SBA Spring Pedal / Paddle Festival
2-5 May 2024
The Spring Pedal / Paddle Festival offers many wonderful outdoor experiences around White Springs and Suwannee River Valley. In addition to great Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking and Kids Bike Clinics the festival includes Kayaking on our scenic rivers, led by our local kayaking expert. We will also have daily hikes led by our international expert. Entry fees include events, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and Breakfast Sunday morning.
Registration Rules: Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The registration fee does not cover Kayak/Canoe rentals or entry fees associated with other state parks used for kayaking/canoeing and are the responsibility of the participant.
Adult Event Fee Includes: A shared campsite, Continental Breakfast Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Lunch Friday and Saturday: Dinner Friday and Saturday night, Meet and Greet social Friday evening before dinner and Saturday night Ice Cream Dessert Bar after dinner. Additionally, Fruit and Snacks are provided each day at Nelly Blys. Support in the form of Cue Sheets, ride leaders, SAG support for Road Bike Rides, Trail guides for Mountain Bike Rides and Gravel Bike Rides, Hiking and Kayaking adventures are provided. Event T-Shirt provided entry fee paid before 13 April 2024.
Camping: Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park is our host site. All campsite reservations for the event are through SBA and NOT Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park or Florida State Parks Website. Everyone staying at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park must be registered for the event. This includes non-participant registrants and children.
The campground is reserved for 2 May the day before the start of the Spring Pedal/Paddle Event. If you plan to arrive at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park prior to 2 May, please contact George Litteral at George.Litteral61@yahoo.com so he can try to keep you on the same site during the Spring Pedal/Paddle Event.
Mountain Bike and Gravel Bike Rides: All level of riders from beginners to experts. Over 50 miles of mountain bike and gravel bike trails. Numerous routes are planned each day with experienced trail guides. A self-guided option is available with cue sheets.
Road Rides: Cruise the quiet scenic roads around White Springs Florida noting the beautiful flora and fauna in full bloom. Friday offers a beautiful ride to the Univ. of Florida’s Agricultural Farm to tour the hydroponic gardens; sack lunch provided by SBA. Other rides on Friday and Saturday provide an opportunity to accomplish a century ride if desired. Maps/Cue Sheet and Route Leaders will be provided on all organized rides. Routes are well marked and are for all levels of adult riders.
Kayaking/Canoe Event: (Dependent on river levels and weather): All scheduled paddle trips are guided by SBA members. Paddle trips are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Bring your own Kayak/Canoe or you can rent one locally. Contact ACA @ (386) 397-1309 to reserve your kayak/canoe. Please let them know you are with Suwannee Bicycle Association when making your reservation. We HIGHLY recommend you make your reservation in advance of the event. Payments must be made prior to boat pick up. We make every attempt to transport kayaks/canoes for you on our SBA Kayak/Canoe Trailer. If you need further information, please contact our expert kayak guide Edwin McCook at (386) 364-7597, or email the Spring Pedal Paddle Coordinator: George.Litteral61@yahoo.com. All kayak/canoe trips will leave 8:30 am each morning from the front gate of Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park. Please make sure we know the day before, if you have a rental kayak/canoe that needs to be picked up or need transportation of your personal kayak/canoe to the “Put-In”.
Meal Plan: All meals included in this event registration are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning breakfast. Friday and Saturday lunch and dinner. All meals are at Nelly Blys in Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park. Breakfast starts at 7:30 am until 9:00 am. Lunch will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and Dinner will be at 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Kayakers will make a sack lunch at the morning’s breakfast to carry with them on the kayak trip.
Thursday Events: Nelly Blys will be staffed at 1:00 pm for event check-in. Campsites at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park are available at 3:00 pm. Please do not check in with the State Park, as we have the entire campground reserved for this event. Thursday evening please join us for a Pot Luck Dinner at Nelly Blys. Sign up sheets will be available for the entire weekend’s events.
Evening Events: Friday enjoy a Meet & Greet at Nelly Blys 5:00 pm. (outside weather permitting) Appetizers and beverages provided by SBA. Dinner will follow. After dinner, we have tentatively scheduled entertainment from local Bluegrass Musicians inside Nelly Blys, and group bonfire at Nelly Blys. Saturday after dinner, a Dessert Bar will be served followed by Game Night inside Nelly Blys as well as a bonfire outside Nelly Blys.
Volunteers: If you desire to register as a volunteer, you must be a current member, and contact George Litteral at George.Litteral61@yahoo.com
Schedule and event options change each year. Please visit the SBA Web Site: https://Suwanneebike.org to view the 2024 schedule.
Additional Lodging and Camping Options: Ask for SBA Discount
White Springs B&B (386) 397-4252
America’s Best Value Inn (386) 963-2501
Kelley’s Campground (386) 397-2616
Futter’s 4 Oaks RV Park (386) 855-633-4169
White Springs RV Park (386) 397-4132
· Cancellations: $20 administrative fee prior to 13 April 2024. No refunds after 13 April 2024
· The Spring Pedal/Paddle will take place rain or shine
· Online registration closes 26 April 2024. No T-Shirt for registrations occurring after 13 April 2024
