237-mile Florida Coast to Coast ride completed

Following the successful 2021 370-mile C&O/GAP ride, nine of the 11-member Porsche Bike team completed the 237-mile Florida Coast to Coast ride last week.

This ride again included Porsche enthusiasts from all over the United States on a variety of Porsche Bikes, including three Bike R, two Bike FS, two Bike RX and one Bike RS and Bike X.

The tour took four days and covered a variety of terrain, environments and weather.

The ride started in Titusville on the east coast of Florida and ended in Dunedin on the west coast.

Day one was mostly flat paved trails with views of the Atlantic Ocean, alligators, tortoises and lots of cool birds. We had a Porsche Cayenne bike transport from the Titusville hotel to the beach. Warm, but not too hot, temperatures and a light breeze made the first day feel good riding the 60 miles to Sanford.

The second day was only 43 paved miles with good weather again. A little rain, but not much more than some sprinkles. The short distance allowed for a few stops, including a bike shop and brewery, and a more leisurely pace. Finishing at Lake Minneola provided a nice sunset dinner.

The third day was the most challenging with an off road section on some very sandy dirt roads. Riding in some spots was very difficult. Combined with the 65 miles and some rain, the third day was rough, adding some complexity to the adventure.

The final day was another 65 miles but on all paved paths. Some rain and wind slowed portions of the last day but finishing on the Gulf of Mexico beach was incredible. Then the icing on the cake was visiting Kafe Racer in Dunedin and meeting the shop’s owner, pro Porsche racer Jan Heylen.

My 2004 Bike X was better suited for this ride than the mountain bike 1998 Bike S. But I sure missed the Bike S on the off road section. The Bike X has completed the 129-mile, 15,000 evaluation Death Ride, 370-mile C&O/GAP, Lifeline Century and now the Florida Coast to Coast ride.

I am not sure what the future will bring, but I hope our Porsche Bike team will continue these bike tour adventures.