This was a bright sunny ride from Floral City south through the communities of Istachatta and Nobleton; a ride through some of the best of “Old Florida.” The trail is mostly shaded and flat, perfect for hot muggy Florida weather.
The Florida Withlacoochee State Trail stretches 46 miles through the scenic wilderness of west central Florida. Much of the trail is shaded and the ride is smooth and flat. Several trailheads provide parking, restroom facilities and water. Comfortable rest areas are scattered along the way.
On this day, I pedaled twenty miles from the Ridge Manor Trailhead to Nobleton and back. Although my focus is training for fall triathlons, I can never resist stopping to take a few photos.
Philippe Park / Ream Wilson Trail
This scenic out and back ride begins along the banks of Tampa Bay in Philippe Park with a turnaround at Spectrum Field, the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies. This is a smooth, scenic and mostly shaded 18-mile ride over the connecting Bayshore, Ream Wilson and Kapok Park Trails. Bridges and tunnels take the rider over or under crossing highways. The one exception has rider controlled flashing lights for a safe crossing. The route is mostly flat with a few “Florida style” hills and one overpass.
Ancient Runner 