GCC Friends,
Yes, GCC members will be returning to Armstrong in December, when we will ride our bikes to the 6th Annual SEA Community Festival (see flyer).
The SEA Community consists of Spuds, Armstrong, and Elkton, 3 towns within about 15 miles of St. Augustine that hold a special place in Florida’s post-Civil War history.
Freed W. African slaves migrated south from the Carolinas and Georgia and settled these coastal towns, where they farmed produce that helped feed Florida’s wealthy white residents and northern tourists during the Golden Age of Florida tourism.
More recently, Spuds, Elkton, and Armstrong remain largely African-American, low-income, rural farming communities. The Festival is an important community fundraiser that takes place annually during the first weekend in December. Spuds, Armstrong, and Elkton are on the Palatka-St. Augustine rail trail, and Armstrong has welcomed cyclists to their community since the trail was built.
I encourage GCC members to ride with us (approximately 62 miles) on Friday, Dec. 1st, or drive out on Dec. 2nd, if you prefer, and spend the day enjoying the excellent free musical entertainment and food that will be available from local vendors. Since the rail trail passes right through Armstrong, if you drive out for the day, don’t forget your bike!
Campsites, with restrooms and showers, can be reserved for a nominal fee. Valet support (having a generous GCC volunteer tote your gear in his truck, so that you can ride unencumbered) will be available, on a limited basis, if you sign up early.
If you have questions about the ride, camping, or the Festival, please contact me at
xxxxxx@gmail.com
I hope to see you there!
-Ally
