[bikeMS] 2025 Suncoast Challenge - trail update - long

[Dana Rodakis]

Mobile Units,

Part of the ride for 52, 66 and 101 mile riders is on the Legacy Trail.  The trail is just under 20 miles total.

The riders take a right off Honore Ave onto Palmer Ranch Parkway then take a left onto the trail at McIntosh Rd.

The 52 mile riders exit the trail (by taking a right) onto Laurel RD W.  After a clockwise loop that includes Casey Key RD.  They get back on the trail on Bay St and head back to the finish line.  A total of 16 miles on the Legacy Trail.

The 66 and 101 mile riders are heading all the way down to the southern end of the trail and back.  The total for the 66 riders is 15 miles.  The total for the 101 riders is 9 miles.

Motorized vehicles are not allowed. E-bikes are okay.

There are 911 Emergency Location Markers located in the center of the trail.  They are OVAL shaped, colored YELLOW and are located every 0.1 mile on the pavement.  If a rider needs assistance we may be able to locate them if they can read he nearest marker.

Rider assistance number is (877)  228-7363 (not what is printed on my pretty map)

I travelled down the trail from Palmer Ranch Parkway to Scenic Drive in Venice last year.  Here is what I found (MM is the location mile marker):

Palmer Ranch Parkway - MM 10.2 

no parking at intersection with McIntosh Rd

McIntosh Road Parking - MM 9.7

parking for Palmer Ranch Parkway intersection - long walk to trail - no problem on a bike

Stoneybrook Nature Trail (Central Sarasota Parkway) - MM 8.8

1 mile east of McIntosh Rd - no parking.

Osprey Junction Trailhead (rest stops 2 & 5) - MM 6.8

(This happened last year). As I was getting ready to leave an older couple approached me.  The man had a rear flat tire on his mountain bike.  Valve step missing.  The 3 of us went across the street to the pavilion.  There was a bike repair station - miscellaneous tools and a pump tethered to the post.  I helped them change the bad tube for one of my spares.  I told them that I was a support vehicle for Saturday’s fundraising ride for Multiple Sclerosis.  I waved goodbye and wished them a great rest of their ride.  They insisted on paying me.  Being a volunteer I cannot accept any compensation.  The tube was a gift.  I told them that if they visited www.bikems.org the website might accept donations.

Oscar Sherer State Park - MM 5.4

There is a small entrance fee.  Tell the ranger that you’re there to rescue a stranded rider.  He didn’t charge me.  After the ranger station drive into the park.  The road will fork in about 3/4 mile, follow the left sandy road.  It is 1.1 miles from the park entrance to the legacy trail.

SR-681 - accessible with much difficulty

The trail is 50 feet (estimated) below the roadway and 1 mile NE of US-41 (Tamiami Trail).

Laurel Park - MM 2.6

I didn’t drive east on Laurel Rd to see how accessible the trail is.

Nokomis Riverview Park - could not find mile markers 1/4 mile either side of the entrance to the trail.

Nokomis Community Park - could not find mile markers 1/4 mile either side of the entrance to the trail.

Patriots Park - not sure why this is a trailhead - there is no access to the trail, unless it was around the corner.  It was hidden with vegetation and a fence.

Venice Train Depot - MM 0.0

Historic train depot - not sure if the 911 location markers are present south of the Venice Train Depot since this is mile 0.

Caspersen Beach Park & Shamrock Park

The trail ends here.  66 riders turn around and head back while the 101 riders head SE to Manasota Beach.

After Venice Ave Bridge the trail becomes Venetian Waterway Parkway

Keep a hard copy of my pretty map (print on legal size paper, it’s still an eye chart) and the legacy trail brochure.

I’m waiting for the Society finish changes to the 100 and 23 routes due to construction.  Revision 2 of my pretty map is attached.  Even though it will change, you probably want to know what you’re in for.  Expect Revision 3 shortly.

Dana Rodakis, K4LK

2025 bikeMS Suncoast Challenge

SAG 1 Sweep