This trail means a lot to me - I have fond memories of watching sunsets here as a medical student after working at the hospital. And then living here as a resident, this was my go-to bike ride when I was first starting biking so it meant a lot to come back here and do this!
I’ve been waiting a while to come back for this one! Pretty ideal conditions with cool morning temps, headwind for the first half and perfect tailwind coming back. The start was delayed an hour because of the car getting trapped in sand (I lived in FL for 27 years and that never happened to me before). Because of the late start, it started getting very warm (for me) towards the end but I stuck through it. For fuel I had 500cc skratch high carb and 500cc water, with plenty of electrolyte tabs. One Ucan caffeine gel towards the end to push me through. Ended up putting on the sun shield sleeves half way, which was a smart idea I think. Super proud of this effort but looking forward to having someone take the crown so I can come back better! Thank you to OP who submitted this route, this is a Tampa Bay special.