Naples FL, what's there?

Triathlon Forum
1

I am thinking of spending part of my vacation in Naples this year and was wondering if any locals could give me some input on things to do, see etc…

As I’m travelling in from Europe I thought I would take advantage of the weaker dollar and pick up a few things - what are the good tri stores around the Naples area?. I’m also thinking of avoiding my girlfriend’s shopping spree by getting myself tested (LT, VO2) and maybe even some swim technique analysis (ideally underwater footage - cause I’ve never had that done and think it would be cool). Can any ST’ers recommend any coaches (tri/swim) that would do the above?. I’ve looked online but can’t find anything.

Any input about Naples would be appreciated (and I do mean anything).

Thanks.

tom

2

I live in Naples and there are some good local triathletes here namely Joe Bonness. His wife sue posts here under the handle support crew you can private message her or she will probably reply to this thread as soon as she sees it.

Closest thing to a tri store is Clint’s bike shop off of 41 and vanderbilt beach rd. They sponsor Joe bonness. I do not go there much because it is far from where I live. I use another shop that is closer to wher I live for my basic wrench needs (Island Bike shop off of Rattlesnake Hammock).

The local traithlon club is the NATS (Naples Area Triathletes) http://www.naples.net/sports/nats/index.htm . I can not tell you much about this because I just joined last week. for the first 2 years that I lived in naples I did most of my training alone at 5 am due to reasons related to work and my marriage. Now I am divorced and I am tired of being the triathlon loner of Naples and I am going to learn more about what the locl community has to offer.

The best pool in the area is the community school pool whic his run through the YMCA. It’s hours are weird because of the school. the Golden gate Pool is fine too for only $3/day guest pass but their hours suck (10 am to 7 pm). Swimming in the gulf is always good as well.

I know of no testing options that you mention in Naples itself. I wold think that the closeest available might be on the east coast.

3

Great. Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

tom

4

My Brother-in-law lives in Naples and talk about expensive! I think it’s probably more expensive than the bay area.(san fran)

Have a great vacation, just wanted to give you a heads up on the fact that it’s very pricey there.

Trae

5

We have testing available at the NTC in Clermont - It is about a 3 hour drive north of Naples in Central Florida. You could plan a 2-3 day trip up here for training (great hills) and testing. Go to www.usantc.com for information on the center and our sports science department. Z

6

WOW, how cool is that place!? Especially the Swim Force Stroke Analysis!! - didn’t even know they could do that.

Unfortunately it looks like I’ll only be in Naples for 7days so 2-3 days away doesn’t really fit in with our plans - maybe I can get up there for a day. Hmmmm.

Oh, I live in Switzerland, about 1 hour from the Alps so if anything I’ll be wanting a break from hills :).

Thanks again for the great link!.

tom

7

Come on up to the NTC for the day - the swim stroke takes about 2 hours - VO2 about 2-3 hours - bike fit about 2 hours.
We have one of your fellow countrymen coming next week to train with us - she’s won Ironman 4 times and will compete in the Florida 1/2 Ironman! Z

8

The trip to Clermont is definitely worth it. The NTC is state of the art and in a great area for riding (hills in Florida, who knew?).

I just flew in to Naples last night from the Illadelph to get a little ‘acclimated’ for the Disney 1/2 next week. If you want to get together and swim or anything, PM me, I do just about all of my training alone here.

But you can’t beat swimming outdoors.

As for things to do, I can’t speak to that as well as SupporCrew can, but let me tell you, the Cheesecake Factory is niiiiiice. And if you see a Plymoth with “IronJoe” on it, don’t chase it like I did, just let it go, he knows you know…if you know what I mean.

e

9

If you are wanting a break from hills Naples is the place. Probably the flatest place on earth.

10

3 hour drive to clermont. Wow you need to hit it right to get that. I-75 and I-4 are arguably the worst roads in the state.

I have tried some of the backroad routes and with all of the 2 lane roads, stop lights and small towns with 35 mph speed limits I have not found those to be any faster.

When I first moved to Naples from Orlando I made that trip frequently while I fixed up my house trying to sell it. There were times that I sat on I-4 for an hour or more in the same spot.