Saturday, St Pete Bicycle Club Ride:

This ride leaves from North Shore Pool at 8:30 on Saturday morning and caters to all skill levels and multiple distances. The St Pete bike club coordinates the ride and they are happy to assist new riders. The 'training Ride' is for skilled riders/racers and whips through the scenic roads of south St Pete and Ft Desoto at 25 to 30 MPH, so hang on!

I've been riding this ride for over 10 years and haven't been killed yet, so I call that a successful adventure. -LKR

Saturday, Greco Ride:

    A 50 mile ride beginning at 7:00 a.m. at Greco Middle School on Fowler Ave. midway between MOSI and I75.  A lot of local racers attend this ride so there are between 20 and 60 people, depending on whether it is a race weekend or not. The ride goes north through Plant City and the pace varies between fast and very fast, with lots of turns and even a few hills at the end.   

Saturday, Gaither Ride:

    This is a 40 mile ride leaving from the parking lot behind Lifestyle's Family Fitness on North Dale Mabry at 8:00 during the winter and 7:30 during the summer. You will find out the date of the time change when you are either very early or very late for the ride. The ride takes off together but usually breaks into three groups of varying skill levels. The people are very nice and there is usually a group that adds a 20 mile extension, which includes a leisurely stop at Starbucks.      

Sunday, San Antonio Hill Ride:

    One of the few Florida locations other than Clermont, North Florida and highway over-passes to train on rolling hills. This is a beautiful and fast ride, definitely a must do when in the area. Riders can opt to do 36, 48, 61 or more miles, with stops at different convenient stores for drinks and 'support'.  The Sunday ride begins at 8:15, which puts the temperature at the end of the longer rides somewhere between the 90 s with 100% humidity and physically on fire.

Best Bet for newbies, get a map at SanAnn Cycle so you don t end up in Gainesville. - LKR