Florida Ride

[Bikearound]

Anyone have any route suggestions for riding from the Tampa area to St. Augustine?

[tonythomson]

Hi get the ACA Connector Map for the second part- really good route or you could use the Van Horn & Withalacoochi Rails to trails and make up your own route by going to Google Earth choose route planning by walking. 

[owen145]

In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle. Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways, and must obey the same traffic laws as the operators of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, and yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway.

[Bikearound]

Yo Owen, When did become a discussion of Florida road law?

[bikemanNY21]

In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle. Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways, and must obey the same traffic laws as the operators of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, and yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway.

pretty strict!

[DaveB]

pretty strict!

Pretty common.  Most state vehicle codes say pretty much the same thing.

[crosari2]

Bikearound, I'm planning a trip to St Augustine later in February. Live in the Valrico area. Will be heading north to Dade City, Inverness, Dunnellon, Gainesville where I'll pick up ST Section 7 to St. Augustine. Be using some of the Florida Connector for my return to Valrico. If you want more details, hit me at: crosari2@verizon.net

[Tourista829]

I live near where I-275 & I-75 reconnect, north of Tampa. Here is a suggestion, I have not actually done the entire route by bike, but although busy in spots, it is almost all with a shoulder and might be the shortest distance. I am not sure where you live in Tampa, or if you want to camp or hit motels. Route 301 has motels, camping, restaurants, and grocery stores near it. Starting, say from the State Fairgrounds, take Rt 301 North to Zephyrhills, to Dade City, to Lacooche, onto Bushnell, Coleman, Adamsville, Wildwood, Moorland Park, Dallas, Belview, and into Ocala. Continue north on Route 301 towards Hawthorne. North of Hawthorne you will reach Route 26, turn right east, take it to Route 100, turn right east, towards Palatka. Once you pass the Palatka Airport and cross the water, at East Palatka turn left onto Route 207 north, go through Hastings, Spuds, Armstrong, Elkton, under I-95 into Routes 1 & 5 north which will take you into St. Augustine. If you do 50+ miles a day you should be able to complete it in 4 days.

Trying to pick up the ACO Florida Connector from Tampa, I have not found a route, I felt safe on. Maybe someone, in the forum, could suggest one heading east out of Tampa. I hope this will help you