Withlacoochee State Trail

After riding in our backyard on Saturday, Sunday began with a road trip down US 41 to Inverness, which on this morning was the Dead Skunk Memorial Highway. Nothing gets you ready to ride like dodging skunk carcasses in the early morning fog.

Our destination was the Withlacoochee State Trail; at 46 miles the state’s longest. Our plan was a roundtrip tour of the middle 15 miles south of Inverness. With the lakefront views at the parks near the trail head, a fine assortment of restaurants just a few blocks away, downtown Inverness is a good place to launch a ride.

On Saturday, a large fund-raiser ride rolled down the trail, and on Sunday it was litter free and looking good. Somebody had worked hard to keep it up. We had six riders today, with Sheila and Larry making their spring tour debut. They joined regulars Bruce, Deanne, Mark and I. We were all ready to roll at just after 9 a.m. It was Sheila’s first ride on her new Pocket, and she proved to be a quick learner. And Deanne showed that Saturday was no fluke, turning in another strong day on the trail.

The Withlacoochee is extra wide, making it perfect for two and three abreast riding/talking. It’s also well used by a variety of riders. There were go-fast roadies, Wal-Mart one speeds, granny trikes and a whole bunch of other feet-firsters. The Withlacoochee typically has the highest percentage of recumbent riders of any of the trails we regularly ride. There’s even a recumbent bike shop on the trail.

We wrapped up the ride with a feast at Coach's Pub, and then we parted company. Bruce and I headed to Clarcona Horseman’s Park, breaking the BYOB – back in your own bed – tradition. By day’s end we were set up in our campsite 20 feet from the West Orange Trail with steaks on the grill and a cold brew in hand.
- Gary Kirland
Photos are posted in the gallery.

Trail Condition: Beautiful
Facilities: Environmentally friendly
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