I’m resting up a bit today from two great rides over the weekend with friends in the Tampa area. The Central Florida Randonneurs had their last ride of the year on Saturday – the Pinellas 100K Populaire – for around 64 miles and four of us rode a 200K yesterday along the Suncoast trail and onto Crystal River. 198 miles or so for the two days, plenty of sunshine and not too much wind! I’ve been riding more alone the last couple of weeks in FL, so it was fun to have two days of company on great rides.
The Pinellas 100K started at a very cool bike & coffee shop in St. Pete call The Bikery:
thebikery.bike
Paul checked everyone in and gave the riders instructions, then off on a very scenic ride along the gulf.
The roads on the barrier islands had mostly very good bike lanes and then the route back from Clearwater was on the Pinellas Trail. Combining these two made for a very reasonable riding day with great scenery and a good chance to get to know more of the local and non-local riders on the event. The Bikery’s brews, sandwiches and coffee at the finish topped off a great event. I’d highly recommend the route and the event!
On Sunday, a four of us headed out on Susan G’s 200K perm route from Tampa and Mary rode the first 34 miles or so for a 100k version. It mostly follows the Suncoast Trail, then some fairly busy shouldered roads to Crystal River. We enjoyed the rolling and stopped for a very leisurely lunch in Crystal River at Charlie’s Fish House.
Calista and the Sandhill Cranes!
The crew toward the end of the day – Susan, Luis and Calista!
Scene from the Bike 