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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Getaway Gainesville (DAY 1): Bike the Nature Coast State Trail (~25 miles r/t)
Nature Coast Trail, 23 SE 2 Ave, Chiefland, 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 Gainesville. However, if you do not want to spend the night, you can still sign up for each or any of the two days individually.
If you want to do both days, please sign up for both so we know whom to expect.
Gainesville offers several types of accommodations including some wonderful B&B's. If you are going for a hotel (as we do), we can highly recommend the modern Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown. Rooms are spacious, breakfast is included and you will be close to restaurants and bars. Current rates are $157 + tax.
Please book your accommodations early, you can always cancel if plans change (but please read the fine print of your choice).
DAY 1: Bike the Nature Coast State Trail (~25 miles r/t), explore Fanning Springs State Park, the historic Suwannee River Bridge and have lunch in Trenton
In the early 1900s, trains replaced the steamship as the freight and passenger carrier throughout the Suwannee River Valley. The historic route of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad now provides an excellent opportunity to experience Florida's beautiful Nature Coast region.
09:30 AM: Meet at Chiefland Trailhead located by the Chiefland Chamber of Commerce (23 SE 2 Ave, Chiefland, FL 32626)
We will ride 9.2 miles northwest until we reach Fanning Springs State Park (two dollar entrance fee per bicyclist). There, we will enjoy the stunning blue-green spring waters under ancient oaks on the historic Suwannee River. We will also check out the boardwalk and go on a short but relaxing 0.85 mile hike on the Palmetto Trail.
If you like, you can also bring along your swim wear. The spring is comfortable 72 degrees warm year-round.
Our next stop will be the historic Suwannee River Bridge, a short 3.9 mile bike ride from the State Park.
After a break on the bridge, we will ride 12. 3 miles back to the Trailhead in Chiefland. We should be back at the car by approximately 01:30 PM.
We will drive 10.9 miles or 14 minutes to our lunch venue in Trenton.
02:00 PM: Lunch at Green Barn Prime. The restaurant also offers a variety of non-meat items.
03:30 PM: We will drive 31 miles or approximately 45 minutes to our accommodation in Gainesville.
Those who would like to go for drinks and/or light dinner in Gainesville could meet at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, a short walk from the Hyatt Place.
Up to you when you want to call it a day. We will meet the next day at 09:00 AM for the DAY 2 event. This way, we all get a good night sleep and can enjoy a relaxed breakfast at our accommodation.
As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.33 attendees
Past events
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