
What we’re about
Our Tampa Bay Cycling meetup group is targeted for Tampa Bay area cyclists interested in joining together to enjoy biking in the Tampa Bay area. We offer multiple biking speed classes, some shorter introductory group rides averaging from 10 to 12 mph, some rides 12 to 14, and others that are 15 to 18 mph. We are adding leaders for some even faster rides. Please check each meetup for specifics on the average speed anticipated for the bike ride. Most of our rides are as a social, relaxed, but supportive group, in other words no paceline, and trash talking. As we add faster rides some may have a paceline, read the ride description.
Negative or adversarial comments, posts or actions will result in removal and banning of the offending party.
Helmets are required, lights are heavily suggested, and participation is at your own risk, a waiver may be required which leader will bring to ride.
Our founder Patrick Hodgson, started this biking group (originally as Pinellas Pedalers) to meet other cycling enthusiasts and looking forward to exploring the many trails and safe bicycling roads in the area. Although all cyclists of all levels are welcome to join in, our rides will be from 10-90 miles, with most around 20 to 50 miles, and on occasion, a century ride.
We also like to get some of the members to join together to form a team to ride in the various charity events around the state of Florida.
All of our rides are posted on meetup. https://www.meetup.com/Tampa-Bay-Cycling/events/
We at Tampa Bay Cycling do not charge dues.
BY JOINING OUR Tampa Bay Cycling MEETUP GROUP YOU AGREE TO OUR
TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
By registering and participating in this meetup, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following statement:
I understand that bicycling and other activities herein involve certain dangers and risks which I am prepared to fully assume for myself and all children accompanying me. I will abide by all traffic laws and regulations and agree to bicycle in a safe and prudent manner. In addition, I agree to waive all claims which I, or any member of my family, or my heirs, executors or assigns, may have against this meetup or its agents for damages or injury sustained as the result of participating in the physical activity here or in the future with the group.
The ride leader may have a release for me to sign.
We are volunteers, not professional hosts, leaders, medical personnel or mechanics, just folks who enjoy group rides with like minded peers :) . You are totally responsible for your own bike, personal skill level, personal safety and decisions.
If you want post a ride let Paul Schlimme, Patrick Hodgson, or Kevin Crocco know and we will make you a host.
Please join our 8500+ member FACEBOOK group too,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TampaBayCycling/
Want to kayak, paddleboard, hike, or ?? Check out Fun Outdoor Adventures - formerly FiftyPlus Explorers (Tampa, FL) | Meetup
For multi-day fun bike trips check out Fun Bike Trips - Any Town USA - One Day or Multi-day (Tampa, FL) | Meetup
Our 13000+ member group of rails to trails biking peeps USA Rails to Trails Facebook group, Rails To Trails Bike Trips | Facebook
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Read, Ride, Repeat (a Book Club for Cyclists): Duke to John Chestnut ParkTHE MIRAGE RESTAURANT, Clearwater, FL
August's Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The ride: We'll ride from the parking lot at the Mirage Restaurant (2284 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33765) to John Chestnut Park via the Duke Energy, Ream Wilson, and Pinellas trails. The Pinellas Trail North Gap - Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal Bridge is open, so this will be 100% trail riding with road crossings. It will be hot and humid with periods of shade. Please bring what you need to stay hydrated. We will take a break at John Chestnut Park before returning to the start. There are restrooms at John Chestnut and along the route, but not at the restaurant before the ride.
The Restaurant: After reading The Lion Women of Tehran, we decided to check out the Mirage, a Persian restaurant in Clearwater that serves many of the dishes we vicariously enjoyed while reading last month's novel. The restaurant does not open until 11 a.m., we all want to avoid the blazing August heat, and Outspokin Bicycles is conveniently located across from the Mirage. So, we're riding early and hanging out at Outspokin to drool over the merchandise until the restaurant opens. We have reservations for 11:00. If you are not riding but wish to join us at the restaurant, please let me know so I can adjust the reservation.
The Details:
Meet @ 7:45 in the parking lot at the Mirage Restaurant (2284 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33765)
Roll at 8:00.
Ride distance: about 25 miles
Rolling speed: 12-15 mph
This route is 100% trail riding with road crossings. Sections of the trail have no shade. There are restrooms along the way and at John Chestnut Park where we will take a break before returning to the restaurant.The Great Gatsby turned 100 years old this year. Maureen Corrigan of NPR's Fresh Air, reviews the novel, highlighting how topics such as excess, immigration, racism, women's liberation, and social class and social mobility continue to be relevant today.
Here is a synopsis from Sparknotes: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was published in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and social change in the United States. Set in the summer of 1922, the novel unfolds in the fictional town of West Egg on Long Island and follows the life of Nick Carraway. Nick, the narrator, becomes entangled in the lives of his cousin, Daisy Buchanan, and his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a wealthy and enigmatic man known for his extravagant parties and his unrequited love for Daisy. The novel explores themes of wealth and class, with Gatsby’s pursuit of success and love serving as a symbol of the elusive and often unattainable nature of the American Dream.
The story is layered with symbolism and explores the moral and social decay hidden beneath the surface of the glittering Jazz Age. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the excesses and moral bankruptcy of the era offers a critique of the American society of his time. The Great Gatsby remains relevant today as a commentary on the pursuit of wealth and the corruption of the American Dream. Significant film adaptations include the 1974 film starring Robert Redford as Gatsby and the 2013 adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. These adaptations—along with the endless memes inspired by the 2013 version—have contributed to the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.
About Read, Ride, Repeat:
Every 4-6 weeks we meet, ride, then relax at a restaurant or cafe and discuss the book. Before we wrap up, we pick our next book, route, and date. You are welcome to join us if you don't read the book. Life happens. Ride anyway :)The Safety Stuff:
You must wear a helmet and exhibit safe riding. Cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as drivers. Be prepared with water & a spare tube/flat kit.THE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION: By registering and participating in this or any of our future meetups, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following statement. I understand that the activities herein involve certain dangers and risks which I am prepared to fully assume for myself. I will abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe and prudent manner. In addition, I agree to waive all claims which I, or any member of my family, or my heirs, executors or assigns, may have against this meetup or it’s agents for damages or injury sustained in the physical activity.
- Join our 8450 member Facebook group and invite your friends to it!Link visible for attendees
Join our Facebook group and invite your friends to it!
(Not an actual meetup)Details
We made a facebook group because we want to reach out to the people that aren't part of meetup. Feel free to join and also add any of your friends that might want to get in on these biking events. Hopefully this will be a good way to make our group a more connected place. Our group is growing and we're adapting to make it the best it can possibly be.Amazingly TampaBayCycling has over 8400 members on facebook!
Here's the link!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TampaBayCycling/Interested in multi-day bike trips? Check out https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/ on Meetup
or to see rails to trails bike trips and 13000 other members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/railstotrailsbiketrips***
Do you want information as we add biking or kayaking multiple day events? Sign up below to get first offerings. Not all will be posted on meetup due to limited group size.
We anticipate no more than 14 emails a year.
For Biking Tours Sign up at this Fun Biking LINK
Finally check out Tampa Bay Kayaking and Paddling Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/tampabaykayakingandpaddling