Georgia's Jewel

As very good fortune, indeed, would have it, the first cool spell in many months arrived on the same morning that we found ourselves camped out on the Georgia coast in Crooked River State Park. A short drive later and we were ready to launch on one seriously beautiful trails ride around Georgia's Jekyll Island. The causeway approach to the island, carpeted on both sides with fabulous wildflower stands that seemed endless, let you know that you were nearing something very special and the view from atop the last bridge onto the island revealed the magical crowns of very old timber.

The fact that it is an island, inherently eliminates through traffic, but there seemed to be additional factors at play that affected the general feel of what little traffic there was. The entire island moves at a slower pace and vehicle operators of all types exhibit more courtesy toward one another. Riding on trails designed and designated for cycling is nice enough, but add to that formula laws that impose serious, finite limitations on development and the result is purely delightful. This place is quite the jewel!

Even though we had set aside only a few hours for the experience, it was amazing to see how many completely different riding surfaces and settings could be enjoyed in the 20 mile trip around the island. Everything from smooth asphalt to concrete to crushed stone to coquina to dirt, not to mention wooden bridges and gnarley roots could be ridden upon while viewing sea oats, sand dunes, the Atlantic, windblown scrub oaks, palmetto, salt marshes, residential areas, historic structures beneath magnificent live oaks. Birds were everywhere and the Monarch butterfly was approaching pest status. Restaurants, restrooms, shops, hotels, and camping were all easy to find.

Simply put, this one calls for another visit on the schedule, soon!

O\vo~

Nature Coast - beneath the raindrops

OK. So you were right about staying home. Today was not the best choice for riding weather. I braved it anyway and got along fairly well until just before arriving in Fanning Springs. It began to be apparent then that the rest of the trip was going to be damp. Of course, it wasn't cold, but I can assure you it was also not dry. It rained all the way to Chiefland and sprinkled most of the way back. And yet, just when I thought I had the trail all to myself, I actually did overtake another lone rider making his way north out of Chiefland.

The wildflowers, quiet, and comfortable temperature easily made the trip worthwhile, even with the occasional thought of the unavoidable payback... the cleanup. Just like with a horse, getting put up wet is not the best plan of action. So, one of the things to do indoors, when it is not so nice outdoors, is clean, dry, and lube the machine.

I can always count on the staff of the Office of Greenways and Trails. The trail, apart from being quite wet, was in its usual state of excellent repair and the facilities, available at both ends of my trip, were clean, equipped, and accessible.

And so goes another fine day on three wheels.

October - Florida Greenways & Trails Month

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) is promoting October, 2007 as Florida Greenways & Trails month. Now in its eighth year, this program is designed to focus attention on the conservation and recreation resources of Florida’s greenways and trails, involve Floridians in creating and using these great natural resources, and encourage partnerships that support our mission to create a statewide system of greenways and trails.

Their goal (OGT) is to have each county in Florida host at least one Greenways & Trails Month event during October. Festivities may include dedications or openings, educational exhibits or workshops, trail rides or races, trail blazing, clean-ups or any activities connected to greenways and trails. If your community or organization would like to sponsor or coordinate an event, OGT will post the activities on its website where you can find registration forms.

For additional information, contact Kirk.Marhefka@dep.state.fl.us.

Lake Minneola Scenic Trail/Clermont Trail

What a nice surprise this morning, as ten riders assembled at the Winter Garden Station for a ride on the West Orange Trail and the Lake Minneola Scenic Trail/Clermont Trail. The recent weather pattern had whittled away at attendance for many of our riders, so having this many turn out today was quite a treat.
After a busy meet & greet, we aired up one reluctant tire and launched our entourage westward through downtown Winter Garden. Deanne, Carol, Shelton, Janice, Alice and Rodney were balancing on two wheels, while Steve, Phil, Paul and I managed the horizon from our trikes. The trail was fairly busy this morning, so additional care was needed to insure everyone enjoyed a safe outing. Early in our trip out we saw a half dozen triking friends from the central Florida who had started at the County Line Station for their ride east.

From the County Line Station, you may now travel west to Clermont on the Lake Minneola Scenic Trail/Clermont Trail over some gentle hills through a nicely rural area. There are a few crossings which demand diligent attention, but the trail is very nicely maintained. The southern shore of Lake Minneola is simply beautiful and is directly adjacent to the trail. Click the photo above or visit the photo gallery to see today's shots.

On our return trip we stopped for a few minutes to visit with our friends going the other way which produced a large assembly of recumbent craft including no less than 10 trikes!

By the way, even though their website implies the trail is paved for only 3.1 miles, it is actually paved all the way to the West Orange Trail so our trip was a total of 31 miles.

Trail condition: Excellent
Facilities: Excellent

O\vo~

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~

Withlacoochee South

I started at the gazebo in Floral City this morning, on heels of an early morning rain shower that had flooded the area. A puddle bridged the trail right in front of the gazebo and the pavement was wet all the way down to I-75. After that the surface was dry and the sun came out and warmed up the butterflies who busily lined the trip. Click this photo to see the rest of them, or go to the photo gallery.

There are always surprises waiting out on the trail, but you never know just what to expect. Today I saw the largest bald eagle I've ever seen, then remembered my camera when it was too late. Also watched in awe as a bare-footed, helmet-less, cyclist with a fresh head injury performed craftsman quality, wheel truing using nothing but a pair of small trees that had the decency to have grown close together alongside the trail. A little while later down the trail, I was actually overtaken by this athlete as he safely returned to his vehicle.

Made it to the south end, just below Trilby, FL and back without rain. 46.6 miles for the day.

GoogleGeekers: I noticed on Google Earth you can count up to 26 cyclists on the Withlacoochee Trail, south of FL 50.

See you back in Floral City on Monday.

O\vo~

Fort White to Ichetucknee Springs

We headed out to the Springs in search of a farewell party for Rachel, one our riders who will be leaving us. Never did find the party, but Sandra and I enjoyed a very pleasant ride through the countryside in and around greater Hildreth, Florida. We visited both the north and south entrances to the State Park and found absolutely no shortage of tubers, in cars and trucks, on foot, in trams, in line, just couldn't quite locate that one we were seeking.

On the way back into Fort White, the timing was just too perfect to pass up an opportunity to stop in at the Goose Nest for a buffet lunch. They are now selling to-go buffet orders by the pound.

After lunch, we switched horses and Sandra had a test ride on the Trice Q.

O\vo~