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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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, paved trails, mountain bike parks or gravel routes.

• Scenery and landscape are definitely a draw.

• Local bike shops or cycling clubs will offer a good source of information to point cyclists to local routes, organized rides and cycling events during the year.

• Plus, the area has other charm so when not on a bike, there are interesting attractions such as eateries, breweries, local festivals or markets and shops and galleries to stroll among. This all makes it worth a day or overnight stay to enjoy new cycling experiences along with discovering a new town.

Tallahassee Meets the Mecca Criteria

Probably the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear Tallahassee – is the Florida state capital or FSU Seminoles (for the fans).

However, Tallahassee offers hundreds of miles of paved trails, MTB tracks, back country gravel, as well as road routes. The scenery is a nice change of landscape from south and central Florida with changing leaf colors in the fall.

There are routes and trails of multiple distances to match your level of interest and fitness. Organized club and bike shop group rides are available for most all riding paces from leisurely to high speed. MTB trails offer challenges for those looking for technical single track or those looking to do an easy-does-it ride through the woods.

Paved trails, MTB parks and routes are spread out across the Tallahassee region. For example, just one of the routes heading south out of the city is the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historical Railroad Trail, a 40 mile rails-to-trails round trip through peaceful, scenic landscape from the heart of Tallahassee south to the gulf coast.

Sources To Find a Route, Ride or Event That Fits You

Below are some website links where you can find more detailed information with maps, trails, routes and descriptions.

Three Upcoming Road, Gravel and MTB Events Near Tallahassee

• International Women’s MTB Day, May 2, 2026

• Ride with Friends, May 23, 2026 has multiple distance options.

• The Spaghetti 100, October 24, 2026 is both road and gravel options and multiple distances.

To find the weekly rides that suit your fancy go to

• Capital City Cyclists for roads and trails

• Red Hills Cycling for roads, trails, MTB events and rides

• Tallahassee Mountain Bike Association (TMBA) website

• Tallahassee Mountain Bike Association (TMBA) Facebook

• Tallahassee Mountain Bike for MTB

• Visit Tallahassee for places to explore within the city

Of course, you can also Google Tallahassee bike shops and give them a call for any recommendations on the type of ride you are looking for.

Consider Walking Around the Tallahassee Art District

This district features over 50 galleries and artist studios along with restaurants and breweries. The Art District is a lively destination for immersive public art, murals and creative craftsmanship.

The popular First Friday Monthly Festival at Railroad Square happens every month, providing a lively, enjoyable experience with open galleries/shops, live music, and food.

After doing some research, choosing some routes and rides, set a date, load up your bike, and head to Tallahassee. If you have any tips for fellow cyclists visiting Tallahassee, help them out by posting a comment below.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

The Florida Cycling Newsletter is a supporting member of the Florida Bicycle Association

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 distances. However, you must pre-register (for liability purposes). I registered. If you’re coming, I’d enjoy meeting you as one of our subscribers. I’ll be wearing the Florida Cycling Newsletter ball cap.

SMBC are inviting non-members to join in the fun. There is still room, but they are limiting the number of riders to keep it manageable.

Meet at the Myakka Community Park. The routes are on low traffic, rural roads passing picturesque ranch land and citrus groves.

Fitting the event name, a free BBQ hot dog lunch will be served after the ride. Our thanks to the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club for putting on this event.

Click LIKE below if you are coming.

If you can’t be there, then as always - 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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Preparing for and riding in a cycling event in 2026 is a great new year’s resolution.

Florida Cycling Newsletter does the research and provides a comprehensive list of cycling events.

As a free subscriber, you have access to some “unlocked” articles peppered throughout our Florida Cycling Newsletter site. If you become a paid subscriber, you have full access to all of the Florida Cycling Newsletter articles, past and future. Click here, enter your email address to open your account and consider these subscription options.

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You may have a club near you, but as you travel around Florida, take your bike along and arrange to ride with a club or group in another city or county. There are clubs and groups for those who ride a road bike, a mountain bike, gravel or e-bike. Clubs are organized non-profits, while informal groups are cyclists who regularly meet to ride.

Our newly updated list has links to over 60 club and group rides across the state. Breaking up your routine, by joining in on the right group or club ride, can breathe new life into the joy of riding.

Florida Cycling Newsletter does the research to provide you with options, ideas, and resources, including a listing of Florida bicycle clubs and group rides across our state.

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Florida Cycling Newsletter does the research and provides a comprehensive list of cycling events. There have been over a dozen new events added to the listing. We also post some premier cycling events outside of Florida for you to consider.

Whether you regularly enter cycling events, or just periodically or if you have never participated in an event, there is an event for you.

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Florida offers a lot of variety for cyclists whether you ride on roads, mountain bike trails, gravel or paved trails. You need not look further than your own location or something within an hour’s drive away.

First of all, assess your current routine of cycling. How often do you ride the same route, same distance, same bike? Would you like some variety? What type? Make a quick list.

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Locals know it just as Carlton.

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