PRESIDENT OF NORTH FLORIDA BICYCLE CLUB TALKS RIDING →

 

March 11, 2016

By Carly Meltzer

Mark Atkins, the current President of the North Florida Bicycle Club moved to Florida five years ago to spend his retirement in the sunshine. Upon moving to Florida, Atkins joined the North Florida Bicycle Club as a way to recreationally enjoy the sport of cycling. Bicycles have always been a part of his life, but they didn’t always play such a prominent role as they do now. Atkins started riding bikes while delivering newspapers to residents in his hometown in New Jersey. Everyday Atkins woke up at the crack of dawn to make sure the job was done, always on time and always on his bike.

In 1983, he bought his first bike as an adult and like many busy people the only movement his bike would see was transitioning around his garage to make room for other things. Atkins was a physician and his schedule was tight, making it hard for him to create time for recreational riding. Once he retired from his work in the medical field, Atkins made it a point to allot more time for the sport once he moved to Florida.

This led to Atkins joining the North Florida Bicycle Club, a place where he is able to ride, enjoy nature and stay connected to friends. Atkins explained that riding in a group makes him feel more comfortable on the road.

Atkins is passionate about cycling on rail trails. Some of his most memorable rides have been the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, and the Katy Trail Ride along the Missouri River. He looks forward to the completion of the East Coast Green Way trail, as it will provide a beautiful ride for locals.

Atkins advice to those who are thinking of taking up recreational biking would be to just get out there and do it, 

“All it takes is a bike and a helmet.”

 He says biking on Florida’s flat roads means riders withstand very little impact, reducing many negative consequences and injuries. Atkins explained that biking helps him find that quiet space where he is able to decompress from everyday life. Atkins concluded with his thoughts on cycling and his reasons for riding by saying, 

“It makes you happier.”

Riding with Trademark Tracy Upchurch

By Carly Meltzer

If anyone loves the city of St. Augustine it is the beloved professor and former mayor, Tracy Upchurch. Tracy was born and raised in the small historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. He grew to love and embrace the unique aspects of St. Augustine. Tracy spent some time in Gainesville Florida, but his love for his hometown brought him back to St. Augustine to run for mayor.

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Tracy learned that the most enjoyable and efficient way to explore his town was by riding his bike to work and exploring the city. When asked if he felt safe riding his bike around town he explained,

“I am a strong supporter of the rules of the road and I do feel safe following the rules in St. Augustine.”

Tracy explained that riding his bike to work is a wonderful way for him to decompress from reality. The ten to fifteen minutes that it takes him to ride to work gives him the opportunity to truly see the beauty that the city has to offer. Tracy said that the view from the top of the Bridge of Lions is the most magnificent view he has ever seen.

“I believe that if there is any city in the nation that cycling should predominate, it should be St. Augustine.” 

Flagler Student and Fellow Rider

Matt Fitzgerald is a fellow rider and student studying Business Administration at Flagler College. Matt left behind his rural hometown in New Jersey to find out what North Florida was all about. Upon moving to St. Augustine he realized how fun it is to commute by bike, saving money and meeting new people as he gets to ride through the city. Growing up in a rural setting meant that he never got to ride to school or go on long bike rides with his friends.  During Matt’s first year living off-campus he got a bike and was able to explore the city in a new way. He loves getting to meet new people and the more he rides the more connected to the city and the community.

“Growing up as a kid I never got to ride my bike to school or to my friends houses, so now I feel lucky to live in a place where I can almost always use my bike to get around. It’s crazy to think but I probably spend $10 a month on gas, only using my car for trips to the grocery store and when I have to head over the bridge. It feels great saving money while doing something relaxing and fun.”

— Matt Fitzgerald

We love sharing stories like this on our Reflection page, if you know someone who rides their bike everywhere or has a great story to tell please contact us! Ride On! Viva Cyclovia!