Page 20 - Life In Naples March 2022 Flipbook

You Can’t Buy
Kinda
“
”
Happiness, Custom Venetian Mirror by Barbini,
made for Venice Glass Week "1 of 1"
But You Can Buy

A Bike,

And That’s Pretty Close

by Susan Sonnenschein,
Naples Pathways Coalition, Board of Directors

iking, even though the word has been In Collier County it’s legal to bike on the sidewalk, but you must
co-opted by motorcyclists, with visions of yield to pedestrians. One of my favorite loops incorporates riding
Bgnarly leather and big boots, it still means through Freedom Park, then east and back west on the sidewalk
riding a bicycle to me! Cycling, on the other on Golden Gate Parkway to the north entrance of Gordon River
hand, which has a more serious, spandex image, Greenway to the Naples Airport. Sometimes it’s fun to stop and
is the current term used by younger generations. watch the planes take off. There are always some old timers hanging
Whatever you care to call it, biking is joy. Plain out to tell you about the details of some of the planes. Return route
and simple. Since the beginning of the pandemic is via Baker Park, followed by coffee on Central Avenue at Narrative
many adults have been reintroduced to the joy of biking because Coffee. I’m a fan of biking with a goal, whether it be coffee or
it’s a safe, outdoor activity. Bikes are in such high demand these a library trip or a quick stop at the Saturday morning Farmers
days; it’s challenging to buy a new bike. Safety from COVID-19 Market. Whichever the route, just getting outdoors in beautiful
is not the real reason biking has continued to be such a popular Naples is happiness that money can’t buy.
activity. It’s because of the joy, the feel-good endorphins, the The addition of a safe, paved multi-use pathway, Paradise Coast
exercise, the Vitamin D, the sunshine, the scenery, the simplicity of Trail, will be a game changer! Yes, I’m a cheerleader for great bike
having no plan other than moving our bodies in the fresh air. trails that connect our residents to the outdoors. It may be awhile
Biking certainly isn’t a new activity, but it’s wonderful to see before I’ll be biking on the Paradise Coast Trail. In the meantime,
so many people rediscovering how much I’ll continue to enjoy the beauty of biking, wherever it takes me.
they enjoy biking - and there are an I invite you to learn more about Naples Pathways Coalition by
abundance of different styles of biking. visiting our website: www.NaplesPathways.org. And please join us
Depending upon where you live in Collier for a fun upcoming event:
County your bike and type of biking may March 13, 2022 – 16 Annual Naples Bike Brunch at
th
be very different from mine. Some have those big, sturdy, town Lowdermilk Park. A fundraiser bike ride with 62, 40, 20, and 5
bikes, often with cute dogs sitting demurely in a basket. There are or 10 mile routes to choose from and a great after party with a
many types of road bikes with differing degrees of skinny tires; delicious food, beer, raffles, and more at the finish. www.CasanovaShowroom.com
then there are bikes with wider, knobbier tires that can get through https://bit.ly/BIKEBRUNCH22
the terrain in places like Fakahatchee Strand. There are even
three-wheeled bikes that are perfect for people whose balance is For more information about these events, to volunteer, or learn about
not great. Personally, I have a Class 1 pedal-assist E-Bike, which sponsorship opportunities, please email:
allowed me to bike shortly after having Achilles tendon surgery. Michelle@NaplesPathways.org or call 239.777.7718.
My safe bike routes are carefully planned so as to avoid busy roads BAYFRONT PLACE VENETIAN VILLAGE
and use safe crosswalks.
239-262-0283 239-571-1610
470 BAYFRONT PLACE 4370 GULF SHORE BLVD N., STE. 706

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