New Jersey Audubon associate naturalists Fred Beyer and Phil Zimmerman are avid cyclists and big fans of the beauty of Cape Island. What better way to combine the two and share their enthusiasm with others than Cycling the Southern Cape, a leisurely 12-mile cycling tour of the island’s beautiful open spaces.
The bike tour departs the Nature Center of Cape May every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. now through Aug. 27. Cycling the Southern Cape encompasses Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, Cape Island Creek, and scenic back roads resplendent with vistas of wildflowers and roadside vegetable stands.
Phil Zimmerman said, “What I think is unique about the tour is that it somewhat by-passes the traditional Cape May that most folks are familiar with and focuses on more or less the rural Cape May that most folks are not familiar with. When we cruise by the Beanery on Bayshore Road, for example, and mention that West Cape May was once a huge Lima Bean producer, that always seems to surprise people.”
Zimmerman confesses that his favorite part of the tour is the ride through Cape May Point to the lighthouse. “Where else can you see a cement ship?”
Fred Beyer’s specialty is the history of Cape May Harbor. He also leads a short nature walk at Higbee Beach as a part of the tour.
Although Zimmerman and Beyer had never met before becoming co-leaders of the tour last summer, casual conversation soon revealed the two men had more in common than they realized. They grew up on the same Philadelphia street, only two blocks apart. Fred mentioned that he had his first date at their neighborhood movie theatre as a 12-year-old. His date? Turns out it was Phil Zimmerman’s sister Diane.
Cycling the Southern Cape tours are suitable for all ages. Participants may bring their own bicycles, or rent them from nearby bicycle rental shops. Riders should bring helmets, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
The program fee is $10 for adults and $7 for children ages three to 12. For New Jersey Audubon members, $8 for adults and $5 for children three to 12. Under three, free.
The Nature Center of Cape May is located at 1600 Delaware Avenue, in Cape May.
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