We all take well-deserved pride in the St. Petersburg Bicycle Club's (SPBC) Saturday morning gathering. Often, more than a hundred riders assemble in brightly colored jerseys and an array of bicycles.

The SPBC makes a significant contribution to the culture, physical fitness, and cycling safety in the Tampa Bay area. As one would expect, the beginnings of the club were quite modest. The author is indebted to Audrey and "Gib" Gibson, as well as George Biermann in compiling this brief outline of events that shaped this Club.

Cyclists began gathering for rides in 1964. Ralph Shilling initiated the gatherings. The number of riders would generally not exceed 25. The group would meet at the Family Restaurant on Ninth Street traveling around Crescent Lake and dispersing at the Pier.

In the early 1970's a Board of Directors and bylaws were established. One of the practices at the time was a probationary period. A prospective member would have to complete three rides, after which he or she would be elected to the club by vote of the club members. The club surpassed 100 members around 1975.

I personally believe that a factor in further interest in cycling may be attributed to the arrival of John Sinibaldi, Sr. to the area in 1974. He joined the club in 1975. He participated in the cycling races of the 1932 and '36 Olympics. In addition to his stamina and athletic ability, he was also a man of physical courage. One day, John was riding to North Shore Park with another club member, who was attacked by a dog, resulting in wounds that caused her to be hospitalized. John pulled the dog away and used his bicycle to prevent further injury. John deservedly got a lot of "ink" in the St. Pete Times for his accomplishments and also for the club, enhancing the membership. Due to the increase in interest, the SPBC began gathering in North Shore Park in the mid 1980s.

The SPBC's Spring Classic was started by Past President Ernie Foster and then Board Member George Biermann in 1981, before GPS and other software. Hence, the route required much activity in establishing the three different ride lengths. 

Cycling certainly has its fans on the shore of Tampa Bay, but it has has its detractors, too. in the 1980's, it was proposed to ban bicycles on the Pinellas Bayway. SPBC did not take such an imposition lying down. Thanks to the effort of Club President "Gib" Gibson and State Senator Henry Sayler (an SPBC member) the authorities eventually abandoned the move. Charlie Shaw alerted the Club to an attempt to block cyclists from certain Gulfport streets. The city was thwarted by a group of irate cyclists with two attorneys in tow. You guessed it, the motion was tabled.

In 2001, we organized the first Volunteer Appreciation Party. This event has morphed into the annual Member Appreciation Party, which celebrates the past year by bringing members together for fun, food and lasting friendships.

For many years the December SPBC Holiday Party was held in the Pasadena City Hall. Subsequently, club member Brian Wilder graciously allowed the club to use the Lyceum for the gathering. This annual event is now held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.