It was a Sunday afternoon in late January. I had read in the paper the week before that the NW 43rd Street extension the one connecting Millhopper to 441 had opened. I asked Jennifer if she wanted to go check it out on bike. Her affirmative answer had me out in the garage pumping up tires and getting the single bikes ready for a spin.
We pulled out of the driveway shortly thereafter. It sure is nice having those bike lanes. When I moved into the house (off 16th Blvd. near the old Publix), 43rd St. from 16th to 39th was being widened and was a mess. Now the bike lane that begins at 16th goes all the way to 441 (and by the end of the year will extend south to Newberry Road).
The computer reported we had gone two miles when we reached the Publix at Hunter s Crossing. Not too bad for sleeping in and getting to the Hunter s Crossing group ride start. Or getting out after work to go fall of the back of the homeboy group this spring.
Three miles later, we were at the new stop sign at 441. Don t you just love the feel of fresh pavement under your wheels? I do. It s almost a waste of a smooth riding bike. You could be comfy on this stuff on a Cannondale.
We turned left and two miles later found ourselves at the Suwannee Swifty in Hague. Take a right and then take another one at the east side of the UF dairy farm. The ten-mile point for the ride comes near the stop sign at the tee intersection. Turn left and then take another one at the next stop sign. Take this road back through Hague to 441 and then turn left to come home, retracing your path as you go.
The ride came out to be just over 21 miles driveway to driveway and took about an hour and a half this day. Hmmm, anyone else out in these parts want to go on a ride sometime?