Never Ending Cycling Chronicles

Before You Go:

This isn’t a long or taxing trail. If you are riding in the early morning or late afternoon, you won’t need sunscreen or sunglasses. The main trailhead at Fellburn Park has full facilities – restrooms, water and picnic pavillions.

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Before You Go:

This isn’t an overly long loop. From the north end to south end of Boca Grande is about 13 miles round trip. If you are doing the ride in the early morning or early evening hours, you can get by without any sunscreen.

Sunglasses are always a necessity along with a pair of riding gloves, helmet and – possibly – sunscreen during the mid-day hours.

Also, bring along at least $5.00 in cash. As of this writing, that is the fee for the Boca Grande Causeway. It is $2.00 by bicycle. I, personally, would not enjoy riding across the Boca Grande causeway. The bridges are very narrow and there is no designated cycling lane.

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Before You Go:

There was very little shade along the route. Depending on your tolerance for being out in the sun, you might want to consider sunscreen if doing this trail between 10AM to 2PM. The southern end of the course is rather wet and marshy and, if you decide to stop for any length of time, insect repellant is recommended.

As I always advise, a good pair of biking gloves, sunglasses and a helmet are encouraged.

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Before You Go:

The normal suggestions apply. A good pair of sunglasses, riding gloves to cushion your hands and, if you doing this during the heat of the day, sunscreen is advised.

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Before You Go:

Except for the portion of this ride that goes through Hammock, FL, there is very little shade along this route and factilities that are not within restaurants are far and few between.

Bring along some water, sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Gloves and helmet are always recommended.

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Before You Go:

This third portion of the Suncoast Trail is a wee bit hillier than the previous two sections I’ve reviewed. Be prepared for a few climbs and for the overpass across Highway 50. Overall, it shouldn’t tax a cyclist in decent shape too much. Parts of the ride are well-shaded but there are open stretches where a pair of sunglasses would be advised. During the summer months, bring along some extra water. There is water along the trail but it is dependant upon being replenished (except for the Highway 50 Trailhead which has full facilities).
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Before You Go:

This is part 2 of a four part review of the Suncoast Trail.

Unlike the trailhead at Lutz Lake Fern Road to the south, there is no $2.00 fee to park at the Concourse Nature Center trailhead. The area for parking is small and there are no facilities. Also, the park gates are locked in the early morning hours. Since I didn’t explore the nature center, I would imagine there is additional parking available once the park gates are open.
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Before You Go:

There are numerous signs along the trail that water is limited but, until you get up to the Hernando County portion of the trail, I found the reverse to true. There are quite a few stocked water spots along the trail in both Hillsborough and Pasco county. This most southern section of the trail is the flattest and, as you progress north, the terrain gets hillier.

I’ve tried to break the rides up into 20 mile loops. In this section, I’ve included the Starkey Wilderness Bike Trail which, if the rider chooses to add this portion, will bring the ride total up to 35 miles. It is well worth the added effort to add this fine trail to the itinerary.
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Before You Go:

Since the majority of this trail parallels the intercoastal waterway, a good pair of sunglasses is recommended due to the water glare. If you ride the trail early in the day, sunscreen isn’t a necessity. There are several spots along the trail for water.

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Before You Go:

This trail isn’t particularly long and there is water and rest rooms at the Highland City Trailhead which is fairly centrally located along the trail from either end. The trail is a mix of open areas and shade so sunglasses are recommended. I rode the trail between 8:30AM and 11:15AM and did not need to apply sunscreen.

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