Entries by John Alexander

50 miles – With The Help Of My Friends

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, 19 Orlando cyclists gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the “Ride With Larry.” The original event took place in South Dakota between June 21-25, 2011. That ride was led by Larry Smith, a gentleman from Vermillion, SD, who has lived with Parkinson’s Disease for 20 years. Larry rode over 300 […]

Creating Art & Awareness on the Trail

The Seminole Wekiva Trail has long been a pleasant but rather monotonous route for cyclists, joggers and walkers. The round trip from Lake Mary Blvd. to State Route 434 measures about 10 miles precisely. A casual cyclist can easily complete that circuit in about an hour, a more seasoned rider can do it in significantly less time. The mainly tree-lined path […]

Ride With Larry 3 / Orlando – Saturday, June 29th

Join us for a 50-mile ride following “The Great Loop” route. This is the second year that riders from Orlando have taken part in the “Ride With Larry”.  We will begin at the Cady Way Trailhead near Colonial Town Center on Saturday morning, June 29th, at 7:30 am. We’ll cruise through Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Winter Springs, and Oviedo. and return […]

Copper Triangle – A Plan to Ride

Living in Florida has many advantages.  We are able to use our bicycles year round.  While we may need to bundle up a bit during the winter season or endure the heat of July and August, we are able to get out and enjoy cycling whenever we choose.  During the warmest times of the year, […]

Bike Takes Flight – Not Good!

Driving home on I-4 after a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable Ice Cream Ride, my bike became detached from the bike rack, went airborne, and smacked onto the roadway.  This happened just after passing the sign informing me that I was only nine miles from home.  I had been moving at the posted speed limit in the […]

Ride With Larry 2 – Orlando Version – June 2nd

What? An Orlando version of the “Ride With Larry 2” When? Saturday – June 2, 2012.  7:30 am – start time.  Cady Way Trail – Herndon Avenue – across from Orlando Fashion Square Mall. Where? “Great Trail Loop” – a 50 mile route that will connect many of the trails in Seminole and Orange Counties.  See […]

Freedom to ride

A neighbor of mine suffered a spinal chord injury at work a couple of years ago.  While he doesn’t have the use of his legs, he is able to propel himself around in his wheelchair and enjoys getting outside for the fresh air and exercise.   He stays in touch with his friends using one […]

Climbing A Mountain in Scotland

  While biking has been my favorite form of exercise for some time, I thought that I would add some variety to my routine.  Some might call that “cross training” but I decided to set a “stretch goal” and have a go at mountain climbing.  (Note: double click on any photo to enlarge for better […]

1,000 Miles – The Victory Lap

Like most adults, I hadn’t ridden a bike in years. During a vacation to Mackinac Island in 2006, I rented a beach cruiser and took an eight mile ride around the perimeter of this “car free” getaway. After returning home, I researched bikes and selected an Electra Townie 7D. Not an electric bike, the “Electra […]

Christmas Wish List – Bike Lights

My family asks me every year what I want for Christmas and I rarely have a very good answer.  Under duress, usually end up blurting out “a new shirt” or some other lame gift – and that’s exactly what I get!  (Apologies to my family because they have given me many really cool gifts over […]