Get ready for fall running and cycling events

In more temperate parts of the country it's high season for runners and cyclists. But even up north, the longest distance races are often held in the fall, so for classic events such as the New York City, Marine Corps and Chicago Marathons, its training time for registrants, including those of us down here in hot, humid Southwest Florida. While not many opportunities for organized events are available around these parts right now, a few begin popping up very soon.

A number of short distance races take place locally beginning in late August, the first being the Fast Cat 5K Cross Country Race (www.3drunners.org) in Estero on Aug. 22. Since its inception, this one's always been interesting, especially if we've had some good rain just prior to the event. On Sept. 5, it's the annual John Clay 5K (http://gcrunner. org), beginning in Lowdermilk Park in Naples. Running near the beach is always a treat, especially when it's only 3.1 miles long.

Next up is a first-time event, Run for the Ages 5K (www.leeparks.org), taking place on Sept. 19. Runners and walkers wind through the new and improved Lakes Park. If you haven't been to the park since all the work to undo the damage

from Hurricane Charley has been completed, the scenery and excellent running/walking environment is a treat.

The real tuneup event for upcoming marathons or half-marathons is the always challenging Naples On The Run 20K (www.naplesontherun.biz), taking place this year on Sept. 27. From my experience, the way in which you complete this distance is a good indicator of how you'll do when the real thing happens later this fall. If you're not planning to compete in one of the national marathons and you still jump into this race, you can give yourself a lot of credit and treat yourself to whatever you've been craving but avoiding in the name of health and fitness. There's something about racing 12.4 miles in the usually brutal heat and humidity that Naples experiences in late September that can only make you stronger if it doesn't kill you.

Local cycling events are harder to come by this time of year, but to get ready for the annual Caloosahatchee River Ride (http://news.caloosahatchee. org) in November, you may want to consider heading to Bartow on Sept. 5 for the Tour de Tow (as in Bar-Tow) (www.active.com). Various distance rides are offered that take you through the scenic back roads of southern Polk County. Later that afternoon is the Florida Cup Race Criterium in downtown Bartow. On that same weekend the 27th annual Tour of Sebring (www.kenilworthlodge. com) takes place, with rides from 11 miles to 100 (including the Bok Tower Century Ride).

For those who prefer riding on paved trails rather than roads, the 15th annual Rails-to-Trails Ride happens on the Withlacoochee Trail (http://railstotrailsonline. com/), beginning in Inverness on Oct. 4. Be prepared for some hilly terrain.

Speaking of hilly terrain, less than a week later is the one that started it all: The 35th annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival (www.mountdora.com/bikefest/ index.php). From Oct. 9 - 11, you'll be in cycling heaven. And this year the Florida Bicycle Association is holding its annual meeting and awards presentations there as well.

One unique event that is worthy of mention but that doesn't quite fit either of the above two categories is Walk, Wheel & Wobble (878-3092 or 694- 1773), an event in which participants can choose to cycle, run, walk, or wobble distances from 10-30 miles. This Ataxia (www.ataxia.org) awareness-raising event takes place Sept. 26 at the Holiday Inn near Gulf Coast Town Center.

BikeWalkLee update

At its August management and planning meeting, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners agreed to move ahead with a SmartGrowth Committee resolution that supports a policy of creating complete streets in our county. Before being formally adopted, the hard work of getting the various departments within Lee County government to come to consensus on how to make this happen must take place. In the meantime, the Metropolitan Planning Organization is poised to vote on its version of complete streets at the Aug. 21 meeting (www.mpo-swfl.org/agendas.shtml).

On Friday, Aug. 28, a free symposium being organized by Reconnecting Lee County (www.reconnectinglee. org) focusing on growth management and transit-oriented development will be held at Harborside in downtown Fort Myers. Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham and former DCA Secretary Linda Shelley will be among a group of distinguished speakers who will discuss the current state of the law and offer predictions for the future, nationally, statewide and locally.

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

Upcoming Events

For info on running events check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www. ftmyerstrackclub.com) and 3-D Runners (www.therunshoppe.com/3dracing). For Naples running info it's the Gulf Coast Runners (www.gcrunner.org). Charlotte County running information is at www.zoomersrun.com.

— Dan Moser is league cycling instructor/ trainer and program manager for Florida Bicycle Association who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. He may be contacted at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334-6417.