Cycling, running and walking events in full swing

We’re back to experiencing good — sometimes ideal — weather for running, cycling, walking, skating and many other outdoor activities. It’s no surprise that locally and around Florida you can choose from quite an array of established events or first-timer endeavors, from 5K runs to 100-mile bike rides. I’ll touch on just a few.

Recently, the second annual Cops & Joggers 5K went off without a hitch on a fairly warm morning, crossing the Edison Bridge from Centennial Park. Law enforcement and public safety folks were out in force, both as event volunteers and race participants. This one looks like it’ll only get better.

A promising first-time run, Sanibel 10K Run for F.I.S.H. (the island’s primary social service organization), had the plug pulled on race day after a lengthy delay due to a flooded course and lightning. It’s no small feat to hold a 10K on Sanibel so I hope F.I.S.H. will try again. There’ve been a few runs through Ding Darling and on the causeway as part of the ribbon-cutting, but runners haven’t seen a true roadrace there since the early ’80s when Road Runners Club of America held its annual convention and associated national championship races on Sanibel and Captiva.

One of the most well-established organized bike events in Florida, the Mount Dora Bicycle Fest, took place in mid-October. More than 600 cyclists rode the challenging hills of that region, including Sugar Mountain, Florida’s highest point. For flatlanders and those not used to tackling hills on a regular basis, these rides are indeed demanding, especially when done in record-heat conditions, as was the case this year. The Horrible Hundred (www. horrible-hundred.com) in nearby Clermont is coming up on Nov. 15 and is considered our state’s most difficult century ride.

Upcoming locally, two well-established events include the Veterans Day Midpoint Madness 5K on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and River Ride on Sunday, Nov. 22 (see event box for details). The 5K takes runners and walkers over the Midpoint Bridge just after dusk, meaning post-run activities in the courtyard of Royal Palm Center feel more like a party than a morning race. Ride distances for the River Ride include 15, 30, 40 and 62 miles, giving cyclists a tour of Alva and western Hendry County. Metric century riders go to LaBelle and back. Hope to see you at both events.

BikeWalkLee Update

Lee County commissioners are about to consider approving a Complete Streets resolution as part of a comprehensive Smart Growth initiative that, if not drastically changed, should have significant

impact on the way

we develop our transportation system from this point forward. Any show of support — calls, e-mail, letters or attendance — at the Nov. 10 commission meeting, could make the difference.

Perhaps meant as an omen, also happening on Nov. 10 will be the release of “Dangerous by Design,” the latest version of the report formerly known as “Mean Streets” that rates the state of the pedestrian environment in communities throughout the U.S. (www. transact.org). Please keep an eye out for the findings and how the Fort Myers/Cape Coral metro area fares as compared to prior reports and in comparison to other locales.

Finally, don’t forget to come out to BikeWalkLee’s event, “Turning Lee County’s Mean Streets into Complete Streets,” at Lakes Park in South Fort Myers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Drop in and share thoughts, complaints, suggestions and volunteer opportunities. We’ll supply maps, surveys and other tools for documenting your ideas. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided to all who take part.

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

— Dan Moser is the league cycling instructor/trainer and program manager for the 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.