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:

For our members returning to the region, welcome back! In your absence our ride leaders have continued to provide terrific leadership to our club and are looking forward to larger groups beginning this month.

The one and only critical topic that I would like to share is that we will be initiating our board election process much earlier this year than in past years. As you know, over the past two years, our board nominations have fallen well below expectations and as a result, we have operated the club a bit shorthanded. We expect to have SIX open positions in 2026. It goes without saying that for our club to remain thriving and successful, we need to have individuals willing to assume leadership roles. I hope each of you will give serious consideration to nominating yourself or your fellow cyclists to serve in 2026 and beyond. Contact any board member; all of their emails are listed at the bottom.

Best regards,

John Harkey

President, SMBC

DONATIONS

SMBC donations this year

Sarasota Police Foundation - $1000.00

Old Miakka Church - $1000.00

SRQ Bike Boys - $1000.00

Ryder Bikes for Kiwanis Club of Bradenton/Manatee county bike/helmet give-away - $600.00

Florida Bicycle Association - $1000.00

----$4600.00----

BOARD MEETING

The next SMBC Board Meeting will be October 15 @6 pm @Home2Suites in LWR.

The minutes from each meeting are available on smbc.us

SMBC needs members to fill board positions. Every year 5 positions need to be filled! We need your help.

Order by 10/13

Go to SMBC.us and click on the link for more information about the jersey and how to order or click on the button below.

In our vivid new jersey, you'll be seen and you'll support SMBC.

NEW MEMBER RIDE JOINS THE SMBC/CCBC JOINT RIDE on 11/09 at INNER COMPASS

Register now! It's FREE for ALL SMBC members. Welcome all our new members and introduce them to our friends from the Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club. The ride starts at 8:30 and is followed by appetizers and pizzas as well as non-alcoholic drinks. You need to log in to register.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Sara Bay Country Club

7011 Willow Street, Sarasota. FL

5 pm - 9:30 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.

You need to log in to register.

BIKE MAINTENANCE CLASSES

Local bike shops REAL BIKES in Venice and PLAYTRI in Sarasota will be hosting several classes on changing flats - regular and tubeless, power systems, and more in their stores.

SMBC RECRUITS NEW MEMBERS AT THE LAKEWOOD RANCH FARMERS' MARKET IN WATERSIDE

Sunday, October 5, Rich Josephson and his crew set up a table with announcements and gave everyone who joined a free pair of our popular DeFeet socks.

Want to join the fun? Our next date is November 2 from 9:30 - 2:00.

Email Richard Josephson to volunteer.

TRUNK OR TREAT!

Please join us at the annual Trunk and Treat event at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (RLTCC). Contests, Prizes, Activities, and FREE HELMETS. Last year we gave out 125 helmets!

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

JOIN the FL Bike Summit

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 FLORIDA BICYCLE SUMMIT!

RIDE CALENDAR UPDATES

Be sure to check the ride calendar and your email before heading out on a ride. Ride times are regularly updated and will most likely change after DST starts.

SAFETY TIDBITS!

Is it time for a new helmet? There's no TAX on helmets! INFO
One Critical Thing Not to Ignore on Your Bike! Check your chain!
Wear your sunscreen - even when it cools down. Read Rich Josephson's article here.