I’ve been wanted to do some sort of organized bike ride for some time now, but I’ve been scared.

Scared that my hybrid bike isn’t good enough to keep up with the pack, scared that I am not in shape enough to ride that long of a distance, worried about rain, what do I wear?  Just so many worries.

So when I heard about this 10-mile holiday bike ride around Winter Park I thought it may be the perfect opportunity to dip my feet in the organized bike ride game and break the ice.  It was such a great time!  And, raised money for a good cause…New Hope For Kids.

I invited one of my new friends that I met at the Disney Fantasyland Meet-Up.  I saw that she liked to ride bikes and didn’t live too far from the ride location, so I thought it would be fun! And we have a great time!

Here’s us before the start of the ride:

Ready to roll out!

I just threw some lights on my bike.  Michelle’s bike was beautifully decorated, she got lots of compliments! But there were a lot of people that really went all out! Some of the pictures aren’t great because it was just so dark, but you get the idea…

He’s got a Christmas tree on the back of his bike!

More decorated bikes at the New Hope For Kids Bike Ride.

I somehow managed to talk my husband into riding the event.  He had a nice little wreath on the front of his bike.

My husband is ready to ride!

And here’s Michelle ready to ride! Everyone loved her light up necklace.

Michelle’s ready to ride at the New Hope for Kids bike ride!

It was a great, relaxing bike ride.  We did two different 5-mile loops around Winter Park.  We saw some great holidays displays and ventured through some great neighborhoods.  A special thanks to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office who provided escorts for us.  It was a bit of an adventure in the dark and they made it much easier! Definitely a great starter bike ride for folks who are just getting started or too scared to hit the more serious rides.