The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Lung Association are offering cyclists a remote option for those who cannot attend their events.

• Two separate Bike MS events benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The first is along the Atlantic coast starting in Ponte Verda Beach on October 10-11, 2026. The second is along the Gulf Coast starting in Lakewood Ranch on April 10, 2027.

• The Gulf Coast Bike Trek put on by the American Lung Association of Tampa is happening on October 17, 2026. The actual event is taking place on the renowned Pinellas Trail.

Ride remotely means you decide:

• When you ride

• Where you ride

• How far you ride

• The amount you want to raise and/or give

• What type of bike you want to ride – road, MTB, gravel or stationary bike, and pedal for a day, a week or a month.

If you choose to ride remotely, you can even form a team to invite family, friends and coworkers (in other states as well) to also be involved and ride at a time and location of their own choosing while helping support the cause.

If supporting research and best care for lung disease or MS is a cause you want to support, then choose to either ride the day of the event or choose the “ride remotely” option.

Special discounts for riding in the actual event

If you ARE able to make the actual event, Florida Cycling Newsletter has arranged special discounts for our subscribers.

• For those riding the day of the Gulf Coast Bike Trek the discount code is CYCLE10 which provides $10 off the $45 registration fee. There is a minimum fundraising goal of $200, with 90 cents of every dollar going directly to education, research and advocacy in the fight against lung diseases.

• For the two Bike MS events, Florida Cycling Newsletter subscribers receive a 25% discount off the registration fee. The discount code is BIKEMSFL. (Note: the early registration fee for the April 2027 Bike MS event is currently only $20).

Read more about each event on the Florida Cycling Newsletter website at Gulf Coast Bike Trek and Bike MS.

Both of these cycle-for-a-cause events are a practical way to honor and support a family member or friend impacted by these diseases.

Also, there is a comprehensive list of other cycling events across Florida on our companion website Florida Cycling. If you know of an event, but it is not listed, please let us know. We list events for free.

Thank you for giving back to help others as you ride.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

Editor, Publisher

Next week we’ll feature ways to find your ride wherever you travel.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has an inspiring story about its founding. Sylvia Lawry’s brother, Bernard, was diagnosed with MS in the 1940s. Very little was known about the disease, even among doctors and scientists. Their family was told there was no treatment available, much less a cure.

Here is Sylvia, in the above photo. One woman, who refused to accept that nothing could be done for her brother and others afflicted with MS. In 1946, Sylvia gathered 20 of the nation’s most prominent researchers and founded the organization that would become the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Now, 80 years later, the question is no longer if MS can be ended — but rather how quickly.

Each year, nearly 35,000 participants and more than 3,500 teams take part in Bike MS events across the U.S., raising millions of dollars and awareness to support advocacy, research, and resources for people living with MS. I have ridden in two Bike MS events over the years in honor of my friends who have battled this disease.

As avid cyclists, the Bike MS events in Florida are an opportunity for us to make a difference. There is the usual registration fee, plus a minimum $300 to raise in donations. Florida Cycling Newsletter has arranged for our subscribers to receive a 25% discount off the $70 registration fee. The discount code is BIKEMSFL. (Note: the early registration fee for the April Bike MS is currently only $20).

The Bike MS Florida events

1. North on the Jacksonville/St. Augustine Atlantic coast to Daytona Beach.

2. South from Marathon to Key Largo.

3. West in Sarasota County on the Gulf Coast.

Route lengths for these three Bike MS events vary from 21, 24, 36, 59, 77, to 100 miles, making it doable for cyclists who want to challenge themselves to a longer distance or those who want to enjoy a less strenuous distance.

Each event has a route and amenities to remember. For example, here is what the “Bike MS: Breakaway to the Keys” has to offer.

• Ride the scenic Overseas Highway, where the ocean surrounds you mile after mile.

• Finish Day 1 at the beautiful Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club in Marathon, a premier waterfront destination in the heart of the Keys.

• Celebrate at the Team Village Post-Ride Party, featuring great food, music, and the camaraderie that makes Bike MS so special.

• Watch a spectacular sunset over the marina before relaxing and anticipating another day of riding.

• Enjoy a two-day island adventure, returning to Key Largo while taking in even more of the stunning coastal scenery of the Florida Keys.

When registering, consider joining a team. It is so much more enjoyable to ride with others. You can search what teams have already registered and select one to join.

Here’s an alternate option

For those whose schedule won’t allow you to ride on one of the dates or locations - you can ride virtually. When you register choose the “Ride Virtual” option. You can even form a team to invite family, friends and coworkers (even in another state) to join with you in riding at a time and location of their own choosing and still support the MS cause.

Year-round, Florida Cycling provides a comprehensive list for other cycling events across Florida and surrounding states. It includes road, MTB, gravel and triathlons.

Register. Raise funds. Ride. Make a difference. Well done.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

Here’s a cycling event to consider that may lower your guilt at the Thanksgiving table: the 22^nd annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride in Naples, FL, organized by Naples Pathways Coalition(NPC).

This is one of the few cycling events in Florida taking place during Thanksgiving week. The Iron Joe Turkey Ride is Sunday, November 22, 2026. Please note it has a new start date this year, the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Make it a weekend in Naples or surrounding area.

Consider coming to Naples the day before and join a local group ride or plan your own route for a warmup and enjoy the area. One option for a warmup ride is the newly completed 7 mile Paradise Coast Trail in Naples. Komoot has a listing of other cycling routes in Collier County. For a comprehensive list of Gulf Coast cycling clubs, rides and routes go to FloridaCycling.us.

Event route maps can be found on the Iron Joe website. The routes go through low traffic neighborhoods, with many offering bike lanes and multi-use trails. The first few miles of the 10, 20, 40 and 62 mile routes roll through picturesque Lely Resort. There are also walk and run options.

Enjoy a light breakfast before you head out and refuel along the way at conveniently located event rest stops. AAA and local bike shops will be providing expert SAG support.

When you complete your ride and return to the start/finish at Eagle Lakes Community Park, a hearty lunch awaits catered by Jason’s Deli. Post-ride activities also include beer and other beverages, plus music. Plenty of shade and picnic tables in the park provide a nice setting to recover and enjoy the festivities.

This is a kid-friendly, family-friendly event.

There are 2.5 and 5 mile options for younger children that are ridden within the Eagle Lakes Park, for safety. If you have family visiting for Thanksgiving, check with them to see if they would like to join this event.

A few notices from the Iron Joe organizers.

• Class 1 / pedal-assist e-bikes are welcome.

• Helmets and closed-toe shoes are required for every rider.

• A price increase is coming September 18, so you can save by registering before then.

The Iron Joe Ride supports the advocacy efforts of Naples Pathways Coalition. They champion three initiatives that are local and statewide.

1. A statewide initiative for Hands-Free Florida. Florida tops the charts for the most bicycle and pedestrian fatalities. The majority attributed to distracted driving. Hands-free means “Phone down, eyes up, no exceptions”. You can help by signing the petition on the Hands-Free Florida website.

2. A coalition to build the Paradise Coast Trail(PCT). PCT is a network of paved trails across Southwest Florida to connect with two regional trail systems: the Florida Gulf Coast Trail and the Collier County to Polk County Trail. When completed the PCT will be a 70-plus mile pathway for biking, running, and walking.

3. Making Naples and Collier County safer for cyclists and pedestrians alike with initiatives such as “Lights for Bikes”.

The Iron Joe Turkey Ride is for everyone who enjoys riding a bike, regardless of age or level of fitness. And it’s your way of investing in Florida cycling infrastructure, while also making roads safer for everyone.

Enjoy riding during this Labor Day weekend.

Ride often. Be safe.

Bruce

FloridaCycling.us provides a comprehensive list of other cycling events across Florida and surrounding states in the coming months.

One event we’d like to highlight is the Gulf Coast Bike Trek put on by the American Lung Association of Tampa. It supports the fight against lung cancer, COPD, asthma and other serious lung diseases. These lung related diseases are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Saturday, October 17, 2026 the Gulf Coast Bike Trek rolls through scenic views of the Gulf Coast, woodlands, parks, neighborhoods and quaint towns that include Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and historic Tarpon Springs. The event provides some great support on the route, appealing after-ride meal and is a worthy cause that brings hope and healing to so many.

Distances of 10, 25, 40 and 62 miles make it suitable for all levels of fitness. The majority of the route is on bike trails including the Pinellas Trail, providing a smooth and safe ride. Volunteers manning rest stops will provide snacks, drinks and encouragement. E-bikes (class 1 and 3) are permitted for those 18 years old and up.

Also, they are hosting three practice group rides. The first is on August 29, 2026. Each has various distance options to help riders get in shape, enjoy camaraderie and experience some of the route.

Enjoy creative murals along the route.

Special $10 off Discount

As a Florida Cycling Subscriber you will be given a special discount. Code CYCLE10 provides $10 off the $45 registration fee. There is a minimum fundraising goal of $200 with 90 cents of every dollar going directly to education, research and advocacy in the fight against lung diseases.

What If You Are Unable To Be There?

The event is providing a creative option if you want to be involved in fighting lung disease, but your schedule or location prohibits you from being in Dunedin, FL on October 17^th.

The Lung Association is offering “Cycle Your Way”. This option allows you to decide:

• when you ride

• where you ride

• how far you ride

• the amount you want to raise and/or give

There is no registration fee for the “Cycle Your Way” option.

“Cycle Your Way” allows you to ride in solidarity and support of fighting lung disease. It’s a wonderful way to honor a family member or friend impacted by lung disease. You can even invite others to join you regardless of where they live. When registering, select the option “Cycle Your Way”.

Ride often. Be safe. Make a difference.

Bruce

Publisher | Editor

FYI, a comprehensive list of cycling events across Florida and neighboring southern states is provided on our companion website Florida Cycling.

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

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

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 or longer trip.

So, who was Fred Marquis? After a distinguished Army career, retiring as a 2 star general, he became the Pinellas County Administrator for 21 years. During those years he helped spearhead the vision and initial construction of the Pinellas Trail. He passed away in early 2026 at age 86.

Known simply as the Pinellas Trail, it now spans approximately 45 miles one-way from downtown St. Petersburg north to Tarpon Springs. Future plans are to create an 80-mile loop. Including its terminal communities, Pinellas Trail passes through Clearwater, Dunedin and Palm Harbor, with jumping off points to various other interests such as the Sponge Docks in the north, Dunedin Blue Jays stadium midway and The Dalí Museum at the southern end.

Read more