SMBC SUMMER Newsletter

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.

A Message from our President John Harkey

Dear Members:

I hope all of you are having a fantastic and safe summer. A big shout out to our VP Don Stuart and Webmaster Sara Reibman for developing and implementing our club survey. We received input from over 150 club members…thank you!! For those of you who were not able to attend the social on May 16 led by Don, I would urge each of you to take a look at the survey results. VIEW SURVEY

Your board continues to discuss options to support CycleFest in 2026. Ken Nelson is leading an effort to evaluate organizations that specialize in planning large events like CycleFest and we are meeting with local cycling organizations to explore potential partnerships. We are planning for additional social events this year, including a holiday event to be held on December 6th and we will be undertaking additional membership initiatives such as socials and booths at farmer’s markets in the area.

Our annual board nomination process is just around the corner this fall and we continue to struggle to fill critical leadership positions. Without sufficient volunteers supporting SMBC, activities that we have all come to enjoy will be more and more difficult to sustain. Please take a moment to contemplate how you can support the club with your time and talent in 2025 and beyond.

Best regards,

John Harkey

President, SMBC

YMCA - SRQ Youth Rodeo

Join us for the annual youth rodeo at the YMCA Sarasota, formerly CORE SRQ.

Saturday, August 2, 2025, 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM

YMCA Sarasota

1075 S Euclid Avenue

Sarasota, FL 34237

Please contact Eugene Rider if you are able to volunteer. 941.730.0201

VISIT YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOPS!

RYDER BIKES, owned by Paul & Karen Tobio, would love to have us visit their JULY SALE!

In 2024, Ryder Bikes was voted one of the country's "Best Bike Shops" and was awarded the "President's Award - Retail Excellence Award" by the National Bicycle Dealer Association. Paul presented to his peers at the NBDA Retailer Summit in Bentonville, AR. Paul was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Bicycle Dealer Association.

In addition to the NBDA “Best Bike Shop” award, Ryder Bikes regularly receives many local “Best of” awards.

☀️ Summer Tune-Up Reminder from Bicycles International

As we head into the off-season, now’s the perfect time to get your bike tuned up and ready for fall riding. Beat the seasonal rush and keep your ride rolling smoothly!

🚴‍♂️ New bikes now in stock

🚲 Rentals available all summer long

💸 SMBC members always get a discount when shopping with us!

Stay safe, enjoy the roads, and we hope to see you soon at Bicycles International in Venice!

📍 1752 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL

🌐 www.bicyclesinternationalfl.com

📞 941-497-1590

Update: Lakewood Ranch Paving

Lakewood Ranch Town Hall announced that the paving of Lakewood Ranch Blvd. will continue for the next few weeks. The paving on the inside lanes is expected to be completed this week, then the outside lanes adjacent to the bike path will be closed. Unfortunately this phase of the project will temporarily prohibit use of the bike lane. Please adjust your routes to avoid this area until the construction is completed in mid-July.

From The Observer

The Ride of Silence had about 60 riders from SMBC and VICC. In case you missed it, there was a nice article you can read here in The Observer.

SUMMER RIDES...STAY HYDRATED!!

Be sure to check the ride calendar and your email before heading out on a ride. Many ride leaders and members go on vacations during the summer or are snowbirds and some rides may be cancelled. Be sure to bring plenty of water!!

SAFETY

Back in the Saddle

Rich Josephson MS, MD

Most adults will face a time when an injury, illness, or medical procedure temporarily halts their cycling routine.

Ideally, this interruption is short, recovery is complete, and they can return to their favorite activity with enthusiasm. This column, along with upcoming ones, aims to offer a clear and thorough guide to help cyclists navigate their pause and eventual return to the saddle safely and comfortably.

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.