This year's Bike Florida is more than a tour

Going on its 16th year, Bike Florida (bikeflorida.org) is an annual weeklong tour that covers 200-300 miles and takes cyclists on a route through a different part of Florida each year. This year it begins and ends in Madison, a beautiful town near the Georgia state line. Bike Florida cyclists who travel along rural roads through north-central and panhandle counties will make one unique stop in the middle: the Florida state capital. There, we'll join what is expected to be a number of other cyclists who will be on hand for a very important, first-time event, a visit to the Capitol to deliver a message to our elected officials.

Florida Bicycle Association, the non-profit organization that continually strives to improve conditions throughout the state for all cyclists (and pedestrians, for that matter), has organized a first-ever Florida Bike Summit at the capital during the legislative session.

Like all of the previous 15 Bike Florida tours, this one will undoubtedly be a real treat, especially for the many who come from points north and haven't really been able to ride for some time due to the weather. As for the summit aspect, here's what the Florida Bicycle Association wants you to know:

It's a new day for bicycling in Florida

VISIT FLORIDA, Florida's tourism marketing agent, has recognized our No. 1 tourist attractor is places to bicycle. Help begin the new era of bicycling in Florida. Come to the Florida Bike Summit in the State Capitol Courtyard (between the old and new Capitol buildings), April 2, from 10-11:30 a.m. FBA will be making a powerful case for expanding support for bicycling. We need you, the bicyclist.

Make plans for your club, team, trails group, or yourself to attend. The more people from diverse areas we have, the more effective the day of visiting and educating our legislators. If you support cycling, trails and bicycle tourism, we would love to see you in Tallahassee. Following brief legislative issue training and a press event, you'll have the opportunity to speak with legislators.

It is easy to complain about laws, enforcement, the need for more trail money, and more bike accommodations, but when we pool our resources and speak as one voice, we can make a huge difference. We will have the materials, talking points and the training. All you have to do is get yourself to the capital. We've reserved the Capitol Courtyard between the old and new Capitol buildings. The press event will be held at 10:30 am on the steps of the old Capitol building... Ride your bike — be a part of the solution and Florida's new future vision.

Learn what Florida is doing for bicyclists: • Press event at 10:30 a.m. • Opportunity to meet with legislators throughout the day • Legislative issue training • Take a Capitol tour • Collect bicycle materials • Secured bike parking staffed by Capitol Police Department until 11:30 • Connect with other bike advocates • Join Bike Florida participants as they ride to the capital from Wakulla Springs or the St. Marks Trailhead • Door prizes • Limited home stays available courtesy of Capital City Cyclists • Register today - admission is free • Your presence and voice count

The bicycle: It's about health, economics, sustainability and the future.

I hope to see you in Tally. Until next time, I'll look for you on the roads and trails.

— 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.

Upcoming Events

>>Running/Walking: Hooters Half-Marathon: Sunday, March 1, 7 a.m., Edison Mall, Fort Myers, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

MS 5K Run: Saturday, March 7, 7:30 a.m., Naples Philharmonic, Naples, www.gcrunner.org

Komen Race for the Cure 5K: Saturday, March 14, Coconut Point Mall, Estero, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

Shrimp Fest 5K: Saturday, March 14, Key Estero Plaza, Fort Myers Beach, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

Lehigh Acres Spring Fest 4-Miler: Saturday, March 21, Microtel Inn, Lehigh Acres, www.ftmyerstrackclub. com

Beach Bum 5K: Saturday, March 21, 7:30 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples, www.gcrunner.org For details of this and other running events, check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com) and for Naples running info it's the Gulf Coast Runners (www.gcrunner.org). >>Cycling: Mountain Bike Mania Fest: , Sunday, March 1, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva, www.mudcutters.org

Royal Palm Classic: Sunday, March 8, Buckingham, 15-100 mile rides, www.caloosariders.com Visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club at www.caloosariders. com, Florida Mudcutters at www.mudcutters.org, and Naples Pathways Coalition at www.naplespathways. org for more information on local bicycling activities, including weekly rides. The Florida Bicycle Association - www.floridabicycle.org - is your source of statewide happenings. >>Triathlon: Caloosahatchee Adventure Triathlon: Sunday, March 29 (kayak, trail run, mountain bike), Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva, www.leeparks. orgmudcutters.org