
What we’re about
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 within your two week free trial period. The good news is that you only have to set up payment once. It will be automatically renewed. You can however cancel automatic renewal at any time.
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 6 to 13 miles in length and are generally casual in nature. We might occassionally mix bike rides and hikes.
From time to time we might 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 events' description and make sure you checked your bikes 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 can't 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 responsiblity 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 can not 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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Discover Gasparilla Island by Bike (Including Lunch)
Gasparilla Island, Peekins Cove Drive, Placida, FL, USThe year would not be complete without this one. Join us for a casual 15 mile bike ride on Gasparilla Island.
PARKING FOR THIS EVENT HAS CHANGED!! PLEASE PARK YOUR CAR NOW ALONG PEEKINS COVE DRIVE (PARKING BEHIND THE BOCA GRANDE HOTEL OR ON THE ROAD TO THE PIER IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE)
The first 7.5 miles will take us on a paved bike path (a former rail track) to the other end of the island. Along the way, we will pass through the historic town of Boca Grande and make a stop at the picturesque Banyan Street.
We will make a quick stop at the Historic Gasparilla Island Lighthouse and continue our way to the Gasparilla Island State Park where we will check out the beach and another historic lighthouse.
On our return to the town of Boca Grande, we will make a short detour along a yacht harbor and the historic Gasparilla Inn & Club (see picture).
Christmas decoration should be up by then!
At around 12:30 pm, we will have a casual lunch at the Italian Restaurant Sisters (outdoor seating; they have sandwiches, salads, pizza etc., all reasonably prized). We will have to make a reservation, so please tell us if you want to join us for lunch.
After lunch, we can walk around town if interested, check out the historic hotel or return immediately the same way we came until we reach the parking lot.
This will be a social event, so if you are time constraint the event might not be the right one for you.
As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.36 attendees
Bike & Discover Lakewood Ranch (20 miles r/t) + Visit Sunday Market
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL, USLet's enjoy the first day of winter...
Join us for a casual bike ride and explore some parts Lakewood Ranch including the Sunday Market. We will ride around 20 miles r/t. at 10 - 12 mph with several stops along the way.
On our ride we will pass through several quiet and green neighborhoods, some of those are not accessible by car if you do not reside in the area.
Our destination will be Waterside, the new development with shops, restaurants, parks and more.
Sunday is Market Day at Waterside! We will stop for a while and walk through the market. Don't forget to bring along a backpack in case you want to shop for anything! You might want to pre-order at Bread Bandits and pick up the items at the stand.
After about 45 minutes at the market we will return a different way back to the meeting point.
This is supposed to be a social event and no race, so please have sufficient time and do not schedule anything right after.
Please carry sufficient water, sunscreen and check your bikes before the ride. A bike lock would be great!
You can always reach us at (917) 774-0941 if you have questions or need directions.28 attendees
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
Past events
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