What we’re about
We are an active outdoor group that loves to bike and hike. Our team has several years of experience hosting events. The events are welcoming and inclusive, it will be easy to make like-minded friends.
To be able to participate in any of our events, we kindly ask you to sign our waiver and release (see section at the end) and pay an annual nominal fee of $20 within your two week free trial period. The good news is that you only have to set up payment once. It will be automatically renewed. You can however cancel automatic renewal at any time.
Our recreational bike rides range from 10 to 60 miles in distance at an average speed of 10 to 14 mph. They might include breakfast or lunch. Our hikes range from 6 to 13 miles in length and are generally casual in nature. We might occassionally mix bike rides and hikes.
From time to time we might post other outdoor events, in particular during the hot summer months.
OUR POLICIES
We are not a big fan of many rules, we just love the outdoors and want to have fun. But please be respectful of your fellow members and those who organize and host events. Your hosts are volunteers and not professionals. Make sure they'll get your full support and arrive on time.
For liability reasons we don't allow guests. However, everyone is welcome to join our group and sign the waiver with the full legal name.
Our events are generally open to everyone in our group but occasionally we might have to limit its size. Always be aware of your capabilities when you sign up for an event.
It is important that you let your event hosts know in advance if you can't make it although you signed up. This will be in particular necessary when we have a waitlist. Frequent no-shows are not cool and won't be accepted, it's just not fair.
Our bike rides differ in length and speed. Please always check the events' description and make sure you checked your bikes before the event. Tire pressure, battery charge, brakes etc. should be efficient and fully functioning.
We highly recommend that you wear a helmet on our bike rides. Accidents happen and you might get hurt. If you decide to participate without a helmet, you will do so at your own risk and can't hold anyone responsible.
Hikes in Florida can be challenging although the terrain is flat. The biggest risks are dehydration and exhaustion. Just make sure you carry sufficient water and sun protection.
With that all said, have fun and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people.
OUR WAIVER AND RELEASE
This Waiver and Release is applicable to all members of our "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" group.
By joining our group and undersigning our waiver with the full legal name, all members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" acknowledge that by registering and participating at any of our events they do it voluntarily and fully assume all risk of injury, illness, damage or loss of personal property. This is in particular true when riding the bike without a helmet.
All members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" must abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe manner.
The "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" organizer, co-organizers and event organizers are volunteers and not trained or professional guides. It is the full responsiblity of each event participant to make sure the event is suitable based on the physical condition, personal skill and necessary equipment.
All members acknowledge that "SWFL Bikes and Hikes", their organizer, co-organizers, event organizers as well as their families and other participants can not be held liable for any of the risks mentioned above. This release extends to any of the members' representatives, executors or heirs.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- SCOUT OUT: Bike from Shamrock- to Indian Mound Park & Brunch (30 miles r/t)Shamrock Park, Venice, FL
SCOUT OUT: Be a little adventurous and check out a new bike route with us, we haven't done this one before! Occasional hiccups are included😅.
This route was inspired by our dear member Pauline, who unfortunately will be back in PA by then. Parts of the route might be familiar to some of you but this time we will continue riding south. Total distance will be 30 miles r/t., average speed casual 10-12 mph.
Let's meet at Shamrock Park & Nature Center. There will be plenty of parking and restrooms. We really want to start early to beat the heat.
Kick-off will therefore be at 07:30 AM sharp. Please be on time.Our ride will take us through South Venice, past Lemon Bay Preserve, through Manasota, along Lemon Bay Park and end at Indian Mound Park in Englewood. We will make several stops along the way.
A short ride back will lead us to our brunch place on W Dearborn St.
Mango Bistro with its French and Californian Cuisine offers plenty of healthy food including Vegan and Gluten-Free options. The restaurant has indoor and covered outdoor seating. Expect the place to be busy, means we will have more time to relax, socialize and enjoy.After brunch we will take a slightly different route back to the starting point.
This will be a social event and no race. Please don't schedule anything right after as the ride and/or the brunch might take longer than expected.
Don't forget to bring a bike lock, plenty of water (ideally with electrolytes), a snack and protect yourself from the sun.
As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.
- SCOUT OUT: Bike & Hike - Payne Park to Red Bug Slough Preserve + Light BrunchPayne Park, Sarasota, FL
SCOUT OUT: Be a little adventurous and check out a new bike route with us, we haven't done this one before! Occasional hiccups are included😅.
This route was inspired by our dear member Pauline, who unfortunately will be back in PA by then. Parts of the route might be familiar to some of you, but this time we will ride a loop and make several scenic stops along the way which also include a short hike.
Let's meet at Payne Park close to the restrooms. There will be plenty of free parking at the garage on 2150 Ringling Blvd.
Kick-off will be at 08:00 AM sharp. Please be on time.
Our casual bike ride will take us through parts of Laurel Park, Hudson Bayou, Harbor Acres, Bayview, Cherokee Park, San Remo, Oyster Bay and the area around Phillippi Creek.
We will end up at Red Bug Slough Preserve where we will go for a short hike. This 72-acre preserve is a remnant piece of natural Florida nestled in the midst of suburban Sarasota.
After our hike we will continue through some neighborhoods until we reach the Legacy Trail that will lead us to Pinecraft with its Amish community.
We will have a light brunch at Postal 98 Cafe where we will find plenty of outdoor seating during this time of the year.
After that we will return to the Legacy Trail through parts of Pinecraft and head back to Payne Park.
Total distance will be around 21 miles at a pace of 10 to 12 mph.
This will be a social event and no race. Please don't schedule anything right after as the ride and/or the brunch might take longer than expected.
Don't forget to bring a bike lock, plenty of water (ideally with electrolytes), a snack and protect yourself from the sun.
As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.
