When I came to Orlando in 2001, I used a mountain bike first, since I
expected not be able to ride a road bike due a lot of traffic. After I
heard from Florida Freewheelers, I joined one of club rides in Oct 2001.
This was a T-ride and I remember the four people I was riding with:
Jack, Billy, Bea and Joyce. With my mountain bike I was barely able to
hang on to them. After two rides with them I joined the club.
Since at that time I was here by myself and my wife still in Germany,
the Freewheelers became almost something like my family. Most of our
friends we have today, we originally met through the Freewheelers. No
wonder, since we share the same hobby.
After riding a while with the T-group, I finally realized that a road
bike seems to appropriate bicycle. Finally I bought my road bike and
start riding with all groups. We are not really interested in riding
fast and competitive, we just like to cycle longer distance. The
Freewheelers with their different groups gave us those opportunities.
The Freewheelers do have an amazing amount of great volunteers. Having
different rides each weekend for all groups, with a dedicated ride
leader makes it an extraordinary club. In spring they organize the well
known 3 or 6 day Safari and in November they over their famous "Horrible
Hundred" century.
We are glad that we met the Florida Freewheelers and they are a big
part of what we enjoy during our stay in a foreign country.
Here is the breakdown in groups, for which they offer rides each
weekend:
| Type |
Description |
| A |
20+ mph: Experienced Riders
Only. Be able to read a map and change a flat. Very fast
to racing pace. |
| B |
17 - 21 mph: Experienced Riders
Only. Be able to read a map, change a flat, and ride 20
miles not-stop. |
| C |
15 - 18 mph: Be able to read a
map and change a flat, but don't be upset if you get
dropped. |
| D |
12 - 15 mph: Beginner Ride.
Ride leader will make sure no rider is dropped.
|
| S |
10 - 15 mph: Leisurely, social
ride. Distance varies. Ride leader will make sure no
rider is dropped. |
| T |
Tourist: Longer Rides at a
slower pace. Be able to read a map, change a flat. Don't
be upset if you get dropped. |
In addition they sometimes offer special rides for Mountain bikes,
Recumbent, Tandems or Highwheel's.
I highly recommend that you come to one of their club rides and check
it out yourself. After a while when you like it, join them and become a
member of the family.
Check their webpage:
http://www.floridafreewheelers.com
If you would like to see some pictures from Florida Freewheelers
events look here:
Freewheelers Pictures
