It’s hard to imagine that three years ago, when Nona Cycle formed its Facebook page, the future of this group held so many exciting activities. The incredible growth of the group demonstrates the increase in popularity of road cycling in the Lake Nona area. In fact, in August 2019, Nona Cycle’s membership surpassed the 1,000th member milestone! We are truly a melting pot of like-minded and positive people who enjoy challenging ourselves to be stronger and faster each time we ride. I’m always saying to new cyclists who join our group, “It’s like you immediately have 100 new friends.”
Although, as cyclists, we ride for our personal reasons and enjoy the benefits of this physical activity, for Nona Cycle, that’s not enough. It has been said that Nona Cycle is a charity group with a cycling problem. Over the past three years, Nona Cycle has participated in several charity rides, including Tour de Cure (American Diabetes Association), Ride 4 Ronald (Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida), Think Pink Ride (Breast Cancer Awareness), and many other similar worthy causes. In total, we have raised funds and donated nearly $150,000! This is astonishing considering these are individual cyclists without corporate sponsorship.
On Aug. 10, Nona Cycle took the early afternoon to get together and celebrate their 3rd anniversary of being Nona Cycle. What better place to do that than at the Nona Adventure Park, right here in Laureate Park. The facility is perfect for the cyclists after their rides because of its shady patio, beautiful view, pleasant staff, and a concession stand with a great selection of beers, soft drinks, and flavorful foods. Nona Adventure Park has become a traditional stop after the weekly rides to regain some of those carbohydrates burned off during the ride. We just can’t say enough good things about Nona Adventure Park; they really took care of us and made sure we all had a great time!
As with previous anniversaries, we had a great turnout and loads of laughs. This year, we even gave out a few awards, including “Most Valuable Rider,” “Mr. Fix It,” “Most Chatty,” and “Most Fashionable,” to name a few.
What will the fourth year for Nona Cycle hold? Only time will tell, but we are sure it will be exciting, healthy and charitable. Why not give cycling a try and join us one of these weekends? We’d love to meet you and enjoy a ride with you.
Till next time, ride safe and share the road!
Do you like to cycle or want to learn how? Join the Nona Cycle group for weekly rides: nonahood.to/nonacycle.
*Photo Credit: Debra Lowe
