Tampa Bay Cycling Meetup and Facebook Group

Bike with a/c-Beat the heat - free spin class No cars, no redlights, no flat tires, no sunburn, let's bike with music and a cheerleader motivator to keep us moving. A change of pace for the hottest days. Maybe a swim after in the pool.

Ride as fast as you want (well, unless you’re like me, and are limited to only as fast as you can, not as fast as you want to be able to), up to 26 miles. It’s an out and back, almost guaranteed to have wind in your face one of the two, where you are allowed to ‘break away’ the whole entire ride. Yes, sometimes there’s someone near your speed and you can draft each other, and sometimes similar speeds gaggle up, but also possibly you’ll ride unescorted. No one could ride as slow as i did last time i signed up for this ride, so there’s no need to be embarrassed. Heck, I didn’t even ride the full 26 miles, but turned around at the top of the Bridge of Doom.

It’s not a competition, it’s not a race, it’s just a chance to burn the carbon out on a supported ride. When i host, i sweep, and no one gets left alone out there. If you cramp up or flatten a tire, eventually i’ll be there to either watch you writhe in pain or listen to U swear at your spare tube. (-;

Socially, the ride itself leaves a lot to be desired, but surely U noticed the title, Taco Tuesday. After the ride we all go to BarFly and most of us choose the Taco Tuesday special options. Great tacos, decent price, and because it’s not part of the ride, we can drink cold, refreshing, calorie-replenishing, beer. Or wine or cocktails or iced tea or water. And at that point it doesn’t matter how fast U did or didn’t go, it’s just fun to hang out with other bicyclists post-ride.

We start in Safety Harbor, and when they finish remodeling the marina, we’ll meet at the bathrooms there. But during remodeling we meet at the fountains with all the sculptured birds at the turn-in to the marina. Then down along Bayshore to 60 (Gulf To Bay) and left along the Courtney Campbell Causeway for its full length. When we get to the Grand Hyatt driveway, we take a left under Route 60 and follow the bike path to SkyWay Park for restrooms and water fountains. That’s halfway, and all U have to do is pedal back.

Helmets are required, as is a reasonable expectation that U are physically capable of doing the pace and distance U choose to do. Please also be prepared to deal with typical bike maintenance issues along the way, especially flat tires. Politeness and courtesy in riding is required, too, especially since there are often a significant number of people along the CCC between the bridge and the hotel. Any and all Tampa Bay Cycling Meetup rules and restrictions that i didn’t mention are still applicable, too.

Please check back on this meetup event page for any changes due to weather

Start your day off right with an early morning ride with two big bridge crossings! And if you want to do more than the posted 16-19mph, there are breakaway opportunities to do so, if you know the routes.

PLEASE NOTE: The route takes us along Gulf Blvd and other roadways, so if you are uncomfortable riding on streets, please choose another ride to participate in.

This is now a no-drop, no-sleep, 25 mile ride with rolling speeds of 16-19mph. It starts at 5:30am SHARP, because some of us work right after the ride. The ride will start from 102 Ave N in Seminole, in the parking lot right next to the Pinellas Trail.

Please note the 5:30am start time! It will be dark at the start of this ride, make sure you have a working headlight and taillight. If you do not, for safety reasons, you will not be allowed to participate.

WHAT TO BRING:
1. Spare Tube (flat tire fixings)
2. Helmet (REQUIRED)
3. Front and Rear Lights (CHARGED and ready to ride)
4. Bright Clothing
5. Fluids
6. Pump (if you didn't pump your tires before you left the house)

Please be considerate of the group and arrive 15 minutes before the ride starts. We will leave promptly at 5:30am.

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION

By registering and participating in this or any of our future meetups, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following statement:

I understand that the activities herein involve certain dangers and risks which I am prepared to fully assume for myself and all children accompanying me. I will abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe and prudent manner. In addition, I agree to waive all claims which I, or any member of my family, or my heirs, executors or assigns, may have against this meetup or its agents for damages or injury sustained as the result of participating in the physical activity.

We are volunteers, not professional hosts, leaders, medical personnel, cartographers, weather forecasters or mechanics, just folks who enjoy group rides with like minded peers :) . You are totally responsible for your own equipment, personal skill level, health, personal safety and decisions.

Please stay home if your bike isn't up to date or your health is sketchy. Even if you think it is allergies, please ride solo or stay home. Just regular coughing may alarm the other riders.

We in our sole discretion may choose whom to accept or remove from this meetup group.

No shows, negative or adversarial comments, posts or actions will result in removal and banning of the offending party.