RonH

I'm trying to decide if I'm going to make the journey (~3+ hour drive). Anyone else doing it?
My wife says I can go since we will have company so she won't be alone while I'm gone.
https://www.highlandsbikefest.com/

lookinUp

Ron,

John and Natalie are going to be there. If you'd like John's email address, let me know. I've gone four times now and think I'll take a break this year. You WILL enjoy it - it's a lot of fun.

Sue

RedC

I'm part of the club that's hosting it. It's a great weekend, lots of people great food, nice routes. The group is diverse enough so that we accomodate the roadies that want to turn it into a race, the people who want to try their first century or metric and the people who just want to ride around and socialize. If you come ask someone at the registration desk to let me know, I'm Red Camp and I'm current president of the Highlands Pedalers. I'll be riding Friday and Saturday but I probably will have to leave Saturday, my granddaughter is in the Community Ballet in Jacksonville Saturday night.

RedC

As you were! The ballet is the next weekend this year so they won't mess up my ride, I'll be riding all three days unless I get saddled with SAG duty one day. The hotel is full but there are accomodations at the Inn on the Lake, Residency Marriott, and Sunset Beach Motel all of which are close by

smoore

Typically how many people show up for this ride? Can GA people come? Are there really "highlands" in FL?

RedC

It's the Highlands Bikefest because it's in Highlands County, Fl. We are expecting close to 400 riders this year. Some of us have been coming from Georgia to Florida for years. Herman Talmadge, when he was goveronr in the 50's, he thought it was wonderful when people came from Georgia to Florida because it raised the average IQ in both states Depending on where you come from in Georgia you may not consider our little rollers "real hills" . I know when I go to my sister's house in Gainesville I quickly ride into hills steeper than anything we have. But our routes are well marked, the people are friendly and the weather tends to be kinder and gentler than anything in Georgia in December

smoore

Thanks RedC,
I too live in Gainesville, in the northern part of the county, so I am well familiar with our "hills"s. Sounds like a fun ride, I'll discuss it with my wife. If anyone from our family raises the combined IQ, it will be her.

RedC

You live in Gainesville, I graduated from Gainesville Highschool and my sister is Sally Walters, her husband and sons own the Dairy Queens I'm going up there for Thanksgiving If you make it to our ride ask for me at the registration desk, I'll be around

smoore

Thanks Red, I'll look for you if we make it down. If you want to bring your bike when you come up for Thanksgiving, several of us generally do a T-Giving ride of about 15 miles to burn the calories off before we eat them. Wives often ride so it is at your own pace, generally 14mph average at best and no big hills. Yes, I do DQ several times a year for my Moo-Latte fix.

RedC

Sounds like a plan. I'm more afraid of the temps than the hills but I would love to try to join you

RedC

Looks like the weather is going to be perfect. Low's in the 60's and highs in the low 80's. I'm marking roads on Wednesday (many of the routes were marked over the weekend but I was out of town) We are all set up for the best Highlands Bikefest ever. I hope to see some of you there

RedC

Ron, you missed it. We had great weather, a great turnout and lot's of fun. Maybe next year

Ronno6

'Twas a great time for sure! Nice scenery,smooth roads, low traffic,excellent organization and support, SUPER food,........and GREAT FOLKS !!
Weather was really conducive to great riding. Did I mention the great food ??
I ran into a few riders from my old stomping ground (St. Pete) that I had not seen in probably 15 years!
I'll definitely put it on my calender for the next year.