Palatka Lake Butler State Trail

Fearing the worst in terms of storm damage, I had put off visiting this trail since hurricane Mathew blew through. Today, I was delighted to find the trail clear from one end to the other. What an awesome job the maintenance folks did! In 20.5 miles, I encountered no less than 28 trees that had been laying across the trail, but were now cut up and moved aside. There was no damage to the asphalt and there is still plenty of shade, so come on back out and enjoy.

Thanks very much to the crews who handled this so promptly!

Nature Coast State Trail

Hurricane Matthew had departed our area less than twelve hours ago when I set my trike back down on a freshly swept trail surface. The good folks at Florida Greenways & Trails were out there ahead of my arrival and had things looking like there had been no storm. Several small groups of serious riders shared a "G'morning!" as we passed each other and I counted three snakes and as many gopher tortoises. Just after turning back in Cross City, I encountered this happy little box turtle warming himself on the pavement. It was nice to have the winds calm enough to ride again, since it had been an entire week.

Nature Coast State Trail

In the surprising cool of this morning, Gary and I soaked it up from the solar safety of as much shade as we could find. A cloudless sky made it easy to see where the shade stopped so the routing was on auto pilot as we crossed the Suwannee River and turned around in another three miles, then swung south through Fanning Springs to the end of that tunnel of shade.

By then the timing was right for a diversion to refuel so we slipped over to the 19 98 Grille for lunch in more shade. The return to Trenton was running short on shade but we still managed almost 35 comfortable miles for the day. Thanks, Gary!

Nature Coast State Trail

After running errands this morning, I enjoyed a very peaceful spin from Fanning Springs down to Chiefland. On my way back, I was joined by my new friend Jerry and we exchanged tales all the way to the Suwannee River. It was just what I needed to push my monthly total over the 500 miles mark. Thanks, Jerry!

Palatka Lake Butler State Trail

I was proud to be able ride along on Gary P. Kirkland 's first trip on this trail coincidentally on his first day of retirement. We covered it (43 miles) from FL-100 to Roberts Lane and back in just over three hours, then refueled at Johnny's Bar-BQ.

West Orange & South Lake Trails

Started at Winter Garden Station and rode from Clarcona Horseman's Park to Groveland and back for 57 miles. Lots of smiling faces in the sun today!

Palatka Lake Butler State Trail/Crystal Lake Loop

Another perfect day on the trail, so we strayed ever so slightly from the usual itinerary just to shake it up a bit. Adding about 6 miles to our trip, we encircled Crystal Lake and found our way back on track following the shores of Lake Bedford. 

The white puffies dotted a very clear, blue sky while a light breeze kept us dry and not over heated. Nice new scenery and 40 miles.