About us
We are an active outdoor group that loves to bike and hike. Our team has several years of experience hosting events. The events are welcoming and inclusive, it will be easy to make like-minded friends.
To be able to participate in any of our events, we kindly ask you to sign our waiver and release (see section at the end) and pay an annual nominal fee of $20 at the end of your two week free trial period. The good news is, that you only have to set up payment once. It will be automatically renewed every year but you can cancel any time by leaving the group.
Our recreational bike rides range from 10 to 60 miles in distance at an average speed of 10 to 14 mph. They might include breakfast or lunch. Our hikes range from 5 to 13 miles in length and are generally casual in nature. Occasionally we mix bike rides and hikes.
From time to time we will post other outdoor events, in particular during the hot summer months.
OUR POLICIES
We are not a big fan of many rules, we just love the outdoors and want to have fun. But please be respectful of your fellow members and those who organize and host events. Your hosts are volunteers and not professionals. Make sure they'll get your full support and arrive on time.
For liability reasons we don't allow guests. However, everyone is welcome to join our group and sign the waiver with the full legal name.
Our events are generally open to everyone in our group but occasionally we might have to limit its size. Always be aware of your capabilities when you sign up for an event.
It is important that you let your event hosts know in advance if you can't make it although you signed up. This will be in particular necessary when we have a waitlist. Frequent no-shows are not cool and won't be accepted, it's just not fair.
Our bike rides differ in length and speed. Please always check the event description and make sure you check your bike before the event. Tire pressure, battery charge, brakes etc. should be efficient and fully functioning.
We highly recommend that you wear a helmet on our bike rides. Accidents happen and you might get hurt. If you decide to participate without a helmet, you will do so at your own risk and cannot hold anyone responsible.
Hikes in Florida can be challenging although the terrain is flat. The biggest risks are dehydration and exhaustion. Just make sure you carry sufficient water and sun protection.
With that all said, have fun and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people.
OUR WAIVER AND RELEASE
This Waiver and Release is applicable to all members of our "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" group.
By joining our group and undersigning our waiver with the full legal name, all members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" acknowledge that by registering and participating at any of our events they do it voluntarily and fully assume all risk of injury, illness, damage or loss of personal property. This is in particular true when riding the bike without a helmet.
All members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" must abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe manner.
The "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" organizer, co-organizers and event organizers are volunteers and not trained or professional guides. It is the full responsibility of each event participant to make sure the event is suitable based on the physical condition, personal skill and necessary equipment.
All members acknowledge that "SWFL Bikes and Hikes", their organizer, co-organizers, event organizers as well as their families and other participants cannot be held liable for any of the risks mentioned above. This release extends to any of the members' representatives, executors or heirs.
Upcoming events
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Documentary: From Rails to Trails - Link enclosed - Watch anytime
Location not specified yetOur friends from Tampa Bay Cycling posted about this documentary, we would like to share it with all of you!
PBS is showing a documentary by filmmaker Dan Protess about the most unlikely social movements in American history: the struggle to convert thousands of miles of abandoned railroads into trails for cycling and walking. The story is narrated by Edward Norton, the famous actor, producer and screenwriter.
You can watch the documentary until April 2026 by clicking on the link:
Documentary From Rails to Trails
Have fun!2 attendees
Bike & Hike: Explore the other side of Tarpon Springs (22 miles r/t) & Lunch
Wall Springs Park, 3725 DeSoto Blvd, Palm Harbor, FL, USLet's meet at Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor shortly before 08:00 AM so we can leave on time. There will be plenty of parking and restrooms.
As a start, we will ride the loop through the park with its observation deck and tower. It will be followed by the trail that runs parallel to the park which allows views over Klosterman Bayou.
After our return to the parking lot we will hit the Pinellas Trail until we reach downtown Tarpon Springs. From there we will head over to Tarpon Springs Bayou and meander through several neighborhoods. Along the way we will discover Withcomb Bayou, Kreamer Bayou, Sunset Lagoon, and Fred Howard Park.
At Fred Howard Park we will leave our bikes and go on a 3 mile hike (r/t) along the scenic Howard Park Causeway to Howard Park Beach where we will take a break (see photo).
After our hike, we will continue riding our bikes to Sunset Beach and return via Spring Bayou to the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs.
By then we will be hungry and ride over to our favorite restaurant with its large outdoor seating named Mama's Greek Cuisine. Food is always tasty, they allow reservations and service is great.
We expect to be there by 1:00 PM to leave plenty of time for discovery along the way. As it is a Sunday, it is fair to assume that the place will be busy. Please be patient and be nice to the waitress.
WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE A RESTAURANT RESERVATION! PLEASE LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE IF YOU WANT TO JOIN US FOR LUNCH. FIRM ANSWERS ONLY PLEASE, IF YOU ARE NOT SURE DON'T SAY "YES".
After lunch we will head back to Wall Springs Park.
This is supposed to be a social event and no race. We will ride casually at 10 - 12 mph and will make several stops along the way. The ride, hike and/or lunch might take longer than expected, so please don't schedule anything thereafter. If you are time constraint, you will be on your own.
Make sure you will carry plenty of water (ideally with electrolytes), protect yourself from the sun and check your bike before the ride. A bike lock is essential.
As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.25 attendees
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