For cycling enthusiasts or those looking for alternative summer activities other than going to the beach or river, two local cycling clubs do offer another option for residents looking to get out of the house and be active.
Mark Woolson, the owner of Truly Spokin’ in Milton, said there are two cycling clubs, the Blackwater Cyclists and West Florida Wheelmen, which regularly meet to cycle through the Blackwater Trail head including Munson Highway.
While Blackwater meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the Wheelmen combine with Blackwater on Saturdays, Woolson said.
On a weekly basis, the clubs will meet at the parking lot located near the Truly Spokin’ bike shop, Woolson said between 20 to 40, depending on the weather, will regularly participate in the group rides.
Prior to the meeting up, the members will usually predetermine their cycling route on their Facebook accounts or prior to leaving from the meeting location.
“Ride times on Wednesdays starts on 8:30 a.m., ride on Saturdays for 7:30 a.m.,” he said. “They will (typically) start off on the trail and turnoff on Munson Highway and they will go 40, 60 or 80 miles depending on who is there, weather and so forth.”
Woolson, who when available will partake in the group rides, said riding in summertime on the bike path and roadways is a preference for many cycling enthusiasts.
“There is a lot of road riders that will go to mountain biking in the winter, because it is a little warmer in the woods and you are getting out of the wind and out of the elements,” Woolson said. “Summer time is usually for road biking and winter (and) fall is for mountain bikes, there is usually a large group of people that will sway back and forth between the two disciplines.”
Although the summer temperatures may deter those from going outside, much less getting on a bicycle, Woolson said the cooling breeze from riding a bike at 15 miles per hour can provide relief from the heat.
These cycling clubs also bring in enthusiasts from outside the county, Woolson said.
“We have people who drive to ride with this group from Crestview, Fairhope (Ala.), just because the roads we have are great rolling terrain,” he said. “We have people that will drive from all over and drive an hour to ride out here on Saturdays.”
The clubs are not specifically for experienced cyclists, but for anyone interested in joining. Woolson said the groups will welcome those who are new to cycling and will make sure beginners do not get left behind.
In addition to having a bicycle, wearing proper cycling clothing, a bicycle helmet and water, Woolson suggests interested cyclist bring a small amount of money should the club stop by a store in order to refuel and rehydrate during the ride.
While riding with the Blackwater Cyclists is free of charge the West Florida Wheelmen does offer membership fees, ranging from $30 for individual to $45 for families, for insurance liability which also includes a 10 percent discount to local bike shops.
In addition to offering a weekly group riding experience, these groups are also often involved with fundraising riding events, like the Tour de Cure which raises awareness for diabetes and benefits the American Diabetes Association.
For more information on these cycling clubs, contact Woolson at 983-2488. Follow the Blackwater Cyclists at http://on.fb.me/1FJwsZW or learn more about the West Florida Wheelmen at facebook.com/westfloridawheelmen.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Group cycling opportunities available in Milton