Whoo Hoo! Floridians/Crackers New Post!

[lookinUp]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[jhturek]

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