Local Info
Local information for cyclists in Florida and specifically the greater Tampa Bay area. You will find details and maps of the higher level group rides, bike trail information, local bike shop information, cycling related services and more.
Group Rides
Here are some of the faster local group rides in the area that I frequently attend. The San Antonio group ride is the highest level attended by Florida’s top pro 1-3 riders and includes some steep climbs on beautiful roads in Pasco and Hernando county.
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Where
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Days & Time
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Distance & Level
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Google Maps
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San Antonio
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Wednesday & Sunday at 8am
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40 & 58 mile – A & B
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40 mile / 58 mile
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Greco
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Saturday at 7am
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40 mile – A & B
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Gaither
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Saturday at 7:30am (8am Nov-Mar)
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40 mile – A & B
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40-50 mile (2-3 laps)
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St Pete
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Saturday at 8am
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40 mile – A, B & C
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Approx 40 mile
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Riding Trails
The most popular riding trails in Tampa Bay are Flatwoods Park, Suncoast Trail and the upper Tampa Bay trail. In Pinellas county there is the Pinellas trail and in Hernando county the Withlacoochee trail. Flatwoods is my favorite. It is a 7-mile loop in a beautiful nature reserve in New Tampa. The paved loop is open to cyclists, walkers and roller bladders.
Bicycle Shops
Here are some of the local shops that I work with and provide great service:
Glory Cycles – long time friends of Simon Says Cycling, Glory Cycles is an online bike store shipping throughout the USA. They sell some of the best brands at a great price and with top service. Ask for Clive or Ward.
Oliver’s Cycle Sport – located in New Tampa opposite the Flatwoods Park entrance on Bruce B Downs. They sell Trek, Ridley and other great brands. Ask for Randy the owner.
Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium – Situated just off Dale Mabry in Carrollwood, CBE is one of the bigger stores in the area. Ask for Brian or Mane.
Suncoast Trailside Bicycles – STB has a great location half a mile from the start of the Suncoast Trail on SR 54. STB sells top brands like Trek and Orbea. Ask for Geoff the owner.
San Antonio Cyclery – SAC is in the center of San Antonio less than 2 miles for the group ride start. SAC sells Pinarello, Giant and Felt.
Flying Fish Bikes – FFB have two locations in South Tampa and Westchase. FFB carry Specialized, Cannondale amongst others. Ask for Ross or Joel at the South Tampa store.
The Ironman Store – The new store in New Tampa offer all the equipment you will need to participate in triathlons. They sell Scott and Ceepo tri bikes. Ask for Hunter.
Winter Park Cycles – Ward and his team sell the really cool, harder to find lines like Pinarello, Eddy Merckx, Look, Orbea, Kuota, and Scott. Their separate fit studio is set up with the Retul (3D motion capture system), plus a shower and change room.
The Bicycle Lab – is a cycling pro shop in Delray Beach just North of Fort Lauderdale. The Bicycle Lab are dealers of Cannondale, Scott, Fuji, Parlee, Independent Fabrications & Guru. In addition, the staff is trained and certified with Retul (3D motion capture system) Fit Kit and F.I.S.T. to insure an optimum fit. Ask for Jeff the owner.
Cycling Clubs
Florida Velo – based in Palm Harbor, Florida Velo is a club that I am very much involved in as coaching advisor. Florida Velo as a group is committed to improving every member’s riding skills, to sharing in their accomplishments, and to being ambassadors for the cycling community. Racers and touring riders welcome.
West Coast Cycling Club – great group of people with the Gaither ride as their home ride. Most of the members are local racers and ride at a very high level
Tampa Bay Free Wheelers – dedicated to improving cycling for all in Tampa. A great place to start for the beginner cyclist.
Sun Coast Cycling Club – mostly touring riders and affiliated to Florida Velo.
Swamp MTB Club –great club for mtn bikers with group rides organized at Flatwoods.
Cycling Related Services
Personal Trainer
Kim Vaughan is a former state champion and personal trainer at Citrus Park Lifestyle Family fitness. Kim comes highly recommended. She has helped me improve my cycling with her strength and core training programs. Email: kvaughan@lff.com
Bike Fit
Kevin Doris is a local racer, physiotherapist and co owner of Prime Physical Therapy. Kevin does a great bike fit at a very affordable price. He also offers VO2 and Threshold testing. info@primephysicaltherapy.com
Massage Therapist
Scotty Graham is a local racer and highly experienced massage therapist. Scotty will travel to your house and is very affordable. Email: scottygra@gmail.com
Online Cycling Resources
Florida Cycling – for all the races in the Florida area.
USA Cycling – National races, rankings and where you purchase a racing license.
Florida Women's Cycling Network – Promotes women's and girls' development and participation in cycling. FMCN support skill development through women-led clinics and organized rides – mountain-biking, road riding, and cyclo-cross.
Florida Racing Magazine – Online cycling magazine sent out every 2 weeks. FRM reports of the local FL racing, has expert training articles and much more. Best of all it is free. Subscribe here.
Active Tampa – Sign-up for their newsletter and receive the latest cycling, running, and swimming information for the Tampa Bay area plus interesting articles and more..