What we’re about
We are an active outdoor group that loves to bike and hike. Our team has several years of experience hosting events. The events are welcoming and inclusive, it will be easy to make like-minded friends.
To be able to participate in any of our events, we kindly ask you to sign our waiver and release (see section at the end) and pay an annual nominal fee of $20 within your two week free trial period. The good news is that you only have to set up payment once. It will be automatically renewed. You can however cancel automatic renewal at any time.
Our recreational bike rides range from 10 to 60 miles in distance at an average speed of 10 to 14 mph. They might include breakfast or lunch. Our hikes range from 6 to 13 miles in length and are generally casual in nature. We might occassionally mix bike rides and hikes.
From time to time we might post other outdoor events, in particular during the hot summer months.
OUR POLICIES
We are not a big fan of many rules, we just love the outdoors and want to have fun. But please be respectful of your fellow members and those who organize and host events. Your hosts are volunteers and not professionals. Make sure they'll get your full support and arrive on time.
For liability reasons we don't allow guests. However, everyone is welcome to join our group and sign the waiver with the full legal name.
Our events are generally open to everyone in our group but occasionally we might have to limit its size. Always be aware of your capabilities when you sign up for an event.
It is important that you let your event hosts know in advance if you can't make it although you signed up. This will be in particular necessary when we have a waitlist. Frequent no-shows are not cool and won't be accepted, it's just not fair.
Our bike rides differ in length and speed. Please always check the events' description and make sure you checked your bikes before the event. Tire pressure, battery charge, brakes etc. should be efficient and fully functioning.
We highly recommend that you wear a helmet on our bike rides. Accidents happen and you might get hurt. If you decide to participate without a helmet, you will do so at your own risk and can't hold anyone responsible.
Hikes in Florida can be challenging although the terrain is flat. The biggest risks are dehydration and exhaustion. Just make sure you carry sufficient water and sun protection.
With that all said, have fun and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people.
OUR WAIVER AND RELEASE
This Waiver and Release is applicable to all members of our "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" group.
By joining our group and undersigning our waiver with the full legal name, all members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" acknowledge that by registering and participating at any of our events they do it voluntarily and fully assume all risk of injury, illness, damage or loss of personal property. This is in particular true when riding the bike without a helmet.
All members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" must abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe manner.
The "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" organizer, co-organizers and event organizers are volunteers and not trained or professional guides. It is the full responsiblity of each event participant to make sure the event is suitable based on the physical condition, personal skill and necessary equipment.
All members acknowledge that "SWFL Bikes and Hikes", their organizer, co-organizers, event organizers as well as their families and other participants can not be held liable for any of the risks mentioned above. This release extends to any of the members' representatives, executors or heirs.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Bike & Discover Lakewood Ranch (20 miles r/t) + Visit Sunday MarketLakewood Ranch Town Hall, Lakewood Ranch, FL
As we missed the Farmer's market last time...
Join us for a casual bike ride and explore some parts Lakewood Ranch including the Sunday Market. We will ride around 20 miles r/t. at 10 - 12 mph with several stops along the way.
On our ride we will pass through several quiet and green neighborhoods, some of those are not accessible by car if you do not reside in the area.
Our destination will be Waterside, the new development with shops, restaurants, parks and more.Sunday is Market Day at Waterside! We will stop for a while and walk through the market. Don't forget to bring along a backpack in case you want to shop for anything! You might want to pre-order at Bread Bandits and pick up the items at the stand.
After about 45 minutes at the market we will return a different way back to the meeting point.
This is supposed to be a social event and no race, so please have sufficient time and do not schedule anything right after.
Please carry sufficient water, sunscreen and check your bikes before the ride. A bike lock would be great!
You can always reach us at (917) 774-0941 if you have questions or need directions.
- Boat Ride with Beach Walk & LunchSuntex Boat Club & Rentals - Marina Jack, Sarasota, FL
THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO A TOTAL OF 12 PARTICIPANTS (including the captain) We will however open a waitlist in case someone from the "going list" can't make it.
Debra T. will be our event host and boat captain for the day. She will lead a boat ride on the Intracoastal Waterway. Please ensure you follow her instructions at all times so everybody will be safe!
At Turtle Beach we will dock at a private marina, get off the boat and enjoy a beach walk of approximately 2.5 miles that could last around 90 minutes or so.
Thereafter we will have lunch on the boat. Sandwiches from BREAD BANDITS will be available for purchase. A list of options will be provided and items can be ordered the day before the event, so stay tuned! Please bring your own drinks.
We should be back at the parking lot by 03:30 PM.
Please notice that the cost per person for the boat including tips for the crew at Suntex Marina will be $ 25. Exact change will be appreciated.
At 09:45 AM Debra T. will distribute parking permits that you will have to put behind your car's windshield. This will allow you to park longer than 3 hours.
The boat ride will start at 10:00 AM sharp.Please come prepared. Sunscreen, head cover, some water and comfortable shoes for the beach walk will be essential.
You can reach us at (917) 774-0941 in case you have questions or need directions.