Bike Florida
by Jim Hudnall ( jim@ohbike.org )
Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club

1999 was the sixth annual Bike Florida ride, now sponsored by the Governor's Physical Fitness Council and  Bike Florida, Inc., a non-profit organization established to promote safe bicycling in the state of Florida. This is a recreational ride across the state from the Atlantic to the Gulf. Several hundred riders of all ages enjoy the ride on lightly traveled back roads of Central Florida. My wife Jane and I enjoyed Bike Florida in 1997, '98, and '99.

Schedule  |  Share the Road  |  Camping  |  Rest Stops | the Final Night  |  Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage

1997    March 30 to April 5
 
Start St. Augustine
Day 1 Green Cove Springs
40
Day 2 Keystone Heights
34
Day 3 Gainesville
36
Day 4 Chiefland
55
Day 5 Cedar Key
30
Day 6 Gainesville
65
total  mileage
260
1998    April 12 to April 18
 
Start Fernandina Beach
Day 1 Baldwin
62
Day 2 Lake City
59
Day 3 Live Oak
60
Day 4 Madison
45
Day 5 Monticello
45
Day 6 Tallahassee
64
total  mileage
346
1999    April 4 to April 10
 
Start Daytona Beach
Day 1 Deland
40
Day 2 Mount Dora
40
Day 3 Inverness
60
Day 4 Crystal River
40
Day 5 Belleview
60
Day 6 Gainesville
60
total  mileage
300


   

Schedule  | Share the Road  |  Camping  |  Rest Stops | the Final Night  |  Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage

Share the Road Share the Road has become the motto of Bike Florida and is on the back of the safety vest that all riders are asked to wear. On the Road (25K jpg)Sharing the road is usually no problem, as the routes are chosen to follow scenic backroads with very little traffic.  Where the traffic might be a problem, the local police were out to see the riders safely through. Crossing the Green River on a long, narrow bridge on a windy day was no problem with a police escort.


 
 

Schedule  |  Share the Road  |  Camping  |  Rest Stops | the Final Night  |  Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage

Camping is the overnight choice for most, although a few choose nearby motels. Early in the afternoon, football fields or school yards are covered with tents of all shapes and colors. Some campers just toss their sleeping bags on the floor of the school gymnasium. Camping on a Football FieldCamping on a School Field
In the Tent In the Gym In the Gym


 
 

Schedule  |  Share the Road  |  Camping  |  Rest Stops | the Final Night  |  Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage

Rest Stops Eating Oranges at a Rest Stopare a welcomed sight every  10 or 15 miles. Riders fuel up with Power Bars, oranges, and Gatorade.  Stops could be by water and palm treesRest Stop or off the trail in a cypress swamp.   One of the favorite rest stops was at the very scenic Suwannee River Park on the river memorialized by Stephen Foster. A rest stop is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the surrounding, and a chance to meet and chat with new cycling friends.
Suwanee Suwanee River Suwanee River


 
 

Schedule  |  Share the Road  |  Camping  |  Rest Stops | the Final Night  |  Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage


The Final Night is always memorable on a multi-day ride. First is the group picture. Then is supper together with friends, a chance to look back over the week.

The Dinner Table

Cedar Key - The Last Night '97
Bike Florida 1997 at Cedar Key

 The End of the Ride is a thrilling moment filled with the pride of accomplishment.The End of the Ride

Monticello - The Last Night '98
Bike Florida 1998 at Monticello

 

Schedule  |  Share the Road  |  Camping  |  Rest Stops | the Final Night  |  Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage

Links related to Bike Florida

Bike Florida  information, schedules, meals, lodging, cost, and registration form.

Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. An organization to promote the interests of bicyclists in Florida through education and advocacy.
March 25, 1999
url: http://ohbike.org/trips/florida/index.html
home page: Oxon Hill Bicycle & Trail Club
e-mail to: info@ohbike.org		 Top of Page
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