Keep moving as part of the season's cycling, running and walking events

We're in high season, and not just in terms of the annual influx of visitors and parttime residents. Cycling, running, and walking events abound, some well established and others promising newcomers. Whatever your fitness level, a group event is a great way to meet like-minded people on the move.

 

One of our area's premier long distance races, the Naples Daily News Half-Marathon, sets out at 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, from Cambier Park and winds through Old Naples, Port Royal and along the Gulf of Mexico. There's no race-day registration for this event that brings in world-class runners. For more information, visit www.napleshalfmarathon. net, e-mail questions@ napleshalfmarathon.net or call 262-5653 or 434-9786.

Those who aren't quite ready to run 13.1 miles can try the inaugural Calusa Bug Chase 5K that begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers. There's also a 1-mile Bug Crawl for kids. For registration and other details, visit www.ftmyerstrackclub. com.

Now that's a bike rack! Can you identify the location of this creative structure? If you think you know, e-mail your answer to dan@floridabicycle.org.

Pedaling for Pathways hits the streets Sunday, Jan. 25, starting from Lowdermilk Park in Naples. The century ride begins at 7 a.m., the metric century (62 miles) and 30-mile rides at 8 a.m., the 20-mile ride at 8:30 a.m. and the 10-mile ride at 9 a.m. There are plenty of rest stops with food and beverages and you can enjoy brunch on the beach when it's all over. Find out more by visiting www.naplespathways.org or e-mailing Michelle@naplespathways.org .

A new running event this year, Race The Roof features an unusual distance (8K) through the Verandah, a Bonita Bay community east of Fort Myers off Palm Beach Boulevard. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, runners and walkers will go along Verandah's nature trails and and a stretch of the Orange River. A post-race lunch is provided. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity to help build a home in the Fort Myers Shores area. Visit www.ftmyerstrackclub.com for more information.

The Edison Kids Run takes place in downtown Fort Myers on Sunday, Feb. 15, a precursor to the Edison Festival of Light 5K immediately before the festival parade Saturday evening, Feb. 21. For details about both races, visit www. ftmyerstrackclub.com or www.edisonfestival. org, or call 334-2999.

Now is a good time to start training for the second annual Hooters to Hooters Half-Marathon in Fort Myers on Sunday, March 1. The course runs through neighborhoods along the Caloosahatchee River, along McGregor Boulevard, across the Edison Bridge and back through old Fort Myers. One improvement to last year's otherwise excellent event is that runners will take the road rather than sidewalk where the course traverses McGregor Boulevard. Visit www.ftmyerstrackclub.com for information.

For mountain bikers or those thinking of giving it a try, the Florida Mudcutters host the Mountain Bike Mania Festival at Caloosahatchee Regional Park from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1. The fun includes a seven-mile guided ride for beginners. Go to www.mudcutters. org for the whole story.

The Komen for the Cure 5K race at Coconut Point and the Fort Myers Beach Treasure Run 5K both happen Saturday, March 14.

Beginning on March 29, Bike Florida 2009 is a linear ride starting in beautiful and historic Madison and traveling through Monticello and Wakulla and then back through both cities to end on April 4 in Madison. Go to www.bikeforida. org for details and to register. n

— Dan Moser is league cycling instructor/ trainer and a former bike/ped coordinator who cycles regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. He may be contacted at moserdeleon@juno.com or 334-6417.