First project of Florida Turnpike Enterprise leads to the development of the Suncoast trail and an array of activities.
By MIKE SCARANTINO
Published January 3, 2004
Users say the Suncoast Parkway Trail is a popular place to exercise, recreate or train for endurance events.
Winter in West Central Florida is the best time to get out and recreate with or without a rod and reel. When the sun shines brightly and temperatures are moderate, the list of outdoor activities grows long beyond fishing, hunting or boating.
The Suncoast Parkway Trail, among many hike and bike trail initiatives, is the first project of the Florida Turnpike Enterprise to incorporate a non-motorized, paved path for pedestrians alongside the roadbed. People come from all points of central Florida to ride bicycles, skate, run or walk and view and enjoy wildlife.
Along the trail's 42-mile stretch, competitive cyclists train for long-distance events. Other folks come to test their individual abilities on skates or foot. Still others visit to be with friends, improve their health and take in the great outdoors.
During the initial planning stages, people resisted the highway being built. Progress prevailed, the roadway was developed, and now the trail serves as a recreation destination for thousands of people each year.
In cooperation with Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, the Suncoast path was designated as a Millennium Trail by the White House Millennium Council. It is included in Florida's Greenway System and designated as a National Recreation Trail.
Starting about 1 mile south of the Hillsborough/Pasco border near Lutz-Lake Fern Road at Trailhead 1, the trail begins a 42-mile trek northward and ends with Trailhead 7 on U.S. 98 in northern Hernando County.
Along the way, amenities include multiple trail access points, wildlife crossings and interpretive viewing areas. For people planning on winding their way along the entire route, there are rest stops, watering places and rain shelters. Kiosks at different access points include information about the trail and its resident wildlife.
Users have many positive things to say.
Beth and Mark Clemons, a mother-son cycling team, use the trail numerous times a year to ride, test their skills and enjoy time together. Beth, 50, lives in Palm Harbor. Mark, 22, is a student at UCF in Orlando. They were tuning their bikes for a recent ride starting at Trailhead 1.
"We started riding here just a few years ago right after it was built," Beth said. "We're riding the entire length today, and of all the places we ride, this is my favorite trail."
"It can be a real challenge," Mark said. "If you do the entire loop, you've ridden 84 miles."
The challenge for Beth begins just over the Pasco/Hernando border.
"That's where it starts to get real hilly," she said. "I call that part the mountains of Florida."
Tom and Chris O'Hearn of New Port Richey skate the trail at least twice a week.
"We live in Trinity, so it's real convenient for us," Tom said.
"I use the trail for training purposes," Chris said. "I'm currently training for a 13-mile Disney Marathon skate." She will have to complete the event in less than 2 hours.
"Today was the first time I did it," Chris said.
"And she did it with a half hour to spare," her husband said.
"The first water stop is about 31/2 miles out," Tom said. "We doubled that distance and then turned back. Even with a fair headwind, she did it."
Tampa's Dave Unger uses the trail for training purposes. The cyclist competes in long-distance Century Rides. The object of a Century Ride is to go 100 miles in a single ride.
"Heck, just finishing is quite an accomplishment," Unger said. "There are lots of serious professional riders and triathletes that train on this trail."
A group of folks 55-and-over from Glenhaven Mobile Park in Zephyrhills rides the trail regularly. Bernie Mattson and Richard Wheeler use it strictly for health reasons. Wheeler had five heart attacks last year. His doctor said he needed exercise.
"We ride about 7 miles per ride, and we keep the speed to about 9 miles an hour - nothing too strenuous but enough to get our hearts beating," Mattson said.
"We usually ride here, the Flatwoods trail in Tampa, or the Withlacoochee trail."
- If you have a question or comment, call Mike Scarantino, (352) 683-4868.
