SMBC APRIL Newsletter

A Message from our President John Harkey

Dear Members:

Following extensive discussion, the SMBC Board has made the difficult decision to postpone 2025 CycleFest. This decision was made as a direct result of the lack of volunteer members to lead essential committees. The board will continue to evaluate the possibility of resuming this event in 2026.

Over 150 club members responded to our club survey last month. Don Stuart is compiling the results which have revealed some important insights for SMBC. Stay tuned for more info from Don!

Your board has agreed to become part of the Florida Gulf Coast Trail Alliance whose specific goal is to advocate for the creation of a 420-mile trail system in Southwest Florida. The alliance is being formed to support the work of the Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. Click on the logo below for more information.

The board approved the following donations to local organizations that promote cycling safety and education in our region.

2/25/25 - SRQ Bike Boys - $1000

2/25/25 - Old Miakka Church - $1000

3/10/25 - Sarasota Police Foundation - $1000

4/01/25 - Ryder Bikes (Kiwanis Club) - $600

The board also has approved a new vision statement for SMBC. We are excited and hopeful that this will provide clarity of purpose for our activities moving forward.

The Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club strives to be the premier cycling club in the Sarasota region. We will foster a vibrant and inclusive environment where members of all ages and abilities can enjoy the sport, build friendships, increase their cycling knowledge and skills, and be great stewards within our community.

Board Meeting

The next SMBC Board Meeting will be June 18 @6 pm. Location TBA

The minutes from each meeting are available on smbc.us

New Ride!

SMBC is pleased to announce that there is now a new meeting point for those who would like to ride starting from central Sarasota.

Specific new routes are being developed and mostly include:

+Going north to Longboat Key, Lido Keky Beach, Ana Maria, Bay Shore, or Benderson Park.

+Going south to Siesta Key, Casey Key, Venice, or The Legacy Trail.

The routes are posted on the Hunt ride calendar, although last-minute changes can happen at the start, depending on weather and traffic conditions.

Currently these new routes start every Monday and Friday at 8.30 from the Payne Park parking lot (parking is free for up to 4 hours).

The pace is set at 16-18 mph.

A specialty coffee stop is always included.

The ride leader is Emmanuel Charron. You can contact him directly at emmanuelcharron@outlook.com

Emmanuel just moved to downtown Sarasota, and he thought it would be nice to increase the SMBC network of routes and is looking for volunteers to test these new routes and possibly make them a permanent feature of SMBC's offerings.

Please join him when you have a chance!

From our Safety Director

Bike Lanes

Dedicated bicycle lanes greatly improve community safety and encourage cycling for transport, retail, and exercise. This is especially true when these lanes are physically separated from traffic by features like plantings or high curbs.

Whenever roads are modified in our area, SMBC and its members should advocate for safe bike lanes.

Bike lanes work best when used properly. If a route includes bike lanes, ensure you and others use them. Avoid riding two abreast. When exiting the bike lane due to obstacles or turns, check your surroundings to maintain safety and courtesy for all road users. When turning right onto a busy road with a bike lane, watch for cars, keep close to the bike lane, and use minimal space in the car lane. Be cautious of "right hook" accidents where turning cars might hit cyclists; while typically considered the car drivers' fault, cyclists must stay vigilant. Cyclists never win; be careful!

Join other cyclists on short, slow paced (12 mph max), FREE ride to raise awareness of cyclists rights to public roadways while honoring riders injured or killed.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

6:30 PM until 8:00 PM

Robarts Arena

3000 Ringling Blvd

Sarasota

SMBC Holiday Party

Thank you to all our members for completing the recent questionnaire.

This event is a direct result of your feedback! You asked for more social activities, and we’re excited to provide a rockin’ holiday party!

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Sara Bay Country Club

7011 Willow Street, Sarasota. FL 34243

5 pm - 10 pm

Cocktails/Wine: Cash bar 5 PM

Dinner: 6 PM

Entertainment: A great band with tunes for all our dance styles! And a magician with tricks tailored to SMBC.

Registration with ticket information and dinner choices will be included on our web site soon.

From PlayTri, one of our sponsors

We’re excited to announce that Colnago is now in stock at Playtri Sarasota. For cyclists who appreciate precision craftsmanship, performance, and the unmistakable quality of Italian design—this is the brand that delivers. Whether you're chasing podiums or savoring every mile, Colnago belongs in your quiver.

Also, after a short pause, bike rentals are back! If an SMBC member or a visiting friend needs a high-quality ride, we offer daily and weekly rentals—perfect for group rides, events, or just getting back in the saddle.

📍 Visit us at 315 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota

📞 Call 941-730-5565

🌐 Learn more at playtrisarasota.com