Amazing Biking Trails In Southern Florida

Known as a fantastic spot for experiencing the ocean – such as ocean activities fishing, snorkeling, boating, and diving – Southern Florida also offers the adrenaline seeking cyclists great off-road biking trails.

You can actually bike your way to Florida anytime of the year, but it is recommended to consider your adventure during Fall or Spring. But when thrill is what you truly seek, you can attempt cycling during summer. This is a bit challenging since during this time it isn’t just the road you need to endure, you also have to be ready to fight the burning sun and mosquitoes.

Nevertheless, even if it’s not summer, you’ll probably still encounter sudden heat since Florida has an unpredictable weather. Along the route you may experience sudden weather condition changes – you might be trailing a sandy road in a minute and trail your way from a mud-covered pathway the following minute.

You will find numerous biking trails that Southern Florida has to offer. To name just a few, there is Pinellas Trail, which provides a car free, mixed use, and paved bike way, and possesses a 47-mile trail that connects North and South Florida through Pinellas in central Florida. With Lacoochee State Trail may also be your trail choice. With the same features as Pinellas, it is located near Orlando and has a 46 mile trail that is from Citrus Springs to Trilby. A different one is the Longboat Key Trail, which is located along the shoulder of the Gulf of Mexico Drive and runs a 24 mile trail. This is a mixed use and paved bike way. Another trail that’s all pavedis the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Currently, it already has 60 miles of bike trail, and possesses an on-going construction which after a year wouldbring another 40 miles to the trail. The extra miles would connect Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, with various Florida state parks.

State parks also offer an excellent biking trail in Southern Florida. One such park is the state park named after a merchant Quaker named Jonathan Dickinson. The state park has been opened since 1950, with endangered and unique animals lurking around the bicycle trail.

Another state parkis the 5,000 acre Highland Hammock, which is one of the state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) way back in 1931. Features of the park include over eight-mile unpaved, double track trails, plus a three-mile paved loop.

One of the better state parks that offers bike trails in South Florida is the Oleta River state park. It is the largest urban state park in Florida, with 1,043 acres, and 15-mile bike trails. It is a recommended biking area for bikers mainly because it offers clear distinction of the cycling level of a rider. They provide trails for novices and then you can start trying stepping up several more levels, after some practice.

Another trail that is probably the greatest would be the Blackwater River State Forest. This is a 183,000 acre forest, and it has a sandy bike way, which is fun and thrilling especially during rainy days, when you’ve got to battle the muddy road and slippery obstacles.

What’s great about these biking trails is that they are created intentionally for cyclists, thus you don’t have to worry about annoying hikers and terrible traffic.

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September 10 2010 | cycling | No Comments »

Ride Safely with Bicycle Safety Gear

All too often we go for a bike ride without giving a thought to safety. Using a helmet may seem obvious, but there’s more to it. Here are some pointers that you would do well to keep in mind.

Gear Up for Bicycle Safety

Bicycles may be the smallest wheeled objects on the road, but in the eyes of the law, they are vehicles nonetheless. As vehicle operators, cyclists must follow the same rules, laws and regulations as other drivers. Legally, the only difference between a bicycle and the average car is a few thousand pounds. But, when you’re sharing the road, it’s a big difference. That’s why proper protection is crucial.

No cyclist should purchase a bike without also buying the necessary safety gear. With the right accessories your journey will be more comfortable, more fun and above all, a lot safer.

The number one rule of safe cycling is to wear a proper helmet. Riding with a helmet is the law in some places, and it’s simply the smartest way to ride. There are many helmets available on the market, and some offer a higher degree of protection than others. Ask for assistance at a professional cycle shop to make the best choice. Look for a helmet that is not only comfortable, but is constructed of top-quality materials to provide the best protection. Saving a few bucks on a cheaper model is no bargain if you suffer head injury from an accidental fall. It’s important that the helmet you choose fits properly to prevent neck pain, and is well-ventilated to provide adequate heat release on during long, hot rides. If you ride without protection because you don’t like the look or feel of a helmet, or if you just don’t believe that you’ll ever get into a cycling accident, take a trip to a group home or hospital. The results of head injury are truly devastating, and it can happen to anyone.

Hydration packs are a wise component of safe biking gear. Many bikes come stocked with water bottle cages, but water bottles can be dangerous to use as they can easily cause riders to lose speed, control and their direct line of sight. For this reason, many riders avoid taking water along for the ride, and quickly become dehydrated. It is essential, however, to keep hydrated during long rides and on hot sunny days. Hydration packs, on the other hand, give cyclists the benefits of fresh water, without the hassle of a water bottle. Hydration packs also have spaces to store keys and other necessities like energy bars, a rain jacket and a cell phone. As far as that water cage goes, it’s perfect for storing an extra bottle of fresh water in case of an emergency.

Any cyclist who’s ever taken a bug or a bit of debris in the eye will tell you that eyewear is a crucial component of your safe biking gear. Not only does good eyewear protect your eyes from debris, it also shields the bright sunlight. Serious riders purchase proper cycling goggles, while others opt for less expensive sunglasses. So long as it is good quality eyewear that fits properly, the choice is really yours. Lenses should be orange or yellow to brighten the road or track, light up dark and shady. In the evening or on overcast days, these lenses really do wonders for your visibility on the road.

As far as clothing goes, any comfortable attire will suffice for the recreational and casual cyclist. Extreme cyclists and long distance riders, on the other hand, will choose padded cycling shorts. The soft material prevents chafing and rashes, and the padded seat means a more comfortable ride.

Many cyclists are surprised to learn that half-finger gloves can be considered safety gear. These gloves are padded to protect the palms, yet allow the fingers to move freely. Cyclists who wear these gloves are less likely to develop calluses and rashes, and so can ride for extended periods of time without pain.

In comparing models, look at the individual safety features of the bikes. Don’t be afraid to invest in a more expensive model, especially if you’re cycling for health reasons. The added safety and security of choosing a lightweight bicycle with good suspension is worth the extra investment.

Bicycles are the smallest vehicles on the road, yet cyclists are expected to share the lane and the responsibilities with all other traffic. Accidents can happen, and cyclists can’t afford to take chances with safety.

October 26 2008 | cycling | No Comments »