Organized Group Rides and Informal Group Rides in Tampa Bay

Various cycling clubs in the Tampa Bay area offer formal group rides almost every day of the week. These group rides are often divided into different pace groups that suit riders of various abilities. Official club rides usually have a few leaders up front in each pace group to set the pace with a sweep at the end to catch any rider that fall behind. Each club has its own dynamics so be sure to inquire about whether rides are non-drop rides if you are concerned about being dropped and are not familiar with the route. Cyclists often get together among themselves for informal group rides as well. In addition, bike shops often organizes group rides starting from the shops. Check with the bike shops in the Tampa Bay area for more details. Whether you are riding in a group or by yourself, although not required by laws unless you are under the age of 16, you should always wear a helmet for your own safety. Official club rides often REQUIRED helmet. These rides start promptly so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to rollout time to properly set up your bike and put on your bike gear. Riders do not wait!!!

 

Suncoast Cycling
Chainwheel Drive
at Palm Harbor
Saturdays - 8:00 am

info2006@suncoastcycling.com
727-782-CYCL (2925)

A&B Rides
C Ride

Suncoast Cycling
San Antonio
1st Saturday of the month -
8:00 am

info2006@suncoastcycling.com
727-782-CYCL (2925)

Suncoast Cycling
Publix at Dunedin
Curlew and Alt 19
Saturdays - 8:30 am

info2006@suncoastcycling.com
727-782-CYCL (2925)

TB Freewheelers
Lifestyle Family Fitness
Mapledale & Dale Mabry
Saturdays
7:15 am May thru Sept
7:45 am Oct thru Apr

Dick Johnson
813-238-2464

TB Freewheelers
7-11 at Riverview
corner of Fishhawk/Boyette/Bell Shoals
Tuesdays - sunrise

TB Freewheelers
Various
Sundays - various times

St. Pete Bicycle Club
North Shore Pool parking lot
St. Petersburg
Saturdays - 8:30 am

St. Pete Bicycle Club
North Shore Pool parking lot
St. Petersburg
Tues, Wed & Thurs - 7:00 am

Tues & Wed - 20 miles

Thurs - 30 miles

St. Pete Bicycle Club
North Shore Pool parking lot
St. Petersburg
Mon - Fri - 8:30 am

Mon, Thurs - 30 miles

Tues, Wed & Fri - 18 miles

Tues, Wed & Fri - 20 miles

Mon, Thurs
18 - 22 mph

Tues, Wed & Fri
20 - 23 mph

Tues, Wed & Fri
20 - 27 mph

St. Pete Bicycle Club
St. Petersburg Main Library
9th Ave & 37th St N.
Sundays - 8:30 am

Advanced - 40 miles to Clearwater Bch & back

Intermediate & casual - various destinations

Advanced
24 - 26 mph

Intermediate
16 - 20 mph

Casual
14 - 16 mph

SWAMP Club
Hole in the Fence
Morris bridge road dirt parking area directly across from Trout Creek Park entrance
Tuesdays - March thru Nov
6:00 pm

SWAMP Club
Flatwoods Park, Morris Bridge Road entrance
Tuesdays - Nov thru March
6:25 pm - LIGHTS REQUIRED
$3 - $5 per ride to cover park expenses

Informal ride
Greco Middle School
Sweetbay at end of Busch Blvd
Saturdays - 7:00 am

USF Cycling Team
Univ of South Florida, Tampa Campus
Sundays - 8:00 am

Informal ride
Davis Islands, South Tampa
Tues & Thurs - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Kris Greene Cycles
Davis Islands, South Tampa
Mon & Wed - 6:15 pm

e-mail or call Tammy or Kris Greene to be sure there is a ride
ktgreene2001@aol.com
813-376-4671

Kris Greene Cycles
Flatwoods Park
Tues & Thurs - 6:00 pm

A ride -
18-19mph Lap 1;
22-23mph Lap 2;
24+ mph Lap 3
B ride -
18-19mph Lap 1;
20-21mph Lap 2;
22-23mph Lap 3

Informal ride
"Mommy" ride
Gandy bridge - Tampa side
Mon, Wed & Fri - 8:30 am

Informal ride
Panera Bread Ride
2928 W Bay Drive
Belleair Bluffs
Sat - 7:30 am

Call Ed Collins for more details
813-495-3115

Additional info, click here

5m family ride

10m around Seminole Heights

20m into Davis Island and back

Contact the club thru their website

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Personal Cycling Coaching

Simon Says Cycling

Simon Kessler started racing when he was 12 years old and has been a competitive and career cyclist for 20 years while riding as a professional for 6 years. He has had 28 professional wins as well as making the French and South African national teams. He also won 2 pro national titles during his professional career. Simon is a USA Cycling certified coach and has coached many cyclists who went on to win many national races and participate in international races. Simon has translated his enthusiasm and experience in cycling into Simon Says Cycling. Simon Says Cycling offers various monthly packages to cyclists who demand the utmost attention from their coach. Coaching packages include phone and e-mail communications with Simon and monitoring of training plan. Simon also offers training plans to cyclists from beginning to advanced level at a fraction of the price of coaching packages. Training plans are a great way to provide structure and focus to your training. There are also training sessions where Simon is present to give you a specific workout to help you improve your fitness and cycling skills. These sessions are available for individuals or groups of 3 or more and they are held in the headquarters in New Tampa. There are also cycling camps and cycling tours to various international destinations such as France, Spain and Italy. The company also organizes a Tour de France trip.

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Beginning Cyclists

If you are new into cycling, get ready to have the greatest time of your life!! Cycling is a great calories burning activity that is low impact and fun. Cycling is more of a social sport compared to running or swimming. Have you tried running and talking or swimming and talking at the same time? Not so comfortable, right? Before you head out the great outdoor, let's make sure you have the proper gear and a thorough understanding of the Florida Bicycle Laws. Local bike shops are resources when looking for the proper gear since most working at bike shops are cyclists themselves. They have been in your shoes when they were new to cycling and can offer great advice from gear, riding technique, local group rides, etc.

Bike Gear

The proper gear is not only necessary, it is also for your own safety as well those around you. When purchasing bike gear, look for those that do their jobs properly. How do you know? This is where the expertise of the store owner or sales staff come in. When you walk into a bike shop for the first time, it could be intimidating. Rather than finding answers to your questions, you might be asked certain questions by the staff in return. Rest assure that they are only trying to make sure they steer you towards the proper gear and not trying to embarrass you as a new rider. Asking questions will only help you and the bike shop staff to determine what is appropriate for you. You may also want to consider bringing a knowledgeable cycling friend with you for your first visit. Now you know there is someone looking out for you. When presented with a recommendation, ask about alternatives or other brands of the same products. Remember, you want to have what is adequate and appropriate for you and your bike. As a beginner, avoid going with the top of the line items unless it enhances safety tremendously. Selecting a middle-of-the-line product should satisfy your need. The more expensive products are always available on the market and are worth consideration when you know that cycling is the sport for you.

Here is a list of the essentials and some accessories you may want to consider somewhere down the road.

A Bike

Obviously!!! Bikes come in all sizes (48cm to 60 cm, depending on your height, could even be custom built for you), frame materials (carbon or aluminum), and they are gender specific (WSD - women specific design bikes for the small frame of some female cyclists) but does not necessarily have to be for the cyclist riding it. There are also the distinction between a road bike, a triathlon bike and a mountain bike in addition to a couple more different types of bikes in between. Most bike shops will allow you to test ride a bike before you make your purchase decision. Stay clear of those that do not allow you to do so especially if you are beginning cyclist. You would not buy a shirt without trying it on for fit, correct? The same principle applies here. After you make your purchase decision, it is important to have a proper fit. Bike shops offer bike fitting service where a qualified technician will take measurements of both you and you bike and make proper adjustments to your seat, handlebars, etc. to your dimension. Doing so will ensure the comfort and safety of the ride. Bike shops often stand by the bikes that they sell so don't hesitate if you feel that there is a problem. In rare cases where there are defects on the bike, manufacturer warranty will protect your purchase.

Helmet

Again, obviously!!! For your own safety and those around you, you should always wear a helmet when you are riding regardless of distance. Buy a new helmet that has been tested and meets the uniform safety standard issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and use an old helmet only if it has a seal from one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards, such as ASTM, Snell, or ANSI. Look for the certification seal labeled on the helmet. Don't underestimate the protection a lightweight plastic helmet can provide. It has saved thousands of lives and reduced head injuries in crashes and falls. Having said that, a helmet can only provide the protection it intended if it was of a proper size and fastened correctly. Here is information on how to properly fit a helmet from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) web site.

Step 1 - Size:
Measure your head for approximate size. Try the helmet on to ensure it fits snuggly. While it is sitting flat on top of your head, make sure the helmet doesn't’t rock side to side. Sizing pads come with new helmets; use the pads to securely fit to your head. Mix or match the sizing pads for the greatest comfort. In your child’s helmet, remove the padding when your child’s head grows. If the helmet has a universal fit ring instead of sizing pads, adjust the ring size to fit the head.

	Step 2 - Position: The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead—one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow.
	Step 3 - Buckles: Center the left buckle under the chin. On most helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps. This task is easier if you take the helmet off to make these adjustments.
	Step 4 - Side Straps: Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shape under, and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock the slider if possible.
	Step 5 - Chin Strap: Buckle your chin strap. Tighten the strap until it is snug, so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap.
	Step 6 - Final Fitting: Does your helmet fit right? Open your mouth wide…big yawn! The helmet should pull down on the head. If not, refer back to step 5 and tighten the chin strap. Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers above the eyebrows? If so, unbuckle, shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle, retighten the chin strap, and test again. Does your helmet rock forward into your eyes? If so, unbuckle, tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward the ear. Buckle, retighten the chin strap, and test again. Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps must go through the rubber band and be close to the buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.

• The helmet should be comfortable.
  If it feels small, put in the thinner sizing pads or purchase a larger helmet. Ideally, select a helmet brand and size that fits well prior to any adjustments. If you buy a helmet that you find comfortable and attractive, you are more likely to wear it.
  
  
• The helmet must cover your forehead.
  
  
• The chin strap must be tight and properly adjusted.
  
  
• The helmet should not rock forward or backward on your head.
  If it does, see step 6.

Clipless Pedals and Bike Shoes

Most of us who learned how to cycle in our childhood remember the platform pedals on our very first bikes. While cycling with platform pedals is absolutely acceptable, they do not offer the efficiency, power and comfort that clipless pedals provide when combined with bike shoes. Bike shoes may be a foreign concept to you but they are nothing more than shoes with stiff soles that are locked into the pedals by cleats at the bottom of the shoes. The stiff soles of the shoes transfer maximum energy to the pedal strokes and therefore allowing us to ride longer distance at higher speed. When we wear regular shoes riding on platform pedals, part of the energy we exert onto the pedals is lost. In addition, using clipless pedals and wearing bike shoes also prevent your feet from slipping off the bike since the shoes are locked into the pedals. Getting out of the pedals could be challenging for beginners. When clipping in, engage the front brake so that the bike remains still, then clip in one foot, release the brake, start pedaling and while the bike is moving, clip in the other foot. And yes, you will fall on your first couple tries. It only takes practices. Beginners often fall when having one foot clipped in while trying to clip in the other foot when the bike remains still. When there is no forward movement, down you go. Therefore, you should always start pedaling as soon as you clipped one foot in before you try to clip in the other one. You should repeat this clipping in motion 20 - 30 times until you get a feel for it. When getting out of the clips, your foot should be at the bottom of the pedal stroke, then twist your heel and it should get you out of the pedal. Repeat with the other foot.

Clipless pedals come in different types (see picture) and they all work on the same principles. Which one to purchase is entirely personal preference. Bike shoes come in different styles and some are made of carbon soles to minimize weight. Cleats come with screws that are used to screwed into the bottom of the shoes. Most shoes, cleats and pedal systems are compatible but be sure to check with your local bike shops to ensure that what you purchase will all fit nicely together.

Gloves

Gloves not only complete the look and style of a cyclist, they also serve some important and practical functions: wiping sweat off your face, prevent your sweaty hands from slipping off the handlebars and provide cushion for your palms. Gloves are especially necessary in long rides since shock from the road is transferred upward through the bike, onto the handlebars and then onto your palm. The ulnar nerve that runs the entire length of the arm and down to the hand becomes pinched and inflammed and cause numbness on the palm and the fingers and sometimes wrist. This numbness often interfere with the daily use of your hand and fingers such as using eating utensils, wringing a wet towel, and motions that require twisting of the fingers or wrist. This numbness may stay for a week or two depending on the severity. Cushion that is built into the gloves would help absorb some of the shock and lessen the chance of having numb fingers and hands after a ride. You should go for half finger gloves during the summer time to give your hands more ventilation. During winter riding, you can use either the full finger gloves which usually have insulation built in or putting on a pair of glove liners inside the half finger gloves.

 

Sunglasses

They are not only for style but also for preventing gravels and bugs from flying into your eyes when cycling. You should always consider wearing sunglasses even when it is not sunny outside for the reason just mentioned. Select a pair that has a light tint on the lenses or no tint at all so you get better visibility during those not so sunny days. When buying a pair of sunglasses, make sure that they have UV protection to block out the harmful UV light. Another nice feature to consider is polarized lenses. They greatly reduce glare reflected off cars or shiny objects so that you don't have to squint your eyes.

Bike Shorts

You may not consider this necessary but after your first ride, your behind will be screaming and begging you for a pair of these. Bike shorts usually come in dark colors such as black, dark blue or dark gray. Get a pair of black and they will go with any color of jersey you buy later on. Bike shorts have padding built in the groin area to provide the comfort needed during those long rides. Try riding without them and you will notice the difference. Some bike shorts even have gel padding inside to provide added comfort. Bike shorts are not cheap for obvious reason. You should always consider purchasing a good pair of bike shorts since you will be riding quite a bit of miles in them. When looking for bike shorts, look inside the shorts and inspect the padding. Make sure that the seams around the padding are not too close to the groin, otherwise you will suffer some serious chaffing that will make for very uncomfortable cycling. Bike shorts padding comes in 6-panels or 8-panels, longer and shorter inseams and some have drawstring. Best way to find the right pair for you is to try them on and then hop on a bike setup on a trainer and start pedaling. Get a feel for the shorts and make sure the padding is good and that the inseam is not creating chaffing while you are cycling.

Hydration System

Hydration during exercises is important in all sports. When it comes to cycling, there are basically 3 different ways you can hydrate and they all depend on your personal preference. The most common way is storing a water bottle on a cage that is mounted on your bike right below you. A bike can typically hold 2 bottles in this manner. This is probably the least expensive way to hydrate as cages and bottles do not cost much when compared to other hydration system. Bottles come in various sizes that can hold anywhere from 24 oz to 32 oz of liquid. One negative of this bottle & cage system is that you have to free up one hand to reach for and return the bottle to the cage. Often times when riding on roads with a few bumps, it is always a good idea to have both hands on the handlebars to better prepare for the somewhat bumpy ride. In addition, if you have not gotten used to reaching for and returning the bottle to the cage, the bottle can slip out of your hand easily. Since this form of hydration interrupts a smooth ride briefly, many riders would opt not to drink so often and therefore compromise the body's need for hydration.

Another type of hydration system is a bottle mounted in the front of the bike in between the aerobars of a triathlon bike. This is frequently used by cyclists who are competing in triathlons. Since the cyclist spends most of his time in an aerodynamic position, it is more convenient to have the hydration system in front of him. Cyclist does not have to reach out for the bottle and therefore can have his hands firmly on the aerobars or the handlebars for added safety. Depending on the length of the ride and the season, this may be a good choice for hydration for a short ride in the summer or winter. This form of hydration system typically holds about 32 oz of liquid.

If you prefer having lots of liquid during your ride and would rather not having to reach too far for it, a Camelbak is the ideal choice for you. A Camelbak uses a reservoir that ranges in size from 32 oz to 100 oz to hold liquid. This reservoir is then placed inside a bag which provides storage for your energy bars, keys, cell phone, etc. The reservoir has an extended tube that has a mouth piece at the end. When you are done sipping, simply yank it out of your mouth. It only takes a couple seconds to reach for the tube and your hand is back to the handlebar again. This type of hydration system is perfect for those long hot summer rides. One drawback is that it requires rinsing and drying after each use to maintain its quality. Occasionally, the reservoir should be taken out and cleaned thoroughly.

 

Cyclocomputer

 

This is a nice little gadget that tells you everything about your ride: distance, pace, max pace, cadence, average, cumulative total and more. Some of the more sophisticated cyclocomputers also monitor heart rate that is measured by the chest strap you wear. The come in wired or wireless and they work equally well. Batteries usually have to be replaced every couple years. Some cyclists reported that wireless cyclocomputers receive interference when riding near power lines so take that into consideration when purchasing a cyclocomputer.

 

 

Cycling Jerseys

As a beginner, cycling jersey is probably optional. They tend to be tight fitting to reduce wind drag. They come in a variety of bright colors so that you are more visible when riding in traffic. To achieve minimal wind drag without wearing a bike jersey, men could wear a tight fitting tank top and women can wear a jog bra or a form fitting singlet. Bike jerseys also have pockets on the back for storage and are made of material that wicks away sweat and provides ventilation.

 

 

Newbie Ride in South Tampa

It's your first triathlon and you barely got on your bike. You are scared of riding in a group, don't know how to draft and afraid to get dropped. Does it sound like you?? If so, there is a newbie ride in South Tampa every Friday morning that takes your worries away so you could focus on learning what you need to learn. The ride is led by an experienced cyclist and triathlete Ed Collins, aka Tall Ed or Big Ed. Here is the detail.

 

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Florida Bicycle Laws

In Florida, a bicycle is considered as a vehicle. The person controlling the vehicle, the cyclist, is considered the driver of the vehicle. As a driver, he/she must obey all traffic laws as well as regulations specially adopted for bicycles. It is imperative to understand and obey these laws for your own safety as well as those cyclists and drivers sharing the roads with you. Visit the Florida Department of Transportation to read about Florida bicycle laws. Here are some of the highlights from our review of the statute.

Driving on right side of roadway
(Section 316.081, F.S.) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven on the right half of the roadway.

Remember, when cycling, you are considered driving a vehicle and therefore must ride on the right side of the road where there is sufficient space. Riding opposite to traffic increases the risk of collision.

Equipment requirements and carriage of passengers
(Section 316.2065(2), (3), (7), (8), and (14), F.S.) A bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet to the front and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.

Most accidents happen between sunset and sunrise. The use of a light and a reflector is also strongly suggested during winter riding when riding in the early evenings.

A bicycle rider or passenger under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted, fastened securely, and meets a nationally recognized standard.

Although those that are 16 years of age and older are not required by law to wear a helmet, it makes good sense to do so. In the event of a crash or fall, a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries.

At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding.

Some of us like to stretch, take off our jacket or adjust our helmet and clothing which may require us to use both hands. When you have to use both hands, stop and perform the task and then continue riding. This will avoid any unnecessary crash or fall.

Roadway position
(Section 316.2065(5) and (6), F.S.) Riding in single file is required except on bike paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, or when two people riding side-by-side within one lane will not impede traffic flow.

This is probably one of the most violated laws by cyclists. It is important to realize that when riding with traffic, you are sharing roads with motor vehicles. Motorists as well as cyclists should show some courtesy towards each other. Two cyclists riding side by side within one lane of will not impede traffic flow. The violation most often occur in group rides where cyclists make a mad dash to catch up with ride leaders utilizing a second lane or even riding into the opposite lane. This not only creates a dangerous ride but also reflects negatively on the cycling community.

When overtaking on the right is permitted
(Section 316.084, F.S.)  Overtaking on the right is permitted upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement, not occupied by parked vehicles, of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety.

In most situations, there will be sufficient space on the right hand side of the road to allow for both the motor vehicle and the cyclist in one lane of traffic. However, the passing a motor vehicle on the right, be cautious about open doors, and vehicles making sudden right turns, etc.

Method of turning right at intersections
(Section 316.151(1)(a), F.S.)   Both the approach for a right turn and the turn shall be made as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

Method of turning at intersections
(Section 316.151(1)(b)(c), F.S.) A bicyclist intending to make a left turn is entitled to full use of the lane from which a driver may legally make a left turn.

In other words, you should slowly make your way into the left turn lane after checking for traffic crossing into your direction. Then make a left turn onto the right hand side of the road. While at intersections, you must obey all traffic laws.

Signaling a turn or stop
(Sections 316.155(2), (3) and 316.157(1), F.S.)   A signal of intention to turn must be given during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. If a bicyclist needs both hands for control, the signal need not be given continuously.  A cyclist signals intent to

  turn left - by extending the left arm horizontally;

  turn right - by extending the right arm horizontally (or by extending the left hand and arm upward);

  stop or suddenly reduce speed - by extending the left hand and arm downward.

Wearing of headsets
(Section 316.304(1), F.S.)   No person shall operate a bicycle while wearing a headset, headphone or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing. 

Using headsets can be distracting. You may not hear approaching motor vehicles or warning from fellow cyclists. Having said that, a cyclist should not rely solely on hearing when riding in intersections, making turns or changing lanes. You should make sure you see clear of all hazards before changing directions or crossing.

Overtaking and passing a vehicle
(Section 316.083, F.S.)   The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.  The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle.

Some motor vehicle-cyclist crashes involve motorists who misjudge the distance between the motor vehicle and the cyclist. Passing too closely cause the cyclist to ride on the curb or sidewalk where risk of crashes increases. Sometimes, it may be necessary for the motorists to occupy a partial lane to his left temporarily to provide sufficient distance between himself and the cyclist. One important note is that since a bicycle is considered a vehicle in the eyes of the laws, a cyclist passing another cyclist must also obey this 3 feet rule.

Opening doors of motor vehicles
(Section 316.2005, F.S.)   No person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonable safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

Although the law gives the burden of compliance to the motorists, as cyclists, we should be cautious when approaching vehicular traffic on the right.

Not to drive while under the influence
(Section 316.193, F.S.)   It is unlawful to drive any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Let's not make your traffic ticket a cycling accessory.

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