Jeff Palmer, Arborjet’s Upper Midwest Regional Technical Manager and rider on this year’s Tour des Trees continues to update us on the weeklong, 500-mile cycling event.
Safety First!
It is mid-week on the tour and the riders, including myself, are enjoying our trip across Florida raising awareness about trees. We woke up to light showers and when we rolled out of Punta Gorda, the skies were threatening. While we had only 63 miles ahead of us, we knew they would be wet and challenging miles. Making sure that everyone navigated the route safely was every rider’s goal.
Interesting Installations
The heaviest rain occurred before our first break where we were to plant and bless a tree. When we arrived at Mattalacha Park, the planting area was underwater making it impossible to install the new live oak. Undeterred, we performed the ceremony in the parking lot and staff will plant the tree when drainage improves. The rain eased around lunchtime as we wheeled across the causeway to plant another tree at a roadside park.
Thank You TREE Fund
An easy 10 miles later found us at beautiful Fort Myers Beach where riders enjoyed a dip in the ocean, great comradery and a terrific awards dinner. Thanks to all the organizers at the TREE Fund for making this a great event for riders.
Tomorrow we head to the Everglades to see if we can avoid the snakes and gators!