LOCAL News
New Hope For Kids
Saturday, December 8th was the first Holiday Lights Ride for Mike Valore and Annie Marion. “The weather was just right: not too hot, not too cool; and clear, so we could watch the stars come out. We were led by Seminole County’s Deputy Al Garza who had safety in mind all evening as he and his deputies escorted us throughout the area. We marshals watched over 300-plus riders. Any bicycles that needed additional holiday decorations were helped by students from Lake Brantley High School. Anything that could have lights attached to it did: bodies, heads, helmets, ponytails, handle bars, wheel spokes. Both of us loved our experience and hope we can be called to help next year.” We wish to thank Mike and Annie and our other marshals: Brad and Darlyn Kuhn, Mighk and Carol Wilson, Brock and Sue Magruder, John Alexander (not pictured), Keri Caffrey, Diana Steele, Marcus Bagnell. We thank them all for participating; for David and Yvette Sanborn of David’s World Cycle(pictured at left), and for all the others who rode or served cookies, Deputy Al Garza who kept everyone safe, the neighbors along the route who made the experience so much fun, and of course, Santa! See video here.
Big News for Orange Cycle
Demolition has just begun on the buildings directly behind Orange Cycle in College Park.  The new year will bring us a bigger, better shop and certainly better parking. Congratulations, Howard and Deena!
First Friday Ride
 We’ve got evidence that some wild riders were out and about last week.
Fit to Bicycle
When you get a new bike it’s usually best to have your local shop fit the bike to you. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, or are experienced enough to take care of it yourself, you may want to brush up on the basics here. There is nothing worse than a seat that’s too low or too high or handlebars that are too short or too tall. Either one can cause knee or back problems. Other things to consider; toe clips, if you don’t have cleats, that are too small to get into (and out of) quickly, or a loosely-fitted helmet that won’t protect your head in the event of an accident. And remember, ANYTIME your helmet is compromised, replace it immediately!
Save The Date
Pencil these dates in now for some great Spring cycling. Now is also the time to get sponsorships or become a sponsor for Bike MS.
 March 23-29, 2013. Orange Blossom Special Spring Tour. Details here.
April 20-21, 2013 Bike MS: Citrus Tour. Sponsorship details here.
OTHER News
NYC Bike-Share
New York City’s BIke-Share program has been delayed until Spring 2013, in part because of Hurricane Sandy. The equipment was stored at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which flooded when Sandy dumped several feet of water across the Navy Yard. More here.
Pudding Ride
If you happen to be in London for Christmas, not to worry. You can work off that figgy pudding and trifle with a ride through the quiet streets of London. More here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 16 – Holiday Light Ride
Sponsored by the Florida Freewheelers, the Holiday Light Ride starts at Blue Jacket Park in Baldwin Park
January 4, 2013
See details below under Recurring Rides.
Orlando City Hall, 9 am to 3 pm. Curious? See a video here.
RESOURCES
Bicycle Parking Map
From our friends at Commute Orlando: Peter Martinez has created a collaborative Bike Parking map, designed to help Bicyclists plan their routes and park their bikes on secure racks, rather than a stop sign or a tree. Read more . . .
 Best Foot Forward is a community-wide coalition formed to reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries in Metro Orlando.The five-year initiative is currently focused on Orange County and will expand into Seminole and Osceola counties as resources permit. Five cities, two towns, and Orange County have passed resolutions supporting the initiative. Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, police agencies in Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville, and police chiefs from throughout Orange County, have pledged their support to the initiative, launched by Bike/Walk Central Florida and the Florida Bicycle Association, with financial support from the Winter Park Health Foundation, MetroPlan Orlando, Orange County, City of Orlando, Florida Department of Transportation, Orlando Police Department, Orange Cycle, David’s World Cycle, and Track Shack.
When was the last time you saved a life? Your contributions of $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, or more, can make a big difference. Checks should be made out to the Florida Bicycle Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and mailed to: Betsy Holl at: P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791-6715. Please specify that you are donating to Best Foot Forward.
Community Calendar Link
http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/community-calendar/
RECURRING RIDES
First Fridays: Take it to the Streets bike ride to promote civility: 6 p.m. on the First Friday of each month (Upcoming Dates, January 4, 2013, February 1, 2013).
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 .
Sunday Ride in the Hills: Ride 30-plus miles through the hills of Clermont and Mineola, Sundays mornings at 7am, beginning at David’s World Cycle. Call Ross at 407-654-7071 to confirm.
See our Community Calendar for other family rides: www.bikewalkcentralflorida.org
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 challenging group rides, subscribe to Hal Downing’s group ride newsletter by emailing [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
brad@bikewalkcentralflorida.org
Bike/Walk Central Florida Would like to thank our sponsors:
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Transforming Central Florida into a Premier Biking and Walking Community! 
