General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
On a warm morning with the threat of thunderstorms in the forecast, we visited the Van Fleet trail for the second time. Our first trip was cold and very windy, but today was nearly the opposite. We were made to feel most welcomed here as folks more local to the area came out to join us, providing information as well as company. Today was exceptional in that with only three of our regular riders, we swelled to a herd of ten recumbents including our welcoming committee!
Feet First as a group is generally more comfortable with a ride distance of 25 - 40 miles, but today, we had our sites set on completing this entire 29 mile long trail. One of the easiest ways to have lots of miles slip by unnoticed is being involved in good conversation, so here again we were greatly assisted by the day's large turnout.
The Van Fleet trail is flat and straight and would seem to be boring until you ride it. With little or no signs of civilization to be seen, it is very remote and peaceful. Birds can be heard singing nearly all the time, the gopher tortoise is quite prevalent, snakes are not an unusual sighting and some even saw turkeys cross the trail.
Starting from the north trailhead, at Mabel, there is essentially a restroom every 20 miles. One at the trailhead and one at Greenpond Road. The trip to Polk City and back to Greenpond Road makes about 20 miles.
We were very lucky that it never did rain, but it was hot enough that it might have been okay if it had! Four of us made the 58 mile trip and were ready for water in almost any form!
Joining us today were: Mark, Rachel, Steve, Phil, Paul, Jerry, Mary, Will & Gail
Trail condition: Excellent
Facilities: Excellent, though far afield
O\vo~
2 comments:
When you're at the Polk City trail head, walk to the end of the paved
parking places and look South East and will see a kids playground.
The white building in the park is RESTROOMS :-)
One mile south of the southern terminus of Van Fleet is the Auberndale (sp?) trail. This trail can be accessed by taking Berkley Rd. south (app. 1 mile) to Daniel Way. Turn right on Daniel way. Ride about 25 yards and then turn left. This is where the trail starts. Hopefully soon Van Fleet and Auberndale will connect.
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