Sunday, April 3, 2011

Hub Grub Ride Celebrates Bicycling And Seminole Heights

Saturday's gorgeous sunny and warm afternoon was the setting for another Hub Grub Bicyle Ride of Seminole Heights as 100 bicyclists took to the streets of Seminole Heights and turned the Tampa neighborhood into Portland for the day.

Thank you to our host restaurant, Ella's, and other partipating restaurants and businesses -- The Refinery, Cleanse Apothecary, Nani's, Publix, Viitals, New Way Cafe and Velo Champ.

Tampa Police were amazing as usual -- keeping the ride safe as officers on bikes excorted us along the 7-mile route. They also handled a cursing drunk motorist at the Central/Hanna light and couple pot smokers in a car along Lake Roberta.

I loved the diversity of the bicyclists, ranging from baby Kalina and a 5-year-old on a small bike to veterans like Lynn and Don. The vibe of the ride showed the Hub Grub is much more than a bike ride -- it's grown into a full-fledged community event. SeminoleHeights Patch did a great story on the Hub Grub.

Councilwoman Yolie Capin, just elected to represent City Council District 3 citywide, offered the best quote of the day (as mentioned in the Patch story):
“You are activists,” Capin told the crowd. “You care about your city – otherwise you would not be here. So have a wonderful ride and bike on!”

I enjoyed the bicyclists' equipment, the bikes and, of course, the wonderful people and bicyclists of the Hub Grub. Here's one example -- one of my favorite bike helmets.


Tampa Police Cpl. Eddie Croissant, a TPD bicycle specialist, talks safety with the Hub Grub crowd.


New Councilwoman Yolie Capin addresses the Hub Grubbers at Ella's -- our starting and end point.


On the road to the Refinery and Cleanse Apothecary on Florida Avenue.


That handlebar is all bull.


Jared with Kalina.


Hub Grubbers included former Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena at the Cleanse Apothecary.


The Nani's spread.


Valerie of Publix (next to Nani's) dishes out apples and granola bar pieces.


Hub Grubbers enjoy the spread at Nani's.


Cpl. Eddie and one of our Hub Grub elegant riders.


Not exactly Shimano SPDs.


Bridget and Jared chat at Nani's.


Biking around Lake Roberta.


Bridget leads the crowd around Lake Roberta.


Bicyclists ring Lake Roberta -- and pass the pot car.


Leaving Lake Roberta.


Nice helmet visor.


Thank you Ivan at Viitals bakery.


On the way to New Way Cafe and Velo Champ.


Jordan Miller, owner of Velo Champ (SWFBUD's newest store), addresses the crowd.


Great crowd at New Way Cafe and Velo Champ.


Thank you Florida DOT, which provided safety bracelets.


Yours truly.


Amazing crowd.


New Way Cafe was a kind host and gave us a great food spread.


Thank you Tampa Police.


Tandem triplets!


There's Steve, owner of New Way Cafe.


Inside Velo Champ.


Hub Grub's youngest rider.


Great urban ride.


One of my favorite bike jerseys on the ride.


Biking to Ella's.


The Hub Grub menu at Ella's.


The Hub Grub DOT safety bracelets.


That's Tammie in the middle at Ella's.


End of the line at Ella's.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I love riding in the Heights.. it is a great neighborhood with great people. The ride started with high expectations. Bud I was soon disappointed. The Police presence was not necessary nor do I feel that it helped out in any way. I believe that they send the wrong signal to the riders and the community. They were very rude and pushy and their idea of driving cars to block off streets is ridiculous and unsafe. All in all thank you for your hand in a ride that was fun but could have been better..