West Orange Trail and Beyond

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, then hit the trail just after 9 a.m., heading east to Apopka. We were checking out a report that the trail had added some miles since our last visit in December. On that trip Bruce photographed the newest addition to the trail, a bike bridge over US 441. At that time it appeared to be nearing completion. We’d mentioned then “we’ll get to ride over that on the Spring Tour,” totally underestimating just how slow a project can go. It’s looking even closer to completion, and the activity of workers around the site looked like somebody had stirred an ant hill. We did venture a few more blocks east, where we got a report that rumors of additional trail growth to the north were unfounded. So we turned around and pointed the bikes west toward Winter Garden, because we’d also heard that the trail was extended west eight additional miles into Clermont. And at a rest stop this tidbit was confirmed, albeit, unofficially. Technically, the South Lake Trail isn’t open. In fact when we got to the end of the West Orange Trail there was a large sign that read “Bike Trail Closed.”

But the smell of fresh asphalt was too tempting, and once we detoured around the sign, it looked like an open trail to us. Actually the closed trail looked to be better maintained than some of the open trails we ride.

This new addition is a real treat and delivers quite a workout. It offers lots of curves and rolling hills. It winds by upscale neighborhoods, under tree canopy and offers lake views through Minneola (don’t blink) and on the way to Clermont. It’s both fun to ride and the scenery is great, especially the portions scented with orange blossoms.

Eventually the new trail joined some old-growth asphalt and took us all the way to the finish line at Benchwarmer’s, a sports pub with large portions and a beautiful view of Lake Minneola. As Bruce scarffed his Cobb salad and I inhaled a buffalo chicken wrap, he looked up and saw the Citrus Tower rising on the horizon, a tourist trap we’d both visited as kids.

After lunch, it was time to climb back on the bikes and head east, into the teeth of a serious headwind. Hills and headwind gave us an even tougher workout on the way home. By the time we rolled into the campsite, we’d covered nearly 60 miles and pounded the pedals for six hours. On our return trip we also got confirmation that the South Lake Trail will open April 21.

Our survival was assured by a visit from St. Carol (patron saint of Chinese food delivery) and St. Shelton (patron saint of ice delivery). The two saints then joined us for dinner. It was a fine day of riding, and neither of us will need to be rocked to sleep tonight.
- Gary Kirkland
Photos are posted in the gallery.

Trail Condition: Excellent
Facilities: Outstanding
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