Summertime biking, running and walking

So far, it's the heat that reminds us of what's to come in the next six months. The rain is beginning and with it the humidity. Cycling and running are a breeze when it's dry heat; once moisture is added to the mix ,things are different.

Whether you're going for a run, walk, or bike ride to get some exercise, for recreation, or as a means of transportation, the key to surviving the Southwest Florida summer is being prepared.

Wearing proper clothing for whatever activity you're engaged in is vital. If you're using human power for your

commute to work or other practical purpose, having one or more changes of clothing — including shoes — is also important. While rain gear might seem logical, I've found that because the intense heat and high humidity causes me to end up just as drenched from sweat as I would have been from rain. I forego rain gear and concentrate on keeping dry anything I'm carrying. Lots of zip-lock backs are essential.

Being acclimated to the conditions is another aspect of preparation that makes a big difference. If you're continuing to run, walk or cycle outdoors, and haven't yet moved exclusively indoors onto treadmills and stationary bikes, you'll likely have a much easier time of it once the moisture factor kicks in. But if you haven't, be sure to take it very slow if you do take up an activity outdoors. Whether you think you're acclimated, choosing the right time to head out makes sense. If you must go out during times of peak temperatures and humidity (to commute, for example) proceed easier than you normally would in terms of how much effort you're expending since you'll be using quite a bit just to keep your body from overheating.

Sunscreen, adequate hydration, awareness of extreme weather conditions such as lightning and severe storms, and playing it safe when flooding and standing water make conditions tricky are all important things to keep in mind as we enter our predictably long, hot, and humid summer season. If we're smart about it, there's no reason to head into the gym exclusively and miss out on all of the benefits of being in the great outdoors. BikeWalkLee news

Like the coalition that's working to improve the environment for all users of our public rights of way, BikeWalkLee's Web site is up and running (www. bikewalklee.org). Coalition volunteers are working to make sure it's a reliable and up-to-date resource for anyone interested in being part of the effort and as a place to go for information that goes beyond advocacy. It's still quite basic, but as time goes on, we think it'll become a very important asset for the community. Please visit and let us know what you think, how it might be improved and what part you might play in seeing to it that Lee County reaches our bicycle, pedestrian and transit potential. Lee County is a pretty good place to be when you're behind the wheel but there's a lot to be desired for everyone else out there.

Bike clinics for summer camps

Anyone who will be working with local summer programs or has children who will be attending day camps will want to know that Lee County EMS has available a trailer with bikes that can be used by anyone who has their staff or volunteers trained in bike safety education. If you contact me, I'll provide more details.

Until next time, I'll look for you on the roads and trails.

— Dan Moser is the league cycling instructor/trainer and program manager for Florida Bicycle Association who

cycles regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. He may be contacted at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334-6417.

Upcoming Events

>>Running/Walking: Run the Green 5K, Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, Eastwood Golf Course, Fort Myers, www. ftmyerstrackclub.com

Angels in Blue 5K, Saturday, June 6, Englewood Beach, Englewood, www.zoomersrun.com

Firecracker 5K, Saturday, July 4, Pippin's Restaurant, Naples, www.gcrunner.org For details of these and other running events, check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www. ftmyerstrackclub.com) and 3-D Runners (www.3drunners.org). For Naples running info, it's the Gulf Coast Runners (www.gcrunner.org). Charlotte County running information is at www. zoomersrun.com.

>>Cycling: Visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club at www. caloosariders.com, Florida Mudcutters at www. mudcutters.org, Naples Pathways Coalition at www.naplespathways.org, and Naples Velo at www.naplesvelo.com for more information on local bicycling activities, including weekly rides. The Florida Bicycle Association (www.floridabicycle. org) is your source for statewide happenings.

>>Triathlons/Duathlons: Naples Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Sunday, June 1, Naples, sprint distance, www.active.com

Junior Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Saturday, June 6, Sugden Park, Naples, www.gcrunner.org

Open Water Festival, Saturday, June 13, Fort Myers Beach, 1.5-mile run, 400m swim, 1.5-mile run, www.openwaterfestival.org