The Intracoastal Waterway was created in the 1960s, making downtown Venice into an island. Having been proposed in the 1940s, it was an idea slow to catch on. It was embraced by Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) and now boasts fabulous bike paths on both island and mainland sides. We will ride both sides and over 2 of the bridges that connect the two. It's possible you'll see endangered Gopher Tortoises, bald eagles and other large birds, maybe even a manatee or dolphin. We'll be riding over KMI and Circus Bridge and if we're lucky, one or both will open while we wait. We roll near Venice Airport and under a lot of small planes taking off and landing. Certain days you may be able to catch a glimpse of the trapeze artists practicing their craft.