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Join Bike/Walk Central Florida at 7 p.m., March 1st, at the Garden Theatre (160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden, 34787) for a the Central Florida premiere of Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning documentary chronicling the high drama, tragedy and adrenaline of Race Across America, a phenomenal 10-day sprint across the country by bicycle. This movie is good theater, not just for bicycle junkies, and a portion of the proceeds go to support BWCF.
They are seekers, madmen, and angels hell-bent on riding across America on a bicycle in less than ten days. But what begins as the adventure of a lifetime is transformed in an instant when tragedy strikes the race. These voyagers discover what is truly at stake as they pedal on, praying for the deliverance only the finish line can bring. By journey’s end, some are saved, others are lost, but all learn that the fuel that takes a soul toward its own true destiny is desire.
Tickets to this one-night-only event are $11 in advance, $15 day of show, and may be ordered online at www.imathlete.com/events/bicycledreams.
You can check out the trailer at http://bicycledreamsmovie.com/ Hope to see you there!
Speaking of Winter Garden . . . We just got word of a big bicycle festival planned for downtown Winter Garden March 24th. Morning Century ride, plus metric century and shorter challenges. Criterion ride for serious racers in the afternoon. It’s supposed to be a big deal, the first of its kind in the town that bikes (and pedestrians) rebuilt — thanks to the West Orange Trail. If you haven’t been to Winter Garden lately, you’ll be amazed.
And speaking of bicycle dreams . . . Here’s a YouTube video of our very own Hal Downing leading a group of 400 or so cyclists from around Central Florida on his annual New Year’s Day ride. That’s him yelling “It’s great to see everybody” a few minutes in. The ride mustered at Orange Cycle – one of our new sponsors (Along with David’s World Cycle and Track Shack). When Hal signed on to be our co-chair (along with former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin) two years ago, he told us flat out: “I just want to ride my bike.” We’ve done our best to keep it that way, but things are heating up. Hal has agreed to stay on for another term, so I guess we’re not eating into his ride time too much. Thank you Hal … now get on your bike and ride.
Want to help make Longwood more pedestrian and bicyclist friendly? Attend the City of Longwood Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Public Workshop to provide your say on the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The workshop will be held on January 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building at 200 West Warren Avenue and is open to any member of the general public.
John Rife, a Winter Park resident, decided to commute to work and around town by using his bike. Doing so, he pedals his way to a more sustainable Winter Park. Click here to see his story.
Thought Casselberry and Fern Park were only developed cities with an excess of concrete and a shortage of trees? Think again. Blogger Jim Crescitelli rides his bike and takes photos of the natural beauty these areas have to offer.
Baseline data has been collected and we are moving into the interventional phase, working with law enforcement and traffic engineering in Eatonville, Maitland, Orlando and Winter Park. State Law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. You are going to be hearing that a lot. Look for us to go public in a big way in the first quarter of 2012 when we launch our first round of enhanced crosswalk enforcement as part of our ongoing effort to turn the tide on pedestrian deaths and injuries in Central Florida. This pilot program, funded by the Winter Park Health Foundation and MetroPlan Orlando, is just the head of the spear. We won’t stop until, well . . . until drivers do. We know it is possible. Not only do drivers in other markets yield regularly to pedestrians in crosswalks, but other Florida cities, including St. Petersburg and Gainesville have proven it can work right here in the Sunshine State. Come on Central Florida, let’s put our Best Foot Forward.
Resolved to stop being a couch potato and get active? The Florida Freewheelers are putting together a 2012 “Couch to Century” team. As a participant, you would train January through October for the ultimate goal: a century ride. The non-intimidating environment helps you meet your fitness goals. There will be a meeting on Monday, January 30, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux (3022 Corrine Drive in Orlando) for all those interested. Contact Leslee Mitchell ([email protected]) for further information.
Cycling Savvy
Learn to drive your bike safely and with confidence. New classes begin January 13th. Visit www.cyclingsavvy.org to register.
Community Calendar Link
Check out this beautiful Community Ride Calendar on the Commute Orlando site: http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/community-calendar/
Recurring Rides
(The next First Friday ride is February 3rd!)
First Fridays: Take it to the streets bike ride to promote civility: 6 p.m. on the First Friday of each month. Check our Facebook Fan page for start locations.
UCF Bike Bus: Downtown Orlando to UCF, then UCF to Downtown Orlando. Follow bike bus in real time via GPS at http://commuteorlando.com/bikebus/
Ride With Steve: Beginner ride. Meet at Winter Garden Wheel Works in Downtown Winter Garden, 8 a.m., Saturdays. – Sponsored by Winter Garden Wheel Works .
See our Calendar for other family rides:
www.bikewalkcentralflorida.org
S-Cargo farmers market rides featuring utility bikes and trailers
Ice Cream Socials: night rides through Downtown Orlando
Unless specifically designated as a trail ride, our rides take place on public streets. Headlights and red rear flashers are required for night rides. Helmets are encouraged, and are required for children under 16.
We observe all traffic laws and traffic signals.
Our rides are typically 10 to 15 miles, roundtrip, and average 10 miles an hour, a comfortable pace for most adults and teens. May be too fast for younger children and adults with health issues.
These rides are social in nature.
For longer, more aggressive group rides, subscribe to Hal Downing’s group ride newsletter by emailing [email protected] .
If you prefer a slow ride bike group, try the Backpack Bikers, on Saturdays at 11 am outside by the bike rack at the 24-hour fitness club by Super Target near the corner of Orange Avenue and Michgan Street in the Crystal Lake Subdivision. Contact Cynthia Morrison at [email protected]
If you have a social ride you would like us to help promote, please email me at the address below.
Brad
Brad Kuhn
Executive Director
[email protected]
Bike/Walk Central Florida Would like to thank our sponsors:
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Transforming Central Florida into a Premier Biking and Walking Community! 
