Miami vacation - any riding options / bike rental?

[CBJ]

Flying to South Beach to with the wife and kids next week for 9 days. Would love to get a chance to do a ride but bringing the bike is not an options. Any recommendations / suggestion? Anybody local want to do a ride?

[FIJIGabe]

I'm from Miami, but live in Texas. If you're staying on South Beach proper, you can rent some bikes from Miami Beach Bicycle Center (601 5th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 531-4161). I know they lead an escorted ride once a month, but I haven't done that ride in 5 years, at least.

Another shop that rents bikes is Elite Cycling & Fitness (13108 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156, (786) 242-3733). They're definitely "off the beaten path" relative to South Beach, but I think they're a better shop. The owner is a former US Olympian, and he knows his stuff.

Finally, try Mack Cycle & Fitness (5995 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL 33143, (305) 661-8363). They're the "gold standard" of cycling in Miami. They sponsor many of the century rides, but I'm not sure if they rent bikes.

As for rides, there are definitely a bunch of good rides you can do. Depending on your speed level, you can try Everglades Bicycle Club (evergladesbc.com). They have three different Saturday rides, two of which are leader-led, with varying distances and speeds. Their Sunday ride is great. Two groups: 17-18 and 22+, leaving from Miami City Hall and going to Hollywood. It's exactly 50 miles, round trip. The rides leave at 7:30A on both days.

Other rides you can try are listed here: http://www.themiamibikescene.com/p/group-rides.html

Have a good time on Miami Beach. Remember, LeBron doesn't play there. He plays in Miami.

[CBJ]

I will be on Alton Road south of 5th. All of it sounds good. I have lived in West Palm back in 99 so I know the area pretty good.

[FIJIGabe]

That's a nice area. Have fun, but watch out for the cars. Miami's gotten very dangerous to ride in lately.

[CBJ]

Also wouldn't mind doing a mountain bike ride to get off the streets. I remember I raced down there in 99 so there are mtb options too and a little shade between the palm threes.

[FIJIGabe]

For that, I recommend you hit the Virginia Key trails. They're the newest part in Miami. You have to pay the toll to go to Key Biscayne, and park in the lot next to the Seaquarium. Ride your bike in, and I think you pay $1 to access the park. If you drive in, you pay $6. The trailhead is all the way in the back, past the beach (near where Jimbo's used to be, just stay to the left when you get to the beach entrance).

[CBJ]

Cool I will have to call around and see what kind of rentals are out there

[wpccrunner]

if you were ft lauderdale area id say come by my shop. we rent and have good groups here. hope the trip goes well and enjoy the warmth.
+1 on the terrible drivers

[stella-azzurra]

Mountain biking in Florida is that new?

[CBJ]

Thanks wpccrunner diving to Fort Lauderdale is not big deal. Any mid week rides? Maybe send me a PM with contact info.

Ernest there may not be any mountains but there are shade under the palm trees if you go off road and no crazy drivers

[AED]

I am coming to Florida in beginning of May for a few days and have an idea to try some road racing (found Rosewood series), however price for road bicycle rent starts at 50$/day online. Are there any chances to find something rideable for a more reasonable price?

[wpccrunner]

@AED: Down here in south Florida I doubt you will find anything cheaper than that. And that $50 is probably only getting you a cheap aluminum frame with tiagra components, but I could be wrong. The shop I work at used to rent out BH Ultralight RC Ultegra bike for $70, but we stopped doing that.

@CBJ: Sorry I just noticed your reply about 4 months too late. Hope you ha a good trip and some of the crazy A1A rides.