Bike Florida
by Jim Hudnall (
jimhudnall@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 on 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
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1998
April 12 to April 18
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1999 April 4
to April 10
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Schedule | Share the Road | Camping | Rest Stops | the Final Night | Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage
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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.
 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. |
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Schedule | Share the Road | Camping | Rest Stops | the Final Night | Links to Other Bike Florida Sites | Homepage
Rest Stops
 are
a welcomed sight every 10 or 15 miles. Riders fuel up with Power Bars,
oranges, and Gatorade. Stops could be by water and palm trees
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. |
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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.
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The End of the Ride is a thrilling moment filled
with the pride of accomplishment.
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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 |
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