My husband Paul and I bicycled the scenic West Orange Trail yesterday. It’s part of the “Rails to Trails program” that converted abandoned rail beds into hiking and biking trails. These trails provide a healthy way to glimpse a little of Florida, whether you have a passion for biking, running, or rollerblading, or even if you only a fancy a relaxing walk.

You can rent equipment (or buy it) at Killarney Station http://www.orlandobikerental.com/ . From Killarney, you can roll west, challenging yourself with the hills between there and the shores of Lake Minneola in Clermont, or, you can roll east instead, into Apopka.

Another option is heading north, to the shady, quiet and classy Clarcona Equestrian Center.  This popular showground usually has some type of horse event going on each weekend. The kids can scream around the Midget Race Track if they get bored with the horses (unfortunately, you have to be six to sixteen years old, so I wasn’t allowed to try it).

We usually include historic Winter Garden in our treks. It’s about 5 miles east of Killarney Station. I’ve included pictures of the giant Christmas tree there, with kids laughing softly around it, and of Downtown Brown’s, this cool little café where we enjoy lunch lots of times. (If you feel like you’ve worked off enough calories when YOU get there, you might even indulge in one of their hand-dipped ice cream cones or one of their other decadent treats.)

I picked up some information on upcoming events while out on the ride yesterday, at Tri and Run, a shop in Winter Garden that caters to – how did you guess?—triathletes.

If you like to run: Check out the Florida Marathon on December 29^th. They also offer a half marathon and a 5K run, so there’s something for everyone. Usantc.com

If you like to bike: The Florida Freewheelers are holding their 28^th annual Bicycle Safari, which runs from April 19^th-24^th (and it has a 3 day option, too). This springtime cycling adventure features 6 days of supported rides, offering different routes with several mileage options.

And check out my new wheels! After I rode the “Horrible Hundred,” my husband and I splurged and bought each other bikes. My new bike is so light I can throw her over my head. (Paul tells me I’m lame, naming all my gliders and bikes and toys and referring to them as “him or “her”) I love her. She is baby blue and white. Sigh. I haven’t figured out a name for her yet, though. Any ideas?