October, 2008

Greetings fellow Bike Club members,

Well, the summer is about gone, and if you are like me you’re tired of tracking hurricanes on the Weather Channel.  It’s time to get back to Sanibel for some biking!  The rising popularity of cycling was a hot topic this summer, spurred by $4.00 per gallon gas prices.  You can take pride in being on the leading edge of a growing trend!

We have some nice things to look forward to this fall.  Sanibel’s path system repairs and improvements have been progressing over the summer, so we will be able to enjoy: 

·         Another improved section of the Periwinkle Way path, with a wider surface & grass median.  (This is the section from Donax eastward past Huxter’s Market.)

·         A resurfaced Rabbit Road path, at last smoothing out the root bumps.

·         New bike-friendly paved shoulders along Captiva Drive to Captiva Village. 

Our Club activity schedule for the coming season is shaping up to be a lot of fun. Included in this packet is a printed calendar of events, which will also be posted on-line.   As you look over the calendar, here are a few things to note:

·         Our business meetings this year will again alternate between 9 am meetings at the San-Cap Community Bank and 10:30 am meetings at Doc Fords, followed by lunch.  We have dispensed with the organized ride to the Doc Fords meetings; those who want to ride out are encouraged to do so on their own.

·         The gathering point for our Saturday morning rides this season (starting Nov. 15) will be Sanibel Community Park, on Periwinkle next to the Sanibel Community House.  This seems to be a good central point, easily accessible to all.  (Remember:  no more Holiday Inn parking lot, and no more Donax Beach Access.) 

·         Pot luck dinners will again be at the Sanibel Community House.  Please remember to park across the street on the north side of Periwinkle.  And don’t miss the February pot luck, which will celebrate the Club’s 15 Year Anniversary!

·         Finally, our Off-Island Ride schedule this year will include several new & exciting outings in addition to a few old favorites. 

The curtain rises on Saturday, Nov. 8, with our annual Club Picnic at Bowman’s Beach.  I hope to see you there.

Tom Sharbaugh