Time trial series is among many activities in fall
By JESSICA FISH
Published September 3, 2004
Multisport enthusiasts will have a selection of activities this fall in Central Florida, and it all begins Labor Day weekend.
The group that gathers at St. Petersburg's Florida Bicycle Sports is expecting a larger crowd than usual for the monthly First Thursdays Time Trial Series, which starts Thursday at Fort De Soto Park.
This is a 9.5-mile individual trial with no drafting, and the first rider starts at 6 p.m. The other cyclists will follow at 30-second intervals.
Mountain and triathlon bikes, tandems and handcycles are allowed. Prizes will be awarded after the event.
Florida Bicycle Sports welcomes all levels of cyclists. Helmets are required.
For information, call Ted or Brian, (727) 823-7775; or visit Florida Bicycle Sports, 909 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
ASSAULT ON MT. SUGARLOAF: Volunteers from Bike Shop International in Maitland and the Winter Garden Merchants Association will play host for the Assault On Mt. Sugarloaf Bicycle Touring Weekend in Winter Garden on Saturday-Sunday.
At 6:15 Saturday, registration will be available for routes of 15, 25, and 55 miles through scenic Lake County. Though these rides are meant to be recreational, the routes are on moderately hilly roads and climbing gears are highly recommended for all cyclists. Helmets are required.
The $30 fee ($35 on day of ride) includes breakfast, tech support, maps, support stops with water, beverages and a post-ride pasta meal.
On Sunday, USA Cycling racers will have a road event of 88 kilometers that features 400-meter climbs. For information, go online to www.active.com
For information on the tour, call (407) 629-2453 or visit Bike Shop International, 145 S Orlando Ave., Maitland.
TOUR OF SEBRING: Historic Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring will be the headquarters for touring riders (non-racers) and their families Saturday-Monday for the Tour Of Sebring.
Members of the West Palm Beach Bicycle Club will be on hand at the lodge, where cyclists will be treated to kids activities, entertainment and tech support on rides 10-100 miles. At the Tour Of Sebring, there always are rides for every level of ability. Helmets are required. For information, call the Tour Of Sebring director, 561 733-2294; or go online to www.active.com
SWAMP ROMP: Tampa's Wes Eubank and Harvey Minton welcome mountain-bike riders to the annual SWAMP ROMP CHOMP III, a popular off-road ride at 9 a.m. Sunday at Trout Creek.
Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedallers Club members invite interested fat-tire cyclists and newcomers to this fox-and-hound style hash ride.
There will be several speedy hares setting the pace, and they will leave Trout Creek about 15 minutes ahead of the lead pack. Trail markings will guide the chasers along the route.
Guests may bring a covered dish to share, and a $3 food donation will be appreciated. Most riders stay for the camaraderie long after the hares have been caught.
SWAMP members are nationally known for their rigorous trail-cutting sessions, but this is an event that provides relaxation and socializing. Throughout the season, the club gives Hillsborough riders increased trail access.
For SWAMP ROMP information, call Mary Sheridan, 813 988-6480; or e-mail mcpease@mindspring.com
IRONMAN: When October's full moon approaches and triathletes have spent countless hours on 100-mile rides, it's nearly time for Ironman season.
These events consist of a 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles of biking and 26.2-mile run. Florida athletes wanting to challenge themselves will participate in these races:
Ironman Triathlon World Championship, Oct. 16 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Great Floridian Triathlon, Oct. 23 in Clermont; and Ironman Florida, Nov. 6 in Panama City Beach.
Individuals qualifying for Kailua-Kona as of Monday are Joe Bonness (45-49 division), Naples; Kasey Carroll-Basso (30-34), Bradenton; Seth Coblentz (35-39), Miami; Susan Comoglio (50-54), Naples; Dean Cosgrove (40-44), Tarpon Springs; Jeff Cuddeback (45-49), Longwood; Patrick High (40-44), Sebring; Philip LaHaye (30-34), Palm Harbor; Linda Musante (50-54), Tampa; Linda Neary (40-44), North Palm Beach; Sara Quinty (25-29), Naples; Ian Ray (40-44), St. Petersburg; Dave Rowland (40-44), North Redington Beach; Rob Skaggs (35-39), Tampa; Susan Wallis (50-54), Ponte Vedra Beach; and Sara Weaver (35-39), Naples.
TARPON SPRINGS SPRINT TRIATHLON: Short-course triathletes are preparing for the 16th annual triathlon, sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Rotary Club.
The race is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Sept. 11 at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. The distances will be a 0.25-mile swim, 10.5-mile bike ride and 3-mile run. For competitors registering before Saturday, the individual entry fee is $50 and the relay team cost is $85.
