Who eats too much on Thanksgiving Day?
Here’s a cycling event to consider that may lower your guilt at the Thanksgiving table: the 22nd annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride in Naples, FL, organized by Naples Pathways Coalition(NPC).
This is one of the few cycling events in Florida taking place during Thanksgiving week. The Iron Joe Turkey Ride is Sunday, November 22, 2026. Please note it has a new start date this year, the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Make it a weekend in Naples or surrounding area.
Consider coming to Naples the day before and join a local group ride or plan your own route for a warmup and enjoy the area. One option for a warmup ride is the newly completed 7 mile Paradise Coast Trail in Naples. Komoot has a listing of other cycling routes in Collier County. For a comprehensive list of Gulf Coast cycling clubs, rides and routes go to FloridaCycling.us.
Event route maps can be found on the Iron Joe website. The routes go through low traffic neighborhoods, with many offering bike lanes and multi-use trails. The first few miles of the 10, 20, 40 and 62 mile routes roll through picturesque Lely Resort. There are also walk and run options.
Enjoy a light breakfast before you head out and refuel along the way at conveniently located event rest stops. AAA and local bike shops will be providing expert SAG support.
When you complete your ride and return to the start/finish at Eagle Lakes Community Park, a hearty lunch awaits catered by Jason’s Deli. Post-ride activities also include beer and other beverages, plus music. Plenty of shade and picnic tables in the park provide a nice setting to recover and enjoy the festivities.
This is a kid-friendly, family-friendly event.
There are 2.5 and 5 mile options for younger children that are ridden within the Eagle Lakes Park, for safety. If you have family visiting for Thanksgiving, check with them to see if they would like to join this event.
A few notices from the Iron Joe organizers.
Class 1 / pedal-assist e-bikes are welcome.
Helmets and closed-toe shoes are required for every rider.
A price increase is coming September 18, so you can save by registering before then.
The Iron Joe Ride supports the advocacy efforts of Naples Pathways Coalition. They champion three initiatives that are local and statewide.
A statewide initiative for Hands-Free Florida. Florida tops the charts for the most bicycle and pedestrian fatalities. The majority attributed to distracted driving. Hands-free means “Phone down, eyes up, no exceptions”. You can help by signing the petition on the Hands-Free Florida website.
A coalition to build the Paradise Coast Trail(PCT). PCT is a network of paved trails across Southwest Florida to connect with two regional trail systems: the Florida Gulf Coast Trail and the Collier County to Polk County Trail. When completed the PCT will be a 70-plus mile pathway for biking, running, and walking.
Making Naples and Collier County safer for cyclists and pedestrians alike with initiatives such as “Lights for Bikes”.
The Iron Joe Turkey Ride is for everyone who enjoys riding a bike, regardless of age or level of fitness. And it’s your way of investing in Florida cycling infrastructure, while also making roads safer for everyone.
Enjoy riding during this Labor Day weekend.
Ride often. Be safe.
Bruce
FloridaCycling.us provides a comprehensive list of other cycling events across Florida and surrounding states in the coming months.