That “Something Special” With Florida Cyclists

This issue of the Florida Cycling eNewsletter covers:

- What is the “special something” among many Florida cyclists.

- How to find cycling events to experience that “something special”.

- A reminder about “Only 12 hours left”.

Photo by Brian Tucker @YellowBirdThreadWorks

What’s That “Something Special”?

Recently, I volunteered, and rode in, the Orange Blossom Gravel (OBG) event held in south central Florida. The routes were across the famous Lake Wales Ridge, which is viewable from a satellite. The ridge extends about 100 miles south and north through Highlands and Polk Counties, through the spine of our state.

It is named for the city of Lake Wales, which is located roughly halfway along the ridge. The ridge has the highest point on the Florida peninsula at 312 feet on Sugarloaf Mountain. (For Floridians, that’s high!)

On Friday afternoon and evening OBG participants started arriving for the Saturday start.

As I greeted riders and answered questions, I noticed something special.