Florida Trails 2022
We've brought back this fine tour after having to cancel it during the pandemic. And we're happy about that!
If you love a great RAIL TRAIL, this tour is for you.
Beginning and ending in Tampa, on this tour we’ll bike several of Florida’s best Rail Trails.
After spending our opening night in Tampa, over several days we’ll bike the James Van Fleet trail, the Withlacoochee Trail and the Pinellas Trail. Extra rides will include the Dunedin Causeway Trail and Coffee Pot Bayou Trail in St. Petersburg. This tour is all about fun cycling on great trails in warm, sunny Florida - in the winter!
Included
- 6 nights lodging
- 2 dinners, 2 lunches and 6 breakfasts
- sag support and luggage hauling
- minor repairs
- sweep rider support
- daily social hour and map meeting with daily cue sheets
Itinerary
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Day 1
Tampa – We meet at 5:00 PM at our airport hotel for our introductory meeting followed by dinner nearby. This is a time to get acquainted with each other and learn about our upcoming adventure.
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Day 2
29 miles – We ride the James Van Fleet Trail, a wilderness trail through the Green Swamp. We picnic at a trailhead along the way. Keep your eyes open for wildlife! In past visits we have seen alligators, otters, and many species of birds. This trail is outstanding, too. It's very flat and all paved!
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Day 3
41 miles – The Withlacoochee Trail from Dunnellon to Trilby Junction. This just has to be one of the very best trails in the country. At lunchtime you're on own in Inverness. This amazing trail takes you on a journey through wilderness forests draped in Spanish moss, through swamps, past lakes, along rivers, horse farms, and the towns of Floral City and Inverness.
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Day 4
35 miles – Van ride to John Chesnut Sr. Park and ride the northern section of the Pinellas Trail, with a lunch stop in Tarpon Springs . You'll love the Greek food and the famous sponge docks! Then we continue on the Pinellas Trail and bike right to our nights lodging in Dunedin.
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Day 5
Dunedin Activity Day - We have a ride planned to Honeymoon Island State Park (admission included). You'll find lunch on your own here at the park's concession facility. Great beaches, a fine Nature Center, a nature trail and more are here to enjoy. The ferry to Caladesi Island State Park (optional) leaves from here. You're free to explore as you wish. At the end of the day we'll meet up back at our hotel in Dunedin for cocktails, followed by our tour-end celebratory dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Day 6
26 miles – Today we ride the urban Pinellas Trail from Dunedin to downtown St. Petersburg, where we’ll bike right to our hotel. We’re staying in the heart of downtown St. Pete, so you’ll be able to walk or bike to any number of establishments and celebrate our week of adventures together. Anyone wanting more mileage has many options available.
The Pinellas Trail is a Rail Trail Hall of Fame Award winner. After riding it you'll understand why! -
Day 7
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in St. Petersburg or you might rather stroll around the downtown and just take in the sights. Mid-morning we will pack up and van you back to our beginning Rocky Point / Tampa hotel and say farewell.
Pricing
- $1990 per person (based on double occupancy)
- $570 – Single Supplement (extra price to have your own room)
- $120 – Bike Rental (helmet and bike bag included)
- 50% of the total is a required deposit due upon registration.
- The remainder is due 60 days prior to departure date.
- Cancellation details: If you cancel more than 60 days prior to departure date, you will receive a 90% refund.
- If you cancel less than 60 days prior to departure date no refunds will be given.
- Please purchase trip insurance. We trust Allianz Travel Insurance. CLICK HERE to visit their website.
Your Travel Plans
If you are flying, you fly into Tampa International Airport.
If you are driving we meet you at our Tampa hotel and return you there at the end of the trip.
Your Lodging Plans
For this tour the 6 nights lodging from Tuesday, February 22 through Sunday, February 27 is included.
Your night’s lodging on the day the trip ends (Monday, February 28) is not included. That night is at your expense and reservations for that night are your responsibility.
Non-Standard Bikes
If you plan to bring your own bike and it is a non-standard bike such as a recumbent, e-bike or tandem, you will need to discuss transport issues with me before you register for this trip. We may or may not be able to accommodate.
Bike rental is available at $120 for this trip and this amount is due with your final payment. A rental helmet and bike bag are included with bike rental.
