Sarasota Florida

[kmehrzad]

No idea about riding there. I have very fond memories of spending late-summers on Anna Maria Island in the Bradenton area. There is a long pier often visited by dolphins and even manatees. I hear it's much more developed now, though.

Please report back on the cycling!

Grog, I LOVE Anna Maria Island; in fact it's one of my favorite beaches on the East Coast. The sand is like cornstarch and it's still relatively undeveloped around Bean Point, as far as high rises go.
I enjoy fishing off the City Pier and watching the manatee, dolphins, and tarpon roll on by. Cycling around the island is enjoyable too because there's not much traffic at all.

[Biker Jo]

I was just in Sarasota over Christmas, and while we didn't ride Longboat Key this year, we have in the past. It's great riding, unless it's very windy. The only problem is there's a lot of driveways that you have to watch out for.

If you're interested in trail riding, the Legacy Trail in Sarasota is very pleasant. It's paved and not heavily used, and there's no issues with driveways. There are a few intersections that it crosses, but cross traffic isn't too bad. However, if you're interested in training, there is a 15 mph speed limit. You can get more info about the trail here: http://legacytrailfriends.org/index.html

When I shipped my bike down there, I had it sent to Siesta Sports Rentals on Siesta Key. They did a good job and were very reasonable. Here's their website: http://www.siestasportsrentals.com/

Let me know if you have any other questions. I have biking friends who live there.

[Mr. Bloom]

This is good info, thanks! 15 mph limit won't work for me, so I suspect I'll stick to the roadway. Using googlemaps street view, it looks like there's some good side road routes from Bird Key to Siesta Key. For simplicity, it seems like I'll concentrate on a route from Bird Key, to Long Boat and then Anna Maria...

I didn't know that the sand was so good at Anna Maria...I'll definitely go there!

[kmehrzad]

This is good info, thanks! 15 mph limit won't work for me, so I suspect I'll stick to the roadway. Using googlemaps street view, it looks like there's some good side road routes from Bird Key to Siesta Key. For simplicity, it seems like I'll concentrate on a route from Bird Key, to Long Boat and then Anna Maria...

I didn't know that the sand was so good at Anna Maria...I'll definitely go there!

Definitely make a stop at Anna Maria ... the sand is so fine it's like walking through cornstarch. And if you fish, let me recommend going to the City Pier and casting out a line using a white crappie jig or snagging a shiner that's so plentiful around the pier. When the Spanish Mackerel are running, you'll have the time of your life. And they're a tasty fish to eat.

Kayaking around the island and through the canals is very relaxing and you're quite likely to spot a manatee either underneath your boat or right alongside of you.

[Mr. Bloom]

Kayaking around the island and through the canals is very relaxing and you're quite likely to spot a manatee either underneath your boat or right alongside of you.

Now I'm excited! Is there a rental facility on the island or do I need to arrange my own?

[kmehrzad]

Now I'm excited! Is there a rental facility on the island or do I need to arrange my own?

Yes, there are several rental companies on the island. The one I always use is: http://www.mysitontopkayak.com/6.html

Used to be called Native Rentals. Shawn's the guy who can help you with the rental.

Have fun! I'm envious.

[Grog]

*sigh* Thanks kmehrzad for bringing back all those memories. I'll go back there someday. We used to stay in Holmes Beach. Oh wow...