Emerson Point Preserve is a 365 acre preserve at the tip of Snead Island in western Palmetto. This morning I rode the approximately 45 miles round trip from my home in Lakewood Ranch to check it out.
I worried a lot about the route – since it does travel along one of the busy east-west corridors in Manatee County (State Road 64). I would also need to cross the I-75. Crossing an interstate highway is always a challenge on a bicycle.
Since I really don’t know my way around this area yet, I spent a lot of time on the RideWithGPS site, plotting the safest looking route. Then I checked with some local cycling groups to see if they had suggestions for improving on my plan.
In the end, I took every opportunity to get off of the main road and ride in the quiet residential neighborhoods to the north of SR64. I ended up riding only about 5 miles (each way) on SR64.
One of the highlights of the ride for me was the Bradenton River Walk – about 2 miles of off-road public park trail with scenic views of the Manatee River, attractive landscaping, public art, a skate park, access to the local museum, the aquarium and more.
The Preserve itself is lovely, with lots of multi-use trails that look like they would be a ton o’ fun to explore. Unfortunately, I didn’t spend much time there as it was starting to get very hot, and I still needed to ride home. I poked around a bit, and then just headed right back. I will come back for sure in the cooler months and spend a bit more time exploring.
This was my first longer ride here in the Lakewood Ranch area. It was definitely a good introduction for me, and I’m optimistic about more good rides to come around here. Thanks to everybody who contributed advice re the route – as I’m still so new to the area that any route I plan is a bit of a crap shoot.
This was a good route with lots of nice, quiet street riding. The heat is going to take some getting used to – but I will learn how to handle that I’m sure.