PEDAL THE PANHANDLE

An “off-season” road bike race that highlights the beauty of the Florida Panhandle with the majority of proceeds benefitting participating state parks.

NOTE: This is all a work-in-progress! We need FL Parks’ sign-off (in-discussion) before we can legitimize anything. Sponsors are for demonstration, logos belong to their respective owners. Basically, we’re trying to pitch an idea.

Course

A fast, fun race (or ride - your choice) along the roads lining the panhandle’s white sand beaches when the roads are least used.

We’ve created three routes:

Short (24.7 miles),
Medium (39 miles), and
Long (78.5 miles).
[All routes: Click Here].

All riders must obey the rules of the road - These are public roads that will NOT be closed!

Pitstops

The Bike PCB shop will act as the starting and finishing line. Bathrooms, parking, and nutrition will be available at this location (i.e., 6530 Thomas Drive, PCB, FL 32408).

On course support will be limited, especially in the inaugural year. The following state parks have agreed to allow riders free entrance for water and restrooms: Saint Andrews S.P., Camp Helen S.P., Deer Lake S.P., Grayton Beach S.P., and Topsail Hill Preserve S.P.

Bike mechanic support will be available at the following locations: Bike PCB, Miller Pier, Peddlers 30A, Big Daddy’s Bike Shop, and Topsail Hill (supported by Robin’s Bike & Fitness).

Winners

The first three male riders and female riders (to complete the long course) will receive a cash prize!

Prize amounts will be determined by the number of participants.

As this event grows, we will award prize money for various categories (e.g., non-binary, single-speed rider, team, age group, etc.).

This is year one - please respect and understand how difficult it is to create, gain buy-in, and actually host such a big / cool / unique event as this one.

Pedal the Panhandle

An “off-season” road bike race that highlights the beauty of the Florida Panhandle with proceeds benefitting participating state parks.

Race Date: Feb. 21 or 28 (TBC), 2026

Start / End Location: 6530 Thomas Drive, PCB, FL 32408 - Bike PCB shop

Distance:

78.5 Miles (long) / 32 Miles (medium) / 24.7 Miles (short)
All routes: Click Here (Ride with GPS)

Start Time: 6:45 AM (long) / 8 AM (medium) / 9 AM (short)

Cost:

Long: $65 until January 1, 2026; $75 After.
Medium: $45 until January 1, 2026; $55 After.
Short: $25 until January 1, 2026; $35 After.
NO DAY OF REGISTRATION!

Key Details:

Race or ride - it’s up to you!
Unsupported - prepare accordingly.
After paying for logistics (e.g., police support, signage, EMSs, etc.),
- 51% of proceeds will be donated to participating state parks.

Register Now

Rules & Expectations

Participants must pay a registration fee.
1. Riders must obey all road safety laws.
2. Helmets must be worn and buckled at all times.
3. Pit crews are allowed; However, crews are only able to interact with their rider(s) at bike shops, in state parks, or designated areas (e.g., Pier parking lot). This means riders must attend to any (nutrition, mechanical, or other) issues on their own if on course and not near a bike mechanic / state park.
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All participants who register far enough in advance will receive a race t-shirt.
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- No aero bars.
- Riders must complete the 78.5 miles in 7 hours.
- Lapped riders must yield to riders in the lead.
- E-bikes AND pedal-assist bikes are allowed; however, no prizes will be awarded.
- We will have volunteers at a few key intersections to help with traffic; all other times, you must obey traffic laws.
- Race officials reserve the right to remove unsafe riders and/or disrespectful riders.
- Personal rider support, including food and mechanical assistance, is allowed only within the designated Aid Station areas - specifically state parks and bike shops. No exceptions. Any support outside of these areas will be an instant disqualification.
- No refunds, sorry. Riders may defer a year.
- Weather policy:
  - Light rain or rain = ride as planned.
  - Lightning and/or heavy rain = 30 minute delay. Riders may be pulled from the course.
  - Race officials reserve the right to postpone, delay, and/or cancel the race at their sole discretion and will make decisions based on rider safety first and foremost.
  - If the event is cancelled, riders will be able to defer their entrance dues a year. Our goal is to get people on bikes, not make money.
- Federal, state and local ordinances must be followed at all times.
- Thank you for your understanding. Ride safe and Beware of B3ars.
All riders must obey the rules of the road - These are public roads that will NOT be closed!
We seek to have two motos, one to lead the elite riders and one to block their intersections. Regardless of year, there will be multiple spots where riders may encounter cars (e.g., drive-ways, business entrances, gas stations, etc.) or other road furniture, it is the rider’s responsibility to navigate these obstacles both safely and legally.
Ride smart.