47th Annual Gulf Coast CycleFest is A Day in Paradise

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. - Aug. 19, 2022 - PRLog -- Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club's 47th annual Gulf Coast CycleFest (GCCF), one of the longest running and largest recreational bicycle rides in Florida, will be held on Sunday, November 6 in Lakewood Ranch. CycleFest draws up to 800 riders annually. While most riders in 2021 came from Florida and its Gulf Coast area, visitors from 18 other U. S. states and three foreign countries registered for the event.

This year's theme is "A Day in Paradise". Participants will experience a cycling paradise in the lush and beautiful Lakewood Ranch area where they can have fun while riding bikes safely. Tropical-themed activities include a free Hawaiian lei at the Finish Line for every rider, a Finish Line Party with Caribbean music, a tropical costume contest, and bike safety games. As always, breakfast, lunch, and well-stocked rest stops are included at no additional cost, along with well-marked routes and maps, SAG support, and local bike shop repairs along the route.

The ride starts and ends on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, a mile east of the I-75 University Parkway exit. Registration is online only. The first 500 registrants receive a free event t-shirt. Early registration is $55 through September 30, the last date to guarantee an event t-shirt size and avoid the price increase. Regular registration is $60 from October 1 through 10 a.m. on November 6, the event day. Riders may pick up their registration packet on CycleFest Weekend at local bike shops (see registration page for details) or onsite from 7 to 10 a.m. at the registration table on the day of the event.

CycleFest 2022 features scenic route options from 16 to 100 miles in length with rest stops at local Florida landmarks. The course layout and support services encourage all riders to stretch their abilities and achieve a mileage goal. Short-distance riders have a new 16-mile ride option to Jiggs Landing or a 36-mile loop option with a 24-mile cutoff at Rye Preserve. Long-distance riders have options to do 50, 75, or 100 miles via optional mileage loops from Old Miakka Schoolhouse before they return to Lakewood Ranch.

Gulf Coast CycleFest funds SMBC donations that promote bicycling in the community and support the club's bike safety and advocacy programs. In 2021, SMBC donated $40,000 for the expansion of the Legacy Trail, a paved 18.5 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail used by many thousands of area residents and visitors each year.

Visit the registration page for more details: https://www.smbc.us/CycleFestRegistration2022