Emerson Point is located in the Emerson Point Preserve (of course). This is another ride from the SMBC (Sarasota Manatee Bike Club), but this time we were able to download the course in advance from their website and load it onto our Garmins, allowing us to ride at our own pace and even wander if we wanted to! But the route is pretty constrained, being basically an out-and-back ride that starts near a restaurant called Popi's, hence its nickname, Popi's Ride.
Emerson Point is located at the mouth of the Manatee River where it meets Lower Tampa Bay. From there, you can get great views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. But the ride there is equally impressive, as it takes you through the Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, the residential neighborhood known as Terra Ceia (Heavenly Land), and parts of western Palmetto, Florida. All in all, a very quiet ride. And short, only 33 miles.
After a short stretch on US 41, we turned onto this delightful road, leaving traffic behind, and entered Terra Ceia Preserve State Park.
After about seven or eight miles of riding, we hit some rough patches. Temporary rough patches as they were repaving the road. But it was very rough! Fortunately, it was over after several miles.
Rough riding along Bayshore Drive but beautiful views of Terra Ceia Bay.
Shortly afterward, we entered West Palmetto, which still has some country about it, although we also went through some residential neighborhoods. Afterward, we crossed over to Snead Island and the Preserve.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a cable-stayed structure. I once met the man who managed the construction contract for the state of Florida (FDOT). He later became their chief engineer.
After the ride, we had a late lunch at Popi's (officially known as Popi's Place III . . . so there must be a I and II somewhere!). Good food and good company. I'm liking this rewiring. I could rewire every day!
