The Southern

Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Christine Simone For students looking for a scenic bike ride, Lakeland offers many options. Lake Hollingsworth, pictured above, is just one of the many beautiful lakes in the city. Lake Morton is a relaxing place for nature lovers to bike around, and the nearby Mr. Fish restaurant is an affordable choice for hungry riders.

Spanish moss hanging from massive, ancient trees. Brick roads intersecting with smooth, newly paved asphalt. Large front porches housing rockers, planters and stained-glass windows. These are the hidden treasures of Lakeland. Have you seen them?

Beyond Florida Southern College's architectural-rich-campus is the Lakeland community waiting to be explored.

Now that your bags are unpacked and textbooks have been purchased, take time to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area of the college.

One of the best ways to experience local sights is by peddling at your own pace. A bicycle ride alleviates the distraction of cell phones and the marginalized view that car windows provide.
Utilize available resources to make the most of this experience.

As a student, you have bicycling equipment available upon
request from the Wellness Center. Obtaining a bike is easier than you could even imagine, simply present your FSC Identification card at the Wellness reception desk and provide the attendant with contact information.

Senior Mona Abdulshafi, a healthy lifestyle coach and lifeguard at Florida Southern highly recommends renting bicycles from the Wellness center.

"Prior to owning my bike, I would frequently rent one from the Wellness Center. Using a bike is a great way from me to stay in shape, run errands and see quaint parts of Lakeland. It's also a bonus that I save gas," Abdulshafi said.

Lakeland encompasses a large area, and for those who are new to it, I suggest starting your biking tour off by riding around Lake Hollingsworth.

The view is breathtaking, especially at sunset. The homes and buildings set around the lake are rich in history and provide residence to several FSC Alumni and supporters. Lake Hollingsworth is 2.8 miles around and has a designated biking lane and lit path.

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