Advice on Cycling in Sarasota/Long Boat Key FL

[cd_davis]

Hello all - leaving the winter of MA in early February for a week in Sarasota, staying with in-laws living on Long Boat Key (LBK). I've seen many cyclists riding Gulf of Mexico Drive north of St. Armand's Circle on LBK. Can you Sarasota locals recommend (1) any other places to ride and (2) a good bike shop for road bike rental? Or if you've got a spare bike in your stable in 53-54 cm that you would not mind renting for a few days.
Thanks in advance, Chris

[Ralph]

http://www.traillink.com/trail/legacy-trail-(fl).aspx

I'm not a huge fan of trail riding, but sometimes when I'm a tourist, and not comfortable with my choice of local roads, I ride local trails until I figure out some better safer places to ride. At Venice, this trail connects with another trail for another 8-10 miles. Nice old train depot there (where I usually park and change when I'm in Venice area). Unfortunately, unlike Central Florida where I am, it's flat. But Hey....you can get a sweat going and not get hit by a gray headed tourist checking her messages. There is a local cycling group that probably has wonderful rides on a regular basis.

[rePhil]

I didn't know of any shops that had rentals so I searched and Found that Village Bikes does : http://villagebikes.com/products/
They have 2 locations, not sure which or if both have rentals
They also have an active ride schedule and may have some maps.
You are correct. A lot of riders head up LBK into Anna Maria.Other than that, my advice is to try to hook up with a shop ride or club ride. http://www.smbc.us/

[Ralph]

Not in Sarasota, but http://realbikes.com/ on the trail in Venice does. Can rent for day or week. Road....aluminum or carbon. They advertise you can bring your own pedals, shoes, and even seat. Maybe you can find something closer than this.

[rePhil]

I will agree with Ralph that the Legacy trail is an option. You can ride into downtown Venice and / or its beaches.

[bcroslin]

Ringling bikes (http://www.ringlingbicycles.com) down the road in Bradenton rents bikes and also will have info about all of the rides in Sarasota/ Bradenton. Village Bikes should be good too and their Village Idiots cycling (http://www.villageidiotscycling.com) page would be the place to go for local group rides.

There's lots of rides 30 min's north here in St Pete. Hit me on PM if you need advice on trails or things to do or see.

[dekindy]

I rode with the Sarasota Manatee Cycling Club when I was down there at the end of March last year. Bike lanes on both sides of major streets and was able to commute to and from the rides. Rode 3 rides for total miles of 200 miles, about half commuting and half with the club. Older group but they can sure ride!

[EDS]

Hello all - leaving the winter of MA in early February for a week in Sarasota, staying with in-laws living on Long Boat Key (LBK). I've seen many cyclists riding Gulf of Mexico Drive north of St. Armand's Circle on LBK. Can you Sarasota locals recommend (1) any other places to ride and (2) a good bike shop for road bike rental? Or if you've got a spare bike in your stable in 53-54 cm that you would not mind renting for a few days.
Thanks in advance, Chris

Village Bikes does rentals, decent road bikes and friendly shop. Long boat key is an ok ride. Flat. The legacy trail and some of the other more popular cycling areas in Sarasota can be a pain in the but to get to from LBK by bike, but doable. Legacy trail is not that compelling.

[jghall]

LBK is flat. Not great riding. On the positive side, there are bike lanes on both sides and you easily get some base miles in. St. Armand's is a cool place. Lots of good restaurants and shops.

Holler if you need restaurant recommendations.

[spiderman]

I love the ride from the north end of Anna Maria
To the blue dolphin cafe for breakfast!
I even have the Ringling "share the road"
bike shop kit
From Bradenton...they always take good
Care of me there:)
Just don't pass on the shoulder/trail
By going out in the street.
I passed a couple of riders who didn't get over
And was ticketed because of a city
Ordinance they have banning cyclists
From being out in the road;(

[cd_davis]

To all Forum-ites - thanks for your advice, agree the road is really flat and not that interesting but it beats the MA cold. My logic is that an occasional ride will provide an escape from mother-in-law. And yes there are great restaurants nearby.
Chris