Whoo Hoo! Floridians/Crackers New Post!

**lookinUp** · 02-07-12, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by mileslong

I am fortunate enough to be able to escape Maine and have two weeks to explore the North Port and Venice areas this month. I don't know much about the area and am wondering if I should plan on riding trails or roads?

I am a little worried about all the bad things you hear about FL drivers and think maybe I should stay away from the roads. I am hoping to get in some good exercise so I don't really want to just putt down MUP's if I can avoid it. I will be able to drive to starting points if necessary.

I have read about the Legacy trail, the Venetian waterway and the Manasota Key Road loop, any opinions? Any suggestions on where to ride, road bike or hybrid, how to prepare for the heat and sand etc., etc. would be appreciated. I can't wait to get off the trainer!

Great bike club - many rides every week - see the website at www.coastalcruisers.net. They ride out of North Port/Englewood/Port Charlotte area. I rode with these folks for several years - great group and speeds for all levels.

**jhturek** · 03-04-12, 06:43 PM

It has been a while...review and pics of the Legacy Trail. A beautiful ride and it was a gorgeous, blustery day! http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/03/...ounty-florida/

Happy Trails ~ John

**Artmo** · 03-04-12, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by jhturek

It has been a while...review and pics of the Legacy Trail. A beautiful ride and it was a gorgeous, blustery day! http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/03/...ounty-florida/

Happy Trails ~ John

Excellent write-up. I ride the trail fairly frequently, so I know you've done a superb job.
There are variations to our rides such as turning west on Laurel Road, crossing US41 at the red light and following the road around (there is a bike lane) until the T-intersection. Turn right over the drawbridge (don't use the bike lane over the bridge because you have to turn left on the other side and the curb from the bike lane is high). Turn left after the bridge and ride down to Venice inlet on Casey Key. There there are restrooms and refreshments and you can sit and watch the birds, boats, dolphins etc as you eat your cake! From there you can ride north to the end of Casey Key, past huge houses and with great views of the Gulf of Mexico. The way back to Legacy from Blackburn Point Rd at the north end of Casey is rather complicated, so it's probably best to reverse your route to get back.

**jhturek** · 04-08-12, 01:32 PM

My latest adventure - the Seminole-Wekiva Trail in Seminole County just north of Orlando. http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/04/...ounty-florida/

Enjoy! Happy Trails ~ John

**RaggaD** · 04-16-12, 04:18 PM

Pompano Beach checking in, new to riding looking for some good routes in the South Florida area.

**jhturek** · 05-10-12, 06:21 AM

Fun ride in Lake County, Florida starting in Clermont on the south shores of Lake Minneola. Even some hills to challenge us flatlanders! Enjoy the link http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/05/...ounty-florida/

Cheers ~ John

**LiamSkymom** · 06-05-12, 11:52 AM

Ridge Manor checking in. Mostly ride on the Withlacoochee Trail. Occasionally Suncoast Parkway and Van Fleet Trails. I did attempt the Lake Minneola Trail once and would like to try it again without pulling my two boys in a trailer behind me.

John - I read most of your blog and loved it.

**shoota** · 06-14-12, 08:50 PM

John, Have ridden the Upper Tampa Bay Trail in Citrus Park (Tampa) or the Suncoast Trail (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide...suncoast.htm)?

I'd love to join you if you are interested.

- Cody

edit: I see your Upper Tampa trail post now.

**ukoro** · 06-19-12, 05:47 PM

Largo here

**jhturek** · 06-20-12, 02:41 PM

Hello all,

I rode the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail on Saturday. Awesome ride! Enjoy the following post: http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/06/...ounty-florida/

Happy Trails ~ John

**Battosaii** · 07-05-12, 05:47 AM

Hi all checking in from Miami Florida right near the south FIU campus

**jhturek** · 08-02-12, 02:42 PM

First of a 4 parter on the Withlacoochee State Trail - this one is from Gulf Junction to Hernando (northern most portion of the trail)...enjoy...link below...

http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/08/...ounty-florida/

Happy Trails ~ John

**Paul01** · 08-02-12, 03:09 PM

The Withlacoochee has definitely been the best rides I've had in Florida.

**Pickleballer** · 08-05-12, 10:11 AM

Could someone recommend where to park at the north end of the Pinellas Trail?
Thanks, Ken

**jhturek** · 09-05-12, 02:34 PM

Hello gang! It's been a while. I am two post behind in wrapping up the Withlacoochee State Trail. Here is part 2 of the 4 parter... http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/09/...ounty-florida/

Enjoy and, as always, Happy Trails!! :-)

**mrz80** · 10-11-12, 11:55 AM

Looking to piece together a 40-50 mile route starting/ending at Taylor Lake in Largo, likely including some or all of Gulf Blvd. for Saturday late morning. Doubtless the end of the ride will include a short detour to Largo Subs for gyros. Should be fun!

**jhturek** · 11-13-12, 12:58 PM

It has been quite some time, in case you are interested, my latest post of the section of the Withlacoochee State Trail from Floral City south to Mile Marker 10 and back http://neccfl.com/wordpress/2012/11/...ounty-florida/. Beautiful ride, especially enjoyed the little trek along the River Path.

Happy Trails ~ John

**RonH** · 11-17-12, 06:34 PM

We're finally here (in Homosassa). The movers delivered our stuff yesterday and my daughter, son-in-law and grandson came over today and helped us unpack boxes and put things away. The house STILL looks way too big.

Got our DLs and FL tags yesterday. Got a Share the Road tag for the Hyundai (hauls the bikes) and an In God We Trust tag for the Acura.
Does that make us official?

Tomorrow I'll unbox the bikes and put them together. I may get my first ride in on Monday or Tuesday.

**lookinUp** · 11-18-12, 06:21 PM

Ron,

Glad to hear you've successfully become a Floridian! One of these days soon, let's get our near-by BF members together for a ride on the Withlacoochee and perhaps lunch at Stumpknockers.
Sue

Originally Posted by RonH

We're finally here (in Homosassa). The movers delivered our stuff yesterday and my daughter, son-in-law and grandson came over today and helped us unpack boxes and put things away. The house STILL looks way too big.

Got our DLs and FL tags yesterday. Got a Share the Road tag for the Hyundai (hauls the bikes) and an In God We Trust tag for the Acura.
Does that make us official?

Tomorrow I'll unbox the bikes and put them together. I may get my first ride in on Monday or Tuesday.

**qcpmsame** · 11-18-12, 06:50 PM

Welcome to Florida, Ron, glad y'all got settled in without any problems. Hope the first rides go well. If you ever got up into NW Florida drop me a P.M. and we can take a ride along the beach or on the Blackwater RtR.

Bill

**RonH** · 11-18-12, 09:21 PM

Thanks for the welcome Bill.

Sue, a group BF ride sounds like fun. No fast riding, just conversation and enjoying the day.

**Podagrower** · 12-16-12, 08:30 AM

I don't know how I missed this thread before, but I guess that means I need to keep looking for more stuff to read. I'm probably not anywhere as fast as some riders here with the extra drag coefficient, but I'll throw Eustis, Fl into the mix. And now that I am back into cycling, does anybody have plans for the Mt Dora Bike Festival?

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