It’s too hot to ride a century in south Florida during the summer… or is it??? No, it’s not if you do it at night! And yes, we’ve done it before—in 2023 and 2024! So let’s do it again, Friday night/ Saturday morning, July 24- 25 at midnight! But this year, we are riding a cloverleaf double half century so half century riders can join us for either the first or second half of the ride. Starting at Cycle Werks, the first half of the ride will go up St. James & Sunrise Blvd to the south causeway bridge, through Jensen, North River Shores and back to Cycle Werks. The second half of the ride will go south on Floresta to Becker, Palm City, Tradition, Cross Town Parkway, back to Cycle Werks. Then we go for a victory breakfast at Denny’s. Don’t be a snob… they do a decent breakfast, and it’s the only thing open at that time.
Ride details:
• We meet at Cycle Werks parking lot Friday night, 7/24/2026 @ 11:40 PM for a midnight rollout. Don’t be late. Address: 8611 S US 1, Port St. Lucie
• Everyone must sign a waiver, understanding that riding at night is a bit different than our usual morning rides. More about that below.
• This is a no drop ride in the dark. Nobody gets left behind.
• This is a non-sanctioned ride that is just organized by a couple of local riders. There are no implications for, or guarantees of safety before, during or after this ride.
• Depending on the turnout, there will be one or possibly two groups, but everyone is expected to ride a moderate pace. This is a fun ride, not a PR event for you. Even with headlights, road conditions may come up unexpectedly, especially cute nocturnal critters.
• Everyone must have front spotlights and rear red lights and helmets... do I really need to state this?
• There are no manned/ organized SAG stops, but there are convenience store stops planned at mile markers 36, 51 (Cycle Werks & Race Trac), 75 & 90. At the half century mark (Cycle Werks parking lot), full century riders can resupply at your car with your own lights, food and drinks without having to carry everything from the beginning.
• Ride With GPS link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55578660
• Contacts:
Bob Iannacone (772) 285-6433 (AFTER July 11!!!)
Scott Hoffman (561) 723-4052
The thought of riding a bicycle at night often immediately strikes fear in people when the concept is introduced. It is a bit different, but some enjoy it more than riding during the day. The two major advantages to night riding are the weather and the lack (significant reduction) in motor vehicle traffic. It’s cooler with no oppressive sun, reduced wind, it’s quiet and peaceful. There are far fewer vehicles on the road, usually passing one at a time, so we are the only other thing on the road—with multiple headlights and flashing rear lights. During the first MRC, we counted less than 30 vehicles that passed us on our side of the street during the entire 100-mile course. Drivers will also usually (not guaranteed) give us a much wider birth when passing at night. The course also includes a couple of streets most of us avoid during the day, but the lack of traffic allows for a more comfortable passage.
The disadvantages of night riding include an assumed increased risk of encountering drunk or impaired drivers, not seeing road conditions so soon, potential crime and nocturnal critters running across the road. We will attempt to mitigate these challenges with slightly slower riding and increased situational awareness. No one can guarantee a safe ride, but it’s nice to ride with far fewer vehicles on the road.
So, if you’re interested in joining us on a SE Florida Summer Century, here’s your opportunity! Contact Bob (after 7/11) or Scott for details.
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