A Quick Thought On Bikes

I took up cycling just to try it out. Hoping it would allow me to exercise without dreading every minute of it. I had no idea it would change my view on the bike community. Hell, I didn't even know there was a bike community to be a part of. I never biked before, as a child I had my first bike but I never got into it. I am so happy to give have given them a second chance. Zipping through my neighborhood is an amazing feeling. I feel one with my bike and with the road, grass, dirt, you name it. My bike is on my mind the whole day and I'm always looking for an excuse to ride. I prefer bikes now over any other form of transportation. Again, I am amazed at how much my point of view has changed regarding bikes.

Plantation Central park

Another nice park with a small hill and paved path around a lake...just beware of joggers!

View Vista Park - Griffin Road, Broward, FL

           View Vista Park may be entered via a very friendly bike lane or by car (boo!!). The park has an entrance fee of $1.50 per person when entering by car (boo!!) on weekends and holidays. As you enter the park, you immediately see how wide and open it is. The grass and paved areas are kept very clean and neat as well as several shelters, although, the eye is always drawn to the massive hill sitting in the center of the park.

As you ride in or unload your bike from your car (boo!!), you meet two ways to get around: a paved walk/cycling trail and a regular two way street for cars (boo!!). The walking/cycling trail is loads of fun as it winds and intersects at several locations. The trail also connects to the bike lane outside of the park for easy in and out while on your bike (yay!!). On one side of the trail, there are forks that lead to small docks overlooking a small lake on the base of the hill.

Finally, the trail leads to an off road horse trail that spirals up the hill. This primitive trail contains small rocks, dirt, mulch, and a very skinny paved way for roadies. Being a super novice, it took me a few minutes and a break to get all the way to the top. The top, however, was worth every heavy breath. To the West, a beautiful view of some of Weston's premier residences, Cleveland Clinic Hospital and several other buildings shielded by greenery. To the East, there is a whole other park resting on the hill. A parking lot, several picnic tables, and a grassy field perfect for play or sport take up the space. Riding on top of the hill is only so fun until you reach the downhill road on the other side. Here, your speed will quickly climb but beware; there is a stop sign and a fork at the bottom.