This route showcases Tampa's newest paved, multi-use trail, the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, which has already become a favorite of many people! With your first vista from along the seawall right against the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay, to the tiered bridge with scenic look-outs, from the path between mangroves and palm trees, watching people and seabirds fishing, smelling the salt air and BBQ grills, the Causeway Trail will be a ride you will remember. Even long-time Tampa natives are impressed with the views, the scenery and the proximity to the Bay along this route.

On a clear day – and you do realize that Florida is known as The Sunshine State, right? – you can see long distances across Tampa Bay, including the Tampa International Airport control tower rising above the trees, downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg, Tropicanna Field where the Tampa Bay Rays play baseball, and even the world famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the distance to the south.

This route starts at Skyway Park, just west of the Airport, at 3901 George Rd, Tampa, FL 33634. You will want to park near the far right corner of Skyway Park, where the paved trail exits going south. Follow that trail around a few curves, until you get to where you will go south under the State Road 60 overpass. After the overpass, cross the service road, and make a quick right onto the sidewalk. This sidewalk will weave around the inner parts of Tampa Bay, and past some renowned restaurants and nightclubs. You will want to watch carefully at the few side street crossings, hotels and restaurants; this is a new trail and some motorists may not be expecting to see cyclists. After you pass an area where one hotel rents jetskis, you will find yourself at Tampa's Ben T. Davis Beach. This is a popular spot for beach-going, picnics, cook-outs, kayaking, sunning and swimming. There are public restrooms and water fountain here, along with lots of distractions!

Once you get to the official Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, you will see lots more people parked along the access road, fishing, sailing, boating and more. Others will be making good use of this wonderful and scenic Trail. There is a tiered bridge to allow large boats to make their way through to Upper Tampa Bay, and you will want to be sure to stop at the top to take a few photos. Personally, on my first solo trip on the CCC Trail, I couldn't resist the natural beauty and expansive views from the top of the bridge – this was the site of my first-ever "selfie."

Because this is an out-and-back route, you can ride this Trail for as far as you like, then head back. There is a turn-around when you get to the other side of Tampa Bay, and there are options to go north into the beautiful resort spa town of Safety Harbor, or connect to the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail which heads west towards the Pinellas Trail and famous Clearwater Beach. More about those options and others coming later in another route.

More resources

To check the weather before you head out, go to

http://www.visittampabay.com/unlock-tampa-bay/tampa-weather/ for seasonal conditions, or http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/courtney_campbell_causeway for up-to-the-hour details.

Important Reminders

Again, this is a very new trail, so be extra careful on the few crossings that are there, as motorists may not be expecting cyclists. As yet, the only drinking water on the Causeway Trail is at the main concession stand, near the restrooms. The concession stand at the public beach is not always open, so be sure to bring water and maybe a snack. But if you needed something, most of the people are very friendly and helpful. If you pick a nice weekend or especially a holiday to ride the Causeway Trail, expect to be surrounded by others enjoying this gem of Tampa-St Petersburg, and by lots of wonderful smells from smokers, grills and fryers. I was once invited to ride back by for what was smelling to be some wonderful BBQ, and I can't express how disappointed I was that my return didn't coincide with the time the ribs were finished!