Our world has changed, and in response to that, we have embraced a renewed love affair with cycling. We are buying bikes, borrowing bikes, brushing off the dust, and repairing our old bikes. We just want to be outside. Here in Naples there is not a better way to enjoy our weather than to hop on a bike. I have seen neighbors who have not been on a bike for years fall in love with the idea of cycling again. I have friends who had forgotten to teach their children how to ride a bike, take this break in the action to teach them how. I watch young parents run along their young children on our greenway paths so everyone can be outside and enjoy each other at their own pace.
I see bicycles, tricycles, recumbent bikes and (what was new to me this season) bikes with a support engine. I also see more smiles and hear more 'Good Mornings' from the cyclists as they go by while everyone is trying to be respectful of social distancing. I hear the camaraderie encouraged by the sport, in German, Spanish and other assorted languages reminding me that cycling is truly an international sport. Because we are topographically flat, we can choose from a variety of places to ride. We can stay in gated communities, ride along the Gordon River Greenway, or venture out on our multiple bike lanes. I like to use my bike as transportation, riding to the tennis courts or the grocery store (while challenging myself to try and carry everything I need in my front basket). I love to pull right up to the beach access and treat myself to a jump in the Gulf of Mexico to cool off.
If cycling makes you hungry (or at least thirsty), you can take your pick from our many outdoor dining spots where you can leave your bike on the sidewalk and enjoy a cold libation or a bite to eat without ever stepping foot indoors. I am a destination seeking cyclist and love riding to Fit & Fuel Cafe. This is definitely a rendezvous location for the cycling road warrior. Fit & Fuel is located in Paragon Pavilion (right next to Naples Cyclery), making it a perfect place to refuel or do some bike repair. Along with protein-packed smoothies, this small, sporty food establishment also boasts a wonderful selection of boutique beers.
Whatever your reason for saddling up on a bike, go enjoy the outdoors!
The weather is great!