Join Emerald Coast Cyclists
Emerald Coast Cyclists has a variety of club rides that are scheduled every Saturday.
We ride throughout the panhandle of Florida, from Okaloosa County to the Northern counties.
A detailed ride schedule is posted on our website and on our Facebook page.
The ride schedule provides directions to the starting point as well as route descriptions.
Beginning on the first Saturday in September, we start our Saturday rides at 8:30am and on the first Saturday in June, we start our Saturday rides at 7:30am.
These times are chosen to help those who have busy work and family schedules, those that drive far to join our rides and during the summer, the earlier start helps reduce cycling time in the heat.
Let’s Ride!
You must follow all club rules and all bicycle laws.
Any violations could be grounds for club removal.
PLEASE POST on our Facebook page if you are attending our ride and which group you intend to ride with.
You must be a paid member of Emerald Coast Cyclists ECC, ride the specific date, time and start location posted on Facebook and/or our website calendar to receive benefits such as insurance on club rides.
Independent rides are not covered, and you assume all responsibility per our insurance company guidelines. Yearly dues are only $35 per calendar year, and you can easily join on our membership page located on www.eccyclists.com
To have an enjoyable ride and enhance safety, we encourage you to ride within your ability.
A Group 20 mph Plus average.
B Group 17 mph average with a goal to not drop riders.
C Group 15 mph average which is a wonderful group for new riders and those who just want to have fun.
Reminder: please charge your Bike Lights for OUR Safety.
Have fun and enjoy!
North County Loop
The North County Ride is a 60 mile (96.5 km) loop and is about as hilly as it gets in Northwestern Florida! See "Alternate" route maps for longer and shorter options.
Park at Crestview YMCA, 298 Wilson St N, Crestview, FL 32536.
RideWithGPS: Official Club Route (60 miles)
RideWithGPS: Alternate Route 1 (45 miles)
Range Pass
An annual "Range Pass" is required to ride anywhere on
Ranger Camp Road. When you register, look for the “Recreation/Fishing Permit” and make sure you print the permit to keep with you while cycling. Ranger Camp Road Annual Pass.
There are specific landmarks that road riders typically refer to as points of location and turn around spots, 5-mile hill, 8-mile hill
(aka The Dip), 1st stop sign, 10-mile hill, 2nd stop sign, the Tank Farm, and the Water Tower.
Emergency Guidelines
For emergencies, there are some call boxes on the road route. Also, if you need water, there is a faucet at the building on the hill of the Tank Farm but not recommended. It is highly recommended that you bring enough water and food with you for the entire ride.
Summers can be extremely hot and humid here so you may want to do your rides in the morning. Also, don’t forget your cell phone and spare tube/tire in case of a flat. Keep these two numbers if you need help from local enforcement (850) 882-2000 and (850) 882-2503.
Enjoy, but be prepared for this rural ride.
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant on Ranger Camp Road.
Be watchful for spiders and rattlesnakes on the trails.
Bear and boar have been seen within this area as well as other animals.
Parking
Parking for both Gravel-Mountain Biking and Road Riding is just off Lewis Turner Blvd. The parking lot is not paved, and you’ll usually see other vehicles parked. Most people are friendly so feel free to ask other cyclists about the area and enjoy your ride.