Tour de Cape draws hundreds
Tour de Cape marked its 20th year this past weekend at Cape Harbour, drawing hundreds of participants on foot and bicycle.
Hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the event featured a 5K Saturday, along with a Family Fun Ride. On Sunday, there were four recreation rides available to bicyclists at lengths of 15 miles, 31 miles, 62 miles and 100 miles. The entry fees varied.
Theresa Hart, a recreational specialist with the city, said more than 200 people took part in the 5K. About 120 participated in the Family Fun Ride, triple last year’s number. This was the second year that the family ride has been offered.
“We had a great turnout for the Family Fun Ride,” she said. “It was wonderful to see all the families out here.”
On Sunday, approximately 500 to 600 bicyclists participated in the recreation rides. Of the total number, about 200 people did not pre-register, instead signing up that morning.
“We’ve had a huge turnout day of,” Hart said.
Naples resident Erin Kelley and Meghan Cochrane, of Fort Myers, tried to shake off the chill in the air Sunday as they waited for the 15-mile ride to begin. Kelley, who has been riding for three years, said the longest course she has biked is 32 miles in about an hour.
Both first-timers at Tour de Cape, Kelley was looking forward to the experience.
“There are no real good bike rides around here,” she said.
In addition to excitement, Cochrane was hoping that she could last to the end.
“This will be the first bike ride I’ve ever done,” Cochrane said.
“We’ll see if she makes it,” Kelley added with a smile.
Cape resident Michael Devitto, his wife and his daughters also prepared for the 15-mile ride Sunday. Residents for seven years, Devitto said his family has attended the event in the past, but this was the first year that they had participated in it.
“The girls are old enough to do the 15 miles,” he said.
“It’s just a great family event,” Devitto added. “And we wanted to come support Cape Coral.”
He recommended that other parents check out the event with their youngsters.
“It gets the children excited about just spending time getting exercise and spending time with the family,” Devitto said.
The entry fee for the Family Fun Ride was $5. The advance registration fee for the 5K was $15 and the recreation rides were $30. The day of fees were $20 for the 5K and $35 for the recreation rides. Some fees included lunch or breakfast. All came with a T-shirt.
The 5K is a timed run so trophies are handed out to the top finishers in each category.
For more information on Tour de Cape, visit the city’s website: www.capecoral.net.