Discovering Florida 2: Bike touring, photography, and history (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798277763520)

Explore Florida Like Never Before - 25 Scenic Cycling Routes Through History, Nature, and Hidden Gems

Discover Florida's hidden treasures and breathtaking landscapes on two wheels with this comprehensive guide to 25 unforgettable cycling routes. From the sun-soaked beaches of Sarasota to the vast freshwater expanse of Lake Okeechobee, and the mysterious Everglades, each journey offers a unique glimpse into the state's history, culture, and natural beauty. Ride through charming small towns, rural farmlands, ghost towns, and lush wildlife preserves while uncovering stories of pioneers, indigenous tribes, and legendary events that shaped Florida.

Experience the tranquility of Sarasota County as you pedal through historic downtown streets, Amish and Mennonite enclaves in Pinecraft, and the cattle ranches and citrus groves surrounding Myakka City and Arcadia. Learn fascinating local history along the way, from Spanish explorers and Seminole legends to the lives of influential settlers like Bertha Palmer and the iconic landmarks of small-town America.

Take a journey around the massive Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida and second-largest in the continental United States. This route traverses five counties, passing towns like Belle Glade, Clewiston, Moore Haven, and the Seminole Reservation in Brighton. Explore the region's agricultural heartland, rich in sugarcane, citrus, and corn, while also visiting historic battlefields, ghost towns, and sites of natural and archaeological significance.

For those seeking adventure into the wild, the Everglades route offers 77 miles of remote wilderness within Miami-Dade County. Ride through Chekika, Taylor Slough, the Aerojet test site, and the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, encountering swamps, sawgrass forests, mangroves, and rare wildlife like panthers, alligators, and American crocodiles. Learn about the rich history of Seminole leaders, NASA's lunar propulsion testing, and the ongoing conservation efforts to preserve these unique ecosystems.

Whether you are a cyclist, a history enthusiast, or simply a lover of nature and hidden gems, this guide provides detailed directions, fascinating historical context, and vivid descriptions of Florida's diverse landscapes. Embark on your own adventure and experience the Sunshine State from the seat of your bike like never before.