If you enjoy travel, football, and cycling, we have got an idea for the trip of a lifetime. There are cyclists who watch football and would probably love to pedal their way to a Super Bowl.
Americans love the Super Bowl. It could be argued that some NFL fans live for the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest day in American sports. It’s also the biggest sports betting day in the USA. The American Gaming Association estimated that $6 billion was wagered on the NFL super bowl odds in 2019.
To avid cyclists, the Super Bowl is known as the Tour de France of American football. Yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.
And let’s be honest here. There are cyclists who watch football and would probably love to pedal their way to a Super Bowl.
If you enjoy travel, football and cycling, we have got an idea for the trip of a lifetime. It’s a big year for the city of Tampa Bay, Fla. The Tampa Bay Lightning just won the Stanley Cup as champions of the NHL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed legendary quarterback Tom Brady in the offseason and are currently leading the NFC South Division.
Brady has won more regular-season (222), playoff (30) and Super Bowl games (six) than any QB in NFL history. But you know what he’s never done? Led his team to the Super Bowl in their hometown stadium.
No QB has. In the 54 previous Super Bowls, no team has ever reached the game when it’s been played in their home stadium. This year, Super Bowl 55 is slated for Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Brady, 43, could add another first to his legacy of achievements. And you could be there to witness it – as well as enjoying the many excellent bike paths that traverse their way through the Tampa Bay area.
In recent years, the city has invested a lot of municipal funds into creating a world-class collection of bike trails. Do you like city rides? Are you more likely to find a long, peaceful journey along a quiet country trail to be suitable?
No worries. Tampa Bay has both areas covered.
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The Tampa Riverwalk
Cutting through the heart of the city and hugging the Hillsborough River, this 2.6-mile trail combines the freedom of a bicycle ride with the soothing flow of water. Take a break along the river and watch the dolphins and manatees darting across the water’s edge.
There’s plenty of other popular destinations to check out along the route, from the Florida Aquarium to the Glazer Children’s Museum and Amalie Arena, home to the Cup champion Lightning.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants to grab a bite and parks where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. This is a popular choice for both walkers and bikers, so don’t be in a hurry. The Riverwalk is designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Bayshore Boulevard
Billed as the longest sidewalk in the world, Bayshore Boulevard offers 4.5 miles of unobstructed pathway. You’re far enough away from the road that there’s no cause for concern regarding the nearby cars. And since the boulevard is equipped with a dedicated bike lane, pedestrian traffic also isn’t an issue.
Check out some of the finest homes in the Tampa area as you wind your way back toward the downtown area. The Bayshore Boulevard also hooks up with the Riverwalk, so it’s possible to combine the two into one long ride.
Pinellas Trail
Clocking in at 38.2 miles in length, tackling the entirety of the Pinellas Trail in one fell swoop will prove a daunting task. It travels a southern route from Tarpon Springs into St. Petersburg. It also passes through such areas as Dunedin and Palm Harbor. Be sure to pack a towel. There is some stunning beachfront along the route.
Courtney Campbell Trail
Those cyclists in need of being challenged will find this route to their liking. The 11-mile course starts out by traversing the waterway bridge that connects Tampa to Clearwater. Riding across open water, the wind can prove to be a demanding foe. At one point the bridge throws a 45-foot climb in front of the riders who dare to tangle with its expanse.
So why not combine a great American vacation spot with the great American game and bring your bicycle along to explore the city? You never know who you might cross paths with on the bike paths. Brady and his wife, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, have been known to get their pedal on.
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