Visiting my parents in a few weeks and hoping to get a few rides in. Does anybody have any place they would suggest riding in or around Clearwater? I’m used to riding pretty rural roads but I’m guessing that won’t be an option down there. Not looking to do anything longer than 40-50 miles but hoping to get some place where I can ride without worrying too much about cars or stopping for red lights/stop signs every 3 minutes. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
Well you definitely wont find what your looking for in Pinellas County / Clearwater. Lots of cars on Gulf Blvd (the main north south road) this time of year because of the snowbirds. There is the Pinellas Trail, but in the meat of it, there are lots of street crossings and stop signs. I find the Pinellas Trail is better for running and/or very leisurely riding.
If you are stuck in Clearwater, you can head south on Gulf Blvd till you make it down to the Tierra Verde / Ft. De Soto area. Less cars down that way and especially when you make it into the park. Ft. De Soto holds a lot of sprint triathlons throughout the year so lots of people like to ride in the area. Just be careful of the draw bridge.
If you have access to a car, the Sun Coast Trail is great. Its located in Pasco county, about 40min from Clearwater. The trail is around 80ish miles round trip and has very few stopping interruptions.
Another option is San Antonio which is about 1:20 min away from Clearwater. This area is where the locals go ride “hills.” This is riding on the open road and has no trail options. Lots of people ride this area everyday, so hooking up with a local to show you the way shouldn’t be hard.
Thanks! I have a car but I’m trying to minimize the time I’m away from the family so I’m not sure a 40 minute drive is in the cards for me. I’m searching google maps to see if I can find a good 1 or 2 mile loop that looks quiet and I can just do laps. It won’t be a lot of fun but could be easier and safer.
Take the car to the above mentioned Fort DeSoto (toll road and fee to get in… $5 I think, unless you ride in). It’s a 10 mile loop once inside the park. Traffic is light if it’s not a Holiday. A little more on the weekends but nothing crazy… and drivers there tend to respect the riders. Wind can be “fun”.
One other option I forgot about was the Courtney Campbell Bridge Trail. This bridge connects Clearwater to Tampa. Its about 8 miles one direction. Lots of bikers and runners and plenty of parking. The earlier you go the better. Just be aware that it can get a bit windy out there and there is absolutely no shade.
Based on your comments - I would recommend you go over to the east end of Clearwater and bike north/south on N. Bayshore Blvd/Phillipe Parkway (into Safety Harbor, turn back at 590. Throw in a loop into Phillippe Park and you can cut over the pedestrian bridge and take N. Bayshore Drive back to N. Bayshore Blvd. Watch for the bike trail that goes off of Bayshore Blvd into Oro Park and over McMullen Booth and you can pick up a few more miles in Kapok Park before coming back to Bayshore Blvd. Repeat that maybe 3 times and you should be able to get 40-50 with minimal traffic. You can park in the middle at Safety Harbor or the small parking lot at Cooper Bayou (intersection of N. Bayshore Blvd and San Bernadino Street.
This is very intriguing. It’s very close to where I’ll be staying. I think I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
Thanks, I’m there a few days so may check this out as well.