Critical Mass (CM) is a worldwide bicycling movement that brings together ordinary people who like to ride their bikes but don’t necessarily go for all the hoopla and Lycra. Lots of bicyclists ride thousands of miles a year, often at speeds over 20 mph. We’ve all seen these folks. They own expensive bikes decked out with gearing and other components that shave every possible gram from their weight. This lets them enter competitive events like the Tour de France and its less-famous versions. Those riders eat, sleep and breathe bicycling.
The men and women who participate in Critical Mass rides — like the one here in downtown Cape Coral — are nothing like that (though some CM riders also ride in competitive events.) A perfect personification of the gestalt of CM rides is ride leader Rob Seibert. At the event in these photos, Rob was wearing a helmet, but it was an equestrian helmet! And he was wearing special shoes–bowling shoes! His jersey was a T shirt, and his shorts were cutoffs, complete with a belt. None of those would be seen at an event like January’s Tour de Cape ride.
Other CM riders may not wear bowling shoes, but they dress in comfortable garb, clothes they might wear anywhere on the Cape without looking out of place. Once the Friday evening ride gets rolling, another unique feature becomes apparent — everyone has fun! “The rides we offer,” says Rob, “are all about bringing people of all ages and skill levels together for a good old fashioned, nice and easy social ride. We emphasize positive cycling awareness and safe rolling. All riders ride at their own risk, but we all look out for each other as we roll.”
Looking out for each other is easier when the bike in front of you has multicolored blinking lights. Most bikes sport decorations that give the riders a look that’s something akin to a traveling Christmas tree. Absent are the grim, intense looks of hard-core cyclists. People chat with each other, and wave to anyone they see along the way. They pay no attention to who’s in front and who’s taking up the rear.
The Cape Coral CM ride typically goes about 10 miles, winding its 8- to 10-mph way toward the Yacht Club, where riders take a break and enjoy the views of Gulf Harbour and the Caloosahatchee River. Then they saddle up and head back to the starting point.
If bicycling at night sounds dangerous, the Cape Coral Police Department makes sure that it’s not. Several members of the department provide a police escort for the riders, making sure that passing motorists don’t endanger the bikers, and that drivers don’t get unduly impeded by the 2-wheel horde. “We really appreciate the assistance of the Cape Coral Police Department,” says ride leader Rob. “This city has shown that it recognizes the importance of positive cycling awareness that our rolling-light parade of bikes represents.”
If this kind of bicycling looks appealing to you, you don’t have to sign up, or pay any fee, or do any special training. Just get yourself and your bike–lighted or not, your choice–to the parking lot behind Big Blue Brewing at 47th Terrace and 10th Place at about 7 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month. (Check the group’s Facebook page — Critical Mass Bike Ride Cape Coral — for exact time.) Come as you are — no dress code.
Adds Rob Seibert: “This bike ride is the most fun and least expensive thing you’ll do all month. When you ride with SWFL Critical Mass, we ask that you leave your worries behind. After the ride, you can pick them up as you like!”
