The 42-mile Suncoast Bike Trail runs from Tampa to north of Brooksville paralleling the Florida Suncoast Parkway toll road. This Earth Day I rode the section between highway 52 and highway 54, a total out and back distance of 20 miles. Most of the trail is flat and straight with some hilly terrain north of Brooksville. Shade is limited as is protection from the wind which is often blowing in a north-south direction. Also, the ride frequently brought me to within 50 feet of cars and trucks speeding by on the other side of a chain linked fence.
Recent forest fires have closed the trail on a couple of occasions and left charred vegetation along the route. Water levels are low as evidenced by the dry stream beds and ponds.
This trail can be a pleasant ride or a good training route for the “go fast” biker.
Ancient Runner 