Cross Seminole Trail

Phil, Glenn, and Gordon joined Larry, Sheila, Rick, Myhra and me for my first visit to Black Hammock Trailhead near Oviedo, FL. We pedaled along a beautiful trail into a stiffening headwind over to Lake Mary. A real treat for me was crossing several amazing bridges, the likes of which are not often seen in the more rural areas I am used to riding. Hikers, joggers, skaters, families, and dogs blended respectfully with cyclists on this nicely maintained corridor as it provided a very natural experience traversing suburban development. The return trip was quicker than expected as the wind had grown even stronger.

After the ride, the group reconvened at the Townhouse Restaurant in downtown Oviedo for some excellent refueling. Another perfect ride stolen from the advancing jaws of winter in Central Florida.

Rollin' on the River

Just enjoying a simple ride on dirt down to the Santa Fe River. It is very peaceful here at Rum Island. The way winter ought to be.

Happy New Year!

Withlacoochee

Phil and I met up in Inverness this morning and took our time readying for the ride. We had pretty much been assured we'd be on our own. One thing you can always count on when riding the Withlacoochee State Trail is you are very unlikely to be alone! In fact, it matters not how you choose to enjoy the trail, you'll surely see someone else doing it your way.

Today was no exception. The perfect weather had arrived to the delight of all. There was a dog-centric celebration in Inverness, walkers, runners, riders, stollers, & grinners were in play all the way down to Floral City where what appeared to be a Model A car show lined the trail as we slowed in to town.

We stuck to our plan and rode just a little south of Lake Townsend Park before turning around to head back and put on the feed bag. Stopped in to visit Regis & Cindy with a little chatter about camping plans. Meeting one friend after another it seemed many more of us had had the same idea after all. We met Ali & Gosia celebrating Ali's birthday on a mile/year ride.

Quite a beautiful day for enjoying a beautiful trail in Florida.

Thanks for the ride plan, Phil!

Thanksgiving Continued

Sheila, Larry, John, Jeanne, Deanne and I continued to share in the enjoyment of the cool, fresh air waiting for us in Trenton this morning. Lots of different birds were coming and going at the trailhead. Once we were underway and, as the asphalt
warmed, grasshoppers began to leap into our path, sometimes hitching a brief ride.
We rolled out just beyond Old Town before doubling back to visit "Fort Fanning" and the wayside park across the highway in Fanning Springs.
Upon our return to Trenton we had a very nice lunch at the Suwannee Rose Cafe which is right next to the trailhead.
Another great day on the Nature Coast State Trail.

Squirrel!

Deanne and I enjoyed what seemed to be the perfect combination of light wind, moderate temperature, and bright sunshine today as we rolled west on the O'Leno to Ichetucknee Trail to the Suwannee River Greenway at Branford. We didn't take in Branford or the Suwannee River, but rather took the new spur to the south along US 129 down to William Guy Lemmon Memorial Park and looped back around to the trail with the hope of spotting a fox squirrel.
Luck was shining brightly today. We saw THREE fox squirrels at three separate locations all within a single mile. Well worth the 30 mile ride.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Don't forget to check our ride schedule link over on the right. We'll look forward to seeing you Friday morning in Trenton.

Gainesville Hawthorne State Trail

There seemed to be no break looming in the cool, windy, overcast day so I struck out on my own to ride the Hawthorne Trail. My late start insured that, for the most part, I saw only oncoming traffic and essentially had the trail to myself on the return to Gainesville. Still beats not riding.

St. Marks

Joe McCormick joined Colleen & Charlie Weill and me in St. Marks for a ride up the Tallahassee St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail on Saturday morning. Joe guided us on a real nice little tour of greater St. Marks before we headed north to Capital Circle. This trail could easily qualify as the friendliest in the state in terms of trailside restrooms per mile pedaled!

Another perfect weather day polished off with lunch on the St. Marks River at the Riverside Cafe after the ride.