The following is Scott Fais' weekly blog detailing discoveries made while traveling through Florida and along the road of life.
I'm not going to kid you. Our summer mornings are a little toasty, and afternoons are like an oven.
If you're up for a hot ride, leave the A/C in car behind and hit a hot path. You'll feel the burn in your legs, thighs and well, your buttocks.
Just east of New Port Richey, you'll discover the untouched flatlands of J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Free hiking and biking trails are the highlights here. Or bring your horse and ride it too.
Bring your comfortable shoes or your bike and plan to spend a few hours with Mother Nature.
There is ample parking and no admission fee.
Robin Felix with the Southwest Florida Water Management District joined me on this most excellent adventure. And I have to be honest -- I had a hard time keeping up with this weekend warrior who was preparing to ride across the state on her bike (special thanks to her husband for supplying my helmet and my buddy Craig for loaning his mountain bike).
We passed Florida scrub, pine forests, loads of palmetto bushes and some families on training wheels.
Robin says get here early, and you may spot deer, wild hogs and giant squirrels.
But let me warn you, there are serious bikers here.
When our "chase truck" was leading the way, riders from approaching from the opposite direction were quick to yell snide comments. In fact, one older man even stopped in the middle of the path as if he was challenging the driver to hit him.
But if you're a novice and just looking for a leisurely ride, don't get intimidated. Hit the path and get moving, and don't forget the helmet. They're required here. You’ll also want plenty of water and sunscreen.
Until next week, safe travels!
-SCOTT
Got a great place to visit on a Tankful? Drop Scott Fais a line atsfais@cfnews13.com. And send photos! He enjoys seeing the places you visited.