Watching out for bears
June 2, 2022

By Marilyn Morris
Greetings … the ride today was a cloudy then rainy ride for 89.1 miles.
The idea for the Tour de Florida came from Kert Emperado and Mark Major, when they cycled the Keys in early 2016. Kert, being from Philadelphia, highly endorsed the ride as a great way to escape the cold and enjoying time riding with friends. Mark, who lives in Orlando, saw the potential for the ride to serve his local Central Florida Fuller Center for Housing, in addition to cycling in the sun. We are excited to combine all of the great aspects of riding in Florida, and working to serve those in need of affordable housing!
In the summer of 2017, the East Coast ride finished their five-week journey from Portland, ME to Key West, FL by riding this very stretch. Despite the August heat, the beautiful riding in Florida shone through, and the thought to repeat this stretch in better weather kept playing in our minds. After trying to get it off the ground for a few years, the time has finally come!
This week-long ride begins with living out the mission of the Fuller Center. We will build with the Central Florida Fuller Center for Housing on Saturday, December 28th. After orientation and church service on the 29th, we will strike out east to hit the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach. The rest of the route follows the gorgeous Atlantic Coastline for before hitting a dead-end in Key West. We will have an off day there to bask in the glory of the great ride, and take a sunset ferry back to the mainland. An early morning drive will bring us back to Orlando for a Monday morning departure. There is a lot to love on the Bike Adventure’s Tour de Florida!
Riding with the Fuller Center Bike Adventure is a great way to get in shape, but we don’t currently offer rides in the winter. Here are some tips I have learned to keep in shape from the summer, and make spring training a whole lot easier:
Remember that steady activity is the goal through the off-season, and that KT Tape can help with support and recovery during all your winter activities! Follow the Bike Adventure’s Instagram account for periodic KT Tape giveaways throughout the off-season.
I look forward to riding with you in 2019!
Connor
Written by: Joel Derksen
So here we are, at the end of the ride. We’ve dipped our tires, said our goodbyes, and are each now making our way back home, wherever that may be. It’s been an incredible journey, and one we won’t soon forget.Continue reading
Written by: Arron Luo
After a shorter ride of 28.4 miles on Tuesday, we arrived in Philadelphia. The distance and early morning start meant everyone had gotten in by 10:30am to Schummers of Kensington, the auto shop where we’d stay the next two nights because the day after is a build day. Thank you Nick Fury, thank you Amanda Fury!
Written by: Jim Hartman
As I mentioned yesterday, the Fuller Center Covenant Partner looks to provide much more than adequate affordable housing for the community they serve. They are called The Simple Way. In addition to housing, they also provide access to a community garden, run a food pantry, and assist the community with other issues. Here is a link if you would like to know more about them – The Simple Way.
Written by: Rick Nowlin
Reynoldsville to Bellefonte
I took a fair weather approach today. It started to downpour just before we were to leave from circle up in the morning. I had already chosen to ride in the support vehicle, and I was so glad that I did. I started riding the bike at mile 52 and finished the ride from there. I had to experience what all the others had all day long. I got drenched and had long hills going up all the way to the church. When we arrived at the church, we were welcomed in with opening arms, snacks, and cold drinks. You can relive the ride with me here.