Bike & Hike: Jiggs Landing, Johnson Preserve & Lunch at Linger Lodge

**Let's meet** in the parking lot at Summerfield Community Park **shortly before 08:00 AM** so we can leave on time. Our casual **bike ride** will lead through some of the oldest neighborhoods in and around **Lakewood Ranch to Jiggs Landing**. Total length will be 20 miles. On our way we will stop for a little **hike at the Johnson Preserve at Braden River (see picture)**. **Those who don't want to hike can wait for us at a shaded pavilion next to the Preserve entrance.** This oasis of nature was acquired by Manatee County in 2018. The Preserve is home to an amazing diversity of plants and animals not normally seen in similar suburban areas. It is a piece of ‘Old Florida” with mature live oaks, tall longleaf pines, important wetlands that store water preventing flooding, and imperiled swallowtail kites and gopher tortoises. The land’s riverfront and floodplain forests are part of a corridor linking natural habitat along the Braden River, the City of Bradenton’s source of drinking water. **The hike will be short but scenic**. Total distance will be **about 2 miles** and it will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Once we are at **Jiggs Landing** we might enjoy the scenery for a little while. The convenience store sells coffee, tea and other drinks as well as food. We will head back a slightly different way and **stop at [Linger Lodge](https://www.lingerlodge.com/restaurant-home) for** **lunch at 11:30 AM** before we head back to the parking lot. Linger Lodge is a traditional Floridian restaurant where roadkill and gator bites might still be part of the menu😋. Tables will be on the screened patio surrounded by lush, tropical landscape. Remember that we will have to make a reservation, so please let us know if you would like to join us. This will be a social event and no race. Please do not schedule anything right after as it might take longer than expected. We will ride on paved roads and on sidewalks when the road is too narrow. Average speed will be 10 - 12 mph. Please bring sufficient water, don't forget to wear sunscreen and check your bikes before the ride. Bike lock would be great! As always, if you need directions or have any other questions, you can contact us at (917) 774-0941