BikeWalkLee: Group runs and rides make everything better

This week's BikeWalkLee column provides tips on participating in group events.  There are plenty of group events in SWFL, which you can always check out in our Monday morning "Upcoming Events" blog post.

BikeWalkLee's column in News-Press "Go Coastal" section:  Nov. 13, 2014

If you’re interested in riding (or running) as a group, this is your time of year. There’s a ride or run almost every weekend, it seems, with myriad motivations or missions propelling them onward.

But if you’ve never tackled a group event such as this before, what should you expect?
We’ll start with biking, as it’s more complicated… and, potentially, more accessible to the novice. Here are some points to consider:

• Distance: Most locals rides offer multiple distances, a way to ease the newcomer into the group ride process while allowing more experienced riders to up their game as they see (or feel) fit. Pick the distance you think you can do… which for many newcomers will be 15 miles, say. Seem long? Well, if you ride 10 mph (a pretty slow speed achievable by most), a 15-mile ride is an hour and a half… and some even have a rest stop at the halfway point (although that’s more common in the 30-and-up mile rides).

If you’ve got a few miles under your tires, an organized tour ride is a good way to reach a little further by going a longer distance, knowing you’ll have somebody (fellow riders and support in the form of a SAG) looking out for you. That might inspire you to try for a metric century (62 miles) or an actual century (100 miles)… but be sure you can finish the ride in the time allotted. Most formal tour rides post the time after which support will be stopped and the course swept of remaining riders who don’t want to go it alone.

• Equipment: For most rides, helmets are required – so don’t show up without one. Similarly, make sure your bike is in good working order, and you bring along any parts you might need to replace (and the skills you’ll need to replace them). Again, many rides offer support on the route, but that’s only to ensure you get back to the start (by hauling you there) – not to fix your bike in the field. Obviously, you’ll need to dress appropriate to the weather – and with the ability to adjust as the day warms (since most rides start early). Rain is less of an issue than in the summer, but wind and chill can necessitate some extra layers.

Also, since most rides start somewhere that’s usually not in your neighborhood, you’ll need to be able to transport your bicycle to the ride. If you toss your bike in the trunk or the truck bed, bring a few tools in case things get bent out of shape. A better choice is a bike rack, especially if you plan to make a habit of this and have a bike that’s worth protecting. They’re affordable, can carry more than one bike, and will expand your riding range dramatically… just remember to tighten up those straps before AND after you load the bikes.

• Skills: Nothing special is required, but it’s a good way to hone your talents if you want to get better. How used you are to group riding may determine how much of it you do… because if you’re not comfortable riding in close quarters at a reasonable speed, now is not the time to try it out (but it is the time to see how it’s done and what you need to know to get better at it). But if you know your way around a paceline, you know a group can go farther faster than any lone rider can – and group rides are a good time to enjoy that.

Another major skill when riding with others nearby is communication, whether verbal or by hand signals. That’s how others will know what you’re going to do as well as what’s ahead (or behind) the group that could impact cyclists. Know your basic signals, ask questions about those you don’t know and make sure the riders around you know what you plan to do. (It beats a major pile-up or worse.)

• Camaraderie: Riding with a group of similarly skilled cyclists is a lot of fun, a way to make new friends or catch up with old ones (assuming they share your cycling bug) – and probably go further than you normally would because you’re having a good time doing it.

Running
When it comes to group runs, the criteria are easier (as are the choices).
• Distance: If you regularly run at all, a 5K (3.1 miles) is easily within your reach. As the distance goes up, so must your preparedness and training… so don’t make a marathon your first group run unless you’ve put in the miles to do it. In fact, a common mistake new runners make is attempting their first marathon much too soon, which inevitably leads to overuse injuries, some severe enough to make you hang up your running shoes.

• Equipment: Good running shoes and proper clothing that keeps you free of chafing and overheating are all you really need (except perhaps a race bib holder, although safety pins will work just fine). A digital, weatherproof watch will allow you to estimate distance when running in unfamiliar areas.

• Skills: Put one foot in front of the other, repeat until done. The only caution is if you’re no used to running in a crowd, mass starts can be overwhelming. Unless you have a real chance for an award (which means you already know how to deal with groups), stay to the side or behind the horde until the crowd thins out down the road.

• Camaraderie: Again, a group can motivate you either by competition (having someone to push you) or distraction (you’re too busy interacting to notice as the miles roll by).

— BikeWalkLee is 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 at BikeWalkLee.org.

Upcoming events

Running/walking:
• Thursday, Nov. 27: 35th annual Turkey Trot, Cape Coral Wellness Center 609 SE 13th Court, Cape Coral. 5K run/walk, 1-mile fun run and tot trot, starts at 7:30 a.m.; registration opens 6 a.m. Proceeds to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Dec. 6: 36th annual River Run, 10K run and 2-mile walk, across bridges from downtown Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Sunday, Dec. 7: Everybody Rides/Runs. Choose a family-friendly chip-timed 5K or half marathon. All finishers will get to run into JetBlue stadium and run right across home plate! 7 a.m. start time for the half marathon. 7:45 a.m. start time for the 5K. (everyonerides.org/)

Cycling & other events:
• Saturday, Nov. 15: Bicycle Bully Busters, Trek Bicycle Store of Estero, 8001 Plaza del Lago Drive #101, Estero. Get on your bike, make a stand against bullying and raise awareness about safe cycling in Southwest Florida at this fun family event. 40-mile ride starts at 7 a.m.; 25-mile ride starts at 7:30 a.m.; 10-mile fun ride begins at 8 a.m. (caloosariders.org)
• Friday, Nov. 29: Black Friday Century. Fort Myers to Naples and back. Details at caloosariders.org
• Sunday, Nov. 30: Iron Joe Turkey Ride. Begins and ends at Naples Cyclery, Pavilion Shopping Center, Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41. Fully supported rides: 7:30 a.m. breakfast; 8 a.m. Metric Century (100 km); 9 a.m. 30 mile; 10 a.m. 14-mile family ride; 10 a.m. Beach Walk. (www.raceroster.com/events/2014/2892/9th-annual-iron-joe-turkey-ride)

Triathlons:
• Sunday, Dec. 21: Christmas Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon (run/bike/run), Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. (www.active.com)

Moser Column: McGregor Boulevard may become bike-friendly yet

This week's Moser column updates readers on  positive developments on McGregor Blvd. since his last column, and reports on the successful Streets Alive event. 

Florida Weekly, Outdoors Section, Nov. 12, 2014

Dan Moser

There’s potentially good news for those who’d like to travel on McGregor Boulevard by bicycle (the road, not the sidewalk): The suggestions put forth in this column and at public meetings to add sharrows on this historic public roadway’s two-lane sections and a reconfiguring of the four-lane segment to include bike lanes are being considered.

The city of Fort Myers indicated it would have a report completed on the segment from downtown to Colonial Boulevard in six months and the Florida Department of Transportation expressed interest in the ideas on its segments as well (Colonial Boulevard to Iona Road). Ideally, the city and FDOT will work together to maximize resources and potentially create a plan with as much continuity as there can be for a roadway having a number of different configurations. If Lee County DOT would take a hard look at how its segments could be similarly improved (Gladiolus Drive to the end of Summerlin Road) and the last stretch from near Shell Point Boulevard to the Sanibel Causeway) and work with the other two entities, the entire roadway could live up to its reputation as one the county’s signature public assets.

Getting ready for kick-off parade at 2014 Streets Alive!

Perhaps even better news is that by agreeing to formally consider the recommendations put forth, FDOT is, in me my opinion, demonstrating its commitment to reducing bike/ped crashes and to adequately accommodate non-motorists in its public rights of way. In fact, FDOT recently adopted a Complete Streets policy agency-wide, yet another affirmation of the positive direction the department has been heading since Billy Hattaway has come on board and put together a team that has the monumental task of improving bike/ped safety throughout Florida as its number-one priority. Indeed, changing the culture of an agency that has historically been primarily concerned with moving motor vehicles as efficiently as possible to one that will instead focus on providing safe mobility options to all the people it serves is perhaps an even more daunting undertaking. A number of reforms and significant changes in policies and procedures have already taken place since FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad hired Mr. Hattaway to be both District One secretary and take on statewide leadership in reducing bike/ped crashes, injuries and fatalities. For many of us who walk, run and bike on our roads, it’s sometimes difficult to see any real progress being made. But, from my perspective, FDOT’s commitment appears sincere and all the right people are currently in place to see it through. FDOT’s Complete Streets policy can be found at BikeWalkLee’s Sept. 20 blog post at bikewalkleeblogspot.com.

Streets Alive! update

Just a few days prior to the second undertaking of Streets Alive! organizers and others had the opportunity to learn about Cyclovias’ history and worldwide effects from one of the key people involved with them from the start. Gil Penalosa was the keynote presenter at Florida Public Transit Association annual conference luncheon in Naples where he tied together all the aspects of a vibrant, livable community with events like Streets Alive! being part of many of the world’s most thriving places. Mr Penalosa hails from Bogota, Colombia, arguably the birthplace of Cyclovias. Hearing from one of the pioneers and seeing his outstanding presentation with all the benefits quantified was very energizing for all in attendance but especially for anyone about to stage an Open Streets event in their community.

That being said, Street’s Alive! was even more successful than the first go around a year earlier. Although the morning started out a bit cool, the sunlit sky warmed things to a perfect temperature for taking part in the many activities offered that day. Much to organizers’ pleasant surprise, even with Taste of Lee County having taken place in the same place the day before and Taste of the Town happening at JetBlue Park that same day, the healthy food vendors and local source producers were extremely popular. Hopefully, local restaurants that were part of the route did as well. The kick-off parade was another hit, with many early attendees joining in the fun. Throughout the day there was a steady flow of people stopping by BikeWalkLee’s interactive display where they could provide input to volunteers as well as representatives from a number of transportation agencies. Elected officials also mingled with visitors, listening to their ideas and making suggestions as to how they might become reality.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

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

Nov. 10th: Upcoming running/walking/biking/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

·         Thursday, Nov. 27: 35^th annual Turkey Trot, Cape Coral Wellness Center 609 SE 13th Ct. Cape Coral. 5K run/walk, 1-mile fun run and tot trot, starts at 7:30 a.m.; registration opens 6 a.m. Proceeds to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital. (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com)
·         Saturday, Dec. 6: 36^th annual River Run, 10K run and 2-mile walk, across bridges from downtown Fort Myers (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com)

·         Sunday, Dec. 7: Everybody Rides/Runs. Choose a family-friendly chip-timed 5K or half marathon. All finishers will get to run into JetBlue stadium and run right across home plate! 7 a.m. start time for the half marathon. 7:45 a.m. start time for the 5K. (http://www.everyonerides.org/)

·   Sunday, Dec. 14: Best Damn Race marathon/half marathon/5K. All races start at Cape Harbour. (http://capecoral.bestdamnrace.com)

·         Sunday, Jan. 11: 12^th annual River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva. Half marathon and relay 8 a.m., 5K fun run 8:15 a.m. (www.rrrtrail.com)

·         Saturday, Jan. 17: Tour De Cape 5K Run/walk, is designed for advanced and novice runners. Check in begins at 6:30 a.m. Race time is 8 a.m. Starts at Cape Harbour in Cape Coral. (tourdecape.net)

Cycling & other events:

·         Saturday, Nov. 15: Bicycle Bully Busters, Trek Bicycle Store of Estero, 8001 Plaza del Lago Drive #101, Estero. Get on your bike, make a stand against bullying and raise awareness about safe cycling in Southwest Florida at this fun family event. 40-mile ride starts at 7 a.m.; 25-mile ride starts at 7:30 a.m.; 10-mile fun ride begins at 8 a.m. (www.caloosariders.org)

·         Friday, Nov. 29: Black Friday Century. Fort Myers to Naples and back. Details at www.caloosariders.org

·         Sunday, Nov. 30: Iron Joe Turkey Ride. Begins and ends at Naples Cyclery, Pavilion Shopping Center, Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41. Fully supported rides: 7:30 a.m. breakfast; 8 a.m. Metric Century (100 km); 9 a.m. 30 Mile; 10 a.m. 14 Mile Family Ride; 10 a.m. Beach Walk. (www.raceroster.com/events/2014/2892/9th-annual-iron-joe-turkey-ride)

·         Sunday, Dec. 7: Everybody Rides/Runs. A family-friendly, non-competitive multi-distance bike ride. Choose from routes of 15, 30, 62 or 100 miles. 7:30 a.m. start time for the 62 and 100 milers. 9:30 a.m. start time for the 15 and 30 milers. (http://www.everyonerides.org/)

·         Sunday, Jan. 18: Tour De Cape. Routes from 15, 30, 60, and 100 mile courses in the west and north sections of Cape Coral. The event provides a continental breakfast, lunch, on route rest stations with snacks and beverages, SAG vehicles, Police support, and route maps. All rides start from Cape Harbour in Cape Coral. (http://tourdecape.net)

Triathlons:

·         Sunday, Dec. 21: Christmas Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon (run/bike/run), Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. (www.active.com)
·         Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 10-11: HITS Triathlon Series, Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples.  Open, sprint Olympic half and full (www.HitsTriathlonSeries.com)