Fenner Ride - Santa Rosa County

Save the Date: October 25, 2025!

On October 25, 2025, Fenner Ride participants will enjoy routes that start in the historic city of Milton and include the woodlands of the Blackwater Forest. Riders will be able to experience Northwest Florida’s native wildlife, natural environments, and beautiful scenery. This ride includes routes for all cycling levels: 18, 42, 62, or 100 miles. All routes include a peaceful nature experience and this event is included in the Beaches to Woodlands Tour that occurs in Santa Rosa County, Florida each year. 

This cycling event is dedicated to the memory of Fenner McConnell and Matt Wantz. Both men were avid cyclists and former members of the West Florida Wheelmen. Dr. Fenner McConnell, a medical examiner for a four-county district in the Panhandle, was killed in 1998 by a hit-and-run driver as he rode his bicycle across the Bob Sikes Bridge, which connects Pensacola to Santa Rosa Island. Matt was tragically killed while working in a local bike shop. This event is dedicated to both men, to carry on their memories.

For more details on this event or Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact our Director of Development, Lori Oswald, at loswald@bbbsnwfl.org.

About the blackwater heritage trail

The more than nine miles of paved trail offer an enjoyable trip through a quaint North Florida town and out into the countryside where wooden bridges cross several creeks and native wildflowers dot the landscape.

Designated as a National Recreation Trail and part of Florida's State Greenways and Trails System, this paved trail is the perfect venue for biking, running, walking and skating, along with picnicking and bird-watching activities.

The trail extends eight miles north to join the U.S. Navy's 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail, which ends at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

To read more about the fascinating history surrounding the Blackwater Heritage Trail, click HERE.

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

Thank You to our 2024 Sponsors

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Photo Gallery

Fenner Ride 2024

Fenner Ride 2023

Fenner Ride 2022

Fenner Ride 2021