Tag Archives: Florida

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.

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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!

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Ophelia’s on the Bay, Siesta Key, Florida

 

Ophelia’s is a very welcoming place.  From the moment you walk in, the hostesses are there and ready to help you to your table or the bar. If you are a little early, by all means, go to the bar. The food and drinks are excellent there too. I had the Bellini martini at least two times. It is so incredibly good. I am still thinking about it and can’t wait for the next one. Mike likes Mojitos and they make a good one. The bartender, Michael, is great!

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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.

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Stop number 12 Tallahassee, Florida to Crystal River, Florida: 3421 Miles

We took backroads to Crystal River, Florida. It is the last place we would stay until we arrived in Sarasota.  Crystal River became a destination when we planned our next rails-to-trails ride in Florida: the Withlacoochee Trail.

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