About us
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 at the end of your two week free trial period. The good news is, that you only have to set up payment once. It will be automatically renewed every year but you can cancel any time by leaving the group.
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 5 to 13 miles in length and are generally casual in nature. Occasionally we mix bike rides and hikes.
From time to time we will 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 event description and make sure you check your bike 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 cannot 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 responsibility 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 cannot be held liable for any of the risks mentioned above. This release extends to any of the members' representatives, executors or heirs.
Upcoming events
33
Maximo Park to St. Pete's Pier with lunch (31 miles r/t)
Maximo Park, Maximo Park, Pinellas Point Dr S & Sunshine Skyway Ln S, St. Petersburg, FL, USJoin us for a scenic ride! We will combine a few segments from existing routes and add a neighborhood we always wanted to explore.
Total length will be 31 miles r/t, pace the usual 10 to 12 mph.Let's meet at Maximo Park shortly before 08:45 AM, so we can leave on time. This will accommodate all those who prefer to sleep in.
We will make our way to Bay Vista Park where we will take our first short break for the view and restroom facilities. From there we will continue via South Shore and Lassing Park to St. Pete's Pier. Our lunch spot will be Doc Ford's, they provide plenty of outdoor seating and open at 11:00 AM.
On our return we will take a slightly different route through the historic Roser Park area and Barlett Park before we ride back on familiar territory to the parking lot at Maximo Park.
This is supposed to be a social event and no race. Please do not schedule anything right after the event as it might take longer than expected.
Check your bikes before the ride! Bring along sufficient water, a snack if you like and protect yourself from the sun.
As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.
30 attendees
Inverness Getaway (Day 2): Withlacoochee Trail to Dunellon
Central Motel, 721 US Highway 41 S, Inverness, FL, USPLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EVENT DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!
We haven't done this particular 3 day (2 nights) getaway before, all events are new! Please be a little adventurous, occassional hiccups might occur but that's part of the fun experience and they usually make good memories.
The whole getaway is a social event and involves a stay in Inverness.
We negotiated special rates at the Central Motel (721 US Hwy 41 S) and blocked several rooms. To book your room, you can call (352) 726-4515 and mention SWFL Bikes and Hikes. If you stay only 1 night, the rate will be $109 plus tax, for 2 nights it will be $99 plus tax per room.
PLEASE BOOK EARLY, you can always cancel in a timely fashion if needed.
Event dates are October 21st to 23rd, 2026.
On Day 1 we will do a bike and hike event followed by a group dinner at Stumpknockers in Inverness. If you are not interested in the hike, you might still want to join us for the dinner. If that's the case, please sign up for Day 1 and indicate that you will be there for the dinner only.
On Day 2 and 3 we will ride our bikes.DAY 2: BIKE FROM CENTRAL MOTEL TO DUNNELLON WITH LUNCH
This will be a long but scenic bike ride. We will take several breaks along the way, so we all should be able to make it!08:10 AM:
Let's meet in the pool area of the Central Motel. Kick off is 08:15 AM sharp.
If you like to have breakfast before the ride (highly recommended, you will need the energy), the Central Cafe & Bakery on the motel's property opens at 07:00 AM.Please make sure that you carry plenty of water (ideally with electrolytes) and protect yourself from the sun! It will be a long but fun day of riding.
08:20 AM:
After a short ride we will make our first stop at Wallace Brooks Park and check out the boardwalk overlooking the Henderson Lake. We should be able to see wildlife at that time of the day.08:30 AM:
We will continue our ride past the picturesque Train Station, The Depot and the Inverness Trailhead. All will be fantastic backgrounds for group pictures when we return!
Not long thereafter, we will cross the historic Lake Henderson Trestle.Next stop will be the South Citrus Springs Trailhead which provides shade and restrooms. At that point we will already be 12.9 miles into the ride. We can stop in between at any time if necessary.
Gulf Junction Trailhead is only about 5 miles away. It officially marks the end of the Withlacoochee State Trail. We will take a short break there to take a picture in front of a trail sign that makes great memories.
We will then get onto the Withlacoochee - Dunnellon Trail Connector, the most scenic part of the ride. It provides plenty of shade under tree canopy. Highlight will be the Dunnellon Trail Bridge overlooking the Withlacoochee River. Of course, we will stop there to soak in the sight.
A short ride further we will take the Blue Run Trail that will ultimately lead us to our destination of the day. To get there, we will have to ride 0.2 miles on the side of the road, not a big deal when riding single file.
11:00 AM:
Swampy's Bar and Grille will open at 11:00 AM. The restaurant has plenty of covered outdoor seating right next to the Rainbow River. Menu varies but has very limited options for Vegans. Fish is usually fresh.
You definitely earned your food, you rode 19.7 miles!12:30 PM:
By then we will be finished with our lunch and likely feel refreshed. As far as we remember, you can't access the river from the restaurant. Swimming is therefore not possible.We will head back the same way and will again make several stops along the way. We definitely want to take group pictures at the Train Station, The Depot and the Inverness Trailhead. Would be fantastic if we all could be there!
03:30 PM:
We should be back at the Central Motel after a long day of riding.
Congratulations, you conquered a total 39.4 miles!You can relax at the pool or rest in your room, whatever you prefer.
Those who still want to get out later in the evening might consider the Los Compadres Mexican Grill across the street from the Motel.
We will not schedule a dinner for the evening, you will have to decide what you would like to do.Day 3 will start again with a bike ride at 08:15 AM. Breakfast can be had at Central Cafe & Bakery on the motel's property. It opens at 07:00 AM.
37 attendees
Past events
837
