From Atlantic Coast route to St. Pete, FL

[momenee]

I am planning a ride from Durham, NC to St. Petersburg, FL and would welcome suggestions on where to leave the Atlantic coast route to make my way across Florida to St. Petersburg.

If I aim for Tarpon Springs, I can take the Pinellas Trail into the city.  I would just as soon avoid Orlando and other congested areas as much as possible.

Thanks for your help.

[litespeed]

By all means avoid 50 through Orlando and 441 between Mt. Dora and Fruitland Park.

From 19 between Pittman and Altoona (south edge of Ocala Nat'l Forest) go west on 42 to Weirsdale. Then south on 25 and 441 to Fruitland Park and west on 466A to Wildwood (KOA).

Go west on 44. Ride the bicycle path/sidewalk where necessary. As you approach Inverness you will go over the Withlacoochee Trail. Be alert. It's easy to miss. The ramp down to the Trail is on the south side of 44.

Go south on the Trail to Floral City then take 41 to Brooksville. Go west 6 miles on 50 to the Suncoast Trail on the west side of the Suncoast Parkway. Go about a block past the Parkway then take a couple of lefts to get to the trailhead.

Go south to the 54 trailhead. DON'T go on County Line Road or 52. Take 54 west to US19. Again use the bicycle path/sidewalk where necessary. Things get pretty congested for a few miles here. On US19 go south along the bicycle path/sidewalk on the east side of the highway about 4 miles to an overpass (hump) in the road just north of Tarpon Springs. This is the Pinellas Trail. Turn right (south) and go 30-37 miles to St. Petersburg (depending on which part of the city you are going to).

I live in Holiday. E-mail me at petewilford@aol.com if you have any questions.

This message was edited by litespeed on 8-7-07 @ 6:52 PM

[momenee]

Pete,

Thanks for detailed reply.  Once I've studied the maps again, I'll see if I have any questions for you.

Thanks again.
Gary

[FlyingCarpet]

I might be taking a similar Atlantic Coast route from Wilmington, NC to Florida in October or November. There connecting on the southern trans to san diego, there connecting on a route up to seattle....  If not - I'll be trying to do the oregon trail route during the winter months hoping to make it through the mountains alive...

When you plan on going?

[momenee]

Dear DayTripper,

Thinking of September, but not sure of exact dates.  Depends on job and other variables.  

Sounds like you're planning an epic trip. Good luck.