Monday, May 30, 2022

May 30: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Here's your weekly update of upcoming running, cycling and triathlon events, with this Friday the massive SWFL Critical Mass ride, 7 p.m. in Fort Myers, weather permitting. Check the link below before you go.


RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

  • Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce..

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

  • SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
  • 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

  • USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.

 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

  • Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
  • Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
  • Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
  • Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.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

 

 


Monday, May 23, 2022

May 23: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Here's your weekly update of upcoming running, cycling and triathlon events. With summer approaching it is getting a little quieter on the events front, but with some adjustments there are always options.


RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

  • Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce..

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

  • Park to Pier Swim, Sunday, May 29, 8 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
  • SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
  • 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

  • USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.

 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

  • Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
  • Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
  • Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
  • Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.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

 

 








Thursday, May 19, 2022

BikeWalkLee: How to beat the heat

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, May 19, 2022
by Ken Gooderham

Image: public domain

If you’re new to Southwest Florida as a full-time (or almost full-time) resident, and about to face your first summer here, welcome to your trial by fire… or at least humidity.

Summertime is payback time for all those warm winter days spent marveling at how cold it was up north. It’s the time of year when congratulating yourself for the wisdom you showed by moving south is replaced by the first glimmers of doubt as the thermometer heads perpetually north of 70 degrees for the next six months… or the first tropical storm system swaggers into the Gulf, trying to decide which coast it will collide with.

However, if you like to run, ride or walk, all is not lost. It’s just time to adapt.

First, adjust your expectations. Heat puts a strain on your body under the best of circumstances, so runners and cyclists can expect to struggle to maintain the speed and distance you easily achieved a few months ago. Cut yourself some slack and be proud that you’re out there willing to beat the heat at all.

Then, adjust your routines. If you’re used to exercising mid-morning, move it ahead a couple of hours to get outside before the temperatures get stifling. Conversely, take advantage of longer days by moving your exercise time to the evening (weather permitting).

Also look at your routes for access to shade, for a quick respite from the sweltering sunlight. And, since the other side of summertime is regularly scheduled rainstorms (which should be starting in earnest soon), also look for routes that might offer you shelter should the clouds open up.

Speaking of rain, make sure you watch the weather more closely as summer ramps up. A gentle summer shower can be a pleasant diversion, but you do not want to get caught in a full-blown thunderstorm, which can be dangerous on a number of levels from reduced visibility to slippery surfaces to (most of all) lightning.

The next adjustment should be in your attire… where you should be focused on light, bright and breathable. That’s light as in weight (avoid cottons) and color (avoid dark ones)… bright as in visible to make you easier to see… and breathable as in materials that will allow heat and moisture to dissipate rather than collect.

You want something on your head to keep the sun off (and keep the sweat collected) and, if you exercise regularly, have a couple of choices in outfits to get you through to the next laundry day. This can include things you might not otherwise change (such as socks and even shoes), so be flexible and make adjustments as you see how these changes (and your body) respond to the heat.

The biggest adjustments may be the most crucial: Hydration and sun management.

Hydration is critical to surviving and thriving in the summertime, the most important element of keeping your body cool and the quickest way to serious issues if you don’t plan for it. You should drink before you exercise (how much may depend on what you’re planning to do) and make sure you keep drinking during your ride or run. Water is a lot cheaper than a trip to the emergency room (or worse), so make sure you have plenty of it.

Same thing with sunscreen, especially if you can’t avoid the sunniest parts of the day. Getting into the habit of applying it regularly now will help prevent a host of skin issues later, and with the range of options available you can find a kind that offers sufficient protection and feels good doing it. Just remember to put sunscreen on first, so it has time to absorb and do its work, and reapply as necessary.

The final adjustment to summer may be to try something new. If running or walking on the street is too steamy, try doing it in a pool instead… or even try swimming as an alternative some days. If being outside is too onerous, move indoors for your walk, run or ride. (Yes, I know it can be boring… but if it keeps you moving, find something interesting to watch or listen to as a distraction.)

One of the joys of summertime here is fewer people and more options… so take advantage of it! Go run or walk on the beach, the ones that’s too crowded to even get near during season. Try kayaking or paddle boarding, when there are fewer people on the water and less wind and waves to manage. Reimagine your routine to make movement part of your daily life, if finding an hour  to go out and recreate is too daunting.

With a little preparation and a lot of flexibility, it is possible to beat the heat of your first SW Florida summer. Good luck and stay cool.

 ●●●


EVENTS

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

  • Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce.

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

  • Park to Pier Swim, Sunday, May 29, 8 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
  • SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
  • 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

  • USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.
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

  • 2022 Game On Suncoast Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, May 21, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (GameOnRaceEvents.com)
  • Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
  • Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
  • Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
  • Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.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.




Monday, May 16, 2022

May 16: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Here's your weekly update of upcoming running, cycling and triathlon events with this Wednesday the solemn Ride of Silence, commemorating those who lost their lives or were injured while cycling, on Friday the NE Lee Critical Mass ride, and on Saturday the Suncoast Olympic & Sprint Triathlon in St. Pete.


RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

  • Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce..

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

  • Park to Pier Swim, Sunday, May 29, 8 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
  • SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
  • 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

  • USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.

 CYCLING

  • Wednesday, May 18: Annual Ride of Silence, to honor those cyclists who have been killed or injured on our roadways. Details at caloosariders.org.

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 Game On Suncoast Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, May 21, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (GameOnRaceEvents.com)
  • Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
  • Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
  • Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
  • Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.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

 

 







Monday, May 9, 2022

May 9: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Here's your weekly update of upcoming running, cycling and triathlon events. The upcoming weekend will see a bit more action for runners, with at least two 5Ks to choose from. For riders, among the regular offerings of Caloosa Riders and SWF Critical Mass, there's the evening ride on Sanibel this Saturday. Check it out if you are in for a fun ride on the beautiful island.


RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

  • Lovers Key Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m., Lovers Key Park, Fort Myers Beach.
  • Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce..

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

  • Tropicool 5K, Saturday, May 14, downtown Naples.
  • Park to Pier Swim, Sunday, May 29, 8 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
  • SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
  • 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

  • USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.

 CYCLING

  • Thursday, May 18: Annual Ride of Silence, to honor those cyclists who have been killed or injured on our roadways. Details at caloosariders.org.

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 Game On Suncoast Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, May 21, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (GameOnRaceEvents.com)
  • Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
  • Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
  • Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
  • Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.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

 

 






Thursday, May 5, 2022

BikeWalkLee: You can take it with you

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, May 5, 2022
by Ken Gooderham

Image courtesy: aviationhumor.net

By now, the annual exodus to cooler climes has begun with vigor, crowding the northbound lanes of the interstate and TSA checkpoints in our area airports.

But if you’re a seasonal cyclist, what should you do with your bike? Usually it comes down to two initial choices: Leave it or take it.

Leaving is the path of least resistance, obviously, as you can simply lock it up in your home or condo until your return. All you need is a safe place to put it -- preferably under cover and away from the elements, as high temps and moisture are not your bike’s friend. If space is limited, look into the myriad bike storage options, with ways to hang them on walls, from ceilings or securely on the floor.

It’s smart to check the tire pressure (not too high, but enough to avoid deflation) and lubricate the various parts that appreciate that (particularly chains, gears and brake mechanisms). Of course, if you have anything on your bike that uses batteries, remove them if possible so they don’t disintegrate in place. Wipe the bike down if you wish… it will be one less thing you need to do when you return.

However, if you have a bike you’re particularly fond of or want to have one with you as you travel northward, you have some options here as well – depending on your mode of transportation.

If you’re driving, bringing your bike with you can be relatively easy… if you bear in mind safety and security.

There are a couple of options to carry bikes on vehicles:

Roof racks: These put bikes on top of your vehicle rather than behind it – which has good and bad aspects. The good? More secure, can carry more bikes, no extra mass behind the vehicle to impact park or sensors, trunks and hatches unencumbered. The bad? You have to put your (possibly heavy) bike on the top of your vehicle (not an easy lift), it dramatically increases your vehicle height (watch out for garages and bridges) and lowers your gas mileage.

Hitch racks: These snap into your vehicle’s trailer hitch (which means you have to have one of those). That can make them more secure – if you have a lockable hitch mount and a lockable rack. It also makes it easier to carry multiple bikes, as the hitch is rated to handle a lot of weight. However, those kinds of racks can make access to trucks or hatches more difficult (unless they are adapted to allow room or move out of the way), and the bikes can obscure the driver’s vision or interfere with backup cameras. You also need to ensure the bikes stick out as little as possible beyond the sides of the vehicle, or very bad things can happen to your bike wheels, etc.

Removable racks: These strap onto your vehicle’s trunk… which means you have to have a trunk or somewhere for the straps to hook (which eliminates a certain number of vehicles right there). The racks tend to be more affordable and easier to move from one vehicle to another (good), but also are less secure (in every way) and possibly tough on the vehicle’s paint and weatherstripping (bad). Many of the issues found in hitch racks (access and interference) apply here as well.

If your vehicle happens to be a pickup truck, you have the option of hauling bikes in the bed, which can be easier to load and secure with the right rack setup. Of course, if you happen to have a folding bike (the sign of an experienced and serious traveling cyclist), transport becomes a whole lot easier.

If your travel northward involved a trip to the airport, you have much less agreeable options. You can ship your bike back home – either using one of the major shipping companies or a specialty service --  or you can pack your bike like another piece of (very expensive) luggage and put it on the plane with you.

If you use a shipper or an airline, you’ll also need to pack your bike (and unpack it at the other end) – not for the weak of heart (or light of wallet). Specialty shippers do more of the work (and have more incentive to ensure your bike arrives intact)… but either option really works only for those who have the funds and focus to have their (probably expensive) bike with them on arrival. For the rest of us, it’s probably cheaper to buy another bike to have one at each house. (Of course, if you have more than two houses, this probably isn’t a real issue for you.)

Ride of Silence May 18


The annual Ride of Silence, which honors those injured or killed while riding on public roadways, will be held on Wednesday. May 18, beginning at 7 p.m. In Fort Myers, the seven mile slow roll leaves from the Bell Tower.

Riders on Sanibel can join the island ride by congregating at Periwinkle side of Bailey’s Plaza for the 7 p.m. departure. The Sanibel Bicycle Club asks those planning to participate to register by May 10 at the club website (www.sanibelbicycleclub.org).

The Ride of Silence is a global event that takes place every May in 48 countries, seven continents and 50 U.S. States (plus Washington DC). Riders should wear black armbands, red if they have personally been injured in a cycling vs. motor vehicle accident… and helmets are also required.

 ●●●


EVENTS

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

  • Lovers Key Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m., Lovers Key Park, Fort Myers Beach.
  • Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce..

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

  • Tropicool 5K, Saturday, May 14, downtown Naples.
  • Park to Pier Swim, Sunday, May 29, 8 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
  • SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
  • 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

  • USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.
CYCLING
  • Thursday, May 18: Annual Ride of Silence, to honor those cyclists who have been killed or injured on our roadways. Details at caloosariders.org.

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 Game On Suncoast Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, May 21, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (GameOnRaceEvents.com)
  • Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
  • Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
  • Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
  • Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.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.



Monday, May 2, 2022

May 2: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling events

Upcoming events

Here's your weekly update of upcoming running, cycling and triathlon events in our region, whith this Friday the massive and fun SWFL Critical Mass night ride in Fort Myers. Check out details below, and visit the website for the latest updates as weather circumstances may affect the ride.


RUNNING

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

  • Lovers Key Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m., Lovers Key Park, Fort Myers Beach.
  • Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce..

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

  • Tropicool 5K, Saturday, May 14, downtown Naples.
  • Park to Pier Swim, Sunday, May 29, 8 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
  • SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
  • 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

  • USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.

 

CYCLING

  • Thursday, May 18: Annual Ride of Silence, to honor those cyclists who have been killed or injured on our roadways. Details at caloosariders.org.

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 Game On Suncoast Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, May 21, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (GameOnRaceEvents.com)
  • Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
  • Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
  • Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
  • Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.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