The Tradition Continues!

Michelle Avola
Ex Director of NPC

This year has been full of surprises, changes in plans and expectations, and adjusting almost every aspect of our lives.

When everything around us seems to be changing or uncertain, traditions are even more important. Tradition contributes a sense of comfort and belonging. It brings families together and enables people to reconnect with friends.

Tradition reinforces values and celebrates the things that really matter in life. Fortunately, a great thanksgiving tradition is continuing in Naples in 2020! The 16th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride will be held on Sunday, November 29.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the perfect day to get out on your bike, burn of some of those holiday calories, and leave the stress of visiting family and Black Friday shopping behind. There will be routes to ride 15 miles, 30 miles, and even 62 miles.

All of the Naples bike shops are sponsoring the fundraiser ride – Big Momma’s Bicycles, Bike Route, Cycle Shack, Island Bike, Naples Cyclery, Pedego Electric Bikes, Road and Mountain Bikes, Trek, and Western Bike.

You can start from home and join one of the routes or start at one of the bike shops. Registered participants will be able to stop by the bike shops for refreshments, and some incredible prizes will be raffled by each shop for those who stop by and post a selfie in front of their store.

Early registrants will also receive a commemorative shirt with our turkey mascot all masked up on his bike. Sign up early for the best price and find all the event information at www.NaplesPathways.org.

Proceeds from the 16th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride will benefit Naples Pathways Coalition, a 501C3 non-profit dedicated to improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists and pushing for protection and equal access for vulnerable road users.

The key focus of the organization is the completion of the Paradise Coast Trail, a premier 70+ mile trail created exclusively for safe and enjoyable walking, running, and biking.

The Paradise Coast Trail will connect Naples, Ave Maria, Bonita Springs, Immokalee, Collier Seminole State Park, and other areas within and beyond Collier County. It will expand transportation options, improve health and wellness, reduce our carbon footprint, and provide a destination to experience the Paradise Coast’s unique beauty.

It will drive quality of life and healthier lifestyles, yield economic benefits to the county, increase property values, and enable greater safety for recreational and commuter bicyclists.

The first segment of the trail Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC)is working on is the connection of the Gordon River Greenway to the Rich King Memorial Greenway and continuing to Collier County’s new Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

NPC has become the voice for vulnerable road users – pedestrians and people on bikes – working for the safety and infrastructure needed to safely walk, run, and bike in Collier County.  The organization has successfully worked with the City of Naples and Collier County to gain their endorsement of Complete Streets Policies. Th is means that when a road is built or improved in Collier County, the needs and safety of all road users (pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists) must be considered and included in the design.

To become a member and help strengthen the voice of the active community, visit www.NaplesPathways.org/join.