Setting Off
Start morning one at the shoreline of Fort DeSoto Park, on the Gulf side near St. Petersburg. The loaded bike feels heavy; you know you are committing to a long journey. After a quick photo at the beach, you roll north and then east out of the park, into the early light, anticipating singletrack, sand, paved connectors, forest roads, and more.
The first several miles are gentle pavement and bike path, allowing you to compartmentalize gear, check bags, adjust tire pressure, and settle into the rhythm. The route description for The Spanish reminds riders that it is a patchwork quilt of singletrack, forest roads, double track, grassy track, bike paths, and paved roads
Day 1: West Coast to Tarpon Springs
By midday you hit the trail system that leads toward Tarpon Springs, a charming coastal town with a Greek heritage.
In Tarpon Springs you pause at the downtown shops: natural sponges, Greek imports, cafés. According to visitor info, the downtown is lined with specialty stores and boutiques. Visit Florida
Stop at one of the small markets or grocery stores to top off snacks, water, and maybe pick up some fresh fruit for late afternoon fuel. After the break you mount up and head inland. Evening finds you in a campground or dispersed spot at the forest edge, listening to crickets.
Day 2: Into the Interior & Remote Forest Roads
You wake to dew on the tent, maybe fog in the pines. The trail begins to leave the coastal suburbs behind and enters long stretches of forest roads and double track. Sand and root-covered paths require patience. One rider described this section of The Spanish as “loose and challenging to ride … pushed a big gear through the loose sand.” toonecycling.com
By mid-afternoon you pass through a small convenience store in the interior — let’s say somewhere near Homosassa Springs. For example, you stopped at Strickland’s Convenient Store, Homosassa: a quick refuel point (cold drink, chips, maybe a sandwich).
Day 3: Long Day, Reaching Civilization
Today is a long day: you traverse more remote terrain, patches of sand, rooty singletrack, and some paved connectors. By late afternoon you approach yet another resupply point: in the town of Tarpon Springs earlier and now you reach something different. Let’s mark the stop at Ace Hardware – Homosassa (3600 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa). While not a food store it offers unexpected gear — you replaced a stripped bolt on your rack and picked up an extra bungee strap.
After the gear fix you have one more push into evening and camp near the state forest edge. The wildness deepens. You reflect on how Florida is deceptively demanding: elevation may be low, but sand and roots beat you up.
Day 4: The Home Stretch to the Atlantic
You rise early, break camp, pack lightly for the final stretch. Leg muscles are tired, but mind is focused on the finish. You cross into the eastern side of the state, track beside rivers, glades, and eventually urban fringe. You roll into St. Augustine near dusk and arrive at the historic location by the old fort, the Atlantic waves touching shore.
You lock the bike, walk to the water’s edge, feel the salt spray, and take the ceremonial finish photo. You’re exhausted, exhilarated, sunburned in patches, legs sore, but filled with satisfaction.