Pedal and Play in Paradise
2016 Pedal & Play a Smashing Success!!
The 7th Annual Pedal & Play in Paradise hosted nearly six hundred riders April 1 and 2 in downtown Punta Gorda. This celebration of cycling provided something for everyone and raised thousands of dollars to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and TEAM’s “bicycle friendly” initiatives.
2016 Pedal & Play a Smashing Success!!
Pedal & Play 2016 from Intergalactic Photography on Vimeo.
Kudos to the Pedal & Play committee and the 100+ volunteers required to stage the event. “GREAT JOB!” commented one rider, “The ‘O’s’ on the road were spectacular, so visible and the three ways you did it was great! The food was fantastic at the rest stops – and the volunteers – well what can you say about them? They are the unsung heroes of the day and should be congratulated and thanked a million times!” 
Another rider from Germany commented, “Participating at the Pedal & Play in Paradise event was a lot of fun and I am glad I could be part of it. Thanks a lot to you and your team for the perfect organization!!!! I can imagine it is a lot of work and you really need dedicated people to do it.” Members of the local press were in attendance, and one columnist emailed to say,
“Great event yesterday! How many volunteers did it take to make the day happen? So impressed by the great teamwork.”
The festivities kicked off Friday evening with City Manager Howard Kunik’s “Here and There” ride at 5PM. According to City Manager Kunik, “We had about 150 riders and all went smoothly; our best ever. I received lots of compliments regarding our Public Safety assistance.” The City Manager’s ride was followed by a lighted ride to Ponce De Leon Park, a spectacular sunset, yoga and a wine & cheese tasting hosted by The Turtle Club. Pedal & Play Event Director Del Templeton remembers, “The scene at Ponce Park was magical. The “War Birds” flew in unison overhead, bagpipes played and a sailboat drifted past the setting sun. Many riders thought we had staged it.”
Saturday’s tours included 15, 30 & 62 mile rides and an easy 10 mile “Mystery Tour” exploring the “Secrets of Solana,” home of mystery ride sponsor Fat Point Brewing. One mystery rider remarked, “I was on the mystery ride, very happy to follow a group since I am new to the area. This way I could really look around and enjoy the views. The information pages were very cleverly written.”
Saturday’s participants enjoyed breakfast, lunch, free beer and live music by local artist Jim Morris.
Pedal & Play in Paradise is a partnership between TEAM Punta Gorda and the Isles Yacht Club.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO THE PEDAL AND PLAY WEBSITE.
