Outdoor Activities - Miami and the Keys - page 444

If you're interested in agro-tourism, check out the Redland Trail ( www.redlandtrail.com ) .
This 'trail' (more of an itinerary) is a collection of some of the weirder roadside attractions,
locally sourced dining and general quirkiness of the outdoors in southern Dade County -
essentially anything from the entrance to Everglades National Park to South Miami.
Cycling
Florida is generally too flat for mountain biking (there are exceptions), but there are plenty
of off-road opportunities, along with hundreds of miles of paved trails for those who prefer
to keep their ride clean. As with hiking, avoid cycling in summer, unless you like getting
hot and sweaty.
Cruiser bikes and city bikes are great here. If you're Dutch, a classic oma bicycle would
be perfect for Miami Beach and Key West. In fact, folks from the Netherlands will find,
topographically at least, the cycling conditions here are close to that of their below-sea-
level home; just throw in a lot more sunshine and a lot fewer bike lanes. Miami Beach op-
erates a bike-share program and bicycles are easy to rent in Key West, so there's really no
excuse not to get on two wheels. Our favorite cycling spots in South Florida follow.
In Miami, the Promenade, which fronts Ocean Drive, is an excellent ride for those who
want to take in Miami Beach and get a little exercise in while they're at it. Unfortunately,
the Promenade does not extend all the way up the beach. Be careful riding on Collins Av-
enue as it extends further north; that road is the only major artery running north-south, and
people tend to speed on it. Oleta River State Park offers four miles of novice, three miles
of paved and 10 miles of mountain-biking trail.
Cycling is a very popular means of seeing the Everglades; just make sure you wear
bright clothing and measure your distances so you don't accidentally find yourself on a
lonely park road after the sun sets (it wouldn't be dangerous, but it'd probably be pretty un-
nerving). An easy ride along Shark Valley's paved asphalt track takes in plenty of wildlife.
In the Keys, cycling is perhaps the most logical way of exploring Key West. Those
seeking a challenging, rewarding ride should consider the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage
Trail , which mirrors the Keys Highway for more than 70 noncontiguous miles.