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
82
Bike & Hike Getaway (Day 1): Hike in Withlacoochee State Forest - Croom C Loop
Croom Trail Head, 26416 County Rd 480 W, Brooksville, FL, USPLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EVENT DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!
This getaway is supposed to be a social event and involves an overnight stay in Inverness. However, if you do not want to spend the night in a hotel, you can still sign up for each or any of the two days individually.
If you want to do both days, please sign up on both so that we know whom to expect.Day 1: Hike the Croom C Loop within the Withlacoochee State Forest
(bring along a picnic!)A day pass for the State Forest will be $ 2.00 per Person and can only be bought online at DAY PASS. (scroll down towards the middle of the page)
10:00 AM: Let's meet at the Tucker Hill Trailhead (26416 County Rd 480 W, Brooksville, FL 34601). Restrooms will be available.
Croom is named after a nearby ghost town that existed on the banks of the forest’s namesake river. We will casually hike the C Loop, one of the popular trails in the forest. This is a great hike that is unique to most Florida trails due to the nearly 400 feet elevation gain. If we are lucky, we might already see a couple of wildflowers along the way.
Total length will be 7.2 miles. However, we will take a couple of breaks and even have a little picnic. Please bring your own food.
02:00 PM: Because it will be too early for check-in at our motel, we will drive for about 30 minutes (26 miles) to the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum in Inverness. The Museum will be open until 04:00 PM and is free.
It offers three stimulating exhibitions on the first floor that explore 12,000 years of Citrus County and Florida history. Traveling and special temporary exhibits are scheduled throughout the year. The beautifully restored courtroom on the second floor is also available to all visitors.
After the museum visit we can explore the small but picturesque historic downtown of Inverness and maybe go for a drink at Stumpknockers or ice cream at Ally J's Ice Cream.
04:30 PM: A short 5 minute drive will get us to our accommodation.
We will stay at Central Motel (721 US Hwy 41 S), a simple but very popular, reasonably prized and clean motel. Please book your room as soon as possible. We will get a special, discounted rate of $ 109 plus tax per room. You will have to mention our group name SWFL Bikes and Hikes when you make the reservation at (352) 726-4515.
The motel has a small pool area and a wonderful breakfast place right next to it. Breakfast won't be included but you will get a discount if you stay at the motel.Of course, there are other accommodations in the area but they might involve some driving.
06:30 PM: After check-in, some freshen up and relaxation, we will meet at the pool area and walk over for dinner to Cedar River Seafood. Last time we were there food was delicious.
After dinner, we will call it a day and hopefully get some good night sleep.
On Day 2 of our getaway, we will start our bike ride at 10:00 AM in Floral City. This will give us enough time to enjoy the delicious breakfast at Central Café & Bakery next door to the motel. They open at 08:00 AM.
As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.
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