Withlacoochee North

This morning turned into a regular trike fest, as I was joined by friends from the central Florida area. Phil and Paul on their brand new Trice Qs and Steve on his trusty Catrike Road emerged from the Shamrock in downtown Floral City after breakfast, right on time for a ride to the north end of the Withlacoochee Trail.

Setting the tone for a morning of surprises were the enthusiastic Ah-oooooh-Gah horn sounds heard at our first intersection where we encounterd a veritable parade of antique cars. Just moments later a ponderous squirrel nearly lost it when Phil made a sudden pass around the pack. Unlike my ride on Saturday with so many clouds, today's clear skies and holiday brought riders, walkers, and skaters out in force. Wonderful barbecue smells wafted across the trail and picnics were getting under way.

Mark joined us at the northern trail head and rode his bike south with us for a while before turning back for home. We were all beginning to consider that requisite afternoon nap that awaited.

While the north half doesn't have the Croom Forest and is closer to more development, it still maintains that rural charm that really enhances any outdoor experience. The trail is very well groomed and in excellent repair and I'll now be able to add its track to our Feet First Trails Guide. If you'd care to see the photos from today's ride, just click on the photo above.

After loading up, we retired back to the Shamrock for drinks before heading home.

O\vo~