The Sandhill Crane is a common site around Lakewood Ranch. Riding our bikes through the parks and neighborhoods near our home nearly always results in more than a few sightings of the big, gangling birds with their bright red heads and grey feathers.
Galleries
Emerson Point Revisited
When I arrived in Florida, the first long ride I tried was from my home in Lakewood Ranch out to The Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto. I reported that ride here on The Recumbent Gourmet.
At the time (May), the weather was really hot, and I didn’t have enough time at The Preserve before I had to turn back for home. So yesterday, I decided to repeat that ride, and explore the place in more detail. Boy, am I glad I went back! The place is much larger, and much prettier, then I thought after my first visit.
Day 2 – Arcadia to Lake Wales
October 6, 2015
Miles today: 63
Total Miles So Far: 121
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.
Day 4: Carpenteria to Lake Cachuma
Tuesday April 10, 2012
45 miles (72 km) – Total so far: 191 miles (307 km)
I slept really well in Carpenteria. The hiker/biker campsites back right up against the railroad tracks, and I was afraid the trains would wake me. Apparently the trains run silent at night, because I heard nothing until chirping birds woke me at 7:00. I planned today to be a relatively short day – only about 32 miles. My destination – Lake Cachuma in the Los Padres National Forest.
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.