The fifth annual Friends of The Legacy Trail (FLT) Tour de Parks Fun Ride was a rousing success, hosting an event record 635 riders on their choice of three routes all departing from the historic Venice Train Depot. The cyclists started their day with a continental breakfast courtesy of long time sponsor First Watch restaurant before departing on their 15, 37, or 62 mile rides.

True to its name, the Tour de Parks showcased many of Sarasota County’s wonderful parks, from the 15 mile route traveling through seven parks along The Legacy Trail to the 62 mile ride exploring more than forty parks.  All routes included rest stops along the way with refreshments sponsored by Doctor’s Hospital. Riders returned to the train depot for their choice of a pulled pork or chicken catered lunch.

FLT’s largest annual fund raising event, the Tour de Parks generated $16,000 toward the campaign to extend The Legacy Trail from its current end in Palmer Ranch north 8.6 miles to Payne Park in downtown Sarasota.  We appreciate all of our sponsors and vendors, the Sarasota County Sherriff’s Office, the dozens of volunteers staffing the event, our parent organization the Friends of Sarasota County Parks and especially our hosting partner Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. To make a tax deductible contribution to the Trail Extension campaign please visit GulfCoast Gives.org[clearboth]
For more information on the Tour de Parks and a slideshow of this year’s event click here.