Tamiami Trail "Triathlon"

Get out and explore YOUR national park and preserve! The Tamiami Trail "Triathlon" encourages individuals and families to get out of their cars and explore areas within easy access of the Tamiami Trail. Participants bike the 15 mile loop road from the Shark Valley Visitor Center; hike a 3 mile loop trail from the Oasis Visitor Center; and, canoe or kayak a 3.5 mile route from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City.

Join us for the inaugural "kick-off" of the event on Saturday January 19, when there will be informational booths about the challenge at each of the event venues. There will also be a park ranger leading all three legs of the "triathlon" that day.

• For the bicycle tour at Shark Valley at 9 am, please call
  305-221-8776 for reservations.
• For the canoe trip to Sandfly Island starting at 10 am, please call 239-695-3311 for reservations.
• For the hike at Oasis Visitor Center at 9 am, please call
  239-695-1201 for reservations.

Remember, the triathlon challenge will be available for visitors to take part in on their own at any time of the year.

The Tamiami Trail "Triathlon" is a cooperative program between Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, and generously supported through support by the South Florida National Parks Trust.

When the Tamiami Trail was completed in 1928, it was the first east/west route ever created across the Everglades of south Florida. As the first cars rumbled across the peninsula from Everglades City to Miami they would travel at the break neck speed of 35 mph. Today, people are traveling much faster, and seldom take the time to get far from their car or the road.

By taking part in the Tamiami Trail "Triathlon" participants will have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of the Everglades/Big Cypress region of southwest Florida. Many will be surprised to find how quickly you can leave the hustle and bustle of our daily lives behind just a few yards from the road.

The triathlon is something that anyone can take part in at any time of the year. Annually, Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve will work cooperatively to conduct an event to highlight the triathlon challenge. On January 19, 2013, Big Cypress and Everglades will kick-off the triathlon with informational booths at each of the event venues.

Participants in the triathlon will receive an informational guide that will provide details to look for while taking part in each activity. After completing each activity, participants will have to answer a question related to observations made along the way. Once all three triathlon events are completed participants will receive a prize for the completion of the entire "triathlon."

Good luck - get outside - enjoy yourself.

Tamiami Trail "Triathlon" Site Specific Details

BIKE
The biking leg of the triathlon is offered at the Shark Valley Visitor Center in Everglades National Park. Individuals may bring their own bikes; limited rentals are available on-site as well. There is an entrance fee for the Shark Valley area during operational hours.

To review the route using Google Earth click here. For those with a Garmin GPS you can get the track log for the route by clicking here.

HIKE
The hiking portion originates from the Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve. There is no entrance fee associated with this area. However, participants must complete a backcountry permit to access the backcountry within the Preserve. Hikers should be aware that they may be walking in wet or muddy conditions, and should bring a change of shoes, socks and pants for after their adventure. It is highly recommended to wear lightweight pants in the swamp rather than shorts. During certain times of the year (the summer rainy season) triathlon participants may be walking in water about knee (20 - 30 inches) deep. A walking stick is always a good idea while hiking in the swamp. Work with visitor center staff on permits, trail conditions and to get other details about the hike. For more on swamp walking click here.

To review the route using Google Earth click here. For those with a Garmin GPS you can get the track log for the route by clicking here.

CANOE OR KAYAK
To complete the canoe/kayak leg of the triathlon participants will start from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center located in Everglades City. Check in at the visitor center to get maps, directions, and up to date tide and weather information. Paddlers should wear closed toed shoes to protect their feet from cuts on oysters, rocks, and shells. Sun protection and extra water are recommended as well as insect repellant in the spring, summer, and fall. Participants may bring their own equipment, rent equipment at the visitor center or from other vendors within Everglades City. There is no entrance fee associated with the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

To review the route using Google Earth click here. For those with a Garmin GPS you can get the track log for the route by clicking here.

General Safety Considerations

Click here for a guide to "Playing it Safe" while exploring in backcountry areas of south Florida. Be sure to check weather conditions before going into the woods and be sure to dress appropriately. Each participant should be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. Bringing a hat and mosquito repellent are a good idea as well, though you may not encounter bugs during certain times of the year.

Cell phone coverage is spotty, and you should not rely on them alone. Be sure to let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you are expected to return. Advise them that if they do not hear from you within a reasonable time from your pre-arranged plans to contact Park Dispatch at - 800-788-0511.

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