Great Floridian Bike Course

Originally posted by mike_tampa

Hi All,

I am doing GFT this year. I live in Tampa so getting over to ride on the actual course is doable for some training rides. Just curious from any locals if there are any problem traffic areas on the bike course we should avoid or be extra cautious at for training rides. I believe the course changed in 2015 so I am looking for info on the current bike course. I did a search but did not find anything specific to this question.

Appreciate the help!

Mike

Originally posted by exnavydoc



My 2 cents: I ride here all the time. Almost all these roads are pretty bike friendly, with the exception of old CR 50. People get a little cranky and aggressive here. My advice would be to get on the trail where you turn off Northridge. You can stay on the trail all the way to the left turn onto 455 and avoid the traffic and the verbal abuse to "ride on the trail!". I find the rest of the roads to be pretty cycle friendly and generally either rural enough or with a nice wide/safe shoulder. On the way back, Blackstill Road drops you back on the trail which you can then take back to Northridge. Convenience store at 455 left turn in Montverde is a good place to refuel, as well as the waterstop on top of Sugarloaf.

Hope that helps.