As the tentacles of rush hour further their reach until they've devoured hours of your day, more and more Miamians are opting in bike culture. Life on two wheels has to be better than the rage-inducing time suck known as driving in the 305.
The municipalities of Miami are on board with this surge in bike culture, and Bike305 Month is the city's way of showing their support. This month, a whole host of cycling-centric events are kicking off, from bike polo to night rides. Check out the seven coolest events on the calendar.
See also: The Ten Best Places to Bike in Miami
7. Bike polo
Yes, bike polo is a thing, and Miami has a team. The sport is just what it sounds like: using mallets to hit balls into goals. No need to stock up on polo supplies though, the good folks at Miami Bike Polo have loaner mallets. Just bring your ride.
Bike polo is played Sundays starting at 2 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 351 SW Fourth St., Miami. It's free to play.
6. Bike Night at the Coral Gables Museum
Get an eyeful of bike-related art with ARTcycle and The Underline: Make It Yours. In addition to these exhibits, there'll be a cash bar, bike gear raffles, ARTcycle Spin Off awards announcement, and live tunes by The Brass King.
The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Admission is free.
5. Bike to pizza.
Ride from the DRB to Big Louie's Pizzeria and back with fellow foodies. That 12 to 15 miles ought to alleviate any cheese-related guilt.
The ride kicks off at at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at the DRB, 501 NE 1st Ave, Miami. It's free to join. Check out more info via Facebook.
4. Gables bike tour and barbecue
Put two wheels down at the Coral Gables Art Museum and cruise 12 miles through the streets of the Gables to Matheson Hammock Park. Then, get in on a tasty barbecue with fellow bike enthusiasts.
The ride kicks off at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, at Coral Gables Art Museum, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Tickets cost $10; $5 for members and children under 12.
3. Biscayne-Everglades Greenway ride
If your ride's equipped with fat tires (road bikes are a no-go), opt into this 42-mile adventure. The loop will take you from the Speedway through Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, on grass, gravel, canal banks and major roads. If you're up for the challenge, pack at least two quarts of water, snacks and a repair kit -- because better safe than sorry.
The ride kicks off at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1 Speedway Blvd., Homestead. Participation is free. Contact Alex Carrandi [email protected] for more info, or you can register online.
2. Critical Mass
If you still haven't participated in the madness that is Critical Mass, what better time than Bike305 month? Show your support for eco-friendly transportation by joining a few thousands of your fellow Miamians in a leisurely cruise through the 305. Just remember the rules.
The ride kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at Government Center, 111 NW First St., Miami. It's free to ride.
1. Bike MS weekend ride to Key Largo
If you're all about pushing yourself, there's no better way to test your mettle than a two-day, 175-mile cruise to the Keys. Join 1,500 fellow riders on this famous ride, help fight MS and see some of the most amazing scenery the U.S. has to offer.
The ride kicks off at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at FIU Stadium, 11310 SW 17th St., Miami. Registration is $40 and there's a fundraising minimum of $350. Check out their website for more details.
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