The Loop - My First Ride
I've lived in this area for several years now and have been coming to the area for over 30 years. But, I've never ventured to "The Loop." Today was my first. What a beautiful day it was. The weather was gorgeous - bright sunshine, warm temperatures and a cool breeze. My husband and I have friends that come down every year for Biketoberfest and they were looking for a nice ride. Because of work commitments we are not always able to spend time with them during the day. And my definition of a nice ride is not exactly the same as their's. Some of the group have actually ridden their bikes to Florida from Virginia and New York. More than an hour on the back of Mike's Texas Chopper and I'm walking like a bow legged cowboy!
The Loop is a scenic route first up through coastal Ormond Beach. You can go the shadier route on John Anderson Drive but we opted to stay along the Atlantic Ocean. Then over the Halifax River on Highbridge Rd. to the mainland and through Bulow Creek State Park. The temperature change while riding under the oak canopy is a welcome relief on a hot day. There are plenty of twists and turns to even keep the sport riders happy. The full circle is just over 20 miles.
After a stop for a cool drink at Pub 44 on the Intracoastal in Daytona Beach, the group was ready to ride some more. We headed back over to the mainland, down Beach St. and over to the west side of town. We drove down Tomoka Farms Rd. to Route 44 and then came back through Venetian Bay in New Smyrna Beach. The day was absolutely perfect - the weather, the roads, the company. We topped it off with a great Japanese Hibachi meal at Chi Ling in Port Orange.
I'd love to hear of some more suggestions about favorite rides you've taken.