December News
Wine Tasting, Match offer for Donations
November Events:
FBA Summit, Run/Walk and a Ride
November Events:
FBA Summit, Craft Expo, a Run/Walk and a Ride
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Past “In the Loop” newletters below
“In the Loop”
August 2024
Summertime
Summer in Florida is a slow season with weather and travel keeping people from too much exertion – but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Summer is our planning season.
There is so much news we are experimenting with a new format:
Short topics in the emailed newsletter with links to follow for details here. This keeps your inbox lean and lets us know who is interested.
We are making a Difference – You Can Help!
The River-to-Sea Loop Alliance works all year long for more connected trails and safer walking and cycling in Volusia and all five counties around the Loop. If you ride a bike, walk, or enjoy using our multiuse trails in our region, you should be supporting the organization that makes it possible. We’re a lean hard-working volunteer-driven organization. We rely on people who love cycling, walking and trails to sustain our operations to make our region safer, more walkable/bikeable/livable.
Here’s how you can help.
Gear Up for Fall with Trail Alliance Friends
As the weather cools down, the River2SeaLoop Alliance is gearing up for a fantastic fall season filled with events and exciting new trail developments!
We’re announcing the launch of our 2025 “Trail Alliance Friends” membership drive with a special early-bird discount! This is your chance to become part of a community dedicated to more trails and safer, more bike/walk-friendly spaces for cyclists and walkers in our region.
For just $45 (individual) or $75 (family of 4), you’ll support our work year-round for the remainder of 2024 and until December 31, 2025. as we connect trails, advocate for safe active transportation and recreation, encourage more people to engage in healthy activities, and make our region a better place to live and visit.
If you want to know more about our mission and work, visit our website. For an overview of all we do, use the QR code. For a compact overview of our work check out our printable “pocket card” and “Fact Sheet”
Benefits of Membership:
Make a Difference: Friends who care about making our region safer and more welcoming find many opportunities to get involved.
Free Admission to All Events: Enjoy a full calendar of events and activities throughout the year, all free for Trail Alliance Friends and Family Friends.
Discounted Registration: Friends and Family Friends registering now get exclusive discounts.
Don’t Miss Out: Big events are “Friends Only” with limited capacity. Joining early ensures your spot. Last year some waited too long to register for our popular Spring Ride
Stay in the Loop: Get early notification about projects, events, news, and opportunities to take an active role for trails and safety.
Make a Difference: Friends who care about making our region safer and more welcoming find many opportunities to get involved.
Early Bird Bonus!
Register before October 31st to save 15% off your membership and get up to 15 months of coverage!
Friends can join for just $38 (up to 15 months of coverage!)
Family Friends can join for $64.
Be sure to enter and apply the discount code provided at the first link.
DeLand SunRail’s comin’ down the track
If you love the active lifestyle of Volusia County, you will love the new DeLand SunRail. Oh, the places you’ll go! We plan to take full advantage of the new intermodal options. You can start celebrating on Friday August 9, and start riding SunRail next Monday, and join us for upcoming Trail to Rail Events!
Grand Opening
The DeLand SunRail is opening for regular service on Monday August 12 with a Grand Opening Celebration on Friday August 9. Hurray for SunRail! This long-awaited service opens the possibility of all kinds of bike/trail adventures. The Alliance will be taking full advantage of this great new service. We will soon be announcing fall rides, but for now please show support by participating in the Grand Opening Celebration on August 9 and planning to participate in our Mobility Week Trail to Train Event.
This will be a tented event – anyone who attended the announcement event at DeLand Station will be grateful for shade!
From Volusia you have two options:
1. Arrive at DeBary Station at 9:00 and ride the free event train to DeLand and back to DeBary afterward
or
2. Arrive at Deland Station at 10:00.
At the Deland tented celebration there will be custom giveaways, connectivity information, and free water provided to all guests. There are bike racks at both stations. There are limited restroom facilities in the AMTRAK building at DeLand Station. Volusia County plans to build a Trailhead with water station and restrooms at DeLand Station but we don’t have a schedule on that yet.
To register for the Grand Opening Celebration email FDOT-D5COMM@dot.state.fl.us
Don’t forget to wear River2Sea Loop Alliance T-shirts.
DeLand Service Begins Monday August 12
The new service schedule has not been published yet but will be available at the Maps & Schedules tab at https://sunrail.com/ soon. Yes, we know you want weekend service – that will come when the ridership warrants it so get on board!
Want to combine a SunRail ride with a great cycling ride? See our November 1 Trail to Train Event under Mobility Week Events.
Mobility Week Events
Saturday October 26: Trails, Rails and Events Update at DeBary Hall Historic Site.
Get the latest on new trail connections, SunRail service and upcoming events.
Friday November 1: Trail to Rail Fun Ride from Deland to DeBary with rest stops, return on the SunRail. Details to follow when the SunRail Schedule is published. Registration is required.
To Be Announced: Thankful for Trails Ride/Walk/Roll
ONWARD For Life!
ONWARD! A living Tribute to Roy Walters
Roy Walters was a dedicated volunteer, activist, and advocate for history, trails and cycling in Volusia County. People know Roy and his wife Sandy as the driving force for restoring the Enterprise Museum and saving Thornby Park from developers. Sandy and Roy have been active cyclists and advocates for many years. When Roy spotted a cyclist who was struggling, he would often shout “Onward!” and other words of encouragement.
After Roy’s sudden death in 2023, Sandy began thinking of a fitting tribute to Roy. She didn’t want another plaque or fixture – there are plenty of those commemorating his preservation work.
Instead, Sandy wants a living tribute for his contributions to trails and cycling, encouraging people to overcome barriers like lack of confidence, motivation, appropriate gear, or knowledge to get back on a bike.
Don’t have a bike or your bike is out of order? We have loaner bikes and can find a way around most problems. Please complete our application here.
More News and Events in September Issue
Details of Trail to Rail Ride – Friday November 1, 2024
Thankful for Trails Ride/Walk/Roll – Saturday November 23, 2024
Active Transportation for All Workshop – Friday January 31, 2025
Update on DeLand Black Heritage Trail
And much more
Past Issues of “In the Loop” Newletter:
Spring Ride March 23, 2024, “In the Loop”
Thankful for Trails Nov 26, 2023
Autumn in the Loop October 8, 2023
Active Transportation and DeLand Black Heritage Trail Summer 2023
March 2023, Spring “In the LOOP”
Past Newsletters
- 04/18/2022 – April 23 Celebrate Earth Day/Trails Day on A1A – Ride, Walk, Roll, Parade in Flagler #trailsdayona1a
- 03/18/2022 – A Beautiful Day to Celebrate Trails at Gemini Springs – BBQ Prizes & More St Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance named “Florida Trails Promoter of the Year”!
- 03/15/2022 – Only a few days left to register for the Trail Celebration at Gemini Springs
- 03/13/2022 – Celebrate and Support Trails on March
- 2002/22/2022 – Shifting Gears – New plans, new events, new progress
- 12/27/2021 – Ribbon Cutting, Rides, A1A Trail Day and More
- 05/13/2021 – May 20, 2 Trail Rides and Picnics plus more exciting trail news
- 04/06/2021 – “Roadside Trail Chat”, “Lost History Week”, Trail Alliance Partners, Events
- 03/12/2021 – “Lost History Week”, Trail Alliance Partners, Lobbying Congress and more
- 03/09/2021 – “Lost History Week” is Next Week!
- 11/30/2020 – It’s time for #GivingTuesday for trails and equitable mobility
- 10/12/2020 – Update on trails, Mobility Week, grants and more
- 03/14/2020 – Spring In The Loop: Family Trail Ride & Celebration, New T-Shirts, Virus-impacts, Tim Baylie Trail Manager of the Year and more
- 02/25/2020 – Spring Events In The Loop
- 10/22/2019 – October 2019 St Johns River to Sea Loop Alliance Newsletter
- 03/12/2019 – March 2019 Update and Reminder to register for the ride
- 02/15/2019 – River2Sea In the Loop February 2019