The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Florida's Suncoast and Nature Coast Winter Defrost Tour

January 19th to February 1st

Ride Director: Roy Brubaker
Ride Co-Director: Kristi Brubaker
Ride Driver: Glenn Rudolph
Report by: Chuck Feerick

“If you’re looking to kick off 2025 in a sunny, warm weather riding destination with a variety of sights, including pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear spring fed rivers, and some of the state’s most scenic natural areas, this is the tour for you!” Except for the polar vortex that greeted us upon arrival in Tampa and initially impinged upon the “sunny, warm weather”, the Brubaker’s opening line in their Ride Description was spot on. In fact, it could be expanded to include a fabulous network of cycling trails, a plethora of interesting museums and other points of interest, and a bounty of fresh seafood.

The tour began in Tampa just as a blast of snow and freezing temperatures was blanketing the southeast. Fortunately, the rain and cold held off long enough for us to reach St. Petersburg at which point we had two optional days of riding. A hardy few ventured out to explore the historic Fort DeSoto, but the majority took the opportunity to visit a few of the world class museums and galleries all within easy walking distance of the hotel, highlighted by the Salvador Dali Museum, the Chihuly Glass Collection, and the Museum of Fine Arts. In hindsight, had the weather been less intimidating, many of us would have likely missed out on these gems. Some of us had the pleasure of wrapping up the blustery day by enjoying the incredible oysters and Yucatan shrimp served up at Doc Ford’s on the St. Petersburg Pier (yes, its owned by the renowned author of the acclaimed Doc Ford series, Randy Wayne White).

The sun broke through and warm weather arrived in time to ride the Pinellas Trail to the historic Greek fishing village of Tarpon Springs, known as the “Sponge Capital of the World”. The Greek restaurants in this town were amazing, unfortunately there was not enough time to sample them all! The following day we continued north and spent two nights in Weeki Wachi. Here we visited Weeki Wachi Springs State Park and viewed the iconic Mermaid Show which has been entertaining visitors since 1947. This famous symbol of yesteryear’s Florida tourism continues to enchant audiences of all ages.

We next cycled along the Suncoast Trail to the town of Crystal River, known as the “Manatee Capital of the World”.  The town of Crystal River surrounds Kings Bay which receives 600 million gallons of freshwater a day from over 70 springs. It is a first magnitude Florida springs system and a leading winter refuge for the Florida Manatee. The cold snap drove the manatees inland from the coast in search of warmer water. This resulted in a manatee bonanza, where hundreds of manatees could be seen congregating in the area’s springs. Some of the group donned wet suits and swam with these beautiful and docile creatures, perhaps forever changing their appreciation for the beauty and love that exists in nature.      

The showcase of the trail system was the Withlacoochee State Trail and the connecting Starkey Wilderness Trail. Along the trail we encountered alligators, Sandhill Cranes, and various snakes, among other wildlife. Our wonderful trip concluded with a stunning ride across Tampa Bay on the Causeway Trail and a gathering at Whiskey Joes for celebratory oysters, shrimp, salads, and beer.

In closing, the ride was expertly run, carefully thought out, and very well organized. Roy and Kristi are amazing ride leaders, always friendly and helpful where no detail is too minor, and no request unanswered.  The tour showcased several of central Florida’s inspiring natural, cultural, and culinary treasures, many of which are accessible via a first-class network of cycling trails.