Pedal power touring in Naples Florida. Jump on a bike and gently cruise around this world class destination from the bay to the beach
Meet Marcy Wagner and you have met Mother Earth on wheels.
As owner/tour guide of Naples Bicycle Tours (NBT), in Naples Florida, she is part naturalist, historian, raconteur, and emergency nurse (yes, the author did some unplanned stunt riding requiring a bandage).
Cycling remains a popular and easy way to maneuver from the quaint charm of downtown’s Old Naples out to the Gulf of Mexico and across to the City Dock area. Have no fear if your cycling skills are a tad rusty. Tour de France aspirations are not required. All the roads are paved with frequent stops and water and snacks provided. Tours are usually between 2.5 – 3 hours in length
If you are sans wheels – NBT provides.
Simply provide your height and a properly fitted bike is delivered to your hotel or meeting place. Although afternoon tours are available, with summer’s heat is locked into SW Florida, a morning tour is more advisable. Plus it is fun to see the transformation as Naples wakes up and comes alive. The tour allows you to see and plan future activities during your visit.
A ride down Fifth Avenue lets you hear the latest news of the multiple galleries, restaurants and boutiques lining the hub of Naples high end shopping district. As the tour pedals onto Gulf Shore Boulevard, the tang of salty sea air grazes your lips. Here newly constructed mansions join old Floridian single story cottages. Housing colors reflect tropical themes –cantaloupe, sky blue, sunshine yellow and sea green, and horticulture is just as vibrant.
Early summer brings forth the lush tangerine flowers of the Royal Poinciana tree to many years while during the rest of the year its green leaves create an umbrella of shade. Confederate Jasmine, also called Star Jasmine, will add a sweet fragrance to the journey.
Another sweet stop is the Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage. Dating from the 19th century’s Gilded Age Palm Cottage, within the city’s historic area, provides a modern link to the past. Made of tabby mortar (a process of mixing burnt oyster shells, sand, molasses and water) the antique filled structure is the home of the Naples Historical Society.
The next stop is often Naples Pier. A crossroads of the community the pier and beach underneath it provides sights and activities for all. Beach volleyball and karate classes occur next to the umbrellas of sun worshippers. On the pier fishing enthusiasts, of all ages and ability, patiently wait for “the big one”. A huge thrill is the arrival of the area’s bottlenose dolphins. Graceful dives and playful punts in the Gulf water’s surf provide many photographic opportunities.
Next NBT travels into a neighborhood, like Port Royal, for a look at how the non-aquatic locals live. Winding streets, often under canopies of trees, showcase homes along canals and facing nearby Naples Bay.
A special wind down is stopping at City Dock. Here fishing and charter boats share berth space with personal motor and sailboats and a laid back atmosphere prevails. Sit in one of the weathered Adirondack chairs, and let the stress flow from your body.
NBT also offers cycling trips to the nearby Everglades, which shall be covered later in the summer. Tweaking an itinerary for a group is one of their specialties so feel free to ask for combinations with air boats, paddle trips and sunset treks.
Cycling in Naples is good for you – body and soul.
Advance reservations are required. For more information call: (239) 455-4611 or naplesbicycletours@embarqmail.com
For more information on planning your visit to Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades see:www.paradisecoast.com
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