Freewheeling

Cycle the scenic route to the Everglades

Mike Gorman

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More About

• Dade Greenway
• Shannon Mayorga
• National Audubon Society
• Parks and Historic Sites
• Birding

SUN 9/12

Not every cloud has a silver lining, but a gargantuan cloud called Hurricane Andrew, which demolished South Dade in August 1992, certainly did. One of Andrew's few happy endings is the South Dade Greenway, a proposed 194-mile system of scenic trails dedicated to hikers, bikers, commuters on the hoof, and school kids. The community devised the plan to help mend broken hearts and restore the area; when it's complete, the network will be the largest continuous trail system in Florida, linking residents to the Everglades and Biscayne National Park.

If you've somehow failed to get out and smell the saw grass lately, the Tropical Audubon Society's Shannon Mayorga will lead a 26-mile bike trip this Sunday along the Southern Glades Trail, which is a segment of the South Dade Greenway. The trek, Mayorga says, "is a great opportunity to experience the urban transition to the Everglades." And, he adds, the TAS ain't just for birders: "We're about the enjoyment of nature." Plan to bike for 5 or 6 hours (hybrid and mountain bikes only -- road models can't handle the gravel trail). The trip leaves at 8:00 a.m. from the Greenway parking area on SW 136th Street, west of Krome Avenue at the C-111 Canal. Admission is free. Call 305-371-6399 or visit www.tropicalaudubon.org. -Gail Sheperd

Harried fish hit the field

SUN 9/12

The Miami Dolphins season opener against the Tennessee Titans kicks off at 1:00 at Pro Player Stadium (2269 NW 199th St.). Most Dol-fans will agree this has been the football off-season from hell. In addition to the Ricky Williams fiasco, prize-acquisition wide receiver David Boston is on the injured list. Due to exhaustion, offensive coordinator Joel Collier was demoted to running backs coach. Famed sports agent Drew Rosenhaus probably isn't getting much sleep these days either. The bright side: Low-to-no expectations mean the team is perfectly poised to surprise everybody. Just think: The Dolphins could go the winning way of the Marlins. Tickets range from $48 to $64. Call 888-FINS-TIX. -Kris Conesa