Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!

The Time:  Meet at 9:15 AM for a roll-out at 9:30 AM, Saturday, December 17th. Breakfast will be served beginning at 8:00 AM at Beef 'O Brady's. Tickets are $6 each and will benefit the Police Explorers. If possible, please purchase tickets ahead of time by contacting either Officer Chris Jackson (352) 358-1988 or Officer Dontonya Smith at (352) 258-1753. 

The Route:  To encourage support for the Police Explorers who assisted with the Gainesville Cycling Festival, the Jingle Bell Ride will start from the parking lot adjacent to Beef 'O Brady's at 1999 NW 43rd Street. We will head north on NW 43rd to NW 39th Ave, west on 39th to CR 241. A quick turn south on 241 will take us to NW 32nd Ave. A jog along 32nd will take us to CR 235. We will head northeast on CR 235 to NW 78th and take it west to US 27/41. A quick stint north on 27/41 and then back east along NW 98th will take us to CR 241. We will head south on CR 241 and turn east on Millhopper back to NW 43rd and return to the starting point. Route maps will be available at the start of the ride.

The Ride:  This is a B-level ride of ~37 miles on mostly flat roads with some significant hills. Expect a final ride average speed between 14-16 mph. This is a no-drop ride and we will regroup at all major turns. If we have enough riders, we may split into a fast group and a slow group. For those who don't have the time or motivation for the full 37 miles, there is an optional cut-off route of ~ 28 miles. Helmets are required. Festive singing is optional. 

Weather:  Weather is slated to be 52 degrees and partly cloudy at the start with a high near 75 degrees. In case of questionable weather near the start time, I will post a "Go/No Go" message via GCC Mail by 8:30 am. 

Extras:  The Jingle Bell Ride a fun and festive holiday ride! Show your holiday spirit by dressing up or decorating your bike (safely, please!) and win a prize for Most Festive Costume, Most Festive Bike or Most Festive Bike/Rider Combination. This is an equal-opportunity holiday ride, so feel free to decorate for the holiday you and your loved ones celebrate. If you're new to the Gainesville Cycling Club, come out and meet some of your fellow cyclists. Work off those holiday goodies and make some new friends, too!

Please call or text with any questions. Carrie and I hope to see you there! Happy Holidays! 

Barb Wills

(210) 378-1547  cell