Bicyclists rang in the holiday season at Fort DeSoto Park, pedaling in a Pinellas County Sheriffs fund-raising ride.
But first, they had to search their closets, unpacking winter cycling clothes.
Tights, jackets, gloves and shoe covers were the uniforms of choice for 200 hearty cyclists who joined the sheriffs at 8 a.m. for the annual Ride With The Stars Ride on Dec. 6.
Sheriff Mike Platt announced the staging of the event's 25-miler, under the flapping start/finish banner. Riders lined up in the cold, behind members of Palm Harbor's Suncoast Cycling Club.
The distinctive neon green and black Suncoast jerseys crowded the front of the peloton. Competitors following were grateful to have 40 cyclists - riding in their smooth, pace-line formation - organized to block the northerly wind.
Suncoast riders Anthony Monaco, Chris Tabor, Pat Cohen, Tom Ferraro and Bill Kracov led the various packs into Tierra Verde. All participants finished safe and sound, some rushing to dry off and warm up. Donations from Lou's Bicycle Center, Outspokin Family Bikes and Chainwheel Drive helped raise funds to benefit crime victims' families. St. Petersburg Bicycle Club member Rich Heiser of St. Petersburg won a Trek mountain bike.
In the spirit of giving, the Pinellas County Sheriffs donate generously to the area's needy children, who otherwise would have no Christmas. Toys, games, food and decorations make holiday memories for these families.
After the Bike Rodeo For Kids, Santa, Mrs. Claus and an adorable elf landed at the park in a sheriff's helicopter. Interested in joining a club in north Pinellas county? Check out www.suncoastcycling.com U.S. POSTAL UPDATE: Professional cycling teams are beginning to release their 2004 rosters.
U.S. Postal Service members gathered last week at an informal camp near Austin, Texas, where Lance Armstrong led them on mountain-bike adventures in the woods.
Armstrong has been appearing throughout the U.S. at Lance Armstrong Foundation benefits for cancer research. The five-time Tour de France winner was photographed last week Christmas shopping in New York City with singer and close friend Sheryl Crow. Armstrong and Crow were introduced by cyclist Robin Williams. The two have much in common, including an interest in motocross racing. Crow enjoys mountain biking and hones her skills by competing in 250cc motocross events.
OFF-ROAD SERIES: The final stage of Florida's Trek Mountain Bike Championship Series is scheduled for Sunday at Razorback Mountain Bike Park in Reddick. To get to the park, take I-75 to Exit 71. Go east on CR 326 to the first traffic light. Turn left on CR 25-A. Go 7 miles to a four-way stop signal, which is 316. Take a right on 316, then look for signs leading to the course on the right. Practice rides will be $4 per cyclist at the gate. Proper equipment, including helmets, is required. Riders should bring water and food. For information, call Gone Riding, 352 873-9279. TOUR DE CAPE: The 13th annual News-Press Tour de Cape Bike Ride is set for Jan. 9-11 in Cape Coral. The ride is among Florida's largest and fastest-growing events. Cyclists may choose daily rides of 15, 31, 62 and 100 miles, which wind through scenic flatlands. Activities will include a breakfast, expo, post-ride celebration luncheon, 5K run with top-three age-group awards and live music. All levels of cyclists and runners are welcome. Registration and packet pick-up will be at 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 9 at Rotary Park, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral. For information, contact Wendy Hauck, whauck@capecoral.net or 239 573-3122. Online registration is available at www.active.com
