New Event Added - Fort De Soto Park – Sunset and (Almost) Full Moon Bike Ride
Details
We have added another ride in May while Chris and Petra are away. This is a ride either Chris or Joyce/Myself (Keith) have lead a couple of times previously. The actual full moon is on May 31st and this is a Blue Moon, as it is the second full moon in the month. In order to have a Sun Set and Full Moon Bike Ride, your need to have the Sun set time and the Moon rise time in close time proximity. Unfortunately the full moon is actually on May 31st, but the times don't work very well. Accordingly, we will have an Almost Full Moon Bike Ride on Saturday May 30th, when the moon brilliance is over 98%. Sun will set in Desoto at 8:21 pm and the moon will begin it's rise at 8:08pm, so we should see the moon shortly after sunset.
We will meet and park along Collany Road, which runs off the main road, Pinellas Bayway, on Tierra Verde. Do not park in the Billy's Stone Crab parking lot - park along the public road. We will
ride from there to Fort De Soto Park @ 10-12 mph, 20+ miles r/t. We will be primarily riding on trails at Fort De Soto Park, but there will be some riding on sidewalks and bike lanes on roads with light traffic. As always near the beach, we may run into sandy or wet stretches, so be prepared while riding.
Fort De Soto Park is the largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, consisting of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). We will make a couple of stops on the way, including views of the Sunshine Skyway, beaches and the historic Fort De Soto Military Batteries and Outpost. We will also allow time to stop for a snack / light dinner. There are no restaurants or shops on Fort DeSoto, so please bring a snack or light dinner with you.
We will be riding a few miles after sunset in the twilight, so please bring front and back lights for the ride.
What to bring: helmet, front and rear lights, bike lock, water; bright clothing.
Please be group-minded, allow for traffic and arrive at least 15 minutes before the ride starts, as we will start promptly. Rains or excessive winds may cause deferral or cancellation. Check back day of the event.