Sandestin Beach Bicycle Tour: Cycling for a Cause

Riders in the 2012 Sandestin Beach Bicycle Tour will have the satisfaction of knowing they’re supporting a great cause while having fun on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The 2012 tour, which runs from Friday, May 18, through Sunday, May 20, benefits Alaqua Animal Refuge, a non-profit shelter that promotes the general welfare and humane treatment of animals. Bikers can choose from three options — a 15-mile, 30-mile, or 60-mile ride — which means riders at all skill levels can participate. “What makes this event so much fun is that it’s intended for everyone,” said Shawna Harris, events director for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. All three rides begin at Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina. The 30- and 60-mile rides are scheduled for Saturday. Participants in the 30-mile ride stop in Grayton Beach for a rest at Grayton Coffee House and then return to Sandestin. After the rest stop, those doing the 60-mile ride will continue to just past Rosemary Beach before returning to Sandestin. Riders on Sunday’s 15-mile route will head west to Scenic Highway 98 before looping back to Sandestin. The routes are all flat and include views of the Gulf. All three rides will start at 8 a.m., with pre-tour instructions beginning at 7:30 a.m. Packet pick-up is on Friday night from 4 — 7 p.m. at Robin’s Bikes and Fitness. In conjunction with the bike tour, Sandestin’s Marina Bar and Grill will host Dine for the Dogs from 6 — 9 p.m. on Saturday. The restaurant will donate a percentage of the night’s proceeds to Alaqua Animal Refuge. Housed on a 10-acre farm, the no-kill refuge is entirely dependent on private donations for operating costs, which average around $50,000 per month. For more information on the Sandestin Beach Bicycle Tour, go to sandestinbicycletour.com. For reservations in Destin, the best place to start is right here at Beachguide.com. Just click on our listings for Destin Florida Vacation rentals. Restaurant listings and other things to do can be found at Destin restaurants and Destin attractions.

Published on Friday, May 18, 2012