Cycling for a Good Cause at Sandestin

You’ll be cycling for a good cause as well as the fun of it when you sign up for the Sandestin Beach Bicycle Tour, scheduled this year for May 17, 18, and 19. Proceeds from this popular event, which draws hundreds of bikers to Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast each spring, are donated to the Alaqua Animal Refuge, a non-profit, no-kill shelter that also offers adoption services.

All three rides for the 2013 tour, organized by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and led by the staff of Robin’s Bikes and Fitness, start at Baytowne Marina. Participants can sign up for a 30- or 60-mile ride on Saturday, and a 15-mile ride on Sunday. All of the routes are flat, and each runs through the spectacular scenery of Florida’’s Emerald Coast — unspoiled forests and wetlands, pristine beaches with views of the Gulf, and the picture-perfect towns that line Highway 30-A.

Cost of the tour is $40 per person and includes mechanical support during the ride and post-ride food and activities. All rides start at 8 a.m. with pre-tour instructions at 7:30. Packet pick-up and registration is at Robin’s Bikes and Fitness on Friday night from 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information, call 850-267-6168 or go to SandestinBicycleTour.com. You can register online at IMATHLETE.com.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is located between Pensacola and Panama City, eight miles east of Destin.

For places to stay in the area, plus restaurants, golf, and other activities, click on the following links: Destin vacation rentals, Destin restaurants, Destin golf, and Destin recreation.