Rain didn’t keep 200 cyclists from riding in the 2024 Miami Lakes Culinary Bike Tour to taste, drink and ride five miles through three shopping centers.
Music on one of two brightly-lighted party bikes and Miami Dade Police officers led the pack of bicycles. One group of friends accessorized their wheels with Christmas lights, others played music or like LMG Mane salon, rode as a team during the festive atmosphere.
The fourth tour (which was paused for two years during the pandemic) drew participants who were excited to try everything the restaurants -- Domenico’s Italian Restaurant; Vicky Bakery; DiCED; La Diosa Taqueria; Cruzeiro Brazilian Steakhouse; Dr. Limon Ceviche Bar; Açaí Express; BB’s Bakehouse; La Cumbancha; Amazonia Nikkei Fusion and Chela’s Cocteleria -- had to offer.
Alicia Benitez was joined by her family and was excited to try old favorites and two of the newer restaurants in the Cypress Village Shopping Center.
“This is our second time,” Benitez said. “We came to one before COVID and it’s a fun way to get out on a Saturday night and hang out with your neighbors.”
Realtor Sergio Duran was excited to be making his first tour.
“I decided to participate because I was interested in doing it and I want to be part of the community,” Duran said.
At ride’s end on Main Street, Duran said he enjoyed the tour and went straight to Açaí Express for a cool treat topped with granola. BB’s Bakehouse along with Amazonia Nikkei Fusion and La Cumbancha participated for the first time. Jorge Berrios, co-owner of BB’s Bakehouse, looked forward to showcasing his restaurant.
“We’re extremely excited about our first Culinary Bike Tour,” said Berrios, whose coffee, cookies; tequeños (fried stuffed soft breadstick) both the classic cheese and guava and tortilla Española (potato and egg quiche) revived the cyclists on the hot night.
Amazonia Nikkei offered sushi, while La Cumbancha served croquetas (deep fried minced meat). The tour ended and the party continued at Chela’s Cocteleria.