NON-DROP RIDES  Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club

Easily the oldest group of the three, the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club (SMBC) is also the largest, with 600 members and hosts over 7,500 rides a year. “We have rides that start as far north as Parrish, as far south as Venice, as far east as Myakka and as far west as the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and the barrier islands,” says President Don Stuart. “We want to be the premier cycling club in Sarasota. We want to be inclusive of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport, build friendships, increase skills and give back to the community.” The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was founded in 1974 and prides itself on giving back to charitable causes. For Stuart, who moved to Sarasota from Connecticut three years ago, SMBC has been a place to find community and kinship—as well as race toward his goal of cycling 10,000 kilometers in 2026. “I enjoy the camaraderie and the sense of purpose riding gives me. It keeps me motivated and active, both socially and recreationally,” says Stuart. One does not have to be a member, however, to ride with SMBC. There are five different speed groups to choose from and, with 95% of all rides being designated as “non-drop” rides, no cyclist gets left behind. “We put a prime focus on safety. There is always a ride leader who has been trained in the rules of Florida Biking law and is responsible for the group. Fun follows very closely behind along with getting exercise and meeting new people,” says Stuart. “I’ve met so many new people because of how many different rides we have.” Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club, PO Box 15053, Sarasota, smbc.com

CYCLISTS AT EVERY LEVEL Village Idiots Cycling Club (VICC)

Perhaps the cycling club with the best name in town, Village Idiots Cycling Club operates out of Lakewood Ranch, offering rides for cyclists of every level, from beginners to the Tour de France hopefuls. Wednesday night rides leave from Lakewood Ranch Main Street and Saturday morning rides depart from Waterside Place. There are the high level groups such as A—riding at 25 mph and above— all the way down to the more beginner friendly D group, which paces itself at 14-16 mph. An emphasis is placed on road safety and learning how to ride in a group. In recent years, the group has also incorporated mountain biking. “A lot of people can get fast before they get good. I want to make sure that you’re good before you’re fast,” says president Dawn Zielinski, who encourages newcomers to contact the group before showing up for a ride. “I want to make sure that we have somebody to support them, I love it when they reach out to me via email or the website.” For Zielinski, who has helmed VICC for seven years, the benefits of cycling stretch over so many aspects of her life. There is the social component—the friends she has made and community she has found—as well as the physical and emotional components. “A lot of people call it cycle-therapy. You get so much out of cycling, such as exercise and endorphins. If you’re riding by yourself, you have time to think and process things that you don’t have time to do when exercising in other disciplines,” says Zielinski.  VICC also hosts the annual WOW (women on wheels) ride, the Ride of Silence and offers pathways for those interested in competitive cycling or triathlon. Village Idiots Cycling Club, villageidiotscycling.com

BUILDING A NETWORK SCORR 

Not all two wheeled adventures are best on asphalt. Just ask Eric Claessens, president of the Sarasota County Off-Road Riders (SCORR). Over the years, the group has worked tirelessly to create a network of 25 miles of biking trails within South Sarasota County’s Carlton Reserve—perfect rolling short track for mountain bikers and gravel riders of all abilities. “It’s the perfect beginner or intermediate trail,” says Claessens. “You’re not going to be jumping over rocks or logs—they are nice, flowy trails.” The network, which consists of interconnecting loops that branch out to service roads, allows for riders to experience a different side of the area. Away from the white sand beaches and stunning waterways, is a quieter, more heavily forested area truly reminiscent of “Old Florida”. “We have three main access points for the trails. One is the parking lot at the Carlton Reserve, the other is at the Myakkahatchee Environmental Park in Northport and the third access point is off East River Road on the north end of the Myakka State Forest,” says Claessens. “There’s so much wildlife out there. You see pigs, deer, alligators, birds, just all kinds of animals.” To ride with SCORR, simply hop on the group’s Facebook page and reach out. The group, which consists of dedicated “Trail Thugs” that assist with upkeep of the trail network, hosts a multitude of rides throughout the season, typically from September through June or July. SCORR also hosts larger events, such as Piggy’s Revenge, an endurance ride through Carlton Reserve in which riders can choose to ride the 10, 20 or 40 mile mountain bike route, a 60 mile trail or a 20 mile gravel bike loop that over 300 people annually attend. Sarasota County Off Road Riders, scorrider@gmail.com, scorrider.com