WHO ARE WE?
We are the largest and most diverse bicycling club in Central Florida. Freewheelers come in all sizes, ages and colors and from a wide range of backgrounds. Some ride fast, some slow; some do short rides, some do long rides, but most of us ride between the extremes, growing our cycling skills and enjoying the company of fellow cyclists. Most of our rides are on the road, with many on paved recreational trails. We also have an active contingent of off-road riders who do a great job of organizing all-terrain rides in the cooler months (with great picnics after!).
We are a social cycling club with members enjoying each others’ company on weekly rides and at social events. Good friendships are common among members. Also, we encourage anyone who’s interested to take the American Bicycling Education Association CyclingSavvy course, periodically taught by several certified instructors who are Freewheeler members.
MEMBER BENEFITS
Once you join, you will be receiving our latest newsletter. It comes out every month with club news, ride schedules, info about upcoming cycling events and great cycling-related articles. You will also receive a membership card that entitles you to discounts at local shops. Members also receive a discount to the Florida Bicycle Safari, the Horrible Hundred, and access to special areas of the web site with members-only information. If you are not already a member of the Florida Bicycle Association, you will be given a complimentary one-year membership to the FBA.
EVENTS
Our popular Florida Bicycle Safari is held in April in rural North Florida and South Georgia, featuring either 3 or 6 days of cycling country roads with varied ride lengths, bountiful catered meals and plentiful SAG stops, gorgeous scenery, friendly people and an all-around terrific experience always had by all! The 2023 event is planned for April 15 through April 20.
Then there's the Horrible Hundred, a two-day event in November. Held for the last 40 years, it’s our club’s biggest fund-raiser. Over 2,000 riders tackle Central Florida’s hills on fully-supported rides of 35, 70 or 100 miles, while enjoying the attention to detail (and legendary SAG stops) provided by friendly Freewheeler volunteers. The "Horrible" is consistently voted as a favorite event by cyclists from Miami to Jacksonville and beyond. The 2022 event will be held on November 19-20.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Members sometimes ask, “How does the club operate?” or “Why do we collect dues?”
First, Florida Freewheelers, Inc. is a Florida non-profit corporation.
Second, except for a small sum paid to our Executive Director, who acts as club business and marketing manager, we’re a volunteer club.
Third, the club is operated by a volunteer elected board of directors that meets on the first Monday of alternate months at 6:30 p.m. Locations vary, so check the website. All members are invited to attend.
The dues we collect pay to run the club and provide member benefits, for example:
• Picnic Rides, Annual Banquet, and other social events
• Annual Meeting/Refreshments
• Club Office & Website Operation
• Executive Director Stipend
• Liability Insurance
• The Florida Freewheelers Charitable Fund (support for bicycle advocacy / local charities / helmets for kids, etc.)
We want to keep our dues low ($30 individual membership, $40 family membership), but we need funds from other sources to keep the club operating the way we all enjoy. That’s why our annual events (Bicycle Safari and Horrible Hundred) are so important, since they bring in the income that makes up the difference between members’ dues and operating expenses, ensuring that we can continue to provide safe and enjoyable rides, fun events, and member benefits that bring us together with other cyclists all year long.
GETTING INVOLVED
All of these wonderful events and benefits wouldn’t be possible without the help of those who give a little of their time. As you become active in the club, we hope you’ll consider joining in the efforts that make it all happen. We can always use volunteers for Safari or the Horrible, and leaders for weekly rides. To volunteer, or if you have a special talent, skill, interest, or business connection that might benefit the club and its members, please contact the Executive Director, Rich Toro, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 407-901-9979.
Best wishes for safe riding and a tailwind in any direction!