TAMPA BAY, FL (BRAIN)—An alliance of seven of the biggest retail bicycle stores in the Tampa Bay area are staging a region-wide bicycle festival in downtown St. Petersburg on November 4 to promote and celebrate bicycling as a healthy lifestyle and effective mode of transportation.
The “Bicycle Bash by the Bay,” now in its second year, will feature an array of bicycle activities and events designed to attract every type of bicyclist in the Tampa Bay region to help pump up the pedal power movement.
The Bicycle Bash by the Bay is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Vinoy Park, a popular and scenic downtown waterfront park in St. Petersburg.
The alliance of bicycle stores is called SWFBUD (South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers). SWFBUD was formed in early 2007 by owners of bike shops committed to growing bicycling in this market to improve health and transportation, while also lobbying for improved conditions for bicyclists.
SWFBUD is holding the Bicycle Bash by the Bay to unite bicyclists of all stripes for one day while also advancing cycling as a fun and healthy way of life and a practical way to get to work, school or play.
Bicycle Bash by the Bay activities include:
—a city of St. Petersburg bike rodeo to give away free helmets to kids and safety tips
—a swap meet for bicyclists to sell bike gear
—demos on a variety of topics ranging from bike repairs to cyclocross
—bike-commuting and advocacy group booths
—bike clubs leading rides from all directions to Vinoy Park
—trike races for kids and adults alike
—a $100 cash prize for Best of Show for the “freakiest” bike
—bicycle collections including rare BMX antiques and chopper-style bikes
—BMX trailer, including bike race start demo
—donation station for people who want to give away their old, used bikes
—food, vendors and music
“Our bike shops have joined forces because if we can work together to increase bicycling, it benefits all of us,” said David Luppino, co-owner of Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium, one of the seven bicycle stores in SWFBUD. “We want the whole Tampa Bay area to come together this day to celebrate bicycling.”
The emcee for the Bicycle Bash by the Bay is one of the most well-known names in bicycling in the Tampa Bay area—John Sinibaldi, Jr., a St. Petersburg-area bicycle advocate and bicyclist whose father was a legendary bike racer in St. Pete.
SWFBUD member stores include Bicycle Outfitters in Seminole; Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium in north Tampa; Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater and Palm Harbor; Flying Fish Bikes in south Tampa; Oliver’s Cycle Sports in new Tampa; Revolution Bicycles in St. Petersburg; and Suncoast Trailside Bicycles in Odessa.
Check out www.bicyclebash.com for more information.
