New group bicycle ride on Amelia Island Trail

Submitted by Mike Pikula

January 28, 2015 1:00 p.m.

The North Florida Bicycle Club (NFBC) has organized a new group bicycle ride just for Amelia Island’s “social” riders, families, and riders who prefer to avoid traffic.

Riders on Amelia Island headed to Burney Park for a rest stop.

This new ride will be conducted primarily on the Amelia Island Trail (AIT) and a few lightly-traveled roads and is designed to help riders learn cycling techniques and build confidence in a safe riding environment. The Amelia Island Trail is a paved, off-road, multi-use path that runs from Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park and crosses the Nassau River via the Crady Fishing Bridge. The weekly ride is led by ride leaders from the NFBC and will emphasize safety and fellowship. The pace of the ride will be determined by the ride leader to accommodate all riders; no rider will be left behind.

This “AIT Ride” will begin every Wednesday at 10am at the north trailhead of the AIT at Peter’s Point Beachfront Park (1974 S. Fletcher Av, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034). The route will follow the AIT south to Big Talbot Island State Park, then return for a total distance of approximately 15-18 miles depending on rest stop selections by the ride leader. Riders should have basic riding skills, a bicycle helmet, water, and a bicycle in good working condition. There is no charge for the ride but each participant must sign an NFBC Waiver; parent or guardian of youth under 18 must execute a special waiver and youth under 16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. The ride duration is approximately 2 hours. After the ride, riders will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at a food truck in the Park. In case of rain the ride will be cancelled.

Riders heading south over the Crady bridge in Amelia Island State Park.

You can find out more about this ride (and other organized rides), the North Florida Bicycle Club, and Friends of the Amelia Island Trail by visiting www.ameliaislandcycling.com, www.nfbc.us, or www.ameliaislandtrail.org .