Jacksonville Riverside Ride in the Sunshine

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Jacksonville, FL, US

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Route Overview

Russell Barrans

Live with Passion

24 mi.

278 ft.

Nice ride along the river (especially for those who don't know about the beauty of Jacksonville Florida) with much of it newly paved, through parks and along the bike path on the river. The ride through the old residential area by the Yacht Club provides a relaxing ride and many photo opportunities. The trip back to Jacksonville Landing provides the chance to take a break at the end of the ride and enjoy a cold drink before the short ride back to your vehicle.

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Route Details

The nice part of this ride is that it is typically easy to find parking (free) at @slice[May Street and Port Street](d,18.1,440.81) and this leaves your car near where you want to end without fighting the tourist for paid parking.

You will start down Riverside Street and then make your way to St John's Avenue.  There are not designated bike lanes, but bikes can ride in the road and cars are generally very respectful of cyclist and the speed in this area is typically not fast.

As you make your way down St John's Avenue, you'll come to the @poi[Shoppes at Avondale](3193376).  It is early in your ride, but if you want to make this a lunch or breakfast stop before your ride, there are a multitude of restaurants here.  There is also a @poi[bike shop](3193377) if you need anything quickly or if you want to rent a bike and start from this location.

As you progress through the route you will come to one of the places that you should use caution.  Where @point[St John's Avenue and Herschel Street](d,4849.7) intersect it can be busy and there are several streets coming together.  Stay in the right lane as both lanes turn.

After you turn on San Juan Drive you get to enjoy some great scenery and if you want to stop for photos there are many places that you can stop. The side trip to the @slice[Yacht Club](d,10551.57,10599.05) isn't necessary, but it is short and the houses and scenery are worth the little side trip.  On your way back after you cross the @poi[Ortega Bridge](3193379) you will be told to turn right on @slice[Woodmere Drive](d,20071.46,20130.2).  You'll notice it is a one-way going the opposite direction.  Don't worry, this is only for one block before it goes to a standard two-way street, it is an easier cut through than going around.

The return trip back takes the scenic route and criss-crosses over main street to stay off the primary roads and to enjoy the old residential area of Jacksonville.
Once you get back downtown I advise taking the bike/walking path along the river.  There is a tricky little section when you are told to turn right on @point[Peninsular Place](d,27747.63).  It is a one way and the ramp to the freeway.  You actually need to turn on the bike path next to the street and it will take you down to the river.

After you follow the bike path around the river to @poi[Jacksonville Landing](3193380), you will deserve to take an hour or more and sit along the river and enjoy a cold drink and lunch or dinner.  There are sometimes bands playing on the weekends if you want to sit in the plaza and listen.

* [Shoppes at Avondale](http://shoppesofavondale.com/)
* [Open Road Bicycles](http://www.openroadbicycles.com/)
* [Jacksonville Yacht Club](http://www.thefloridayachtclub.org/)
* [Jacksonville Landing](http://www.jacksonvillelanding.com/)

# Important Reminders

You can ride this as quickly as you want (Florida has no hills) or take your time and make a day of it.  It is generally very safe as bicyclist are respected, yet I always have safety lights on front and back of my bike no matter when I'm riding.

## Not A Paid Endorsement!

*I recently purchased the [Lumos helmet](https://lumoshelmet.co/) and I think it is the best safety equipment I have ever bought.  I can't tell you how many times I am stopped and asked about this helmet.*

Jacksonville Riverside Ride in the Sunshine

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Russell Barrans

Hawthorne to Gainesville via Gainesville Hawthorne Trail

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