Cyclists looking for a new challenge may enjoy an event that’s debuting on Sept. 21 on the Suncoast Trail.
Spin the Suncoast is presented by DRC Sports and sponsored by Suncoast Trailside Bicycles, Pasco County Parks and Recreation and Southwest Florida Watershed Management District. It aims to appeal to all sorts of cyclists, said Chris Moling, the ride director.
Riders will be able to choose four distance options: nine miles, 28 miles, 50 miles and a Century Challenge of 100 miles.
The start, finish and registration take place at Suncoast Trailside Bicycles at 16216 State Road 54, in the Target Shopping Center, Moling said. The ride begins at the State Road 54 trailhead, with cyclists starting between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies will be on hand to make sure riders make it safely across State Road 54 to get to the Suncoast Trail trailhead on State Road 54, Moling said.
Emergency crews will be on standby, in case any medical emergencies arise during the event, and there will be support and gear stops for riders along the route.
The event will take place rain or shine.
The paved state trail winds through Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. The nine-mile ride will head north from the trailhead, take the shortest loop and enjoy a scenic ride to the trail entrance to the Starkey Wilderness Preserve.
The 28-mile ride includes a fully supported stop at Crews Lake Park, with food and beverages, as well as music and restrooms.
The 50-mile ride includes a support stop at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex with snacks and beverages.
The 100-mile ride, which attracts more serious riders, involves riding the trail to its north end, plus a ride toward the Starkey Wilderness Preserve, and then back. There are limited road crossings, giving riders plenty of space to spin their wheels.
Cyclists from as far away as Miami and Tallahassee already have signed up to join the ride, Moling said. More than 100 have registered as of last week, and organizers believe the number could climb to around 600.
The race was organized at the request of cycling enthusiasts, Moling said. They said, “Hey, there’s nothing really happening on the Suncoast, so to speak,” he added.
If there’s enough interest, the ride could become an annual event, Moling said.
Besides the support provided by ride organizers, cyclists also will get a T-shirt, a continental breakfast, and barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs after their ride, Moling said.
Trail support for riders will end at 3 p.m.
A portion of the proceeds will be used to help fund some cross-country scholarships in Hernando County.
If you go …
WHAT: Spin the Suncoast Century Challenge Bike Ride, an event aimed to attract all types of cyclists.
WHERE: Registration and check-in at Suncoast Trailside Bicycles at 16216 State Road 54, near the Suncoast Trail on State Road 54
WHEN: Cyclists can start their ride any time between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
COST: Early registration through Sept. 17 is $40. Registration on race day is $45.
INFO: Call (352) 637-2475, or email
Published September 10, 2014
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