Nature Coast - Eight is Great

This seemingly mild mannered collection of retirees managed to assemble a formidable squadron of recumbent stealth as we pushed a tight formation of 24 wheels upwind on our return from Cross City. Another very fine day outdoors was framed between two nurturing visits to Chiefland's own Gathering Table. Colleen, Tommy, George, Russ, Charlie, Wayne, Bruce, & Artie at the ready.

Palm Coast - Out On A Limb

Kicking off Joe's 2016 Florida Spring visit, Gary, Russ, Dave, and I enjoyed a special breakfast at the Blue Heron Breakfast Bistro in Flagler Beach this morning before driving to the Lehigh Trail trailhead on Colbert Lane.

We rode the trail to the west and made our way north to Pine Lake Parkway, then swept the north perimeter of Palm Coast (dodging some construction) and settled on lunch at Mezzaluna in the European Village. After lunch we darted through the "Rabbit Hole" for a brief A-1-A segment, came back across the Intracoastal Waterway and followed the Palm Coast Linear Parkway down to Waterfront Park for our last break before closing the loop downwind along Colbert Lane back to the trailhead.

Severely clear skies and a consistent breeze let us see lots of birds today. Several Wood Storks watched me close in on Bunnell and the lot of us were pedaling through a small confusion of Yellow-rumped Warblers as we started the Lehigh Trail. Gary pointed out a Loggerhead Shrike very close to our passing beneath I-95. As we continued north of Palm Coast Parkway, there were many Robins and several Meadowlarks flew near the fence row, behind which a pair of Sandhill Cranes stood. Further out yet, we could make out Turkeys with tail feathers spread.

A fine day to spread one's wings was indeed enjoyed by all.

Archer Braid Trail

All Aboard the Braid! Deanne and I drove down to Archer this morning and joined Jerry and Mark for our tried and true Braid Bistro Breakfast ride in to Haile Plantation, where we have yet to be disappointed with the food, service, or delightful cafe dining experience. Big fun after the ride as Deanne test rode Jerry's power assist trike and sported the predictably indelible grin! Thanks for having us down, Jerry!

Nature Coast State Trail

David Greenbaum and I enjoyed a splendid ride from Chiefland to Cross City and back after fueling up at The Gathering Table this morning. We reminisced ourselves right out of noticing the 49 miles going by. Thanks, David!

Gold Head Branch State Park

Pre-ride warm up for the "carbon-based units", both two-legged and three-wheeled varieties, Charlie, Colleen, and Russ await the ride start while Sandra, Beatrice, Jamie and I finishing getting ready. We rode through the park, down the connector, and east on the Palatka Lake Butler State Trail through Grandin and Florahome. The threat of rain showers kept the wind in our face and promised to help us hurry back. The entire round trip totaled 52 miles with a brief and light shower on the way back. A very rewarding visit to Blue Water Bay in Melrose polished off another great ride stolen from the forecasters.

Flagler Beach/Palm Coast Ride

A full dozen of us descended upon Flagler Beach this morning and eleven set out on a 42 mile clockwise loop around the Intracoastal Waterway including the Lehigh Trail, the Pine Lakes Path, the Palm Coast Linear Parkway, and the Flagler Beach Marineland Trail. Last minute adjustment had us swing north to include a visit to the seaside section of the Washington Oaks State Park then we headed back south for the lunch table! 

The group was taken care of in supreme style at the Flagler Fish Company as their own Brock attended to our every need. Sandy skipped the photo shoot, which included Noel, Pat, Charlie, Jim, Russ, Bob, Irwin, Bruce, Phil, Mary, and Joe, but did not skip lunch. Another fine day on the trail.

Nature Coast State Trail

Met up with some fine folks on the Nature Coast State Trail this morning as Pati was enjoying her first outing on her new bike with Daintry, Beatrice, and Jamie. They rode over to Fanning Springs while I dashed out to Cross City and back. Then we met up for an outstanding lunch at Cherry's Seafood & Steak in Trenton.