I confess, I fast forwarded through much of the broadcast on Peacock until about 15km to go and the start up Mont Ventoux.

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Find local group rides and over 30 cycling clubs listed on our Florida Cycling website. The listing includes clubs for road, MTB and gravel enthusiasts. If you know of a group ride or cycling club that is not listed on Florida Cycling, please let us know. Listings are free.

This summer I headed to the Suncoast of Florida, a general reference to the gulf coast from north of Clearwater to Naples in the south.

Riding beautiful Casey Key Road along the gulf coast.

Beforehand, I went to Florida Cycling to look up cycling clubs in the area.  Yes, even I use our website to find rides and events. Florida Cycling lists cycling clubs throughout Florida by city, by the types of rides, and a link to their website.  On the club’s website they usually have a ride calendar or point you to their Facebook page for up-to-date ride info. 

Pick the day and time that works in your schedule.  Most clubs also list the distance and average pace for the ride.  If you have questions, contact the club.

I chose a morning ride with Sarasota Manatee Bicycling Club (SMBC).  Their website listed the pace and distance.  I texted Phil, the ride leader, to confirm and he got right back to me inviting me to join them. 

That morning the 24-mile ride was a mix of less traveled roads, the Legacy Trail and beautiful Casey Key Road.  Locals know where to ride!

Phil and Sam were welcoming and enjoyable to ride with.  I learned some interesting facts about the area. 

So, when you travel for a day trip or overnight, bring your bike and find a cycling club to ride with on Florida Cycling.

Most clubs welcome non-members to ride with them for a ride or two.  Post your ride experience on the club’s social media to say thank you.  Also, post about your ride on your personal social media to let friends know about it.

Ride often.  Ride safe.

Bruce

Now is a good time to

• Scan the listing.

• Pick the events that best suit you.

• Register for the event(s) before a possible price increase.

• Start your training to prepare.

• Invite cycling buddies to join you in the fun or the suffer f…

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However, when it got to the governor’s desk, he vetoed it. Here’s a link to a news story in Jacksonville Today that explains why the governor vetoed the bill.

So, where do things stand.

Here is an updat…

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For avid cyclists, that perhaps captures how we felt as kids on our bikes. That spirit keeps us in the saddle as the years go by.

So, on this July 4th holiday weekend:

• Ride to celebrate.

• Ride to remember.

• Ride for freedom.

• Ride to feel the wind on your face.

• Ride with the joy of a kid sailing along on a bike.

• Ride on the road. In the woods. On a trail. On a gravel road. Along a lake or a beach. Because you can. And it’s great fun!

Maybe listen to “Ride Like the Wind” as a great pre-ride song to get you pumped up for your ride. Then come back and watch the beginning of the Tour de France!

Happy 4^th of July! We are celebrating 250 years of what our nation’s founders described as a “fragile experiment”, recognizing that the United States of America would be a bold, unprecedented test of democracy. But one that would require constant care to keep it alive.

Ride often. Be safe. And ride like the wind.

Bruce

I just cleaned out my email junk/spam folder. Out of 300, there were five that I wanted to rescue and have them delivered in the future to my inbox.

Here are the best ways to insure the Newsletter gets to your inbox.

• Mark the Newsletter emails as “not spam”. Move it to the inbox.

• Add the Florida Cycling Newsletter’s email address to your contact list. All Newsletters are sent from this email address: Florida Cycling Newsletter <ibisrides@substack.com>

Note: ibisrides was our original name. We rebranded to the Florida Cycling Newsletter in early 2025. However, Substack doesn’t allow changing the Substack.com address.

• Send an email to ibisrides@substack.com. This can often clear email filters to signal that incoming messages from this email address are wanted.

• If you use Gmail, drag the Newsletter email into your primary inbox.

• And if you are on a work or government email account, you may need to ask the IT team to whitelist Florida Cycling Newsletter <ibisrides@substack.com> email address.

Hopefully taking one or more of these steps will keep you from missing a single issue.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

In July and August cycling’s “crème de la crème” takes center stage. The men’s Tour de France and the women’s Tour de France Femmes will captivate avid cyclists worldwide.

Mark your calendars for July 4–26, 2026 for the men’s Tour and August 1-9, 2026, for the women. Keep reading for how to watch both tours in the U.S.

Suffer fest

This year the men’s Tour distance covers 2,071 miles (3,333 km) over 21 stages, which is the equivalent of riding from Los Angeles to Chicago. The total elevation gain is 178,641 feet (54,450 meters)!

CyclingNews provides a good overview and profile of each stage of the men’s race. Here is a separate article by CyclingNews that provides an excellent overview of the women’s tour.

In the U.S. you can watch all the stages of the men’s and women’s tours on Peacock. NBC Sports will broadcast select stages.

Peacock offers two subscription tiers: $10.99/month and $16.99/month (ad-free), giving you full access to all programing on Peacock.

If you’re not already a Peacock subscriber, you can sign up for just one or two months to watch the Tours and then cancel your subscription. Peacock streams every stage live and on delayed demand, including pre‑ and post‑race shows.

What do you most enjoy about watching the Tours?

The competition? The French scenery? Or both? Personally, I like both.

What keeps me engaged during a laborious 120-mile flat stage is primarily the scenery. The incredible camera work, from on the ground and from the sky, capturing the French countryside, mountains, castles and picturesque villages, is like watching a Rick Steves’ travel log.

However, the brutal mountain stages, with the pressing-in of crazed crowds, provides some nerve-wracking drama and captivating storylines.

Links to more info

The men’s tour launches from Barcelona, Spain, as it winds its way to Paris 21 stages later. Here’s a link to the men’s tour website.

The women’s tour peloton rolls out from Lausanne, Switzerland and ends on Stage 9 in Nice, France. Here’s a link to the women’s tour website.

Long time anchors Phil Liggett and Bob Roll host the men’s broadcast with color commentary from other cycling notables as well. Liggett has been covering the Tour for 53 years.

Refer a friend

Watching the tours is a good way to stay motivated to put in some miles during the hot and humid Florida temperatures of July and August. It will keep you in shape for events, including road, MTB, gravel or triathlons in the early fall to the end of 2026.

For a comprehensive list of events in Florida and neighboring states click on FloridaCycling.us, our companion website. New events are being added.

Enjoy the Tours…and the World Cup.

Ride often. Be safe. And stay hydrated.

Bruce

You can find the listing on our companion website Florida Cycling.us, along with links for more event information. We regularly add events as information becomes available.

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E-bikes are only going to grow in popularity in Florida and nationwide, with the price point for some models now less than $1,200.

Florida lawmakers are paying attention

Earlier this year, the Florida House and Senate unanimously passed a bill (SB 382), addressing related safety concerns for e-bikes, and other electric moto rides. At the time of this writing, the bill is awaiting final action before becoming law. If enacted, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.

When was the last time you heard of a bill passing unanimously in the Florida legislature or for that matter in the U.S. Congress? Hats off to Florida legislators.

Florida law has recognized electric bicycles for several years. The Sunshine State law defines e-bikes as bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Florida’s existing e-bike classifications remain largely unchanged.

What’s the focus of this new bill

This new bill would focus primarily on rider behavior around pedestrians, rental company requirements, data collection, and the creation of a statewide Micromobility Device Safety Task Force.

One of the most significant proposed changes would require e-bike riders to exercise greater caution when operating near pedestrians.

Riders would be required to yield to pedestrians, provide an audible signal when appropriate, and slow to 10 mph when riding within 50 feet of pedestrians on sidewalks, shared-use paths, and other encounters.

The same traffic laws that apply to bicycles also apply to e-bikes. Both need to obey posted speed limits, the right-of-way rules, stopping at stop signs and traffic signals.

Where can e-bikes be ridden

This is where e-bike riders need to be aware of the state laws, but also local regulations.

Florida law generally allows e-bikes to be ridden where bicycles are allowed. However, local governments, park agencies, land managers, and facility owners may establish additional rules.

In essence, e-bike access may vary depending on where you ride. Some communities permit e-bikes on sidewalks and shared-use paths, while others impose restrictions. State parks, local parks, trails, beaches, and natural areas may also have their own regulations.

Before riding in a new location, it is always a good idea to review local rules and posted signs.

Florida already recognizes three classes of e-bikes

The Florida Department of Transportation has published this fact sheet defining e-bike classifications, other electric devices, and safety recommendations.

Electric scooters and bikes that exceed 750 watts and 28 mph do not fit within Florida’s statutory definition of an electric bicycle or scooter. That distinction is important because many of these moto devices creating concern in communities today are classified outside of the Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bikes.

While this newsletter issue is focused on e-bikes, a more comprehensive article about Florida laws governing the use of e-scooters can be found at A Ride Junkie.

Florida is not alone

At this point, Florida lawmakers have taken a safety and education approach over a penalties approach. Currently, 36 states and the District of Columbia have specific e-bike laws using Class 1, 2, and 3 system.

For example, New Jersey has enacted the most restrictive statutes. E-bike riders in New Jersey must have a license, register their e-bike and display a license plate, and carry liability insurance; Illinois reclassified the highest-powered devices; Washington tightened its definition of an e-bike; Utah expanded helmet rules; and Massachusetts just filed a first-in the nation insurance proposal.

Some Florida cities and counties have or are considering additional restrictions

While Florida law provides a statewide framework for bicycles and e-bikes, local governments and land management agencies may adopt additional regulations for facilities under their control. It is important to check with your hometown for any e-bike laws. These will be in addition to state laws.

• Orange County Commissioners (Greater Orlando area) are engaged in public hearings to consider the proper extent of laws governing wearing helmets, setting speed limits, and/or fines to help enforce e-bike and e-scooter safety.

• Palm Beach has adopted local ordinances restricting the operation of e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices on sidewalks, multimodal trails, and the Lake Trail. The town also established local age and identification requirements for certain micromobility users. Riders should familiarize themselves with local regulations before operating an e-bike on the island.

• Florida State Parks, county parks, beaches, wildlife management areas, and other public lands may have regulations that differ from state traffic laws. Riders should review local rules before riding. Regardless of location, good cycling etiquette includes obeying posted speed limits, yielding to pedestrians and equestrians, and respecting facilities designated for foot traffic only.

This issue of Florida Cycling Newsletter on riding e-bikes in Florida is not intended to be comprehensive. Please consult your local authorities.

Here are some links for further reading if you’re so inclined

• Florida e-Bike Laws (2026): License, Registration, and Where You Can Ride

• E-bike speed limits. What to know in Florida

• Florida e-Bike Laws 2026: New Safety Rules & Classes

• Florida Legislature approves tighter e-bike regulations

• 12 Best Cheap E-Bikes Under $2,000, Tested by Bicycling

As avid cyclists, you and I, at some time, may reach the point where riding an e-bike on the road, gravel, or trail might be the way to go to keep us in the saddle with the wind blowing in our face. Give yourself permission.

And whether you are on an e-bike, road bike, gravel, or MTB, a good rule is to be a good neighbor and citizen. Consider others, as much as you would want others to be considerate of you. For your safety and that of others.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

New cycling events have been posted that are happening in June before the weather turns too hot and humid. Find them at FloridaCycling.us/events.

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The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail in the Tampa/St. Pete, Pinellas County region might not be a destination ride for every cyclist. However, if you enjoy exploring, being around an eclectic citizenry, culture, and scenery...this point-to-point route might be worth considering for a day, weekend o…

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That message stood out to me again, as I recently attended the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.. Throughout the meetings, presentations, and conversations it became clear: meaningful change often starts locally, one rider to another, whether child or adult. National organizations, state agencies, and advocacy groups all play important roles, but nothing replaces the impact of life on life.

My own journey began not in a boardroom or at a conference, but in my neighborhood while teaching my son how to ride his new road bike.

As we rode together, I began to realize what I had observed many times before, but never fully processed. Riders of all ages want to enjoy riding a bicycle. Yet, many either lack the confidence, skills, or instruction to ride safely. Maybe, I thought some simple instruction, encouragement, fun, and a little community support could prevent crashes, close calls or anything worse.

At the time, I was just another cyclist who cared about my family and my community. I was not trying to start a statewide initiative or become deeply involved in bicycle safety. I simply wanted to help.

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If you are looking for events on road, gravel, mountain bike trails and paved trails, we’ve located something for you.

Whether you are a novice or experienced rider there are cycling events for you.

There is a good selection of distances available to choose from. Several events have “family friendly” distances so you can ride together as a family and introduce your kids to the joy of toeing the line with a group of other kids. You might even hear them say, “How cool is this”!

Here are just a few of the events happening in Florida and neighboring states.

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This is an important cause for avid Florida cyclists because our state ranks in the top five U.S.…

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What Makes for a Florida Cycling Mecca

• The city or area has multiple options to choose from depending upon the type of bike or experience the cyclist is looking for, whether riding roads, …

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I’m strong enough to hold my own with a peloton rolling at 23+ mph when I can hide in the draft.

The “Ride with the Legends” event, hosted by St. Petersburg Bicycle Club (SPBC) on Feb. 21, brought out several hundred star-struck cyclists for three events throughout the day, culminating with a members-only evening and “Stories from Two Legends.”

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The Hot Dog Ride is happenin’ this Saturday, March 14 at 8:30 a.m., just east of Sarasota. It looks like a lot of fun. Put on by the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club (SMBC).

Multiple paces. Multiple distan…

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For more information, click the graphic to be taken to the event website or Facebook page.

• Scenic ranches and groves on quiet country roads through Central Florida.

• Choose between 15/36/65 miles.

• After event meal rated A+.

• Visit downtown annual art festival and car show after the ride.

• Picturesque ranch and grove county roads

• Hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks after the ride.

• Three pace groups from 14 to 19 mph

• Two distances: 29/38 miles

• Put on by the Sarasota-Manatee Bicycle Club. Limited to 100.

• Riding on the Withlacoochee Trail one of National Geographic’s top 20 trails in the U.S.

• Variety of distances – 14/28/48/62/100 miles all on the paved trail.

• Supports a good cause serving adults with developmental disabilities.

• Full SAG support and refreshment stops.

Hopefully you can enjoy one of these events or any of the other 16 cycling events happening across Florida in March.

It’s Also Florida Bicycle Month

Florida weather has turned pleasant - again! March is a great month to celebrate Florida Bicycle Month. Whether you are a fulltime Florida resident, a snowbird or visiting Florida in March for vacation, in any case, explore routes and trails, or join a cycling club ride.

With Daylight Savings Time starting this weekend it will be lighter in the morning. So, get out there on your road, MTB, gravel, e-bike, or 3-wheeler and enjoy the wind in your face and Florida landscape as you ride.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

This 47-mile loop trail around the lake has both paved and gravel sections. The majority is paved. See the map below for the gravel and paved sections.

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There are road, MTB, gravel and paved trail events. Whatever flavor of ride you are looking for they are happening.

Here are a few of the events coming up in Florida. Also, listed are select events in surrounding states.

Florida Cycling Newsletter is cyclist-supported. Keeping you exploring, informed and connected! Become a supporting subscriber to read on and gain access to all newsletters. Less than $1/week.

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You think WE have obstacles on the roads in Florida. Have you heard what happened a week ago at the Tour Down Under race in Adelaide, Australia? Two rather large kangaroos decided to cross the road right in front of the peloton.

Several riders went …

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