2011 Annual Tour THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Spring Tour! We had a great time and are looking forward to seeing you and some fresh new faces at next year's event. Bike Florida 2011 “Florida’s Eden” Bike Florida 2011 is a week long, fully supported bicycle camping tour that will take you through what is considered “Florida’s Eden” with turquoise springs and rivers, rich forests, rolling pastures covered with wildflowers and through the hidden treasures of Florida’s quaint towns and historic hamlets. You will also visit the city of Gainesville, home to the University of Florida and its famous Florida Gators! The tour is leisurely paced and designed to be a fun and relaxing vacation for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Come join us for the fun, and bring along a friend to experience the joys of cycling in sunny Florida! This tour is fully supported with medical, mechanical and gear support. All registrations include maps, cue sheets, rest stops, nightly entertainment, and meal options. Keep checking our website and Facebook page for regular updates. Join our e-newsletter and the information will come to you! Bike Florida 2011 THANK YOU to those who participated and supported Bike Florida 2011 "Florida's Eden!" Please keep checking back for updates on future tours OR join the Share the Road ENewsletter for the latest news! Bike Florida 2011 Frequently Asked Questions What activities are planned for the evenings? We are now planning our evening programs. Entertainment may include live music, street party, campfire, presentations, a game night and more! A special evening of events has been dedicated to Florida’s Eden’s Blue Path educational program about the Florida’s springs. Back to Top Are the riders bussed back to the start of the ride? This is a loop ride starting and ending in Gainesville. Participants will park their vehicles in Gainesville for the week at one of several secured locations. Gainesville Getaway riders will be in Gainesville for 2 days and can park their cars with the week long riders as well. High Springs Holiday riders will meet our tour in High Springs and park their cars on site during their 2 day tour. Back to Top Is there any written information regarding the 2011 Bike Florida event? A DVD of event highlights, as well as a Rider’s Handbook will be mailed to all registered participants by mid-March. This will compliment the information on the Website. The registration is all online with Active.com. There is a direct link to the Bike Florida website as well. There is also a paper registration available that can be mailed or faxed. If you are having any problems, call active.com directly and they will be happy to assist you with registration. (1-877-228-4881 option 2, then option 3) Back to Top Do we actually start cycling on March 26th or is that just a registration day? There are local rides in the Gainesville area that participants can enjoy throughout the day on Saturday, March 26th once they arrive. Since registration will also be taking place throughout the weekend, we will not be departing from Gainesville until Monday, March 28th when the rest of the ride will commence. We will be in Gainesville both Saturday March 26th and Sunday March 27th for the Gainesville Getaway 2 day tour, which is also included in all week long tour registrations. Back to Top Are there any airport shuttles? Yes, but you will have to make those arrangements on your own. We will have information on our website, regarding vendors, contact info and costs. The major airports closest to the ride are; Gainesville Regional, Jacksonville International, Orlando International, Tampa International. Back to Top Where can one ship their bike to? To discuss shipping requirements, timelines and costs, please call the bike shop below: Bikes & More 2133 Northwest 6th Street Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 373-6574 Bikesandmoregainesville@gmail.com www.bikesandmoregainesville.com Contact Keith Back to Top How can we get the new Florida's Share the Road specialty license plate? The license plate should be available for purchase online by mid-September. In the meantime you can go to your local tag office. You must have a vehicle registered in Florida to obtain one. All proceeds from the tag go to safe cycling education throughout the state of Florida. If you do not have a car registered in the state of Florida, you can also make a donation to Bike Florida on your registration form. All proceed go to supporting safe cycling in the state. Back to Top What does the 2011 jersey look like? The design is posted on the “Jersey Image” tab on the left-hand toolbar, under 2011 Links. You may pre-purchase your jersey for $65 with registration, or buy on-site for $75. Back to Top What is the estimated biking distance each day? Average daily mileage ranges between 30 and 60 miles. There will be multiple options each day for lower and higher mileage preferences. Additionally, there is an optional century for one day of the tour. During the High Springs Holiday, riders will be able to choose between different mileage for cycling and several paddling experiences in and around Florida’s springs, rivers and lakes! Back to Top Are you offering Traffic Skills 101 class again this year? Yes! Please sign up on the registration form. There is a $50 fee to cover materials and instructors. Back to Top What about “Indoor Camping” at YMCA Camp McConnell? You will need to choose this option during registration in order to have a cabin bunk reserved for you. There are 20 bunks, dormitory style with a bathroom in each cabin (5). If you opt for a cabin at YMCA Camp McConnell on March 31, 2011, please be prepared with your own pillow and linens. There is an $11 charge for this option. There is plenty of outdoor camping at YMCA Camp McConnell, however, the cabins are reserved for indoor campers only. At all other locations during the ride, indoor camping is free and requires no reservation ahead of time. Once you have registered for this option, please contact Bike Florida staff for your cabin assignments. Thank you! (352)224-8602 Back to Top What about my RV? RVs will be accommodated at the host sites. There is parking lot space but NO hook ups available at this year’s host sites. Please call Bike Florida staff to let them know you will be bringing an RV and its size. Thank you. Back to Top What meals are included with each meal plan? Riders may choose the meals that they prefer. You have the option of including all breakfasts and dinners, only breakfasts, only dinners or no meals at all. For the Gainesville Getaway and the High Springs Holiday, cyclist may choose which breakfasts or dinners they would like individually. Please indicate on your registration whether you prefer standard or vegetarian meals. Lunches are always on your own, so you may ride at your own pace and enjoy what our host communities have to offer. Back to Top What are the road and trail surfaces like? We will be riding on roads and some trails. All trails are paved multiuse trails and bike paths so road bikes are recommended though we welcome all types of bikes to join us! Wait till you see some of the amazing bicycles that ride Bike Florida! Back to Top What is the weeklong parking situation for vehicles being left in Gainesville? Cars traveling with the event will need to register vehicles at registration for $25 and receive their dashboard Bike Florida signs, as well as their driving directions for vehicles and site maps for parking. Cars that will be left in Gainesville for the week will have several options to choose from. There will be limited free parking at the Wal-Mart Super Center close to the host site. There will be some security during the week. There are also 2 parking garages available downtown with decent weeklong rates. All cars must be in the designated parking lots before we depart Monday morning. If a car is not in the designated parking lot, they will be towed by the Marin Luther King Center. Thank you. 2011 Annual Tour Information When? March 26th through April 1st, 2011 Where? Bike Florida 2011 is a week-long fully-supported bicycle and tent camping tour pedaling approximately 300 miles in beautiful North Central Florida. This year’s ride will start and end in Gainesville, Florida with stops in High Springs, Newberry, and Micanopy. Cyclists will ride 30-60 miles daily. Bike Florida is fully supported with luggage trucks, sag and mechanical support, and rest stops every 12-15 miles. Host Site Addresses Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center 1028 Northeast 14th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 First Baptist Church of High Springs 20112 N US Highway 441 High Springs, FL 32643 Easton-Newberry Sports Complex 24820 NW 16th Avenue Newberry, FL 32669 YMCA Camp McConnell 210 SE 134th Avenue Micanopy, FL 32667 Photos Would you like to see some photos from previous events? Please click the links below. Enjoy! Also, find us you YouTube for our Highlight DVDs from previous years! http://www.biketourphoto.com/ http://sports.webshots.com/album/558393714POStal http://www.flickr.com/photos/cellphonesusie/sets/72157600009531460/ http://jhgraves.smugmug.com/Sports/Bike-Florida-2005-and-2007 http://sports.webshots.com/album/306058105HJVQsZ http://picasaweb.google.com/hories/BikeFlorida Bike Florida 2011 Hotels NOTE: When you register in the hotel make sure that you mention Bike Florida to get the group rate. AND For the Hotel Luggage Option, your luggage will be taken to the Bike Florida associated hotels (see listing below). You can contract this with Padre’s Cycle Inn. For more information on his services email him at info@PadresCycleInn.com or call (573) 721-4400. *Please reserve closest hotels for riders without personal SAG. Gainesville (March 26th & 27th): Martin Luther King Center The Camellia Rose Inn www.camelliaroseinn.com 205 SE 7th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 395-7673 1.3 miles from the Martin Luther King Center Laurel Oak Inn www.laureloakinn.com 221 SE 7th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 373-4535 1.3 miles from the Martin Luther King Center Sweetwater Branch Inn Bed & Breakfast www.sweetwaterinn.com 625 E University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 373-6760 1.3 miles from the Martin Luther King Center The Magnolia Plantation www.magnoliabnb.com 309 SE 7th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 375-6653 1.4 miles from the Martin Luther King Center Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville Downtown www.hamptoninnandsuitesgainesville.com Please use the code BFL for online reservations. 101 SE 1st Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32601 Phone: (352) 240-9300 1.8 miles from the Martin Luther King Center *Reservations must be made prior to February 26th, 2011. Gainesville Lodge www.gainesvillelodgefl.net 413 W University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Phone: (352) 376-1224 1.9 miles from the Martin Luther King Center High Springs (March 28th & 29th) First Baptist Church Best Western Gateway Grand www.bestwesternflorida.com 4200 NW 97th Boulevard Gainesville, FL 32606 Phone: (352) 331-3336 20 miles from the First Baptist Church *Shuttle will be provided! Grady House Historic Bed and Breakfast www.gradyhouse.com 420 NW 1st Avenue High Springs, FL 32655 Phone: (386) 454-2206 2.1 miles from the First Baptist Church Cadillac Motel www.highspringscadillacmotel.com 405 NW Santa Fe Boulevard High Springs, FL 32643 Phone: (386) 454-1701 2.1 miles from the First Baptist Church High Springs Country Inn www.highspringsinn.com 520 NW Santa Fe Boulevard High Springs, FL 32543 Phone: (386) 454-1565 2.2 miles from the First Baptist Church Alamo Motel 19803 N US Highway 441 High Springs, FL 32643 Phone: (386) 454-1248 2.4 miles from the First Baptist Church Rustic Inn Bed & Breakfast www.rusticinn.net 15529 NW State Road 45 High Springs, FL 32643 Phone: (386) 454-1225 2.5 miles from the First Baptist Church Newberry (March 30th) Easton-Newberry Sports Complex Sunny South Motel 105 SW 250th Street Newberry, FL 32669 Phone: (352) 472-2401 1.8 miles com the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex Best Western Gateway Grand www.bestwesternflorida.com 4200 NW 97th Boulevard Gainesville, FL 32606 Phone: (352) 331-3336 14 miles from the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex *Shuttle will be provided! Micanopy (March 31st) YMCA Camp McConnell Herlong Mansion www.herlong.com 402 NE Cholokka Boulevard Micanopy, FL 32667 Phone: (352) 466-3322 3.5 miles from YMCA Camp McConnell Shady Oak Stained Glass Studio www.shadyoak.com 201 NE Cholokka Boulevard Micanopy, FL 32667 Phone: (352) 466-3476 3.6 miles from YMCA Camp McConnell Micanopy Inn www.knightsinn.com 17110 SE County Road 234 Micanopy, FL 32667 Phone: (352) 466-3163 4 miles from YMCA Camp McConnell Paramount Plaza www.paramountplaza.com 2900 SW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 377-4000 8 miles from YMCA Camp McConnell Howard Johnson Express Inn www.hojo.com 3820 SW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 371-2500 8 miles from YMCA Camp McConnell Bike Florida 2011 Daily Mileage Bike Florida is offering short, medium, and long route options to accommodate riders of all skill levels! Mileage will range from 30-70 miles per day. Check out the highlights for each day’s right! View Daily Mileage in PDF here. Bike Florida 2011 2011 Florida’s Eden Point’s of Interest Day 1: Saturday, March 26th, 2011 Gainesville University of Florida o Butterfly Rainforest o Bat House o Ben Hill Griffin Stadium o O’Connell Center o University of Florida Sports Lacrosse vs. Ohio State @ 12pm – Donald Dizney Stadium at the Florida Lacrosse Facility Softball vs. Georgia @ 4pm – Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium Baseball vs. South Carolina @ 7pm – McKethan Stadium o Lake Alice o Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art o Florida Museum of Natural History o Curtis M. Phillips Center for Performing Arts March 25th Dance Alive presents: Zoom @ 7:30pm March 26th Andre Watts @ 7:30pm Morning Side Nature Center Gainesville Culture & Arts Day 2: Sunday, March 27th, 2011 Gainesville Newnan’s Lake University of Florida Sports o Women’s Tennis vs. Mississippi State @ 1pm – Ring Tennis Complex o Softball vs. Georgia @ 1pm – Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium o Baseball vs. South Carolina @ 1pm – McKethan Stadium Florida Scenic Byways Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park William Bartram Trail Day 3: March 28th, 2011 Gainesville to High Springs San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park Warren Cave Nature Preserve Mad Hatter’s Cafe Day 4: March 29th, 2011 High Springs Santa Fe River Canoe Outpost Adventure Outpost Blue, Poe, Ginnie & Ichetucknee Springs River Rise Preserve State Park O’Leno State Park High Springs Day 5: March 30th, 2011 High Springs to Newberry William Bartram Trail Dudley Farms Historic State Park Hart Springs Otter Springs Suwannee River Day 6: March 31st, 2011 Newberry to Micanopy Williston Paynes Prairie State Park o Bolens Bluff Trail Haile Plantation Homestead Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Smiley’s Antique Shop Day 7: April 1st Micanopy to Gainesville Evinston & McIntosh Cross Creek River Styx Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail Kate’s Fish Camp 2011 Jersey Bike Florida 2011 Airport Information Our host site is in Gainesville, which can be accessed from the following airports: Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) Orlando International Airport (MCO) Tampa International (TPA) Bike Florida 2011 Shuttle Information From Gainesville Regional Airport Commuter Taxi Cab (352) 256-1086 Runway Transportation Company (800) 5RUNWAY From Jacksonville International Airport Airport Transportation (407) 920-6326 From Daytona Beach International Airport Daytona Shuttle Kings Transportation Services (386) 255-2294 (386) 255-5555 From Orlando International Airport 4 Shuttle (407) 641-6580 From Tampa International Airport Central Florida Shuttle (321) 749-1794 RV/Campsites RVs will be accommodated at the host sites. There is parking lot space but NO hook ups available at this year’s host sites. Please call Bike Florida staff with RV dimensions so arrangements can be made. Thank you! 352.224.8602 Vendors Interested in becoming a Vendor? Download and complete this form and submit to info@bikeflorida.org Eddie Escobar, L.M.T. There will be licensed massage therapists available throughout the week offering both thirty minute and one-hour massages. Prices will be: $40.00 per half-hour, $55 for forty-five minutes and $75.00 per hour and payments can be made via cash or check. You will be able to sign-up for time slots throughout the week as well as make advanced reservations at registration. Contact: yborkid56@yahoo.com. Padre’s Cycle Inn Padre's Cycle Inn is the official tent and luggage service for this year’s Bike Florida event. Padre's offers a full service tent rental which includes a Sierra Designs tent with a thick comfortable air mattress. Also included with each tent rental is a fresh bath towel daily, a camp chair, and access to Padre's Post, where an assortment of snacks and soft drinks are served each day under the shade of Padre's canopies. Each morning you will find plenty of fresh water and Gator Ade to fill your water bottles or camel packs. Of course Padre will also be transporting the luggage of each tent rental guest to the next location where you will find all of the amenities awaiting you after each days ride. Padre also provides hotel luggage service to the official Bike Florida hotels. This service includes lobby pickup and delivery of your bags to each new hotel location. You may find more information, or register for Padre's services by credit/debit card at www.PadresCycleInn.com, or by downloading a mail in form and sending a check or money order. Padre does not accept riders not registered with Bike Florida and registering with Padre does not register you for the ride. You must do both. Sunglass Daddy SunglassDaddy.com is now an official partner and supports Bike Florida with a portion of every sale to members rebated to the organization. Sunglass Daddy established in 2004 and has served thousands of satisfied customers. If there is a brand of sunglasses that they currently don’t carry that you want, just let them know. Oakley is available by phone but not on the site yet. Unlike many online stores, we also have a large showroom on Amelia Island, Florida where we would love for you to visit. You may contact Sunglass Daddy at: Local 904-261-2955 Toll Free 888-799-1110 Email info@sunglassdaddy.com Please enter the Sunglass Daddy photo contest for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to SunglassDaddy.com. Just for voting, you could win one of five $100 gift certificates! Sunglass Daddy would also appreciate event pictures to include on the Bike Florida page of the Sunglass Daddy website. Sunglass Daddy will support Bike Florida with real monetary rebates as you support them. A personal message from the Sunglass Daddy team: Thanks for allowing us to be your sunglasses provider. We really do appreciate it. Rosie the Towel Lady Rosie the Towel Lady will be offering towel and chair rental, as well as gourmet coffee each morning. It is $20 for the week to receive freshly laundered towels each day. You pick up the towel each day upon arrival in camp. Return to Rosie after your shower, before retiring each evening, or by 7am the next morning to have freshly laundered towels before arrival at the next host site. Chair rentals are $20 for the week, plus a $20 deposit returned the last evening in camp. Pick up chair upon arrival in camp, return to Rosie each evening before retiring for the evening. Rosie transports chairs to each campsite. New this year! Rosie also offers morning coffee services! Rosie serves Café Campesino Coffee, a fare trade company. It’s roasted, ground and dropped off to Rosie’s doorstep 2 days before Bike Florida. Cannot get any fresher than that! You may purchase the coffee three ways: $30 for the week (your cup or Rosie’s), by the cup for $2.50 per cup (your cup or Rosie’s), or by the morning for $5 (6am8am; 12 oz. cups). Website: www.rosiethetowellady.com E-mail: kampingkomforts@yahoo.com Jim Harris Photography Jim Harris Photography specializes in high quality photographs taken "on location". You will be able to purchase quality, professional photographs of your Bike Florida experience! For more information please contact harrisgrp@earthlink.net. Green Light Specialties Ready, set, GROW with Green Light Specialties! Green Light is the premier t-shirt, jersey, and safety vest provider for Bike Florida 2011! If you would like any of these items for your bike club or other organizations, e-mail greenlightspecialties@gmail.com or call (786) 319-8872. PRKBikes LLC PRKBikes, LLC. will be providing full bike mechanical services at every host site. PRKBikes, LCC. will also be available to assemble all bikes that are brought in. For questions and additional information please contact peter@prkbikes.com or see www.prkbikes.com. Conclusive Solutions Conclusive Solutions will be providing Bike Florida participants with hot showers during the tour! Conclusive is a provider of equipment to disaster relief companies, base camp providers, government contractors, military contracting officers, military rotation personnel, event management companies, event planners, wedding planners, churches, general contractors, remodeling contractors and private parties. Offering industrial to luxury rentals, you have discovered your one-stop resource for all your needs. You will find Conclusive’s equipment to be state-of-the-art in features, extremely well constructed and in new or like new condition. Bike Sag Here at Bike Sag we are excited to meet everyone at Bike Florida. We will be providing a Sag Wagon to aid anyone that breaks down mechanically. Our service is at no charge for the repairs, unless we have to pick up parts from the nearest bicycle shop. We provide many other services such as picking up road hazards. If you come across any hazards or need assistance please call the phone number provided or call Bike Sag at 407-221-0642. After the ride please visit our website at www.bikesag.com and take a short survey. Taking the survey is a way for you to support Bike Sag. We hope our service will make your ride more enjoyable by knowing we are here. Seidler Productions A & R Radio Rentals, Inc. Bike Florida 2011 DISCOUNTS Are you eligible for any of the following discounts? If you aren't yet, you can click on the link and join FBA or LAB. The discount is the same price as the membership dues. It's like getting a free membership with all the benefits just for coming on Bike Florida! Learn more about the Share the Road Specialty License Plate! Purchase it at your local tax collector’s office. Share the Road License Plate $15 Owner: Florida Bicycle Association Member: $25 League of American Bicyclists Member: $35 *Proof of ownership/membership is required with registration. Please contact Bike Florida, FBA or LAB for the appropriate discount code! Learn more about these organizations: Become a Share The Road Specialty License Plate Owner Become a Florida Bicycle Association Member Join the League of American Bicyclists Note: Discounts only available with full week registration options. Bike Florida 2011 Directions to... Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center in Gainesville, Florida: These are general directions from major highways and are for reference only. Please check exact directions from your own specific starting location. Physical Address: Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center 1028 Northeast 14th Street Gainesville, FL 32601 US 441 Northbound Begin by heading north on US441. Turn right at FL331N/SE Williston Road and travel approximately 4 miles. Williston Road eventually becomes NE Waldo Road. Make a left onto NE 8th Avenue for 0.1 miles. Finally, make your first right onto NE 14th Street, where you will pull up to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center. US 441 Southbound Begin by heading south on US441. Turn left at FL331N/SE Williston Road and travel approximately 4 miles. Williston Road eventually becomes NE Waldo Road. Make a left onto NE 8th Avenue for 0.1 miles. Finally, make your first right onto NE 14th Street, where you will pull up to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center. I-10 Use exit 296A to merge onto I-75 South toward Tampa. Please refer to directions below from I-75 to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center. I-75 Take exit 387 in Gainesville for 0.2 mile to merge onto W Newberry Road for 2.5 miles. Stay left at fork to continue onto University Avenue for about 4 miles. Turn left at NE 9 Street for 0.5 miles. Make a right onto NE 8th Avenue for 0.4 miles. Finally, turn left onto NE 14th Street, where you will pull up to the Martin Luther King, Jr. MultiPurpose Center. Once you arrive at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center, you may drop off luggage with volunteers and then proceed to long-term parking at the Walmart Supercenter. Consider bringing your bicycle to long-term parking to ride back to the host site, as it is a few blocks away. Directions to long-term parking: Head south on NE 14th Street, toward NE 8th Avenue. Turn left onto NE 8th Avenue. Turn left at the light onto NE Waldo Road. Make a right at the next light onto NE 12th Avenue. Once you arrive at the intersection of Waldo Road and NE 12th Avenue, please follow the signs to long-term parking. You may then return to the Martin Luther King, Jr. MultiPurpose Center to register. Directions back to registration (by bicycle): From NE 12th Avenue, make a left onto the trail (runs parallel to Waldo Road). Cross at the light at NE 8th Avenue. Turn right onto NE 14th Street. Once you arrive back at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multi-Purpose Center, please follow the signs to registration. Approximate mileage to Gainesville from Florida cities includes: 100 miles - Daytona Beach 120 miles - Orlando 70 miles - Jacksonville 130 miles - Tampa 340 miles - Miami Bike Florida 2011 ENJOY AMAZING PADDLE EXPERIENCES! Reservations must be made in advance! Santa Fe Canoe Outpost will be hosting several paddle tours for interested Bike Florida participants! On Tuesday, March 29, you can ride your bike to the Canoe Outpost, leave your bike in a secured location, and enjoy one of the following tours: Available Trips Approximate Approximate Canoe Kayak Distance Time Price Price 6.0 Miles 3.0 Hours $28 $24 7.0 Miles 3.0 Hours $36 $31 15.0 Miles 5.0 Hours $40 $36 River Rise (Round Trip) Rum Island SR-47 Bridge Please contact the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost at (386) 454-2050 for reservations!