Cycling Activity Holiday in Florida, USA
Rating (9/10)
Florida has more than 300 bicycle shops. Most shops are listed in Florida Bicycle Association Shop Directory. Bicycle rentals are available at some shops and resorts. Online “Yellow Pages” can be used to find shops. Bicycle lanes – 4ft shoulder pavements or wide outside lanes are present on approx. 2/3 of the center line-miles of the state’s highway system that are open to bicycles. General protective gear such as helmets, gloves and possible rear-view mirror is recommended. Most shops will also loan secure locks for bikes in the event of theft. Taking the slow route is the only way to travel. If you don't want to miss a thing on holiday, cycling tours are absolutely ideal, letting you experience all the sights, smells and sounds of your destination, meeting the locals and visiting the more secluded, traditional and picturesque spots that cars fly past without a second's thought. There really isn't a better way to get to know your surroundings than from the saddle on a cycling holiday.
Boca Ciega Millennium Park in Seminole, Pinellas County has nature trails as well as pedestrian and cycle paths. Sanibel Island offers 17 miles of protected cycle paths, ideal for families. Local companies hire a range of bikes including tandems and accessories for children. Fort de Soto Park on the Pinellas Peninsula has a 7 mile recreation trail where visitors may run, bike, rollerblade or walk. The Pinellas Trail is a unique linear park covering 50 miles from St Petersburg to Tarpon Spring with cycle and hiking paths. Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva offers a 10 mile looped mountain bike trail over rolling terrain with the opportunity of spotting wild boar, deer and gopher tortoises. Bike hire is available in the park. Myakka River is one of Florida’s largest State Parks with ample facilities for walking and cycling. There are seven miles of flat, paved roads for cyclists as well as back-country dirt roads (depending on the weather). Cycles can be hired in the park. Many of the parks which offer cycle tracks have daylight hours of opening and regulations including wearing a helmet so it is always worth checking any local restrictions at the park information centres or cycle hire shops before you set off.
