Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties
Date: Friday, June 20, 2008
Temp: 74 - 86 degrees F
Distance: 42.6 Miles 
Calories Burned: 1427 
Average Speed: 13.9 
Maximum speed: 23.5
Ride Time: 3 hours, 4 minutes and 7 seconds, starting at 07:32 -- finish 11:00
The Suncoast Trail opened in 2001 and was developed as part of the Suncoast Parkway and is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide Greenways and Trails Systems. It parallels the parkway. I biked this from the south to the north, which made it an 'uphill' climb most of the way. It only got very hilly towards the end -- when I was running out of steam.
All in all a nice trip, since I got an early start. There isn't a lot of shade on the trail once it gets into the late morning hours.
Instead of having a relaxing evening, my friend Barb and I went on a little adventure. We drove up the Suncoast Parkway (in the dark) to find the trailhead and drop off my vehicle, so it would be awaiting me when I finished the trail.
There was a beautiful full moon that night and on the return trip we watched it rise and turn from a lovely golden color to bright white. It was magical. We both secretly worried that my vehicle would not be there the next day... we'll see...
Cool things I experienced along the way:
Despite the late hour getting back to Barb's, we were up and at 'em early so I could get that early start to the trail and Barb wouldn't be late for work.
Thanks again Barb... for helping me with my adventure and taking my picture!
You're the best!
(I think Barb thought this would be the last she would see of me!)
Good... my shadow showed up again today!
This was going to be my view for a few hours...
The sun in the morning moisture.
The Suncoast Parkway to the right. it would be there the entire ride.
The Pasco County Line. I'd gotten there in a hurry!
Behind me, this is the Hillsborough County welcome sign.
Retention pond. I guess they've been getting more rain than most.
More fencing when you get close to the highway.
I liked the sunscreen effect from the fencing!
First big intersection to cross.
Nice, big farm
The morning dew is still visible.
Pine forest
There goes my shadow again -- it's still early.
Evidence of a previous fire in this area.
But it's coming back strong!
MM 5. Most of them had a tile on the side of the road,
like the ones on Upper Tampa Bay Trail.
Starkey Park entrance. I was tempted to go there since it was early and I had plenty of energy, but I thought better of it and moved onward.
Looks like fun, though!
First toll booth visible through the trees.
I'm glad they weren't charging me!
Nice resting place. I hope there's more!
I'm about of of the fencing sunscreen. Not too many curves on this trail.
MM8 and there's the tile!
"Slow. Uneven area ahead." (Not really true!)
Could have used these signs in the Upper Keys!
Another intersection. All had great signals for safe crossing!
Yep... only half of the trail has the "fence screen" now!
Good thing I wore sunscreen today!
Crews Lake Park to the right.
2nd tool booth. Another buck saved!
Horses on the farm.
And ducks!!!
The were flapping their wings and running around just before I snapped this one!
I'd checked out a satellite map the night before the ride and saw that there were about 8 or 9 of these "U" detours to avoid having to climb up an overpass.
So, the trail went to the left at the base of the 'hill' of the overpass and continued from there back towards the parkway.
So we crossed on 'level' ground.
Crossing the intersection of an exit ramp with a toll booth.
Time for a quick break. So far, so good!
Barb! Here's the baseball fields we saw on the satellite picture last night!
Yep... another intersection with great signals!
Okay... I saw this bird ahead and wondered why it didn't fly off, so I slowed down a bit. Thank goodness the camera was already on...
When I rode past I could see that she was protecting her baby chick.
I stopped to take this picture. Soon after, the baby chick jumped up and ran off the trail, flapping its wings, trying to fly. I think they were out for its first flight lesson!!
How cool!!!!
And this lizard was checking it all out!! He didn't move either!
In Hernando County, we started getting quarter mile markers!
Exit 41.
A construction crew was working on the trail.
I'd just passed them on one of those U Detours.
Just when it started getting too hot, the cloud cover started and cooled things off a bit. The trail also started to get more curves in it!
Brooksville/Weeki Wachee sign.
Maybe I should go visit the mermaids!! ;-)
Turtle!
And now for the hills...
Looks like there's rain in those clouds!
This detour goes around a large water retention pond -- empty.
Nice looking trailhead.
Water fountains! I think I'll stop for a refill!
Ahhhhh... that feels great!
What? I wasn't expecting this bridge!
Oh my... that looks like a long one!
Nice view too!
This is where I was...
Here's where I'm going!
Nice bridge!
Back on the surface again!
Ah, there they are! Power lines!
Clouds are starting to build up! I'm enjoying their shade!
No curves here -- just hills!
Birdhouse on the trail.
I'm liking the downhill parts!
I'm glad they warned me!
Wheeeeeeeee!
There were many signs and a couple of bumps to ensure you stopped at this intersection!
No one behind me! It's been pretty lonely out here!
More power lines
"... Don't fence me in... "
(You do realize I start singing anything on the trail when so inspired...)
I just had to stop to take a picture of this... there were several of these -- all misspelled... Yikes!
While I was stopped, this guy passed me!! The only one I saw during the last 20 miles or so...
He would have passed me anyway. He seemed to have a lot better energy than I did at this point, and later, I saw him on the return. Not sure if he started at the beginning like I did or not... Hmm...
I'm in prison!!!!
There he goooooes!!!
A street dead ending at the trail. There were numerous ones throughout the ride!
Third and last toll booth! Wheee!
Okay, this was interesting...
These were workers, all lined up to do something. This was the "Pass Only" lanes, which were closed for repairs. They were stopped and getting ready to do something... Hmm...
Note the 'bumps' to slow you down and aid your climb.
I stopped and turned around to take this picture. Really had to use the brakes here to make sure I stopped before the street!
Last U Detour!
I was really glad to see these Power Lines!
I knew I'd parked my car near them last night!
Last hill!!!
And there's a sight for sore eyes! My vehicle in the best parking spot! Only one other car was there!
42.5 Miles
Yea!!
I made it... and before the rain, too! Great!!!
I was relieved to also find that the water in the cooler in the car was still nice and icy cold! Yes!!!
Now to go grocery shopping and fix a fancy meal for Barb and her boyfriend Keith!
Thanks again Barb!!!