I have had a interest in riding in different parts of Florida. I had an opportunity to ride with an triathlete, Peter , in Venice on the Legacy Trail. Here is the link to information about the trail.
https://www.scgov.net/parks/legacy%20trail%20documents/the%20legacy%20trail%20and%20venetian%20waterway%20park%20map%20guide.pdf
https://www.traillink.com/trail/legacy-trail-(fl)/
It was a cooler morning....high 50's at the 9 AM ride start time. Peter met me in the Venice train station depot and we set off west to do part of the trail before turning around to finish the eastern part. This is a multi-use trail so the speed limit for cyclists is 15 mph. There were walkers and other cyclists as well as people walking their dogs so it's a good idea to stay within the speed limit.
There is one uphill bridge that goes over Rt 41 ( Tamiami Trail) which is about 6% grade but that about does it for any elevation on this trail. There are several other bridges, flat of course, most of which are concrete or macadam surfaces. However there is one bridge with a surface that can be slippery when wet so we exercised caution over this one even though there was no morning dew on it.
Doing the entire trail is approximately 30 miles. It's a great alternative to the roadways when they are busy especially during season.
Peter and I after the ride
Cheryl with a little attitude wearing the SoWeFlo kit. After all it is club jersey day!
Tour guide at the train station
After the ride Peter and I decided to relax at Casey Key. Although the red tide was in ( and it made us cough) we enjoyed the sand and sun for two hours. There is no fee to use the beach nor is there a parking fee like Southwest Florida beaches. The beach there is so different than Southwest Florida. The water is crystal clear aqua/blue and resembes the waters of the Carribean although this is the Gulf of Mexico. The water temperature was 74 degrees. It was a bit too cold for the one mile swim that Peter had planned and with the red tide there was no going in the water for either of us. Peter was a good planner bringing a larger than life umbrella and a cooler of healthy snacks. There is also a food stand if forget your cooler and provides live music as well as food. Nice touch!
A view of Casey Key beach
There were several yachts in the distance. The local yacht club must be having a race.
It was a nice day...perfect weather for a bike ride and the beach. Hope to do it again....maybe even riding on the road on Longboat Key.
