ORLANDO, Fla. — I never quite know when the opportunity will arise to check another item off my Florida bucket list.

When the invite came to cycle across the Sunshine State I jumped at the opportunity.

After my epic eight-day kayaking odyssey on the St. Johns River and a multiday trek on the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail last year, my insatiable itch for adventure needed to be scratched again.

Kevin Bolton, 36, a friend who works at Adventure Cycling in Winter Springs, texted me around Thanksgiving with the invite to embark on a self-supported ride coast to coast joined by bike mechanic Ben Chalone, 27, who designed the route.

Over several days and 270 miles, we pedaled from St. Pete Beach to Ormond Beach, navigating our way through lush greenery of the Nature Coast and over the ancient sand dunes of Ocala National Forest.

From right, Kevin Bolton, Ben Chalone and Patrick Connolly stand for a group photo at Upham Beach Park in St. Pete Beach before beginning a bike ride across Florida on Feb. 15, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

Other than a weeklong bikepacking journey in 2014 from my hometown of Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., my cycling experiences have been limited to day trips.

Though there is a paved path from coast to coast, this route was set to take us along dirt trails — meaning I would have to outfit my full-suspension mountain bike with bags for camping gear and clothes.

I accomplished this by borrowing equipment from bikepacking enthusiast J.C. Mazza, who works at Kyle’s Bike Shop in Orlando. In addition to securing gear, my cycling legs needed some waking up before attempting this feat. As days counted down to our Feb. 15 departure, I tried to wrestle myself into biking shape by going on rides four days in a row, mostly around 20-25 miles each.

We aimed for a 5:30 a.m. start on that Saturday when we began our journey. A busy week left me no time to sleep on the night before what was supposed to be a 100-mile day.

Day 1: My first century

On the trail: 5:35 a.m.

Set up camp: 5:45 p.m.

Weather: High 83, low 71; mostly sunny and breezy

Mileage: 101

Memorable moment: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, Spirit Tree

Best snack: BBQ brisket sandwich

Biggest gripe: Suncoast Trail

I don’t know where I’d be without energy drinks and the stubborn persistence it took to drag my tired self to Upham Beach Park in St. Pete Beach for a pre-dawn start. I also owe major kudos to my girlfriend, Karissa, for agreeing to shuttle me there in the middle of the night.

By the light of flashlights, our significant others snapped photos of us looking groggy but determined with the width of Florida in front of us to conquer. To officially mark our start, we wheeled our bikes across the sand to touch the Gulf with our tires.

The first stretch of day one sent us north on the paved Pinellas Trail, which brought countless road crossings on covered bridges requiring us to muscle our way to the top then speed down.

As the sun rose high in the sky, we found a break from heat as we pedaled through Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park — more than 8,300 acres with plenty of shade. The natural scenery took us away from urban centers and blessed us with full immersion in pine flatwoods.

The next chapter of our day tested us as we battled midday heat on the Suncoast Trail with cars flying past — just a fence separating us from Suncoast Parkway.

The Spirit Tree makes for a welcome break spot with wind chimes that pay tribute to lost loved ones during a bike ride across Florida on Feb. 15, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

As we cycled on, we stopped for a respite under shade from a magnificent live oak named the Spirit Tree. Its wide branches were adorned with hundreds of ornaments and wind chimes, many of which seemed to pay tribute to lost loved ones.

During a long break in Brooksville, we found an answer to our voracious appetites at Florida Cracker Cook Shack. The down-home establishment specialized in brisket sandwiches, which we devoured before sprawling out in the restaurant’s grassy backyard. If we had spent anymore time there we would have fallen asleep.

After a gas station resupply, we cruised downhill and onto Good Neighbor Trail, which took us on a 10-mile ride to Withlacoochee State Forest and our impromptu campsite for the night.

We were exhausted as we navigated dirt trails at the end of a more than eight-hour ride but jubilant as we crossed over the 100-mile mark, marking my first century and longest ride ever.

Kevin Bolton pauses to take in natural scenery during a bike ride across Florida on Feb. 17, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

Day 2: Rain on our parade

On the trail: 9 a.m.

Set up camp: 7:45 p.m.

Weather: High 80, low 46; partly cloudy with a brief downpour

Mileage: 60

Memorable moment: Biking through a rainstorm

Best snack: Wings and pizza

Biggest gripe: Feeling cold and wet, tire trouble

After an incredibly long haul on day one, we felt like we had earned the right to have a leisurely start to our second day. We had “only” 60 miles to make that day, but time was still of the essence.

Around 9 a.m. we departed camp after enjoying coffee warmed by Ben’s small wood-burning stove. Our first miles of the day found us navigating twists and turns of the Croom mountain bike trail system.

A mostly sunny morning on the paved Withlacoochee State Trail gave way to gray clouds. Our group was all too aware of the approaching rainstorm, but we couldn’t quite time our pace to find shelter before we got caught in the weather’s crosshairs. We were stuck on a 10-mile stretch of roadway with cars buzzing past a few feet away.

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As rain beat down on us and sent water splashing up from our tires, I tasted the salt dripping down my previously sweaty face.

To add a little extra drama to our already-adventurous circumstances, an RV narrowly missed sideswiping our group.

We longed for the paved trail and sunny skies that blessed us earlier that day but secretly enjoyed this midday plot twist. It kept things interesting, after all.

As we rolled into Ross Prairie Campground, the temperature had dropped almost 15 degrees, leaving us shivering as we looked for cover from rain and lightning.

As soon as the rain subsided we pedaled onto the Cross Florida Greenway Trail, a beautiful stretch of pavement with rolling hills and incredible scenery. This area was once at risk of becoming the Cross Florida Barge Canal, but was instead transformed into a world-class trail system and public green space stretching 110 miles — from the Gulf Coast near Dunnellon to the St. Johns River near Palatka.

Several miles in I couldn’t help but notice a strange bump with each wheel rotation. As we stopped to inspect, Ben located a bubble in my worn-out rear tire.

I called the Santos Bike Shop, which was about to close, and arranged to have them leave a new tire outside the shop so we could fetch it. That turned a tricky afternoon into a solvable situation.

An immaculate dinner option presented itself as we discovered Zella’s Pizzeria & Italian near the bike shop. It felt as if we couldn’t down enough calories to replenish what our bodies spent that day, but we sure tried with greasy garlic- Parmesan wings, pepperoni rolls and chicken bacon ranch pizza.

A pizza restaurant in Ocala provides necessary sustenance during a bike ride across Florida on Feb. 16, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

After finding a quiet spot in the woods to pitch our tents for the night and building a small fire to dry our damp shoes, Kevin reflected on his company.

“I am thankful to be doing this trip with an outdoorsman like Patrick and a cycling purist like Ben,” he said.

Day 3: Into the wilderness

On the trail: 8:30 a.m.

Set up camp: 7:45 p.m.

Weather: High 68, low 48; mostly sunny and mild

Mileage: 62

Memorable moment: Scrub-jay sightings

Best snack: Swamp pizza

Biggest gripe: Sugar sand

The air felt frigid as I opened my weary eyes for the third day of our two-wheeled march across the state. My legs ached and my posterior was sore from all that time on the saddle as I willed myself to unzip my tent door and face the day.

A morning boost came in the form of a warm shower and hot breakfast at nearby Santos Campground. While getting clean for the first time in days was worth the time, we didn’t start making serious progress until late morning.

After a stretch of roadway, we found ourselves again immersed in wild Florida. A dirt trail took us through Marshall Swamp, where we stopped for pictures on a boardwalk in a magnificent cypress dome.

We made good time on pavement before finding ourselves at the edge of Ocala National Forest, a swath of public land encompassing 387,000 acres of the state. We were excited about the immersion in wilderness but our spirits quickly sunk, along with our tires, as we encountered deep sugar sand. The conditions forced us to walk our bikes as we worried about the time this would cost us.

Our fears subsided as we landed on freshly-graded dirt roads which took us through the width of the forest. We flew down ancient sand dunes and muscled our way through the uphills, barely seeing another soul out there.

We stopped for a quick photo op in front of the Navy’s Pinecastle Bombing Range before passing Farles Prairie Recreation Area. It was shortly after that we enjoyed our trip’s first Florida scrub-jay sighting.

Our moods were instantly lifted at the sight of Florida’s only endemic bird species in its natural habitat. Smart and social, scrub-jays exist in cooperative family units and bury thousands of acorns — which they claim later.

We counted nine or 10 birds in the span of about a mile as they perched to inspect us and sent curious glances our way.

As afternoon stretched on we landed at Sparky’s Place Restaurant in Astor, where we took advantage of the hospitality and “swamp pizza,” which has an Alfredo sauce base, beef, french fries and bacon bits.c

With our bellies full and spirits lifted, we rolled into Lake George State Forest after dark using lights to navigate and find a quiet place to camp.

Day 4: Speeding to the finish

On the trail: 8:20 a.m.

Finished: 3:45 p.m.

Weather: High 68, low 57; partly cloudy and pleasant

Mileage: 47

Memorable moment: De Leon Springs pancakes, seeing the Atlantic

Best snack: DIY pancakes

Biggest gripe: Headwinds, International Speedway Boulevard

“We’re going to have tailwinds all day,” Kevin proudly announced to the group as we packed up camp. My tailbones were sore and my legs tired after nearly three days of nonstop cycling, and the thought of having the breeze at our backs on our final day boosted my mood.

As I glanced at our route for the day, it dawned upon me we would be passing by De Leon Springs. It had been years since Kevin visited and Ben had never been, so I described the make-your-own pancakes restaurant concept to him.

“So it’s like hibachi pancakes? Aw hell yeah,” he said.

Kevin Bolton has make-your-own pancakes at the De Leon Springs State Park pancake restaurant during a bike ride across Florida on Feb. 18, 2025. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)

Better yet, it was only about 5 miles to our breakfast destination. That, combined with the fact we would see the Atlantic Ocean that afternoon, proved a powerful motivating force in getting us moving.

We cruised into the state park on a quiet and pleasant Tuesday morning and quickly got seated at the only table on the restaurant’s outdoor screened-in patio. We scarfed down pancakes and enjoyed coffee during a leisurely stop that felt like a fitting reward for three days of hard work.

As morning yielded to afternoon we found ourselves on the shoulder of International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, where we faced headwinds and cursed Kevin’s incorrect weather forecast. We made a quick stop at a brick road that formed one of Florida’s earliest highways before pedaling onward to the gravel roads of Tiger Bay State Forest.

As we found our way back onto pavement and into Ormond Beach traffic we were ecstatic with our increasing proximity to the ocean.

We made a final push to make it to the top of Granada Boulevard Bridge, taking in views of Halifax River on the way, before we sped down toward the beach.

Karissa and her black Lab, Leo, were there to celebrate the finishing moment. Huge grins stretched ear to ear as our tires touched the Atlantic, the sea foam coating our shoes as we lined up for a last group photo.

Cycling across Florida gave me a rare glimpse into stunning scenery, flora and fauna that make up our state.

Though I was uncomfortable at times along the way, I loved the adventure and seeing the Sunshine State in such a unique way. My weary legs were in need of a long rest, but even then, I knew the trip was certainly something I would do again.

Minnesota United midfielder Joaquin Pereyra’s playing career started in Rosario, Argentina — the hometown of legend Lionel Messi — in 2016.

When Pereyra debuted for Rosario Central at age 16, Messi — 11 years Pereyra’s senior — was already in Spain scoring goals by the ton and winning Ballon d’Or trophies as FIFA’s player of the year at Barcelona.

Like nearly every young player in Argentina, Pereyra looked up to Messi, putting added significance on Messi’s visit with Inter Miami to play against MNUFC in St. Paul last weekend.

“It was something incredible — one of my childhood dreams, without a doubt,” Pereyra told the Pioneer Press via MNUFC translators.

Pereyra scored his first MLS goal a week prior against Austin FC and was one of the Loons’ best players in a 4-1 win over Messi and Miami. Pereyra helped create the Loons’ opening goal from Bongi Hlongwane in the 32nd minute, putting United en route to a blowout victory.

Afterward, Pereyra and fellow Argentine and Loons teammate Nicolas Romero each left Allianz Field with one of Messi’s game-worn, pink No. 10 jerseys. One of which Messi donned in each half.

“We were lucky that he gave us the two he used,” Pereyra said. “… We were very happy, obviously.”

Pereyra said he will “treasure” the shirt and was grateful Messi was willing to gift them.

“I approached him on the field when we were playing,” Pereyra said. “… I asked him if he could give me his jersey. He said yes, without any problem.”

What happened next might have touched Pereyra even more.

“During the course of the game, he came up to talk with me and with Nico Romero as well,” Pereyra said. “He asked us how we were, if we knew the (English) language, if we were alone or with a partner. He came up to us and spoke to us, and honestly that for us, it is an honor. In addition to everything he has won and how great he is, he showed that human side and so much humility.

“He remains an example to follow because even at his caliber and the status that we have him at, for him to be so humble and come up to talk to us is something incredible.”

By TRACEE M. HERBAUGH

Jewelry can sparkle like it’s invincible, but treat it roughly and even the hardest baubles may break.

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Whether it’s gemstones, metals or a family heirloom, a piece’s shine can fade and its value diminish over time if it isn’t cared for properly — a particular risk as the value of gold surges and people look to cash in on their jewelry or acquire new pieces as investments.

“Jewelry is similar to cars,” said Heather White, a jewelry designer, metalsmith and professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. “Both require constant maintenance and special storage.”

Leave your earrings on the bedside table? Easy to lose. Take your ring off to wash your hands? It could slip down the drain. Toss everything into a single catch-all? You’re almost guaranteed tangles or scratches.

Know what you have

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to jewelry care, because not all pieces are made — or worn — the same. Think about where a piece sits on the body and how much surface contact it gets. A ring, for example, experiences much more daily wear than a brooch.

The care a piece requires depends on what it’s made of, where it’s worn, its age and its delicacy, among other factors.

“One of the most important things to know is what type of jewelry you have, because not all care is universal,” said Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America, a nonprofit trade association based in New York City.

When you’re buying jewelry, a reputable jeweler can offer care instructions tailored to each piece. And if you’re unsure, be sure to ask.

Even basic at-home cleaning can breathe life back into a long-loved piece. No fancy products required —just a lukewarm water bath with a drop of mild dish soap, like Dawn, which contains surfactants to break down grime. A soft, clean toothbrush can help loosen dirt. You’ll see the residue left behind in the water.

Gizzi adds that a spritz of Windex — also containing surfactants — can work, too. Avoid anything with bleach, and steer clear of abrasive cleaners. A non-abrasive toothpaste might do the trick for harder stones, but never use it on delicate gems like pearls or opals.

Silver, gold and other metals

Metal jewelry tends to be durable, but knowing the specific metal and how it’s made matters.

Sterling silver, for instance, tarnishes easily — especially if it’s not worn often or if you live in a home with a gas stove. “When a gas stove is lit, it releases trace amounts of sulfur gas,” said White. “It’s harmless to people, but over time it will tarnish silver.”

Gold can generally be worn in the shower, as long as the piece isn’t gold-plated. Plated gold involves a thin layer of gold electroplated onto another metal, and that layer can wear off with friction or exposure to soaps and chemicals.

And whatever the metal, store pieces separately. “If two pieces of metal rub against each other, it increases surface scratches,” said Emily Cobb, jewelry designer, metalsmith and instructor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Diamonds, pearls and other stones

Gemstone care varies widely depending on hardness. The Mohs scale — a tool used by gemologists —measures a mineral’s resistance to scratching, from talc at 1 to diamond at 10.

Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are considered hard stones and fairly durable. Even so, jewelry with gemstones should have its settings inspected every few years to avoid losing a stone due to a loose prong.

Softer stones like pearls and opals require more delicate treatment. Avoid applying hairspray, perfume or lotion when wearing them. Pearls should be restrung every few years, while opals should be kept out of direct sunlight, which can alter their color.

“Body lotion and soaps can build up in a gemstone’s setting,” said Cobb. “It can get caked in and dull the shine. A simple cleaning goes a long way — and if at all possible, take off your jewelry before the shower.”

Keep watches ticking

Luxury watches require regular servicing, but make sure you know what’s covered in your warranty. Taking your watch to an uncertified technician can void it.

Also, avoid exposing watches to magnets, which can interfere with internal components and cause them to stick or stop. To clean, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the band.

Store necklaces separately

Necklaces, meanwhile, need thoughtful storage.

“Necklaces should ideally be stored separately,” said Simone Paasche, creative director at Spur Jewelry, a New York–based company that redesigns heirloom pieces.

“If they are stored individually and will remain stationary, they do not need to be stretched out,” she said. “Many jewelry boxes have little hooks, which are great.”

Layered looks — dubbed “neckmess” on social media — are popular, but when removing them, do so one at a time to avoid tangles. And always close the clasp before putting a necklace away, said Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich St. Jewelers in New York City.

“This reduces the chance of knots or tangling with another necklace,” she said.

Need to store one on the go? A plastic zipper bag will do in a pinch. Just don’t wrap it in a tissue.

“You might forget and throw it away,” Gandia said.

A Colorado whiskey was crowned America’s best at an international spirits competition, beating out hundreds of other liquors for the title.

Talnua Distillery in Arvada was awarded the top whiskey accolade from the American Distilling Institute’s 2025 International Spirits Competition, which announced its winners on Wednesday. Its Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey was awarded the highest marks in the category, earning the title of America’s Greatest Whiskey 2025.

Competition director Eric Zandona said 290 whiskeys were entered into this year’s contest, though that number includes recipes from across the world. In all, 700 spirits were entered into the competition, which started in 2007.

Judges evaluate flights of spirits based on their overall quality and taste, assigning each one a score from 0 to 100. Spirits that score 90 points or more earn a gold medal, and judges can award a double gold if they believe the liquor is exemplary in its style (i.e. bourbon, single malt, rye, etc.). Those that earn both gold and double gold medals get considered for the “best in class” honor. Only one gets crowned the greatest among its category (i.e. vodka, gin, whiskey, agave, etc.).

Taluna’s spirit rose above all other whiskeys, across all the different styles, that were made stateside. The distillery is unique in that it uses a pot still method, similar to many Irish whiskeys. That method requires the use of a copper pot still and a distinct mash bill, which is half malted barley and half unmalted barley. The unmalted barley plays prominently in the flavor profile of Talnua’s various whiskeys, as well as its house-made gins.

The Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey, specifically, is aged in former bourbon barrels for three years along with charred oak staves, giving it bright floral, new mown hay, and vanilla bean notes, according to the distillery’s website. Patrick Miller, Talnua’s founder and master distiller, said by email that introducing the staves creates complexity in the flavor beyond what a single cask can offer.

“As a Colorado distillery rooted in tradition and driven by curiosity, it means a lot to be recognized among such respected peers. Honors like this don’t come around often, especially for smaller teams like ours, and we’re grateful,” Miller added in his statement.

Talnua also earned a gold medal for its American White Oak Cask Bottled in Bond whiskey, and a silver for its Old Saint’s Keep whiskey released in 2025. But it wasn’t the only local distiller to bring home awards.

Stranahan’s in Denver earned five medals total, including two double-gold, two gold and one silver; Pullman Distillery in Frisco brought home two bronze medals; Littleton’s Rocker Spirits collected two silvers; and Salida Distillery garnered one silver and one bronze.