Nona Cycle, aka Nona Brew Crew (its original name), will celebrate its third anniversary as a cycling group later this summer. What began as a small group of local guys brought together by Lake Nona residents Spencer Phelps and Paul Pikel (who shared an appreciation of cycling and beer) is now a diverse tribe of more than 900 members who reside throughout the metro Orlando area – men, women and youth of all levels of cycling proficiency. But who are we beyond a pace line of colorful jerseys and spandex cycling the roads of Lake Nona and surrounding areas?
This month, you’ll meet Lake Nona resident Tom Moscato and the non-cyclist, Nona Cycle Superfan Mike, whom we pass each Sunday during our morning Signature Ride.
Tom Moscato: Nona Cycle ‘Changed My Life.’
After living his entire life in Rochester, New York, Tom Moscato and his wife, Sonya, moved to Lake Nona in late June 2015. Their plan was to arrive prior to the birth of their first grandchild; however, she had other plans and arrived two weeks early. June 30 marked the next chapter of their life – they departed for Lake Nona the same day Tom retired after a 30-year career with Procter & Gamble. The Moscatos fell in love with the community, purchased a home, and have never looked back. When asked what he loves about life in Lake Nona, Tom shared that the community pays no regard to age; his friends, a diverse group of people bonded by a love of their community, range in age from their 30s to their 60s.
Tom was not a cyclist back in Rochester; he summarized his introduction to and love of cycling in two words: “Brew Crew.” Tom met Spencer Phelps, learned about his and Paul Pikel’s then-small cycling group, then sat back and thought about joining for more than a year. One fateful day, he purchased a BMC bike, and the rest is history. Tom has been a regular with Nona Cycle since March 2018.
Reflecting upon his 54 years in Rochester, New York, as it compares to his five years in Lake Nona, Tom shared that he has three times as many friends now than he did in all his years living in his hometown. “Nona Cycle has been the nucleus of a vast majority of the friendships I have developed; it has changed my life,” stated Tom. The two main benefits he has derived have been a sense of belonging – “the fellowship of Nona Cycle is like no other group” – and the substantial health benefits.
Tom shared that he is more a social than competitive rider; however, his riding skills are certainly enviable. That said, in true Nona Cycle fashion, he will be one of the first to encourage new riders – myself included. His positive attitude is infectious, and it’s clear to all who meet him how much he loves cycling and his new home.
Superfan Mike From St. Cloud: “Never Saw So Many Bikes!”
Nona Cycle’s 30-plus mile Sunday Signature Ride initiates from Canvas Restaurant in Lake Nona, makes its way in to St. Cloud, crosses Highway 192, travels down one of the quaint “State Streets,” and follows the St. Cloud lakefront before looping back to Narcoossee Road, where we convene at the Lake Nona Starbucks. The first time I rode with the group, I could not imagine why everyone was suddenly yelling, “Mike!! Mike!!” as we made our way past the homes on this particular “State Street.” I looked to my right and saw something that at first did not sink in … a home transformed into a Key West oasis with its owner standing outside his garage converted into a bar, waving a greeting to us all. This was my introduction to Nona Cycle’s Superfan Mike from St. Cloud.
I caught up with Mike at his tropical oasis one afternoon to learn more about how he became our “Superfan” and what inspired him to transform his home into a Jimmy Buffet song come to life.
A lifelong resident of Osceola County, Mike is retired from a career he loved with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. He purchased his home in 2004 and immediately began to transform his vision into reality. It would take hours to view the collection of memorabilia he and his girlfriend have acquired through their love of antiquing combined with mementoes given to him by visitors, so he pointed out some of his most treasured finds: the giant parrot and Tiki that was formerly property of Cypress Gardens; the Cowgirl Restroom door from the legendary Cracker House Saloon; a pirate he was drawn to during one of his antiquing adventures; dollar bills stapled to the ceiling reminiscent of Captain Tony’s in Key West; the barmaid mannequin; and yes, even the Nona Brew Crew logo.
Mike shared that his unique residence attracts tourists who somehow have heard of his home and stop by for photos and a visit, how he’s come out to his garage to find people seated at the bar ready to order a drink (he’s a wonderful host but does not charge for his hospitality), and all the people he’s met simply by bringing his dream to life. However, until the members of Nona Cycle began passing his home like clockwork on Sundays, he’d never seen so many bikes on his street at one time. So, one day he waved, and of course we waved back. We learned his name and the wave was accompanied by a chorus of “Mike!! Mike!!” … and a tradition was born.
Given how some people view cycling groups as a nuisance, I asked Mike how he felt about so many of us riding through his neighborhood. “I think it’s great!” he responded without hesitation. Spoken like a true Superfan.
Apparently, Mike’s enthusiasm for Nona Cycle is infectious – we realized on a recent Sunday that we have new fans who stand outside their homes to wave a friendly “hello” as we ride by. We can only hope the Lake Nona community and beyond embrace us as a unique addition to the fabric of their neighborhoods, for we are after all your neighbors, friends and families.
“Bicycles are the indicator species of a community, like shellfish in a bay.”
P. Martin Scott
Do you like to cycle or want to learn how? Join the Nona Cycle group for weekly rides: nonahood.to/nonacycle.
