Places to ride, rent, and race in South FL?

[Seedy J]

I'm going to Ft. Lauderdale for summer vacation (7/25 - 8/5), and would like (need) to keep riding during my trip. I grew up there, but didn't get into cycling until I came to Japan and haven't rode a bike in FL since I was about 12.

My first problem is that I won't have a bike there. Hauling my bike over there seems like it would be too expensive since I'd have to buy a case and probably pay extra for going over the luggage weight limit. Is it possible to rent a road bike (Cannondale CAAD 8 or 9 preferably, but anything will do) somewhere, or would I be better off trying to find a $100-200 beater on craigslist or ebay?

I also don't have any idea where to ride. I can't imagine south FL drivers taking kindly to some guy in spandex tooling along their road at 20 mph or less. Are there any good parks or bike paths in the area? I'll ride on the road if I have to, but would prefer not to.

Finally, are there any group rides or races happening in the area during my stay?

Thanks in advance!

[Seedy J]

Anyone?

[jomalley]

Check South Broward Wheelers... other than that, don't know-- I live in Miami.

http://www.southbrowardwheelers.com/

[oddiseeus]

i dont know of any places that rent out bicycles down there. I was just in ft. lauderdale visiting family and took a ride called the Rubber Chicken ride that started at Flamingo Road and Sheridan street on saturdays @ 7:30 am. Fast ride about 40 miles. if you check out bicycling magazines websight and find the article on wildest rides in america it should be listed there.

here are a few clubs to contact. they might be able to help you more than i have.

http://www.southbrowardwheelers.com/

try these guys for bike rentals.

http://downtownbicycles.com/

here is a list of dealers to try to contact that can help lead you to one that rents.

http://www.magicyellow.com/category/Bicycle_Dealers/Fort_Lauderdale_FL.html

i hope that helped

[Seedy J]

^^nice Better Off Dead quote :D

(thought I'd posted this yesterday) Thanks for the links! They helped out a lot.

[jdec42]

Well if you're coming in town tomorrow and you want to ride come on out and join us, we do a fairly fast ride out of Markham Park at 8:00 on Thursdays that's only one group and it's a drop ride, non stop for 40 average around 25 mph or you can come out to Nob Hill and Mcnab behind the waffle House at 7:30 on Saturday for the groups ride which have different levels and speeds. Would be glad to have you join us.

Canman, SBW