The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Florida's Suncoast Nature Coast Defrost Tour 2026

February 1st to February 14th

Ride Director: Roy Brubaker
Ride Co-Director: Kristi Brubaker
Ride Driver: Chuck Feerick
Report by: Arleen Sakamoto

Florida’s Suncoast and Nature Coast Defrost Tour 2026

February 1-14, 2026

Ride Director:  Roy Brubaker

Ride Co-Director:  Kristi Brubaker

Ride Driver:  Chuck Feerick

Report By:  Arleen Sakamoto

Florida’s reputation by cyclists is that the state is a Paradise on Wheels.  It offers entry to some of the state’s best kept secrets, inviting weather year-round, unique wildlife, breath-taking coastal views, lush natural areas, and quaint small towns found on the paved trails.

Starting off, the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail provides a rare opportunity to cycle over open water on a protected pathway separated from vehicular traffic.  It was an exhilarating experience cycling over Old Tampa Bay enjoying unobstructed bay views in all directions with Tampa skyline visible to the east and Clearwater beaches to the west.   

A must do in Clearwater Beach is to watch the sun set, whether you are on a boat, at a pier or from your hotel roof top, which was convenient for our group because your leaders will closely monitor the time for you to end happy hour in order to catch a glimpse of the spectacular moment.  We grew to rely on their knowledge and guidance on how not to miss a single “must do” in the towns we traveled through, and especially if you are on the lookout for alligators!

Leaving Clearwater Beach we were riding on a dynamic, narrow ribbon of pristine sandy beaches and dunes parallel to the mainland.  Along the way there were hi-rise palatial looking hotels, tiki huts, and beachfront bars where bohemian attitudes prevail.  It is rumored to be yet another beach that inspired the hit song “Margaritaville.”  Pass-A-Grille, a National Historic District, is often described as an island due to its narrow, three block geography and waterfront setting.

Approaching St Petersburg on Pinellas Trail, take notice of a growing collection of public art designed to enhance the corridor and discourage graffiti.  The city boasts approximately 600 commissioned murals, many concentrated in the downtown area.

The well planned itinerary allows a partial and one full day to explore the many attributes of St. Petersburg.  Nestled in the heart of the city is a lush, tropical oasis home to more than 50,000 exotic tropical plants and birds from around the world, including its iconic flamingo flock.  What started as a sinkhole where wild hogs roamed is now a world-renowned 100 y/o attraction, Sunken Gardens.

Continuing on the Florida Suncoast, we follow  Pinellas Trail north to the Greek fishing village of Tarpon Springs.  The next day we rode to and stayed over in Weeki Wachee in Florida’s Nature Coast.  This area is home to the world’s largest concentration of freshwater springs.  Crystal River is world-renowned as the only place in North America where you can legally swim with manatees in the wild.

The next three days are spent on the bike for the return to Tampa continuing on Florida’s expansive paved bike trail system.  The combination of ocean views, sea breezes and Spanish moss draped live oaks creates an unmatched riding experience.  The state’s generally flat topography makes it ideal for the required distances.

Roy and Kristi are to be cherished and commended for their vision, and excellence in planning and execution.