A quick post today – really only of interest to cyclists here in Lakewood Ranch. Every local cyclist I know has lamented that there is no way to ride south into Sarasota after crossing the I75 Freeway on Linger Lodge Road. But I’m here to tell you, there is a way. It’s not a great way., Many people will say it’s not worth the effort, but it is possible to cross the Freeway on Linger Lodge Road and then ride south toward Sarasota.
Category Archives: Bike Rides
Loop Around Anna Maria Sound
I have not done a long ride in a while, so I decided I’d head out on Friday for a longer ride to Anna Maria Island and back. I planned a route that would take me into some new territory – a neighborhood called Cortez that I have never ridden through, and an area called Palma Sola where I’ve only ridden in a small corner.
Ride to Nathan Benderson Park and Breakfast
It was a humid (for a change) morning in Lakewood Ranch when Mike and I decided to ride to Benderson Rowing Park. It is a 20 mile loop round trip with the pool waiting for us at the end of the trip.
Continue reading Ride to Nathan Benderson Park and Breakfast
A Ride to Lake Manatee
We decided to ride our trikes from our house in Lakewood Ranch to go to Lake Manatee State Park. Our 28 mile ride took us into the country past many cattle, horse, and goat ranches.
Hey! Where’s your bird?
August 12, 2015
On Wednesday, I decided to venture into some unexplored territory on my ride. I’ve wanted to explore an area called Terra Ceia, a small island north of nearby Bradenton that includes a lot of wetlands and a large aquatic preserve. I calculated it was about 50 miles to get there and ride around the island, so I arranged with Nancy to meet me for lunch at a restaurant close to the island. This has all the makings of an excellent day!
Ride Report: Lakewood Ranch to Emerson Point Preserve.
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.
Continue reading Ride Report: Lakewood Ranch to Emerson Point Preserve.
Newport Beach to San Diego (Torrey Pines)
August 1, 2011
As Mike explained in an earlier post, I (Nancy) had my first mini-tour experience in Ojai. Well, I didn’t get enough, so we decided to take a trip to San Diego from our home in Newport Beachto celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. It is about 85 miles total. We decided to ride about 30 miles each day, so I set about looking for hotels that would work for us. I am a compulsive planner and want to make sure the hotels are really good (not just decent).
Our First Mini-Tour
April 16, 2011
Once Mike got us hooked on the idea of touring on our trikes, we started looking for a short trip that would be relatively easy and beautiful at the same time. We decided to ride from Ventura, California to Ojai, California on the Ventura River Trail. We spent the night in Ojai and returned on Sunday to Ventura. Not so much riding – only about 40 miles – but very fun. It was the first time Nancy ever contemplated riding a bike anywhere that would force her to be dependent on herself (and not have a car to drive to a store or restaurant) and Mike.
Nancy’s Inaugural Ride
March 13, 2011
I have ridden my trike for 6 months or so, and just love it! So we have decided that Nancy should ride as well. After a quick trip to our friend Dana Lieberman’s bike shop in N. Hollywood (Bent up Cycles), we came home with Nancy’s beautiful blue ICE Adventure.