INSIDE LOOK: onbikes Builds More Than Just Bikes in Tampa Bay
An amazing way to help others in any community is to lead by example and have others by your side to help too.
My family enjoys volunteering together throughout Tampa Bay with various organizations, supporting many causes along the way. It is such a great activity for any group, and with so many ways to help others right in our backyard, there is no shortage of ways to get involved.
One of our favorite events happens every December with the onbikes organization. My family and friends have been longtime supporters of this organization and its mission to gift bikes to kids and people in Tampa Bay.
Why bikes?
If you really think about it, a bike is so much more than just a fun toy. Many of us have fond memories of getting our first bike or seeing one sitting by the Christmas tree.
Do you remember the feeling of getting your first bike? THAT is the feeling that the onbikes organization aims to have others experience. And that feeling of freedom, confidence, and adventure comes from getting your first bike.
onbikes Winter Wonder Ride: A FUNdraiser you must experience in Tampa
Each year, onbikes hosts the Winter Wonder Ride to raise funds. It is one of the most fun “holiday” events in the Tampa Bay area and will totally kick off your holiday season!
Everyone is dressed in their holiday attire (think pajama crew) and celebrating the season with a festive bike ride on one of the most iconic and scenic boulevards in Tampa Bay- Bayshore Boulevard.
This year, there is a merry holiday brunch (tickets are needed and available for purchase) at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park after the ride!
Bike valet your ride and then enjoy the kids zone, festive photo ops, sip on libations, and enjoy food from local favorites (Daily Eats, TK-Oh Burger, Sweet Soul & Pop Up Bagels) along with a big dose of holiday cheer.
The best part about this event is that it’s all about helping onbikes provide bikes to kids across Tampa Bay. (And good news, if you don’t have a bike this year, you can rent one! Now even those out-of-town guests can join you too!)
onbikes Bike Build
In addition to the Winter Wonder Ride, the annual Bike Build, Santa’s Bike Shop, at Benchmark International Arena, is my absolute favorite event of the season.
The bikes we build are so much more than just a bike. With each nut and bolt that we put together on a brand new bike, it’s a small task with such huge meaning.
At the annual Santa’s Bike Shop, volunteers help build around 1,000 bikes!
These bikes will be presented underneath the tree for so many, and we will truly never know how far the impact might take them. onbikes has also recently partnered with Hillsborough County Schools to provide bikes to middle school students as a raffle prize and as an attendance incentive.
Programs and partnerships like this need our support year-round here in Tampa Bay. Santa’s Bike Build has filled up for this year, as it often does.
Be sure to follow onbikes on social, so you are the first to know next year. You can also watch for other opportunities to support throughout the year. They also offer Corporate Bike Builds for groups to build together!.
Dust off your bike. Call your family and friends. Enjoy a leisurely ride on Bayshore Boulevard and get into the true meaning of Christmas by helping onbikes help kids all year long here in our community.
Hot Tip: Tickets for the Winter Wonder Ride are BOGO through December 2 with code HOHOHO. Get yours today!
onbikes Winder Wonder Ride 2025:
When: Saturday, December 6th, 2025
Where: Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
What: Bike ride down Bayshore Blvd with a merry holiday brunch after!
Cost: $30/ adults, $10/ kids, VIP and Brunch option add-ons available for purchase at an additional price
Purchase Tickets Here
onbikes Santa’s Bike Shop 2025:
When: Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
Where: Benchmark International Arena
What: Building bikes for kids
Cost: Volunteer (Already full for this year, but stay tuned for next year!)