The Second Annual Coral Gables Bike Day

There was so much to do for both visitors to City Beautiful and owners of Coral Gables real estate at the second annual Gables Bike Day which ocurred Sunday, October 28th. Sponsored by Miracle Mile and downtown Coral Gables, Bike Day 2012 marked the celebration of all healthy activities and the promotion of “green” means of transportation.

Bike Walk Coral Gables is the non-profit organization that sponsored this special day. All those who participated know that any proceeds gleaned from this event as well as the bicycle tours which are affiliated with the Coral Gables Museum and take place all year round, will go to projects that promote safe biking and walking within the city limits.

One feature of Gables Bike Day that was brought back by popular demand is the Coral Gables Tours, which took place approximately every hour beginning at 11 am and going until 3 pm. These bike tours began in the downtown area and featured well-informed guides. For those who were interested, it was recommended to sign up early for these tours as there were limits as to how many people participated at one time.

To facilitate the celebration, which began at 10 am and lasted until 4 pm, the eastbound lanes of Miracle Mile and Ponce De Leon north of the area were closed. A myriad of diverse events in Coral Gables brought joy to the day including: bike tours of of the area, kids’ activities, skate park demonstrations, roller derby, yoga, karate, live bands, bike polo, live music, food and to top it off, a Halloween costume contest.

For this contest, participants dressed up more than themselves. They dressed up their bikes as well. After all, they want to get in on the fun too. This competition was judged on how well the rider incorporated his or her outfit incorporates with their bike bicycle. Creative to say the very least, this new and different costume party entertained both visitors to the special event and residents who own Coral Gables real estate.

Excited and encouraged by last year’s turnout, which amounted to almost 4,000 participants, activities at Gables Bike Day were designed to appeal to all family members of all ages. Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason, Commissioner Ralph Cabrera, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Simone Filippini and Executive Director of the Business Improvement District Mari Gallet were all there for the kick off ceremony slated for 10:30 am at the Fred B. Harnett Ponce Circle Park.