About us
We are an active outdoor group that loves to bike and hike. Our team has several years of experience hosting events. The events are welcoming and inclusive, it will be easy to make like-minded friends.
To be able to participate in any of our events, we kindly ask you to sign our waiver and release (see section at the end) and pay an annual nominal fee of $20 at the end of your two week free trial period. The good news is, that you only have to set up payment once. It will be automatically renewed every year but you can cancel any time by leaving the group.
Our recreational bike rides range from 10 to 60 miles in distance at an average speed of 10 to 14 mph. They might include breakfast or lunch. Our hikes range from 5 to 13 miles in length and are generally casual in nature. Occasionally we mix bike rides and hikes.
From time to time we will post other outdoor events, in particular during the hot summer months.
OUR POLICIES
We are not a big fan of many rules, we just love the outdoors and want to have fun. But please be respectful of your fellow members and those who organize and host events. Your hosts are volunteers and not professionals. Make sure they'll get your full support and arrive on time.
For liability reasons we don't allow guests. However, everyone is welcome to join our group and sign the waiver with the full legal name.
Our events are generally open to everyone in our group but occasionally we might have to limit its size. Always be aware of your capabilities when you sign up for an event.
It is important that you let your event hosts know in advance if you can't make it although you signed up. This will be in particular necessary when we have a waitlist. Frequent no-shows are not cool and won't be accepted, it's just not fair.
Our bike rides differ in length and speed. Please always check the event description and make sure you check your bike before the event. Tire pressure, battery charge, brakes etc. should be efficient and fully functioning.
We highly recommend that you wear a helmet on our bike rides. Accidents happen and you might get hurt. If you decide to participate without a helmet, you will do so at your own risk and cannot hold anyone responsible.
Hikes in Florida can be challenging although the terrain is flat. The biggest risks are dehydration and exhaustion. Just make sure you carry sufficient water and sun protection.
With that all said, have fun and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people.
OUR WAIVER AND RELEASE
This Waiver and Release is applicable to all members of our "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" group.
By joining our group and undersigning our waiver with the full legal name, all members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" acknowledge that by registering and participating at any of our events they do it voluntarily and fully assume all risk of injury, illness, damage or loss of personal property. This is in particular true when riding the bike without a helmet.
All members of "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" must abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe manner.
The "SWFL Bikes and Hikes" organizer, co-organizers and event organizers are volunteers and not trained or professional guides. It is the full responsibility of each event participant to make sure the event is suitable based on the physical condition, personal skill and necessary equipment.
All members acknowledge that "SWFL Bikes and Hikes", their organizer, co-organizers, event organizers as well as their families and other participants cannot be held liable for any of the risks mentioned above. This release extends to any of the members' representatives, executors or heirs.
Upcoming events
81
Bike & Hike: Jiggs Landing, Johnson Preserve & Lunch at Linger Lodge
Summerfield Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL, USLet's meet in the parking lot at Summerfield Community Park shortly before 08:00 AM so we can leave on time.
Our casual bike ride will lead through some of the oldest neighborhoods in and around Lakewood Ranch to Jiggs Landing. Total length will be 20 miles.
On our way we will stop for a little hike at the Johnson Preserve at Braden River (see picture). Those who don't want to hike can wait for us at a shaded pavilion next to the Preserve entrance.
This oasis of nature was acquired by Manatee County in 2018. The Preserve is home to an amazing diversity of plants and animals not normally seen in similar suburban areas. It is a piece of ‘Old Florida” with mature live oaks, tall longleaf pines, important wetlands that store water preventing flooding, and imperiled swallowtail kites and gopher tortoises. The land’s riverfront and floodplain forests are part of a corridor linking natural habitat along the Braden River, the City of Bradenton’s source of drinking water.
The hike will be short but scenic. Total distance will be about 2 miles and it will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Once we are at Jiggs Landing we might enjoy the scenery for a little while. The convenience store sells coffee, tea and other drinks as well as food.
We will head back a slightly different way and stop at Linger Lodge for lunch at 11:30 AM before we head back to the parking lot.
Linger Lodge is a traditional Floridian restaurant where roadkill and gator bites might still be part of the menu😋.
We will have to make a reservation, so please let us know if you would like to join us.This will be a social event and no race. Please do not schedule anything right after as it might take longer than expected.
We will ride on paved roads and on sidewalks when the road is too narrow. Average speed will be 10 - 12 mph.
Please bring sufficient water, don't forget to wear sunscreen and check your bikes before the ride. Bike lock would be great!
As always, if you need directions or have any other questions, you can contact us at (917) 774-0941
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