Withlacoochee Bay Trail & Felburn Park Trailhead- Inglis, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida

At a Glance:

This is my first post since my stroke back in October 2015.  I hope to make my posts more frequent as I continue to improve and recover from the setback that the stroke represented.

The Withlacoochee Bay Tree is a nice trail that runs, generally, south and west along the banks of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.  That is quite the mouth full so most people shorten it to the Florida Barge Canal. Whatever you choose to call it, it is a relatively flat trail nestled just south of Ingliss, Florida and to the north of Crystal River, Florida. Felburn Park serves as the only trailhead for this little gem.  The morning I rode this trail with my trusty partner Brian, a front had just passed through so the humidity was low (for Florida).  Be advised, however, that at almost all times of the year, the no-see-ums are relentless.  If you choose to stop, make sure to avoid the grass and frequent the many covered stops along the route. Insect repellent is always suggested for any ride in Florida.  As stated, with the passage of the front, the day was mostly overcast so no sunscreen was needed.  Sunscreen is strongly recommended for the fair of skin when braving the outdoors in Florida.  Your skin can burn well into the winter months since we are blessed with more direct rays of the sun due to our southern latitude.

Continue reading Withlacoochee Bay Trail & Felburn Park Trailhead- Inglis, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida

Withlacoochee State Trail – Croom Road Trailhead to Owensboro/Highway 301 Trailhead, Ridge Manor, Trilby – Hernando/Pasco County, Florida

Before You Go:

This is part 4 of a four part coverage of the Withlacoochee State Trail. Click here for Part 3 of the series and Click here for Part 2 of the series. Finally, Click here for the first post in the series.

In some instances, you will be traveling through some very rural areas. A cell phone is always recommended. Also, always inform family and friends of your biking plans and expected return time.
Observe wildlife but please respect their environment and their freedom to live unmolested. Leave nothing but tire tracks.

Continue reading Withlacoochee State Trail – Croom Road Trailhead to Owensboro/Highway 301 Trailhead, Ridge Manor, Trilby – Hernando/Pasco County, Florida

Withlacoochee State Trail – Floral City to Mile Marker 10/36 – Floral City, Nobleton, Istachatta – Citrus, Hernando County, Florida

Before You Go:

This is part 3 of a four part coverage of the Withlacoochee State Trail. Click here for Part 2 of the series and Click here for Part 1 of the series

Always remember to be aware of your surroundings. In some instances, you will be traveling through rural areas. A cell phone is always recommended.
Observe wildlife but please respect their environment and their freedom to live unmolested. I will now step down from my soap box. 🙂

Continue reading Withlacoochee State Trail – Floral City to Mile Marker 10/36 – Floral City, Nobleton, Istachatta – Citrus, Hernando County, Florida

Withlacoochee State Trail – Hernando, Inverness, Floral City – Citrus County, Florida

Before You Go:

This is part 2 of a four part coverage of the Withlacoochee State Trail. Click here for Part 1 of the series.

Always remember to be aware of your surroundings. In some instances, you will be traveling through rural areas. A cell phone is always recommended.
Observe wildlife but please respect their environment and their freedom to live unmolested.

Continue reading Withlacoochee State Trail – Hernando, Inverness, Floral City – Citrus County, Florida

Withlacoochee State Trail – Gulf Junction Trailhead to Hernando Trailhead – Dunnellon, Citrus Springs, Holder, Hernando – Citrus County, Florida

Before You Go:

If you ride this trail in either the early morning or late afternoon/early evening, you can probably ride without worrying about sunscreen. Around mid-day, as the sun clears the tree line, sunscreen is definitely recommended.

Don’t forget a nice pair of padded gloves and your helmet!

Continue reading Withlacoochee State Trail – Gulf Junction Trailhead to Hernando Trailhead – Dunnellon, Citrus Springs, Holder, Hernando – Citrus County, Florida

Suwannee River Greenway – Branford, Suwannee County, Florida

Before You Go:

The western half of the trail is relatively shady and you can probably get by without sunscreen and sunglasses depending on your tolerance for sun. The eastern half of the trail is more shade free.

Water is definitely recommended.
Continue reading Suwannee River Greenway – Branford, Suwannee County, Florida

Pine Island Bike Path – Bokeelia, Flamingo Bay, St. James City – Lee County, Florida

Before You Go:

There is lots of sun and very little shade along this course. Sunglasses and sunscreen are definitely recommended. There are no bathroom facilities or water fountains along the trail so 1) plan well and 2) port in water and any snacks.
Continue reading Pine Island Bike Path – Bokeelia, Flamingo Bay, St. James City – Lee County, Florida

Little Econ Greenway Trail, Orlando, Orange County, Florida

Before You Go:

This is a relatively short trail so, depending upon the time of day your are biking, you can probably get by without sunscreen and sunglasses. If you plan on stopping for any length of time, insect repellent is recommended.
Continue reading Little Econ Greenway Trail, Orlando, Orange County, Florida

North Bay Trail including Weedon Island, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida

Before You Go:

This trail is a mix of paved trail and on-road. Be aware, you will be sharing your ride space with other vehicular traffic during this route. I believe the trail will eventually be extended past its current end at Macoma Drive NE & 83rd Avenue NE. From that point, exercise caution; there is very little shoulder and it is a narrow two lane road once you approach the bridge near Riviera Bay.

As seems to be the case with many of the trails in St. Petersburg, there isn’t much shade along this trail.

A pair of shades, some cycling gloves are needed. If you are biking during the heat of the day, sunscreen is recommended as well as water.
Continue reading North Bay Trail including Weedon Island, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida

Island Loop Bike Route, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida

Before You Go:

This is not a paved trail but, rather, on road with a dedicated bike lane.  You will be sharing the roadway with vehicular traffic.

The trail does not have much in the way of shade so, if doing this trail during the heat of the day, sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle or two are strongly recommended.

Getting There:

The starting point for this trail is the North Shore Swimming Pool parking lot in downtown St. Petersburg.  Your best bet is to zoom in on the map below to be your bearings.  Zooming out will give you a bigger picture on how to arrive in downtown St. Petersburg.
Continue reading Island Loop Bike Route, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida