First Time Riding Florida Roads

[BlackCoffee]

I just returned from a week trip to Florida. I rented a mountain bike primarily to cruise on. A shop in Lakeland hooked me up with a Niner. Beautiful bike and a nice bike shop as well.

I was a bit surprised to find that the rural roads of Florida (around the Plant City area) have absolutely NO shoulder to ride on. Naturally I was expecting this to creating some tension between myself and the motoring public. Pleasant surprise to find Florida drivers to be patient and curtious to an out-of-state cyclist. Not one honk or rude gestures! Thank you Florida!

Upon returning the bike I noticed the shop only retails 29ers. I asked why. The fella checking in my bike said the shop doesn't believe in 26 inch tires. He continued to state that a 26 inch tire has no place in Florida! I was speechless. Seeing how the 29er has only gained public Bieber-like status in the last few years the twin six was the standard issue on the bikes for many years prior. To hear that suddenly the 26 inch tire is no longer believed in was a shock. But, to each their own, cheers Florida.

BC

[tonythomson]

Florida gets a lot of bad press, I do a lot of cycling there and love it.  Only problem I have ever had was when two big dogs started to chase me and all of a sudden the Deputy arrived driving on the grass verge chasing the dogs off. Eternally grateful.