Forgotten Coast

You won't forget cycling past long stretches of Gulf of Mexico waters that glitter so blue in the Florida sunshine it will make your heart flutter.Y

ou will always remember strolling down the main drag of Apalachicola, storied oyster capital of America that has transformed itself into an eclectic village of art galleries, fine restaurants, museums and curiosity shops - which also happens to produce the nation's finest oysters.You'll not forget that moment you stare down into the crystalline clear, constant 72 degree waters of Wakulla Springs and perhaps glimpse gentle manatees at play - and then lift your eyes and notice that giant gator dozing in the afternoon sun on the far bank.

For a truly unforgettable experience cycle among the dunes of St. George Island State park to a place where you can get out of your spandex and into a bathing suit (fear not, we'll meet you there with your change of duds). Then cross a boardwalk to a white sand beach that will knock your socks off (if you're still wearing socks by then).

Nor will you forget rounding the bend on Cape San Blas, where a dedicated bike trail will lead you down a long, skinny peninsula to an end-of-ride ceremony on a desolate spit of sand that conquistadors, pirates and rum runners once called their own.

We at Bike Florida have already fallen in love with the Forgotten Coast. It remains one of Florida's least developed stretches of seashore. We love its quirky history and cracker culture. We're partial to the tacky, party-down feel of tiny St. Marks, and the old Florida aura of Port St. Joe (birthplace of the state's first state constitution, and theyíve got a museum to prove it) and the tasty seafood of Panacea and scenic bayside Carabelle, which boasts of having the world's smallest police station.

We think you will love it too. And we know you won't forget it.