BikeWalkLee: Your resolution? No resolutions!

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, December 30, 2021
by Ken Gooderham

Bringing another year to a close often inspires reflection and resolution. However, given what 2021 ended up providing to most of us, any reflection is more akin to a nightmare and any resolution has to begin with: “Never again….”

Often, a new year brings new resolve to change one’s life, be it by a commitment to exercise more, eat healthier foods or make some other change in your personal routine that will lead to a better you.

However, “resolve” denotes determination, a battle of wills between your better and lesser angels that too often leaves one’s good intentions shattered and tattered by the side of the road to your best (or at least better) life.

A resolution can also become an over-reach, a bar set too high to ever clear no matter how pure your purpose may be.

Rather than resolve to be better, why not just be better? Don’t promise to exercise more, just exercise more.

Make the things you strive to achieve a part of your routine, without the pressure and pitfalls of a rigorous resolution.  To use a familiar phrase: Just do it.

That’s where more accessible activities such as walking and biking can come in. If you do things that are easy to incorporate into your life, you’ll find them easier to make part of your routine for the long haul.

Walking is one activity almost anyone can undertake, and its health benefits are considerable given its ease and access. Adding more steps to your day takes little effort and pays maximum rewards (and with a minimal investment, perhaps nothing more than a good pair of shoes).

You can simply start going for a daily walk, perhaps around the neighborhood in the evening or adding a stroll to your lunchtime. You can park further away and add some steps to your day that way… particularly useful now that season has filled up parking lots anyway, making the “good spots” harder to find.

You can swap those short car trips for a longer walk to run your errands, or park at the mall and walk from store to store rather than driving. And you can certainly meet up with friends to take a walk together, boosting your social health in concert with your physical health.

Will it burn as many calories as more intense efforts? No… but it’s a lot easier to stick with, meaning that the accumulation of activity over time can put walking in the lead.

If you decide to take up running and last a week, say, versus increasing your daily walking over months, you’ll obviously see more benefit from the slow-and-steady approach. You’ll also have created a habit that can stick with you (and that you will stick with), paying even more long-term benefits.

Biking takes more equipment – such as a bicycle – but is an equally accessible activity that may be an even better fit to your day. Running errands on two wheels – or even commuting to work, play and other events – can be an easy transition to make, getting you out of your car and into the saddle with only a small change of habit (that brings a big benefit overall).

With an expanding network of bike facilities, getting around by bike is easier than ever – and may let you bypass the traffic jams so prevalent this time of year. It can take a little more planning if you need to carry items, but there are many options to make hauling a happier experience (and it can help keep your purchases under control if you won’t buy what you can’t carry).

The biggest benefit (as with walking) is the ease with which biking can be part of your day, whether as an exercise for its own benefit or as part of your general activity. Again, this helps make biking a habit that’s easy to stick with, paying long-term physical and mental benefits with a minimum of fuss and frustration.

If you’re looking for a new habit (or two) in the new year, walking and biking are good options to consider… and easier options to turn into habits over the months ahead.

So leave the resolutions to others. Put on your walking shoes or dust off that bike and just start moving. Soon, you’ll find it’s a habit that’s hard to break… and easy to live with.

 ●●●

EVENTS 

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K, Saturday, Jan. 22, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers.
• Strides for Education 5K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Florida Southwest State College, Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run (distance varies by age), noon, Sunday, Feb. 13, downtown Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 5:45 p.m., downtown Fort Myers.
• Hooters River Roots & Ruts 10 Mile Trail Run, Sunday, March 6, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva.
• Scope for Hope 5K & 2 Mile Walk, Saturday, March 26, Jaycee Park, Cape Coral.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, downtown Naples.
• Run for the Paws 5K (dogs welcomed), Saturday, Jan. 29, Civil Air Patrol, Naples.
• Picayune 10 Miler, Saturday, Feb. 12, Sabal Palm Hiking Trail, Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Venice Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 a.m., Maxine Barritt Park, Venice.
• Fort Myers City of Palms Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday March 5, 6:30 a.m., FGCU campus.
• Punta Gorda Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, March 12, 6:30 a.m., Lashley Park.
  

OTHER RUNS

• Tour de Cape 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, Jan. 22, Cape Coral (tourdecape.net) 
  
• I Love The 80s 5K, Sunday, Feb. 6, North Collier Regional Park (active.com).
  

OTHER RIDES

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.
  

TRIATHLONS

• 2022 Alpha Win Sarasota Triathlon, half-Ironman, Olympic and sprint triathlon, Saturday, Jan. 9, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota (https://alpha.win/event/sarasota-fl/).
  
• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint (https://satriathlon.com/).
  

 

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 bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

 

December 27: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Your last weekly events update for the year. Not much has changed since last week, but a new year will bring new possibilities, not the least to make good on those New Year's Resolutions.

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K, Saturday, Jan. 22, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers.
• Strides for Education 5K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Florida Southwest State College, Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run (distance varies by age), noon, Sunday, Feb. 13, downtown Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 5:45 p.m., downtown Fort Myers.
• Hooters River Roots & Ruts 10 Mile Trail Run, Sunday, March 6, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, downtown Naples.
• Picayune 10 Miler, Saturday, Feb. 12, Sabal Palm Hiking Trail, Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Venice Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 a.m., Maxine Barritt Park, Venice.
• Fort Myers City of Palms Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday March 5, 6:30 a.m., FGCU campus.
• Punta Gorda Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, March 12, 6:30 a.m., Lashley Park.
  

OTHER RUNS

• I Love The 80s 5K, Sunday, Feb. 6, North Collier Regional Park (active.com).
  

OTHER RIDES

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.
  

TRIATHLONS

• 2022 Alpha Win Sarasota Triathlon, half-Ironman, Olympic and sprint triathlon, Saturday, Jan. 9, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota (https://alpha.win/event/sarasota-fl/).
  
• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint (https://satriathlon.com/).

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

December 20: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

In terms of events the year is pretty much done, but before long we will be in 2022 with more events on the calendar. Be safe on the roads and don't forget to turn your lights on when the sun goes down (that includes drivers of motor vehicles). Happy holidays!

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K, Saturday, Jan. 22, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers.
• Strides for Education 5K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Florida Southwest State College, Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run (distance varies by age), noon, Sunday, Feb. 13, downtown Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 5:45 p.m., downtown Fort Myers.
• Hooters River Roots & Ruts 10 Mile Trail Run, Sunday, March 6, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, downtown Naples.
• Picayune 10 Miler, Saturday, Feb. 12, Sabal Palm Hiking Trail, Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Venice Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 a.m., Maxine Barritt Park, Venice.
• Fort Myers City of Palms Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday March 5, 6:30 a.m., FGCU campus.
• Punta Gorda Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, March 12, 6:30 a.m., Lashley Park.
  

OTHER RUNS

• I Love The 80s 5K, Sunday, Feb. 6, North Collier Regional Park (active.com).
  

OTHER RIDES

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.
  

TRIATHLONS

• 2022 Alpha Win Sarasota Triathlon, half-Ironman, Olympic and sprint triathlon, Saturday, Jan. 9, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota (https://alpha.win/event/sarasota-fl/).
  
• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint (https://satriathlon.com/).

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

BikeWalkLee: Staying safer when the days are shorter

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, December 16, 2021
by Ken Gooderham 

Just because the days are getting shorter doesn’t mean your lifespan has to do the same.

As is often the case as winter and season converge, there has been a spate of cyclist and pedestrian deaths on Southwest Florida roadways. (There’s been plenty of fatalities not involving biking or walking, but that’s for another discussion.)

Many of these bike/ped fatalities occurred once the sun went down, a chronic problem exacerbated by the dwindling amount of daylight this time of year. (For the record, our shortest day comes on Dec. 21, the Winter Solstice, with 10.5 hours of daylight.)

What can be done to make conditions safer for bikers and walkers, particularly at night?

First, cyclists and pedestrians need to take steps to make themselves safer… even if they aren’t at fault otherwise. As the bromide goes: Being right doesn’t matter when you’re dead.

What helps make you safe when biking or walking?

● See and be seen: This means lights galore, bright colors, reflective materials and anything else that helps you stand out and get noticed by motorists.

On your bike, have lights front (white) and back (red), more than one each if possible – since you need to see (as in where you’re going) as well as be seen). Flashing lights help you stand out from the night scenery, as does anything that reflects light (particularly if it shows movement as well, since that often grabs the eye of drivers).

On foot? The same things apply… lights to show you’re there (as well as show you the path ahead), bright colors and reflective materials.

● Obey the rules, even if others don’t: When visibility is limited is not the time to act erratically or dangerously. On your bike, ride with traffic so drivers approaching the roadway have a better chance of noticing you (since they’ll be looking for oncoming traffic, you want to act like that). Stop at intersections, particularly when there’s other vehicles involved. Ride consistently and predictably – no weaving, darting into traffic or sudden stops.

If walking, walk facing traffic so you can see the behavior of approaching vehicles in time to take evasive action. If possible, cross roadways at intersections or crosswalks, when (in theory) drivers should be paying more attention to that possibility. And even though all other traffic is supposed to yield to you, don’t act like you expect that until you see them giving you the right of way.

● Bike or walk defensively: You have a lot more to lose, so it behooves you to pay a lot more attention on the night-time roadways.

If you have that option, look for roads with room for every road user – ones with shoulders, bike lanes or sidewalks. Similarly, well-lighted roads give you a better chance of being seen overall. And if you can only get one of the two– space or lights – that’s still better than “none of the above.”

When on the move, assume the worst of your fellow road users… sadly, you usually won’t be disappointed. But don’t assume that drivers can see you, will stop for you and can avoid you. They can’t, they won’t and they don’t.

Suffice it to say that ALL road users should avoid being under the influence. Driving drunk is a recipe for disaster, but biking or walking under the influence is not far behind. Anything that impairs your judgment and response time is a bad idea, whatever your mode of transportation.

The burden shouldn’t have fall exclusively on cyclists and pedestrians when it comes to making roads safer. Drivers should step up their game to ensure safer streets, especially since they have the deadlier vehicle under their control. And road planners and local officials also have a role to play, both to design and build safer roadways, upgrade existing ones and working with local communities and citizens to improve those streets with chronic safety issues. Just because you don’t drive doesn’t mean you don’t matter.

Ultimately, though, cyclists and pedestrians have the most to lose from unsafe streets… so they should have the most incentive to strive for safer conditions.

NOTE: Don’t take a holiday from getting outside this time of year, particularly if you’re gathering with family and friends for the first time in a while. Going for a walk is something all ages and fitness levels can do – and do together.

Getting on each other’s nerves? Then get out the door and go for a walk… and leave the politics, family drama and holiday craziness behind, if only for a little while.

 ●●●

EVENTS 

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K, Saturday, Jan. 22, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers.
• Strides for Education 5K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Florida Southwest State College, Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run (distance varies by age), noon, Sunday, Feb. 13, downtown Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 5:45 p.m., downtown Fort Myers.
• Hooters River Roots & Ruts 10 Mile Trail Run, Sunday, March 6, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, 8 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, downtown Naples.
• Picayune 10 Miler, Saturday, Feb. 12, Sabal Palm Hiking Trail, Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Venice Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 a.m., Maxine Barritt Park, Venice.
• Fort Myers City of Palms Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday March 5, 6:30 a.m., FGCU campus.
• Punta Gorda Half Marathon & 5K, Saturday, March 12, 6:30 a.m., Lashley Park.
  

OTHER RUNS

• I Love The 80s 5K, Sunday, Feb. 6, North Collier Regional Park (active.com).
  

OTHER RIDES

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.
  

TRIATHLONS

• 2022 Alpha Win Sarasota Triathlon, half-Ironman, Olympic and sprint triathlon, Saturday, Jan. 9, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota (https://alpha.win/event/sarasota-fl/).
  
• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint (https://satriathlon.com/).
  

 

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 bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

 

December 13: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Here's your upcoming events update for the week. There are still some events on the calendar for the remainder of this month, and there's some more to be found if you check the organization links below.

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K, Saturday, Jan. 22, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers.
• Strides for Education 5K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Florida Southwest State College, Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run (distance varies by age), noon, Sunday, Feb. 13, downtown Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 5:45 p.m., downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, downtown Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• I Love The 80s 5K, Sunday, Feb. 6, North Collier Regional Park (active.com).
  

CYCLING 

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

December 6: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Some bigger events are still on the calendar for this month, and there's more local running and cycling events to be found if you check the organization links below. And besides, with the winter weather we have here there's plenty of opportunity for a solo ride or run. As always, put your safety first by being visible, respecting the rules of the road, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K, Saturday, Jan. 22, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers.
• Strides for Education 5K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Florida Southwest State College, Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run (distance varies by age), noon, Sunday, Feb. 13, downtown Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 5:45 p.m., downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, downtown Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• I Love The 80s 5K, Sunday, Feb. 6, North Collier Regional Park (active.com).
  

CYCLING 

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

BikeWalkLee: Take a walk on the wild side

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, December 2, 2021
by Ken Gooderham 

Photo: www.leegov.com/parks

Want to change up your walking routine and celebrate a unique piece of local ecology? Then plan to join in the “Sloughbration” this Saturday.

The “slough” in question is, of course, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, more than 3,400 acres of wetlands and uplands right in the middle of Lee County.

About 11 miles in length and a third of a mile wide, the Slough drains some 33 square miles into the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and, eventually, the Gulf of Mexico. This slow-moving fresh water flow allows the Slough to sustain a number of ecosystems and act as home to a wide variety of critters during both the wet and dry seasons.

The “Preserve” part of the slough came about thanks to a group of high-school students in the 1970s who fell in love with the natural beauty and benefit of the Slough… and then who worked to convince Lee County taxpayers to raise the funds necessary to put the property into public ownership. Subsequent land acquisitions via the Conservation 2020 program have continued to build on the initial preserve area.

The Sloughbration is the work of the Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a nonprofit formed in 2001 to support the preserve, promote environmental education and augment the Slough’s natural assets with a LEED-certified Interpretive Center and a growing array of volunteer-staffed offerings.

Saturday’s event marks 20 years of the Friends work for the Slough, and will include:

• Free guided walks at 10:45 and 11 a.m. and 1:45 and 2 p.m.
• Presentations on a variety of environmental pursuits, as well as a look back at the Monday Group, the original students who saved the Slough.
• Interactive education demonstration from a host of local groups and concerns.
• Music and food offerings from a range of vendors.
• A children’s scavenger hunt and a silent auction, with proceeds to benefit the Friends.

Of course, the main attraction is the Slough itself… and visitors can get up close and personal via the 1.2-miles of boardwalks that wind through a variety of wetlands, lakes and uplands. It’s a walk that’s meant to be savored, not speedy, a chance to take in nature and see some creatures and habitats that are harder and harder to find around here.

So come Saturday for the Sloughbration, but come back in the future for the nature. The Slough is open dawn to dusk most days, and all it will cost is the price of parking. However no pets, no parties and no disturbing the wildlife.

If you find that walking in nature suits your nature, you’re in luck: Lee County has a number of parks and preserves with a range of paths and trails suitable for walking, running, hiking and even biking. Go to https://www.leegov.com/parks to see what’s available and near you.

IF YOU GO:

• What: Six Mile Cypress Preserve Sloughbration
• When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Where: 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers
• Parking: Century Link Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, with shuttles running continuously.
• Biking: Slough is adjacent to the Six Mile Cypress Parkway path, so it’s an easy ride to get there… but bikes are not allowed on the boardwalk itself.
• For more information about the event, email friendssloughbration@yahoo.com. For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, amenities and events, visit www.leeparks.org, call (239) 533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov.com..

 ●●●

EVENTS 

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• City of Palms River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8K run and 2-mile walk downtown Fort Myers.
• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase 5K, Saturday, Jan. 22, Calusa Nature Center, Fort Myers.
• Strides for Education 5K, 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, Florida Southwest State College, Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run (distance varies by age), noon, Sunday, Feb. 13, downtown Fort Myers.
• Edison Festival of Light 5K, Saturday, Feb. 19, 5:45 p.m., downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, downtown Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Dec. 3, 5:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, Dec. 4, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• I Love The 80s 5K, Sunday, Feb. 6, North Collier Regional Park (active.com).
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint

 

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 bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

 

November 29: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

We're almost in December and the weather is excellent for outdoor activities, with more events coming up. Shorter daylight hours also means lower sun angles, so make an extra effort to be visible in traffic. Use bright colored clothing and proper lighting when running or riding in low light conditions.

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• City of Palms River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8K run and 2-mile walk downtown Fort Myers.
• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Friday, December 3, 6:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

November 22: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

If you’re looking for races to run, there’s still time to lace up those running shoes and trot like a turkey in one of the many Thanksgiving Day (or day-adjacent) races locally. 

Those used to heading to Cape Coral for the annual Turkey Trot, plan to re-set your navigation app to get to the Edison-Ford Estates this year, as the race has crossed the river to wind through downtown Fort Myers. (There’s still a virtual option if you’re not in to in-person.)

Cyclists also get a post-turkey day gift, with two multi-distance rides set for the Thanksgiving weekend.

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. at its new location at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In-person and virtual.
• City of Palms River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8K run and 2-mile walk downtown Fort Myers.
• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• 2021 GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. Cambier Park, Naples and virtual
• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Thanksgiving Day 5K (two races), Thursday, Nov. 25, Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples. 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Friday, December 3, 6:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• FGCU 10th Annual Gobbler 5K and 1-mile run, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m., FGCU campus (runsignup.com)
  

OTHER RIDES

• Annual Turkey Leg Metric Century, Friday, Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m., 62- and 20-mile routes, starts from Daniels Crossing Shopping Center, Fort Myers.
  
• 17th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Sunday, Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m., distances of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 62 miles. Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples.
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

BikeWalkLee: Let’s be careful out there

 BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, November 18, 2021
by Ken Gooderham 

As anyone who’s been out on the road recently can attest, traffic is up and season is here. What’s also here, at least according to some national observers, is a rise in reckless driving.

Broadly, this increase in inappropriate motoring is a lingering malady from the pandemic, a time when traffic dropped off dramatically thanks to shutdowns and restrictions.

The lure of the (more) open road brought out the speed demon in some drivers, who saw less traffic as a reason for more MPH. That was tolerable in quieter times, but the need for speed has apparently continued even as the roadways returned to their more congested state – a recipe for recklessness bringing a rise in crashes.

What does that mean for Southwest Florida? Potential disaster, as more high-speed drivers take on our low-speed/high-traffic roads.

What does that mean for SWF cyclists and pedestrians? Also disaster, at least in those areas where motor vehicles and people-powered transportation intersect. Combine faster vehicles and more reckless drivers with road design that rarely favored cyclists and pedestrians – and vehicle design that never favors slower, less protected vehicles – and we could see a similar spike in damages and deaths locally.

Southwest Florida (like many tourist areas) has always grappled with the challenges of conflicting driving cultures suddenly sharing the same roadway. When people used to driving on the straight and empty country roads of the Midwest merge into traffic that includes drivers who’ve cut their teeth on high-speed interstate traffic – think I-95 and the 75-mph moving parking lot approach – bad things are bound to happen.

So, cyclists and pedestrians, as always proceed with caution when sharing the road (or even being adjacent to it). And drivers, take a breath and ease off the gas a little – at least enough to keep your road rage on a low simmer.

Infrastructure in the news

With a bill investing in infrastructure finally signed into law, the wish list of projects looking for funding will certainly exceed even the considerable cash earmarked by the legislation.

That prompts two thoughts:

1) Along with all the worthy and deserving projects locally, we urge officials tasked with doling out the dough to remember that bike/ped facilities are infrastructure, too. When money is being allocated to maintain and upgrade existing roads and bridges, make sure there’s enough to make those thoroughfares more bike/ped friendly. And if funding can be found for a few new projects, using some of those dollars to expand and connect existing bike/ped paths and lanes will pay a lot of dividends in the long term.

A key element of the bill that's encouraging: "The bill also points to the need to protect ‘vulnerable road users,’ including pedestrians, bicyclists and others. It instructs states to map out within two years all serious injuries and deaths among them, including road conditions and individual demographics, and identify high-risk spots and possible remedies. If vulnerable users make up 15% or more of statewide fatalities in a year, state officials must spend at least 15% of certain safety funds to confront the problem."

2) The funds may be federal, but the projects they will pay for are driven by state and local transportation and government officials. Those are the closer-to-home folks bike/ped supporters need to contact to push for improvements and enhancements in the existing facilities.

Ultimately, that infrastructure funding is neither blue or red – it’s green, as in money and as in ways to protect the environment by both getting people out of cars (when feasible) and making those cars move in a more fuel-efficient fashion.

T-Day minus 7

There’s still time to lace up those running shoes and trot like a turkey in one of the many Thanksgiving Day (or day-adjacent) races locally. Check out the events list elsewhere on this page to see the many options being offered.

Those used to heading to Cape Coral for the annual Turkey Trot, plan to re-set your navigation app to get to the Edison-Ford Estates this year, as the race has crossed the river to wind through downtown Fort Myers. (There’s still a virtual option if you’re not in to in-person.)

Cyclists also get a post-turkey day gift, with two multi-distance rides set for the Thanksgiving weekend.

So whatever your choices, enjoy a group event to go with your fun, family and food.

 ●●●

EVENTS 

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. at its new location at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In-person and virtual.
• City of Palms River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8K run and 2-mile walk downtown Fort Myers.
• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• 2021 GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. Cambier Park, Naples and virtual
• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Thanksgiving Day 5K (two races), Thursday, Nov. 25, Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples. 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, 5:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk, Nov. 20, downtown Fort Myers runsignup.com or runtothearts.com
• ELCP Turkey Run 5K, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m., Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples (active.com)
• FGCU 10th Annual Gobbler 5K and 1-mile run, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m., FGCU campus (runsignup.com) 
  

OTHER RIDES

• Annual Turkey Leg Metric Century, Friday, Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m., 62- and 20-mile routes, starts from Daniels Crossing Shopping Center, Fort Myers.
  
• 17th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Sunday, Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m., distances of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 62 miles. Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples.
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint

 

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 bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

 

November 15: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

If you’re looking for races to run, November is your month to end the wait and lace up those shoes. Here’s what’s ahead:

Saturday, Nov. 20

• Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk, Saturday, Nov. 20, downtown Fort Myers (runsignup.com or runtothearts.com).
• ELCP Turkey Run 5K, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m., Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples (active.com).

Thursday, Nov. 25

• More Turkey Trots than you can shake a drumstick at… including a new location for an old favorite as  the Fort Myers Track Club’s traditional Thanksgiving event moves to the Edison-Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com).
• There’s also the Gulf Coast Runner’s 5K in Cambier Park, Naples (also virtual) (gcrunner.org).
• Elite Events has two Thanksgiving Day 5Ks – Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples (runeliteevents.com).
• Finally, there’s the FGCU 10th Annual Gobbler 5K and 1-mile run, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m., FGCU campus (runsignup.com).

If that doesn’t satisfy your running itch, there are a few more races in early December to consider before the holiday break. Check the listings to see what’s planned – and, as always, contact the race organizers (or check their websites) to confirm dates and times (and any special conditions) for events.

As always, remember that most short races – especially Turkey Trots – are meant to be fun first… although a little spirited competition is always welcome. With so many Thanksgiving Day choices, there’s no excuse not to work up a little holiday appetite if you’re so inclined.

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. at its new location at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In-person and virtual.
• City of Palms River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8K run and 2-mile walk downtown Fort Myers.
• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• 2021 GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. Cambier Park, Naples and virtual
• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Thanksgiving Day 5K (two races), Thursday, Nov. 25, Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples. 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, 5:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk, Nov. 20, downtown Fort Myers runsignup.com or runtothearts.com
• FGCU 10th Annual Gobbler 5K and 1-mile run, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m., FGCU campus (runsignup.com)
  
• ELCP Turkey Run 5K, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m., Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples (active.com).

OTHER RIDES

• Annual Turkey Leg Metric Century, Friday, Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m., 62- and 20-mile routes, starts from Daniels Crossing Shopping Center, Fort Myers.
  
• 17th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Sunday, Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m., distances of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 62 miles. Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples.
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

November 8: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

If you’re looking for races to run, November is your month to end the wait and lace up those shoes. Here’s what’s ahead:

Thursday, Nov. 11

• Midpoint Madness 5K, a night race across the Midpoint Bridge in Fort Myers.

Saturday, Nov. 13

• The Olde Naples 10K, in downtown Naples as the name suggests (gcrunner.org).
• Naples Distance Classic Half Marathon, 18K & 5K, Eagle Lakes Park, Naples (runeliteevents.com).
• LRC Hams & Gams 5K Turkey Trot, Saturday Nov. 13, Hendry Complex, LaBelle (active.com).
• ISMC 5K Trail Run, Saturday, Nov. 13, Pepper Ranch Preserve, Immokalee (active.com).

Saturday, Nov. 20

• Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk, Saturday, Nov. 20, downtown Fort Myers (runsignup.com or runtothearts.com).
• ELCP Turkey Run 5K, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m., Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples (active.com).

Thursday, Nov. 25

• More Turkey Trots than you can shake a drumstick at… including a new location for an old favorite as  the Fort Myers Track Club’s traditional Thanksgiving event moves to the Edison-Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com).
• There’s also the Gulf Coast Runner’s 5K in Cambier Park, Naples (also virtual) (gcrunner.org).
• Elite Events has two Thanksgiving Day 5Ks – Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples (runeliteevents.com).
• Finally, there’s the FGCU 10th Annual Gobbler 5K and 1-mile run, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m., FGCU campus (runsignup.com).

If that doesn’t satisfy your running itch, there are a few more races in early December to consider before the holiday break. Check the listings to see what’s planned – and, as always, contact the race organizers (or check their websites) to confirm dates and times (and any special conditions) for events.

As always, remember that most short races – especially Turkey Trots – are meant to be fun first… although a little spirited competition is always welcome. With so many Thanksgiving Day choices, there’s no excuse not to work up a little holiday appetite if you’re so inclined.

And if running alone is not enough (you know who you are), the Nov. 13-14 weekend brings three sprint triathlons nearby:

• Spa Girl Tri, Nov. 13, Marco Island
• Manasota Key Tri, Nov. 14, Englewood
• Over The Hill Tri, Nov. 14, Venice

For longer distances, plan on longer travel… and check trifind.com for choices.

 

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• Midpoint Madness 5K, Thursday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Midpoint Bridge, Fort Myers
• Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. at its new location at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In-person and virtual.
• City of Palms River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, 8K run and 2-mile walk downtown Fort Myers.
• SYAL Run for the Youth 5K, Saturday, Jan. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Olde Naples 10K, Saturday, Nov. 13, 7:30 a.m.
  
• 2021 GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. Cambier Park, Naples and virtual
• Coach McGarity 5 Mile Hill Run, Saturday, Dec. 18, Marco Island.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Naples Distance Classic Half Marathon, 18K & 5K, Saturday, Nov. 13, Eagle Lakes Park, Naples
• Thanksgiving Day 5K (two races), Thursday, Nov. 25, Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples. 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, 5:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• LRC Hams & Gams 5K Turkey Trot, Saturday Nov. 13, Hendry Complex, LaBelle (active.com) 
• ISMC 5K Trail Run, Saturday, Nov. 13, Immokalee (active.com)
  
• Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk, Nov. 20, downtown Fort Myers runsignup.com or runtothearts.com
• FGCU 10th Annual Gobbler 5K and 1-mile run, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m., FGCU campus (runsignup.com)
  
• ELCP Turkey Run 5K, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m., Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples (active.com).

OTHER RIDES

• Annual Turkey Leg Metric Century, Friday, Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m., 62- and 20-mile routes, starts from Daniels Crossing Shopping Center, Fort Myers.
  
• 17th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Sunday, Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m., distances of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 62 miles. Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples.
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint
• Spa Girl Tri, Nov. 13, Marco Island, sprint
• Manasota Key Tri, Nov. 14, Englewood, sprint
• Over The Hill Tri, Nov. 14, Venice, sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

November 1: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

We're past Halloween… Cooler, dryer weather is here and November features more events. As always, confirm that scheduled events are being held as planned before you show up.

 

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• Midpoint Madness 5K, Thursday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Midpoint Bridge, Fort Myers
• Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. at its new location at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In-person and virtual.
• River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, details TK.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Olde Naples 10K, Saturday, Nov. 13, 7:30 a.m.
  
• 2021 GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. Cambier Park, Naples and virtual
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Naples Distance Classic Half Marathon, 18K & 5K, Saturday, Nov. 13, Eagle Lakes Park, Naples
• Thanksgiving Day 5K (two races), Thursday, Nov. 25, Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples. 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, 5:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• LRC Hams & Gams 5K Turkey Trot, Saturday Nov. 13, Hendry Complex, LaBelle (active.com)
  
• Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk, Nov. 20, downtown Fort Myers runsignup.com or runtothearts.com
• ELCP Turkey Run 5K, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m., Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples. 
  

OTHER RIDES

• 17th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Sunday, Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m., distances of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 62 miles. Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples.
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint
• Spa Girl Tri, Nov. 13, Marco Island, sprint
• Manasota Key Tri, Nov. 14, Englewood, sprint
• Over The Hill Tri, Nov. 14, Venice, sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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) 

 

 

October 25: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

October brings more organized events… and, it appears, the weather to enjoy them more. As always, confirm that scheduled events are being held as planned before you show up.

 

RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• Midpoint Madness 5K, Thursday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Midpoint Bridge, Fort Myers
• Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. at its new location at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In-person and virtual.
• River Run, Saturday, Dec. 4, details TK.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• GCR Halloween Monster 5K, Saturday, Oct. 30, 7:30 a.m., Fleischmann Park, Naples
• Olde Naples 10K, Saturday, Nov. 13, 7:30 a.m.
  
• 2021 GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 25, 7:30 a.m. Cambier Park, Naples and virtual
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Naples Distance Classic Half Marathon, 18K & 5K, Saturday, Nov. 13, Eagle Lakes Park, Naples
• Thanksgiving Day 5K (two races), Thursday, Oct. 25, Hertz Arena in Estero and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, Naples. 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. respectively
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, 5:45 p.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Naples Fall Classic half marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples.
• Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
• Sarasota West Coast half marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 a.m., Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
  

OTHER RUNS

• LRC Hams & Gams 5K Turkey Trot, Saturday Nov. 13, Hendry Complex, LaBelle (active.com)
  
• Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk, Nov. 20, downtown Fort Myers runsignup.com or runtothearts.com
• ELCP Turkey Run 5K, Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m., Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples. 
  

OTHER RIDES

• 17th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride, Sunday, Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m., distances of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 62 miles. Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples.
  

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction..
  

TRIATHLONS

• St. Anthony’s Triathlon (St. Petersburg) has been rescheduled again, now to May 1, 2022, Olympic and sprint
• Spa Girl Tri, Nov. 13, Marco Island, sprint
• Manasota Key Tri, Nov. 14, Englewood, sprint
• Over The Hill Tri, Nov. 14, Venice, sprint

 

For the very latest, go to 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)