Route

The Lake Jackson Loop, just shy of 10 miles, circumnavigates Lake Jackson with a mix of sidewalks, multiuse trail and road. There are numerous points of interest for riders of all ages. This is the perfect route for beginners and novices, who want to push through old limits and even the experienced road cyclists can make this a challenge by flying through their own individual time trial. Parking is ample behind Legacy Bicycles during the week and on weekends; cyclists are encouraged to use the law office parking lot (with full permission for the owners). Free parking abounds in Downtown Sebring.

Probably the most dangerous part of this route is leaving from Legacy because there are a few intersections to cross.

We recommend this route be ridden clockwise but going couter-clockwise is perfectly fine especially if you want a change in scenery. Leaving Legacy you'll turn left onto South Ridgewood Drive and a quarter mile later, it merges with Lakeview Drive. Traffic coming from your right have right of way in the outside lane, and traffic in your lane has right of way on the inside.

The mile or so to US 27 can be busy during typical rush hour hours and during school, but there's a paved sidewalk that is a designated as a multiuse path if you choose not to ride alongside traffic.

When you approach US 27 (this whole ride you will keep Lake Jackson to your right) you have the option to ride in the 8-foot derbis-filled shoulder or get onto the multiuse path. We recommend the latter as US 27 is full of fast traffic.

After about three miles on US 27, Lakeview Drive starts at the northside, where there's a GATE Station convenience store. There's also a Tex-Mex restaurant, Don Jose, a few hundred feet further north on the right.

Moving on from the restaurant the route becomes more scenic as you roll through lake front homes and away from the noise of US 27. Veterans Beach is your next potential stop, where the local bike club, Highlands Pedalers, recently installed a bike repair stand with tools and air for your use at no cost. Veterans Beach is Lake Jackson's only boat ramp; and is a popular spot for picnicing, swimming, grilling, playing and people watching. Restrooms, ample parking and a waterfront are available. There's a reservable pavillion and a water fountain here, but not consessions.

Moving on, you'll hit the north side of the lake as you round the cove. Edgewater Point, at Mile 7.4, has a water fountain. It's at the point where the road is curving left and you're climbing up a slight incline. A half-mile past Edgewater Point is Hidden Beach. It downhill from the road/bike path/sidewalk and has no facilities other than sand and water.

With Just a 1.5 miles to go, enjoy the homes and businesses along the route until you return Downtown.

Downtown

Downtown Sebring boasts modest museums, a little theater, an artist village, historical society and government library all clustered around City Pier. Great for sunset pictures, all-day swimming, grilling or just lounging.

In town there are several options for eating and shopping. Most places are open weekends but call to confirm. Our favorites include: Sirianno's Soup & Sandwhich Shop, Sandy's Circle Cafe (formerlly the Cat House), Lazy Dog Bar & Grill, McClain's Country Garden Cafe, Mae Lee's International Deli, Dee's Diner, La Hacienda and a small Mexican joint directly across from the police station on North Ridgewood Drive.

For dessert, there' Sebring Soda and Ice Cream Works a half-minute walk from Legacy Bicycles.