By workman on March 27, 2008
The Venetian Waterway Trail is on both sides of the waterway, but the only connection point is across the Circus Bridge (or the dangereous Venice Ave. bridge). The trail ends just north of the Venice Ave. bridge, at the Venice Train Station and connects to the Lagacy (Rail) Trail. It is 10 1/2 miles long and is beautiful but still has three breaks in it. The first is a small creek just beyond the Depot. The trail also will cross two bays, on it's way north. From Laurel Road north, the trail is unbroken to it's end point (no road access) about 3/4 mile south of Clark Road. There are probably about 6 unbroken miles on the trail's north end. The grand opening (even though the trail still has 3 breaks) was March 28, though the contractor may not be completely done. The three bridges needed, will require 5 million dollars in the future. The former railroad crossing gates and lights, are now positioned across the trail, as beautiful historical artifacts and the shelters that the county has built along the trail are beautiful with tile roofs, like south Florida houses. This trail needs a seperate listing on the Rail-Trail list, as it carries a seperate name.
By janhodge on March 06, 2008
We rode the trail starting just behind the Chamber of Commerce. We were told not to worry about where we parked as it is a 'safe' community. It seemed to be so. We rode South about 5 miles into a stiff wind and then to a beach from the trail....still off road and paved. We found people finding shark's teeth. We didn't find any but had a nice beach walk. Then we rode back to the bridge that would take us across to the other side. We rode south again and again into the wind, then we rode back north on that side of the waterway. We would add that we enjoyed the ride north with the stiff wind at our backs. Then we crossed over a "walk your bike" bridge and then headed back to where we parked. As soon as we got away from the waterway it was not so windy. Check the wind as you want to ride INTO the wind at the start and not the end of a ride. It was a nice ride, some of it nicer than other parts and much had no homes or businesses. We thank this community for the nice job.