them have seen since the coronavirus close-down.
The bigger national event organizers have laid off employees and scaled back operations in hopes of surviving the shutdown, and they’ve had no access to the federal funding Washington has been shoveling out the door. There is a push to include nonprofits in the next round of stimulus spending, but whether that will come to pass (or if the funding actually sees the light of day) is an open question.
The final obstacle is fitness – specifically, whether potential participants will be ready and able to compete once races return.
For some events, this won’t be an issue. Either fitness is not the main goal of the event (in the case of group cycling, where the camaraderie counts as much as the speed) or the degree of training is either achievable or irrelevant (such as for 5K runs, where – except for the elites – the endurance required is within reach of most runners).
But getting ready for a half-marathon or longer takes some focused training, at least if you want to compete at anything above a brisk-walk pace. While folks may have had the time for the long runs necessary to make a marathon survivable, it doesn’t mean they’re ready to tackle one right away – or that organizers would be willing to attempt to hold one until next fall when cooler weather returns.
Even more at issue are triathlons, both for the combination of skills and endurance necessary and for the very real issue that training for one-third of the event (swimming) has been difficult for those who don’t have access to their own private pool or beach (since the public ones have been off limits).
Since swimming can be the most dangerous leg of a triathlon, you really want people in the water who’ve been building some endurance – even for the shortest tri, where the quarter-mile swim can still be more than your average person is ready to tackle without practice.
Of course, this is Southwest Florida – so weather works against mass-gathering events over the summer already (with the exception of 5Ks that can start and finish before temperatures start to rise). Even if the virus were to disappear tomorrow (not happening), the heat and humidity are here to stay for the next few months.
Add it all up, and you should not expect to see a return to the usual roster of races until the fall. Bad news for competitors, good news for those who want to train for their first (or next) race or ride.
Keep checking the usual websites for updates, since some organizers are hold out hope for in-person events towards the end of June – or at least in time for the usual Fourth of July flood of 5Ks. Be prepared to sign up, but also be prepared to deal with postponements if the rules on gatherings don’t change.
The News-Press, May 21, 2020
by Ken Gooderham
Gyms are open, albeit at half-capacity. Can organized running and biking events outside be far behind?Unfortunately, while local race sites are posting the possibility of an event in mid-June and beyond (with the expected qualifiers that any event may be postponed or rescheduled), the reality is that mass-gathering events are probably a long way off.
It’s not just coronavirus that’s the problem. There’s also the cliff-like drop-off in business activity and the normal patterns of fitness that come into play.
First, of course, come the coronavirus. Organized races are very definition of mass gatherings, with a horde of people assembled at the start and finish (plus, usually, another horde of people watching and cheering them on). No social distancing there, and exerting at that level while masked is another challenge.
Sure, you could use timed starts to keep competitors the appropriate distance apart… which works right up to the time they start really competing by passing others and sprinting in groups. Plus, finding a finish line that isn’t a mob of people would be both unlikely and unsatisfactory for most dedicated racers.
So, until the government guidelines allow for some degree of mass gathering, you won’t see your typical run or triathlon (although cycling events might be able to handle distancing more effectively). Even if the participants were willing to abandon distancing for the sake of competition, an event organizer with any sense would not want the liability of potentially putting people at risk for coronavirus exposure.
Which leads to the second issue: Most race organizers are small businesses as well, and they have been hammered by the ban on the events that keep them in business. Even if an event is organized by a nonprofit, “nonprofit” does not mean “no profit” – which is what most of them have seen since the coronavirus close-down.
The bigger national event organizers have laid off employees and scaled back operations in hopes of surviving the shutdown, and they’ve had no access to the federal funding Washington has been shoveling out the door. There is a push to include nonprofits in the next round of stimulus spending, but whether that will come to pass (or if the funding actually sees the light of day) is an open question.
The final obstacle is fitness – specifically, whether potential participants will be ready and able to compete once races return.
For some events, this won’t be an issue. Either fitness is not the main goal of the event (in the case of group cycling, where the camaraderie counts as much as the speed) or the degree of training is either achievable or irrelevant (such as for 5K runs, where – except for the elites – the endurance required is within reach of most runners).
But getting ready for a half-marathon or longer takes some focused training, at least if you want to compete at anything above a brisk-walk pace. While folks may have had the time for the long runs necessary to make a marathon survivable, it doesn’t mean they’re ready to tackle one right away – or that organizers would be willing to attempt to hold one until next fall when cooler weather returns.
Even more at issue are triathlons, both for the combination of skills and endurance necessary and for the very real issue that training for one-third of the event (swimming) has been difficult for those who don’t have access to their own private pool or beach (since the public ones have been off limits).
Since swimming can be the most dangerous leg of a triathlon, you really want people in the water who’ve been building some endurance – even for the shortest tri, where the quarter-mile swim can still be more than your average person is ready to tackle without practice.
Of course, this is Southwest Florida – so weather works against mass-gathering events over the summer already (with the exception of 5Ks that can start and finish before temperatures start to rise). Even if the virus were to disappear tomorrow (not happening), the heat and humidity are here to stay for the next few months.
Add it all up, and you should not expect to see a return to the usual roster of races until the fall. Bad news for competitors, good news for those who want to train for their first (or next) race or ride.
Ready to ride or run?
Keep checking the usual websites for updates, since some organizers are hold out hope for in-person events towards the end of June – or at least in time for the usual Fourth of July flood of 5Ks. Be prepared to sign up, but also be prepared to deal with postponements if the rules on gatherings don’t change.
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.
Monday, May 18, 2020
May 18: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events
Upcoming events
Virtual events update
Most of the near-term upcoming events are still postponed or cancelled, but virtual events are making inroads and there is plenty of opportunity to go out and exercise.
Virtual events are fun and offer a sense of community. Check out the event websites, such as Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) to find out more.
Protect yourself and others by avoiding group activities and close proximity to other people. Getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors is fine. Just remember to practice social distancing (at least 6' distance, more when you're exercising, use common sense) to keep yourself and others safe. If you feel sick, consider wearing a face mask or staying home. Stay healthy. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.
Virtual events update
Most of the near-term upcoming events are still postponed or cancelled, but virtual events are making inroads and there is plenty of opportunity to go out and exercise.
Virtual events are fun and offer a sense of community. Check out the event websites, such as Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) to find out more.
Protect yourself and others by avoiding group activities and close proximity to other people. Getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors is fine. Just remember to practice social distancing (at least 6' distance, more when you're exercising, use common sense) to keep yourself and others safe. If you feel sick, consider wearing a face mask or staying home. Stay healthy. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.
Monday, May 11, 2020
May 11: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events
Upcoming events
Coronavirus update
As some parks and other facilities are opening again, most of the near-term upcoming events are still postponed or cancelled.
To check the current status of the regular events go to the event websites, such as Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).
Protect yourself and others by avoiding group activities and close proximity to other people. Getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors is fine. Just remember to practice social distancing (at least 6' distance, more when you're exercising, use common sense) to keep yourself and others safe. If you feel sick, consider wearing a face mask or staying home. Stay healthy. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.
Coronavirus update
As some parks and other facilities are opening again, most of the near-term upcoming events are still postponed or cancelled.
To check the current status of the regular events go to the event websites, such as Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).
Protect yourself and others by avoiding group activities and close proximity to other people. Getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors is fine. Just remember to practice social distancing (at least 6' distance, more when you're exercising, use common sense) to keep yourself and others safe. If you feel sick, consider wearing a face mask or staying home. Stay healthy. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.
Thursday, May 7, 2020
BikeWalkLee: Ride of Silence solo, but no less solemn
BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, May 7, 2020
by Ken Gooderham
This year’s Ride of Silence will be no less solemn… it will just be a lot less crowded.
The national organizers for the Ride of Silence, which began in 2003 to mark those who have been injured or killed while cycling along public roads, have had to adjust to the coronavirus just like the rest of us.
So rather than a line of slow-moving and silent cyclists riding in remembrance of others who have fallen, this year the organizers are encouraging solo rides or rides with members of your household. It’s still on the third Wednesday of National Bike Month (so, May 20) beginning at 7 p.m.
Megan Fasig, who’s coordinating the local ride for the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, said: “I will Facebook Live a welcome and reading of the poem and, in keeping with the National Ride of Silence organization suggestion, we will encourage people to ride independently or in their family groups. We will ask participants to share pictures on the event.”
So if you know someone who been killed or injured while cycling, or if you have been hurt riding along a public road, (virtually) join the Ride this year. It will be no less meaningful for having to respect social distancing.
Speaking of Covid-19 (again, even though we may grow tired of it), with local parks and paths re-opening cyclists and runners have more options for routes again.
That’s good, because I’m sure some of you are getting a little tired of the same old route and routine.
With exercise choices still limited (at least if you like to swim, play tennis or hit the gym), fitness fans who try to exercise almost every day have been left with a meager menu of options – bike or run, walk or work out with whatever you have around the house. If some of those choices aren’t appealing, your options become even more restricted.
Maybe it’s time for a change.
The easiest way to shake thing up a little is to do something different. If you’re only a runner but have access to a bike, take it out for a spin. If cycling is your thing, try taking a walk one day instead. (You could go for a run, of course, but if you’re not used to that it could make for an uncomfortable couple of days while your body adjusts to a new exertion.)
Not only will you get a break from the routine, it’s also good cross-training… which not only can end up making you more fit, it can also lessen the wear-and-tear on your body from doing the same things day in and day out.
If a new sport is not to your liking, then how about a new route?
Most of us typically exercise for a certain amount of time or distance, so it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with a route that’s the right amount, that’s safe or convenient, or is just comfortable.
You can still get all that, but a little planning (or at least map work) can allow you to see some new scenery in the process.
Your start and end point is easy, probably your house or place of work (perhaps one and the same lately). But instead of turning right, turn left for a change and see where that takes you (or map out your options if getting lost is not your idea of a good time).
If you’re a cyclist, use a bike map to see where the lanes and paths are to figure out a couple of ways to go out and back. This might also be a good time to use your bike to run a few errands as well; just remember to bring face covering in case it’s needed.
Runners and walkers, your routes are usually shorter so your options may be likewise less. However, if you’re running the neighborhood, turn down some streets you don’t usually take – or even just run or walk you usual route in reverse. Even the slightest change can make the run or walk more interesting if you’ve been traversing the same tired streets a lot since coronavirus took over everything.
These cooler mornings are not going to last, so you’ll also need to factor in temperature more and more as the days heat up. That means looking for routes with shade, or pushing your exercise earlier or later to get out before the day heats up (or after it starts to cool down).
Were you planning to join the climbers at the Fight for Air Stair Climb last month? The event has gone virtual, so you can still support the American Lung Association by getting pledges and exercising on your own anytime during May. Post your pictures and videos on social media using #FMVirtualClimb, and find more details at fightforairclimb.org/FortMyers.
Otherwise, group activities for running, riding or triathlons are on hold for the foreseeable future.
The News-Press, May 7, 2020
by Ken Gooderham
This year’s Ride of Silence will be no less solemn… it will just be a lot less crowded.The national organizers for the Ride of Silence, which began in 2003 to mark those who have been injured or killed while cycling along public roads, have had to adjust to the coronavirus just like the rest of us.
So rather than a line of slow-moving and silent cyclists riding in remembrance of others who have fallen, this year the organizers are encouraging solo rides or rides with members of your household. It’s still on the third Wednesday of National Bike Month (so, May 20) beginning at 7 p.m.
Megan Fasig, who’s coordinating the local ride for the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, said: “I will Facebook Live a welcome and reading of the poem and, in keeping with the National Ride of Silence organization suggestion, we will encourage people to ride independently or in their family groups. We will ask participants to share pictures on the event.”
So if you know someone who been killed or injured while cycling, or if you have been hurt riding along a public road, (virtually) join the Ride this year. It will be no less meaningful for having to respect social distancing.
Changing things up
Speaking of Covid-19 (again, even though we may grow tired of it), with local parks and paths re-opening cyclists and runners have more options for routes again.
That’s good, because I’m sure some of you are getting a little tired of the same old route and routine.
With exercise choices still limited (at least if you like to swim, play tennis or hit the gym), fitness fans who try to exercise almost every day have been left with a meager menu of options – bike or run, walk or work out with whatever you have around the house. If some of those choices aren’t appealing, your options become even more restricted.
Maybe it’s time for a change.
The easiest way to shake thing up a little is to do something different. If you’re only a runner but have access to a bike, take it out for a spin. If cycling is your thing, try taking a walk one day instead. (You could go for a run, of course, but if you’re not used to that it could make for an uncomfortable couple of days while your body adjusts to a new exertion.)
Not only will you get a break from the routine, it’s also good cross-training… which not only can end up making you more fit, it can also lessen the wear-and-tear on your body from doing the same things day in and day out.
If a new sport is not to your liking, then how about a new route?
Most of us typically exercise for a certain amount of time or distance, so it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with a route that’s the right amount, that’s safe or convenient, or is just comfortable.
You can still get all that, but a little planning (or at least map work) can allow you to see some new scenery in the process.
Your start and end point is easy, probably your house or place of work (perhaps one and the same lately). But instead of turning right, turn left for a change and see where that takes you (or map out your options if getting lost is not your idea of a good time).
If you’re a cyclist, use a bike map to see where the lanes and paths are to figure out a couple of ways to go out and back. This might also be a good time to use your bike to run a few errands as well; just remember to bring face covering in case it’s needed.
Runners and walkers, your routes are usually shorter so your options may be likewise less. However, if you’re running the neighborhood, turn down some streets you don’t usually take – or even just run or walk you usual route in reverse. Even the slightest change can make the run or walk more interesting if you’ve been traversing the same tired streets a lot since coronavirus took over everything.
These cooler mornings are not going to last, so you’ll also need to factor in temperature more and more as the days heat up. That means looking for routes with shade, or pushing your exercise earlier or later to get out before the day heats up (or after it starts to cool down).
Ready to ride or run?
Were you planning to join the climbers at the Fight for Air Stair Climb last month? The event has gone virtual, so you can still support the American Lung Association by getting pledges and exercising on your own anytime during May. Post your pictures and videos on social media using #FMVirtualClimb, and find more details at fightforairclimb.org/FortMyers.
Otherwise, group activities for running, riding or triathlons are on hold for the foreseeable future.
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.
Monday, May 4, 2020
May 4: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events
Upcoming events
Coronavirus update
Most of the near-term upcoming events are still postponed or cancelled at this time, but there are other options, as new virtual events are emerging. Check out this recent BikeWalkLee column to find out more.
To check the current status of the regular events go to the event websites, such as Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).
Protect yourself and others by avoiding group activities and close proximity to other people. Now may be a good time to enjoy the outdoors and exercise. Just remember to practice social distancing (at least 6' distance, more when you're exercising, use common sense) to keep yourself and others safe. If you feel sick, consider wearing a face mask or staying home. Stay healthy. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.
Coronavirus update
Most of the near-term upcoming events are still postponed or cancelled at this time, but there are other options, as new virtual events are emerging. Check out this recent BikeWalkLee column to find out more.
To check the current status of the regular events go to the event websites, such as Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).
Protect yourself and others by avoiding group activities and close proximity to other people. Now may be a good time to enjoy the outdoors and exercise. Just remember to practice social distancing (at least 6' distance, more when you're exercising, use common sense) to keep yourself and others safe. If you feel sick, consider wearing a face mask or staying home. Stay healthy. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.