Watermelon Ride comes to Amelia Island on September 14

Submitted by Wayne Ezell

Contact Don Klima at

dkklima@comcast.net

September 4, 2014 1:13 p.m.

Endless Summer Watermelon Ride growing

More than 700 cyclists are expected to enjoy the spectacular Endless Summer Watermelon Ride on Amelia Island on Sunday Sept. 14. The increasingly popular event takes riders through Fort Clinch State Park, among Fernandina Beach's magnificent historic neighborhoods, along scenic Atlantic coastal highways and through natural settings of nearby barrier islands.

Cyclists enjoyed excellent weather and
plenty of watermelon for the 2013 Endless Summer Watermelon Ride.

Cyclists of all levels can choose routes of 20, 32, 54, 77 or 100 miles. Riders will be provided with pre-ride snacks, eight rest stops, detailed maps, mechanical support, motorcycle escorts and a post-ride Sonny's barbeque lunch. And plenty of

delicious watermelon.

Cyclist await start of 2013 Watermelon Ride

Online registration is available through Sept. 10. Go to www.nfbc.us to register.

The rides begin and end at the Atlantic Recreation Center, 2600 Atlantic Avenue,

which is near the entrance to Fort Clinch. This signature biking event will

demonstrate why Fernandina Beach was designated a 2013 bronze level award by the League of American Bicyclists.

Hosted by the North Florida Bicycle Club and its sponsors, the event is partnering

with local hotels and businesses to provide discounts for the weekend's events. See www.nfbc.us for more information or contact ride director Don Klima at dkklima@comcast.net.

Early packet pick-up will be on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.at the Atlantic

Recreation Center. Riders are encouraged to take advantage of this early sign-in

opportunity to avoid crowds the day of the event. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday

morning. Following a safety briefing, the 100-mile ride starts at 7:45 and others

will follow at 10 minutes intervals.

Online registration at www.nfbc.us is $40 plus tax for NFBC members and $55 plus tax

for non-members through Sept. 10. Late registration will be $65 plus tax and will be

available only at the Atlantic Recreation Center on Sept. 13 and 14.

The ride benefits charities and a bicycle safety campaign supported by the North

Florida Bicycle Club. The club sponsors several weekly rides for those interested in

developing biking skills, socializing with other cyclists and exploring new bike

routes.