Join the ride 43, 22 0r 12 this Sat, 10-19 – BISCAYNE-EVERGLADES GREENWAY – detailed information listed on the flier

Join me at the Homestead Sports Complex this Saturday, October 19, 2024, for the EBC/Bike305 BISCAYNE-EVERGLADES GREENWAY Rides. Registration starts at 7:30 AM and last through 8:15 AM.

Choose your ride - 3 to choose from - 43, 22 and 12. See the flier for more information.

ALL RIDES ARE FREE!

I will be one of the ride leaders for the 22 mile route (route photos below). Jump in. Have I ever led you astray? It will be fun.

22 mile route standard view

22 mile route satellite view

Follow up - DTPW rejects request of the Palmetto Bay mayor and council: rejects the use of golf carts along the OCR (Old Cutler Road) shared use path.

Keeping you in the loop. Nothing has been reported from the village, but here is follow up, the rest of the story, of the resolution by the Village of Palmetto Bay to study the feasibility of allowing motorized golf carts to use the county's Old Cutler Trail, a shared use path. In short, the Miami-Dade County Transportation & Public Works Department (DTPW) issued this response: 

"The path is not designed or warranted for the use of golf carts. After reviewing the request DTPW does not recommend the use of golf carts along the OCR (Old Cutler Road) shared use path."

The DTPW specifically cited Florida Department of Transportation standards saying:

"...the conflicts between the golf carts and the shared use path users (pedestrian and bikers) would create significant safety and operational problems..."

Per the EBC Vice President / Executive Board Member posted on Facebook: 

“This is a big win for cyclists and pedestrians in Miami-Dade County. Thank you MDTPW for your wise decision!”

There has been no word whether the Palmetto Bay Policing unit will enforce the no motorized vehicle rule on the Shared Use Path (which is not a bike lane).

Bike305 Holds 'Ride Of Silence' To Raise Awareness About Persistent Problem Of Safety South Florida Cyclists Face

Bike305 Holds 'Ride Of Silence' To Raise Awareness About Persistent Problem Of Safety South Florida Cyclists Face: In a show of solidarity, bicyclists gathered to raise awareness of the persistent problem of cycling safety in South Florida.

Event held Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Today is the International Ride of Silence event. I ride to honor those injured or killed in cycling accidents.

My ride today is in honor of all cyclists injured or killed in cycling accidents; to pay my respects to them. If your schedule permits help raise awareness and go to the RIDE OF SILENCE happening today in KEY BISCAYNE

Please #sharetheroad ... I respect you, please respect me, #obey the #3footrule #miamibikescene #rideEBC #bike305 #bikeadvocacy  #bicycling #GhostBike #PalmettoBayCyclists #BikeLaw #WhyIRide

See prior related posts on the Ride of Silence (CLICK HERE)

2021 Ride of Silence - Wednesday, May 19, 2021, arrival time 6:00 PM, ride begins at 7 PM

The 2021 Ride of Silence has returned to its live event format and will be held at the traditional location: the Crandon Park Marina Parking Lot, Rickenbacker Causeway, near the Village of Key Biscayne.

What is the Ride of Silence (RoS)?:

WHERE: Hundreds of locations world- wide.
Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?

• To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
• To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
• To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET

PRIOR RELATED POSTS - Please CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to the Ride of Silence / events relating to honoring those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

On the lighter side. Basic goal met for 2020. 4,000 - which my have been more miles than my car commute in this strange 2020.

4,000 miles. My third best year to date. I was once on pace for 5,200, having reached just over 2,600 miles at the end of June (thanks to a monster month of March). The practice eventually resumes and miles were lost to catching up on work delayed due to COVID closures. 

Here are some of my photos. Fun times. New cycling friends gained and I spent significant time on gravel for 2020. This will continue in 2021 and into the future.

Happy New Year. Welcome 2021

A tale of 2 competing rides. Sat. 10-24-2020 Road v Gravel. Fun in the mud for the gravelers.

 

I chose the EBC road ride today so missed out on a day to actually experience Everglades Gravel - mud version.  I am taunted by what I missed.

A fun time was had by those who chose the road less traveled.

The EBC "Get Back" Road Rides were a great success today. Clearly not as eventful, but a good clean time was enjoyed by all.

Photo / video credits gravel: Los Duros Cycling & Dora S

Road rides: Jo Jo R & Eugene F.

EBC riding the levees along/near the Tamiami Trail. Join us and ride. Gravel or Road options available.

Family friendly. You choose the intensity from sightseeing to hard impact ride.

Individual meet ups and family group riding. EBC sets rides and routes for riders of all levels. The gravel/levee routes range from as little as 4-miles up to 20 or more.

EBC hosts will explain various route options ensuring you choose the right distance for your adventure. 

Important:

There are no facilities, you will be out in nature, no traffic, and little shade. Come prepared with sunscreen, insect repellent, a hydration pack -or-  2-3 water bottles and your own repair kit. 

Don’t forget your helmet, your face mask/gaiter and your bike. 

Oh, and about your bike, please ensure your bike and tires are suitable for off-road/gravel roads.  (MTB, Gravel, Cyclocross and most Hybrids). If you are not sure, please check with your local bike shop.

And remember to do an A-B-C Quick Check the night before the event.

A is for air pressure … you will want to adjust for gravel, lower tire pressure than road 

B is for brakes

C is for chain/cranks

Quick is for quick release

Check all of the above over before every ride

CLICK HERE to view the official website of the EBC for additional information including membership.

While we can’t guarantee the wildlife, we hope to deliver miles-of-smiles. #RideEBC

Prior related blog posts:

October 12, 2020, Just for fun. Mask up. Ride Gravel. EBC "Get Back" weekend. Join and ride. Ride safe.

June 25, 2020, Why I ride - enjoying nature on a bike ride. Dora's Gravel Explorers Ride 6 23 2020 Deer

June 21, 2020, Gravel riding - Saturday, June 20, 2020. Another pictorial history of why I bike.

March 8, 2020, FREE graveler/greenway bike event - Saturday, March 14. Details, photos and videos.

CLICK HERE to view all prior blog posts relating to gravel riding.

Enjoy. I hope to see you out there.

Eugene Flinn

About the EBC: Miami's premier cycling club since 1976, the Everglades Bicycle Club has something for everyone! Though we are road cyclists at heart, trail rides are coming as well. We love all things cycling. Everglades Bicycle Club (EBC) is a not-for-profit cycling club that is run by volunteers.    

Just for fun. Mask up. Ride Gravel. EBC "Get Back" weekend. Join and ride. Ride safe.

The Everglades Bike Club (EBC) was officially back in the saddle this past weekend.

We were "masked up", including the new official EBC Gaiters and adhering to a socially distancing protocol both on the Road (Saturday ride) and the Gravel (the Sunday ride).

Join us:

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Your membership dues help Everglades Bicycle Club encourage safer, healthier choices for everyone who wants to bike; advocate for better bicycling conditions; offer riding opportunities for every kind of rider.
(https://www.evergladesbc.com/ to link up with the official site of the EBC)

Below: Some of the nature seen from the Levee gravel rides held Sunday, 10/11/2020:

It is always a treat to see box turtles (they cannot keep up with us). We see them more often than not on the gravel rides. See do regularly ride past gators, fish, everglades birds and the occasional deer. The rides do get better as the weather cools off in the Fall and 'winter' months. 

Note about EBC: Miami's premier cycling club since 1976, the Everglades Bicycle Club has something for everyone! Though we are road cyclists at heart, trail rides are coming as well. We love all things cycling. Everglades Bicycle Club (EBC) is a not-for-profit cycling club that is run by volunteers. 

#EvergladesBC #WhyIRide #MaskUp

  

National Bike Month - great read: Article(s) on How to Have a safe Family Bike Ride, by A.C. Shilton

"The humble bicycle is the surprise star of lockdown. With youth sports on hold, car traffic down and cooped-up kids doing park hour on living room furniture, going on a family bike ride has never sounded better." 

- A.C. Shilton

But as pointed out by A.C. Shilton, there are a few things to know about staying safe and having fun.

From an Everglades Bicycle Club (EBC) past president and long-time cyclist: "This is by far the best guide I’ve seen for beginner bicyclists and for people who want to get the family involved for a bike outing. For experienced riders, share with someone you know to help get them started." So I am sharing it to readers:

I have the guide in the JPEG posted. I also have provided CLICK HERE (or the headline) links to view an article online, NY Times, How to Have a Safe Family Bike Ride, by A.C. Shilton, Published May 18, 2020, Updated May 23, 2020.

CLICK HERE to download and view a printed copy of this article if you can't get through a NY Times paywall.

The point is to enjoy cycling. It is a event that can be enjoyed alone, with friends, family, small and larger groups. This is a sport that does require some planning and maintenance of equipment (though far less than owning a boat). There are laws and courtesies that must be followed in order to ensure a fun and safe event.

Some cities have gone so far as to temporarily close off streets so families can safely cruise (sorry, none around here - think of how it would have been nice to have 'pop up' safe recreation areas - what a missed opportunity). 

On the road or the trail, there are many places to have a successful adventure on wheels. 

Unfortunately, new administrations equate to new directions, new policies, new priorities, so cycling is not being encouraged here in Palmetto Bay. 

However, the residents are speaking through their action and we have seen many people of all ages out and about on bicycles. I have posted previously about how there have been a run on bicycles - one of the hottest items to buy.

Please contact me via e-mail at eugeneflinn@bellsouth.net if you have any questions or request assistance as to cycling.

Stay safe, stay healthy and enjoy our local outdoors!