Southeast - Pinellas Trail to Starkey Wilderness w/o getting killed

Looking for a route from the Trail to the park. Last year went to the end of PT and took Keystone up to East Lake. Terrible choice!.....Thinking of getting off trail at US 19 and heading North to SR 54. Not excited about the traffic on 19 but at least it looks to have a wide shoulder which the Keystone route does not offer. Once I get on 54 could probably work my way over to Starkey......Looking for any advice or alternate options. I'm touring fully loaded which may or may not limit my options .

Thanks,
Mike

Following is a route that I would suggest. It’s a little confusing but it will get you to Starkey Park from the Pinellas Trail. Some local may have alternate suggestions. But do not go on Keystone – it is under construction and I don’t even like riding it in a car. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Alternate 19 (N. Pinellas Ave.), 19N, Mile Stretch Rd., Grand Ave., Perrine Ranch Rd , Seven Springs Blvd., Mitchell Ranch Rd., SR 54, Starkey Blvd to Starkey Park.

SR 54 has a bike lane and is fine to ride on.

Following is a route that I would suggest. It’s a little confusing but it will get you to Starkey Park from the Pinellas Trail. Some local may have alternate suggestions. But do not go on Keystone – it is under construction and I don’t even like riding it in a car. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Alternate 19 (N. Pinellas Ave.), 19N, Mile Stretch Rd., Grand Ave., Perrine Ranch Rd , Seven Springs Blvd., Mitchell Ranch Rd., SR 54, Starkey Blvd to Starkey Park.

SR 54 has a bike lane and is fine to ride on.

I live in this area and do ride from the Pinellas Trail into Holiday quite a bit during the summer (early light). The route Fl Vector suggests is pretty good, but let me suggest something a little better. As was said avoid Keystone Rd at all costs. Once they complete the construction next year it will be great, but for now it is dangerous even in a car.

Exit the Pinellas Trail around mm 33 (left on Live Oak St.) and get on Alt 19 N. One short, narrrow bridge, but after that a good bike lane until you meet US 19. North through the shopping areas on 19 to Mile Stretch and go right, turn left on Arcadia (4 way stop), right on Darlington, follow that and turn right on Sunray which becomes Perrine Ranch Road at the light. Follow that to Seven Springs Blvd and turn left. Follow that north to Trouble Creek Rd. and turn right. Follow that until it meets Starkey Blvd, left one block to park entrance on right.

Yes, lots of turns, but the safest route. Several of the roads have no bike/shoulder lane, but those are relatively low traffic. Also plenty of convenience stores to get any supplies before entering the park.

Safe riding, Mark

Hi,
Thank you for sharing....

Vivekananda rock memorial (http://www.sangamgrouphotels.com/tour-package) | Kanyakumari Photos (http://www.sangamgrouphotels.com/how-to-reach-us) | Sight Seeing in Kanyakumari (http://www.sangamgrouphotels.com/contact-us)

Thanks everybody for the input......Mvanderk

As was said avoid Keystone Rd at all costs. Once they complete the construction next year it will be great, but for now it is dangerous even in a car.


Is there going to be a bike lane on the newly reconstructed Keystone Road? Or at least a wide shoulder?

Keystone Road anticipated completion - summer 2012. They are planning to do a MUP to tie into the Pinellas trail. It doesn't look like a dedicated bike lane, but maybe a wide shoulder. Some areas in Florida don't incorporate bike lanes into their roads very well.

Here's a link (http://www.pinellascounty.org/keystoneroad/project_overview.htm) if you care to read more about this project.

Thanks for the feedback. That will be a nice option once complete.