If you peeped my IG story on Christmas Day you saw me in front of a bridge that appeared to go on forever. The bridge is one of two on The Legacy Trail in Sarasota, Florida.

The trail currently runs 19.6 miles, from Bahia Vista Street, on the north, to Shamrock Park in the south, with a proposal to extend the trail further north in 2022. I first rode the trail prior to the extension to Bahia Vista Street, when it started just past Central Sarasota Parkway. The extension from Central Sarasota Parkway to Bahia Vista , completed in October 2021, is about 7 miles and is a different ride from the Southern part of the trail.

The new section encounters several cross streets so that you have to stop at major streets, like Clark which is four lanes. There are cross walk buttons which alert traffic to stop, which you means that you have to stop. Unlike the southern part of the trail where there are bridges that take riders over traffic you will have to stop more often on the northern extension. Still a nice ride, but recognize that getting up to a cruising pace for me at about 16mph is short because the cross streets are often less than two miles apart. The plan is to add overpasses at a later date.

Once you get to the original part of the trail at Central Sarasota Parkway, heading south, the trail becomes more suitable for endurance riding. As is usual in Sarasota, you will sometimes get the Sarasota wind on the trail which can sometimes feel like a pretty strong headwind. My hamstrings reminded me the next day how much work I had to put in!

The bridge pictured above is one of two bridges that allow for a continuous ride unlike the northern part of the trail. If it looks steep it is. Elevation gain, courtesy of my Apple watch shows a gain of 88FT. The bridge also has an interesting incline wherein the bridge ascends then goes flat at intervals all the way to the top and down the other side as well. The up hill is therefore a little strange because the flat spots cause the pedals to slip some.

If you are feeling adventurous, the Legacy Trail runs across Oscar Scherer State Park which provides some cool sights. The only issue for me was that my road bike tires did not like the sand! So if you have a wider tire you can really take some time and tour the park.

After Bay Street, there is only one cross street until you reach the Venice rail station.

A little surprise at the Venice rail station are some of the cars from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Little know fact is that Sarasota was the winter home to the circus beginning in 1927, fostering the growth of Sarasota as a major tourist attraction.

From the Venice rail station to Shamrock Park, the ride is along a canal and the path can be bumpy, but beautiful still.

Remember this is Florida so there is wildlife on the trail. Locals report a bobcat that appears from time to time, no sighting by me. The trail also crosses an alligator habitat and there are protected species Gopher Tortoise areas. No need to be afraid, but be aware of your surroundings. Overall, a great ride with lots to look at along the way. Let me know if you get down to Sarasota and ride the trail. Would love to hear from you!