Robinson Preserve Bike Rides

Robinson Preserve has become a popular site for Anna Maria Island and Bradenton residents, along with island and area visitors. The multi-use trails and waterways are a great escape from the congestion and traffic of the beaches and shops.

One way to enjoy the preserve is to bike around the designated trails and take a few side spurs to the less-frequented views and outlooks. The main path is paved and smooth for walking and cycling, and are busier on weekends, but the unpaved paths are more interesting and quieter.

Starting from Holmes Beach, heading along Manatee Ave to the south entrance, and taking most of the available trails in the preserve, I measured a 15-mile  round trip. There are several ways to shorten or lengthen ride choices depending on your start point, and by repeating circuits or side spurs.

Some things to keep in  mind:

• Be courteous.
• Stay under 10 mph maximum speed, 5 mph or less near other people.
• Watch out for dogs on long leashes.
• Beware kids, walkers and joggers who don’t hear your approach, may be distracted, and move unpredictably.
• Slow way down when approaching curves and trail intersections.
• Beware oncoming Park Rangers’ utility carts that can take up most of the double-track path width.

On the northwest single-track, extra-high tides may encroach onto some parts of the trail. On hot days this tree-covered trail is refreshingly cooler. Watch out for tree roots and occasional low hanging limbs. The 1-mile roundtrip trail is hard-pack sand and usually damp, so that street tires are sufficient, but knobbies will provide more traction and agility. 40 inch gearing is more than adequate.  Update: This spur trail is now signposted “No Bikes Beyond This Point”. Complain to the Manatee Parks and Recreation Dept. for equal access and trail sharing! (941) 748-4501

To eliminate mixing cycling with cars and trucks, you can drive to the preserve entrance. Parking is available on the south side of Manatee Ave and access to the trail-head is under a bridge by a protected path that allows you to avoid crossing over the highway.

Nearby Neal Preserve, between the Anna Maria Island bridge and Robinson Preserve, opened April 9th, 2014, with a 1-mile trail but for foot traffic only.