Tampa cyclists stage March 20 group ride to commemorate first anniversary of Joe Haskins’ death

Tampa’s Joe Haskins Bike Shop will host another remembrance ride in honor of the one year anniversary of the passing of its namesake who was a champion of the city’s working class bicycle riders.

Haskins, known for his quick wit and big heart, was a Tampa bike mechanic for over 65 years. He started his business at 17 years old in 1958 by purchasing Tampa Cycle from his uncle, later renaming it Joe Haskins Bike Shop. As a man dedicated to the people, Haskins goal was utility and getting folks back on the road.

He passed away last year at the age of 79 after battling illness for a few years. Haskins’ family now runs the business and they want all riders to come celebrate the legacy of its creator.

Two previous rides were held last year right after his death, one hosted by Tampa’s All Love Bike Crew on March 28 and another one by Ramon Lopez on April 11.

All riders are welcome for this year’s Joe Haskins remembrance ride which will meet at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 20 at Joe Haskins Bike Shop—located at 2310 N Florida Ave.—and start at noon.

Lopez will sell Cuban sandwiches in the parking lot before the ride takes off. A raffle for a 20 BMX Redline will happen with each ticket costing $5.

This article appears in Mar 3-9, 2022.