Follow Florida cycling enthusiasts during these yearly events. Please verify before scheduling travel.


January

Ididaride
This endurance challenge offers off-road cyclists the chance to pump their way across roughly 50 miles of single-track trails along the Suwannee River outside the town of White Springs. Rolling hills and varied terrain make the ride both interesting and challenging, and bail out points are available for those who don't want to do the whole route. Call 352-367-4512 for more information.


March

Bike Florida: Spring Event
Every spring the organization Bike Florida hosts an immensely popular multi-day event. Past programs have included natural springs tours, beachside cycling and more. Routes generally total 300 miles or more, with 1,000 riders taking part. Local lodging establishments offer packages to riders, but to really mingle with the locals, try camping in a local gymnasium. Entry fees cover all the basics, including camping, and riders can add meal plans. The event fills up fast, so call Bike Florida at 352-392-8093 for more information.


April

Bike Across Florida
The Bike Across Florida (BAF) event is among the most famous of several cross-state rides. At 165 miles from start to finish, this is the longest single day race in the United States. Beginning in Titusville at 6:45 a.m., the route climbs Mt. Sugarloaf in Clermont, runs along the Witchlacoochee State Forest and finishes at City Hall in Crystal River. Shorter rides that benefit charity are also available. The route is marked and policed, but that doesn't make it any shorter or, at times, less dangerous. Be sure you're up to the challenge. Visit www.bikeacrossflorida.net for more information.


May

Royal Palm Classic
This laid-back event begins at Buckingham Park in Lee County, outside of Ft. Myers. In addition to the loops of 30, 45 and 54 miles, the local cycling club, Ft. Myers Caloosa Riders, will lead a 15-mile "no one dropped" route. Burgers, dogs and vegetarian options are included as part of the event, which attracts close to 200 riders. Visit www.caloosariders.com for more information.
Covering some of the most scenic roadways of Southeast Florida, the Great Coconut Grove Tour features a full weekend of cycling, from the 195-mile, two-day ultra-ride to the more casual 35-mile Sunday ride.


June

The Gulf Coast Cycling Classic
Fabulous Gulf views, well-marked routes and a friendly crowd of riders make this a great event for the casual and expert rider alike. The three routes (usually 35/65/100K) all begin in downtown Dunedin on the Pinellas Trail and head south to Fort Desoto County Park, located right on the Gulf. The longer routes visit the historic Greek town of Tarpon Springs and beautiful Honeymoon Island. Visit www.active.com for more information.


July

Orlando Midnight Ramble
The element of surprise is what makes the Orlando Midnight Ramble so unique. Organizers keep a tight lid on the 25-mile route until 11 p.m. the night of the event. The well-lit course usually meanders through downtown Orlando and the adjoining community of Winter Park. A "creative riding attire" contest adds to the lighthearted atmosphere of this family-friendly event. Call 888-281-0533 or visit www.buttar.com for more information.


September

Great Coconut Grove Tour
Covering some of the most scenic roadways of Southeast Florida, the Great Coconut Grove Tour features a full weekend of cycling, from the 195-mile, two-day ultra-ride to the more casual 35-mile Sunday ride. The route includes rural roads in south Dade County and miles of picturesque beachfront cycling along Key Biscayne. Call 407-831-5142 for more information.

PGA Tour MS150 Bike Tour
Double up that sense of accomplishment by enjoying a great ride and supporting a worthy cause. The PGA Tour MS150 Bike Tour offers 150K and 150-mile options, both beginning at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine and ending at the Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach. This well-supported ride benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Cycling teams and organizations are encouraged to join in. Call 904-332-6810 for more information.


October

Cyclefest
Cyclefest in West Palm Beach has rapidly become one of the state's most popular cycling events. Thousands of spectators and and more than 300 cyclists take part in three days of rides and activities, including multi-race formats and the Cyclefest Century for competitive riders. Most rides include stretches of beachfront cycling. Safety demonstrations, extreme bike stunts, rallies and contests make the event a family favorite. Visit www.cyclefest.org for more information.