SW Florida

Lately I’ve been making the rounds around the state and had an interesting stretch along the west coast.  It started in Inverness last Thursday, a meeting with the Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee citizen support organization to discuss trail etiquette.  In addition to the meeting, I reunited with some dear friends I haven’t seen in a while. By meeting end, I had a validation that trail users are equally concerned about bicycle safety and education as those cyclists using the road.  We truly do ride together in these matters.

Next, a two-day trip to southwest Florida.  Friday morning started with an award presentation to BikeWalkLee and Darla Letourneau during the Lee County MPO meeting.

 

Followed by a visit with Earl Lang, VP of FBA Board of Directors, and a small gathering of Peace River Riders Bicycle Club.

Saving the best for last, I spent Saturday morning attending an Acme Bicycle Shop / Peace River Riders Bicycle Club bicycle ride.

At last!  I finally made a club ride!  Not that I have photo proof of actual riding, but there were witnesses.

I had a great three-day trip and wish to thank Denny and Linda of the Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee for inviting me to speak at their meeting; members of BikeWalkLee and Dan Moser for being at the MPO meeting on Friday to accept the award; Earl Lang and his wife Karen for the fine hospitality and good conversation (I learned so much over a few beers and even more over iced tea); and finally, to the Peace River Riders Bicycle Club for being strong bicycle advocates, but more importantly, for being a group of good people that ultimately know the meaning of fun.  I can’t wait to ride with you again!

In fact, I look forward to riding with each of the FBA member bicycle clubs and have plans to do so in 2015, if not sooner (look out, St. Petersburg Bicycle Club, hee-hee).  Meanwhile, it’s hard to believe that November is nearly over.  To which I say,