photo via Broward.orgMountain-bike trails. BMX tracks. Long, flat road-bike runs. Even Florida's first velodrome. Fort Lauderdale offers bikers of all types places to race, ride, and glide.

For those who say, "Mountains? In Florida?" The answer is: Markham Park. Located at 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, it has 10 miles of trails for riders from novice to intermediate/advanced.

The paths lead through saw grass and exposed coral rock outcroppings, up 20-foot climbs and over gut-wrenching drops, with enough jumps, bumps and S-turns to test the best.

There are another seven miles of twists, turns, jumps and jolts at Quiet Waters Park, at 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach.

Those in search of serious speed can fill their need at Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City, home to the first full-fledged velodrome (that's a bike racing track – complete with banked sides) in the state. The whole thing can be rented out for races, complete with an electronic timer and operator.

BMX fans can practice their jumps and flips and handstands during the hours set aside for just that at either of two Broward County skate parks. One's at Brian Piccolo Park. The other is at Quiet Waters. Check the Broward parks website at www.broward.org/PARKS/THINGSTODO/ for hours.

Several parks also offer family friendly paths that wind around lakes and fields and are suitable for riders of all ages.

The county also offers handcycles for physically disabled adults, and a tandem bike program for visually impaired riders. Check the website above for info.

One of the favorite places for long-haul riders looking for an uninterrupted stretch is the Plantation Canal Path. It's a 15-mile roundtrip run on the quiet side, mostly, of the waterway alongside Interstate 595 between Markham Park and S. University Drive.