Wildflowers, Leaves & Rain - Nature Coast Trail

Went back to the Nature Coast Trail, starting in Fanning Springs, riding to Cheifland. A very stormy looking sky! However, we've learned in Florida to go ahead and do things because it may or may not rain where you are. We had a nice, fast ride to Chiefland. There were beautiful wildflowers along the trail, especially approaching Chiefland. There were also falling leaves from the oaks everywhere lining the trail and coming down like snow. We completed the round trip, 18 miles, and wanted to go a few more. So we started toward Old Town, and got to the Suwannee trestle bridge. It started sprinking so we turned around to go back at a very rapid pace. Randy was running short of breath so we stopped 2 1/2 miles from the end at a covered bench. As we waited, the rain only got harder and harder. After about 20 minutes it let up a little so on we went. We never rode so hard! It was cold! It was pouring on us and it was very hard to see. We finally made it back to the car and.....of course...the rain stopped!! All the trails we've ridden on thus far have had nice clean bathrooms. However, the facility at Chiefland was NOT!

24 Miles today
352 miles thus far

Withlacoochee State Trail - Southern Third

The final leg of the 46 mile Withlacoochee State Trail! We didn't know that there was parking at the very southern end at US301. We drove to Ridge Manor where there are rest rooms, a drinking fountain, picnic tables and ample parking. From there we went 6 miles south to the end at US301. Then up north again past Ridge Manor and on to Lake Townsend for a 31 mile round trip!
A hot 85 degree day--but oh so windy! There were times I had to stand up to pedal against a very strong head wind--alot of effort expended! The trail is very flat and nice. Very rural and mostly sunny. We saw a gopher tortoise, raccoon, and sandhill crane. This section probably had the least crossroads of any of the trails thus far. We didn't see restaurants nearby the trail, so when we were finished we drove from Ridge Manor 10 miles south on US301 and had a wonderful dinner of cuban marinated pork, yellow rice, black beans and plantains at Matter of Taste in Dade City--a very nice place, especially upstairs, in a pretty small city.

31 Miles today!
328 miles thus far.

Withlacoochee State Trail - Middle part

This time we began in Inverness and rode 15 miles south. Almost didn't go with the predicted rain; but in Florida you just have to take a chance--and it was a beautiful day. This part of the trail has more inclines (albeit slight) going south; so the road home is easier. In the beginning (first 3 miles) it's mostly in the sun; thereafter a mix. More people on this trail than we've seen anywhere thus far. But there are few crossroads and pretty rural Florida. About 7 miles from Inverness is Ferris Groves where you can buy wonderful fresh produce--this time of year they had citrus, strawberries and tomatoes. But for a biker, the fresh squeezed orange juice really hits the spot. This part of the trail goes by Lake Townsend park which has nice bathrooms, a playground, picnic tables and shelters, and a volley ball court. There are lots of places to stop along this trail especially in Floral City.

30 miles today
297 miles ridden thus far!!

Withlacoochee State Trail

This is the longest paved bicyle trail in Florida; 46 miles. This was my favorite!! About 50 miles southwest of Gainesville the trail begins just south of Dunnellon. The trailhead is new with nice rest rooms and parking. The first 5 miles of the trail are in the open sun. Most of the trail is in the woods but you can hear the traffic (not too loud) on Rt. 41 which it parrallels. Mile markings are clear on the pavement. All of the trail goes through what seems to be nice, safe areas. There are some road crossings but not excessive--long stretches with none. I loved it when it passed the "bottle tree forest of colors"! And a giant pink elephant. But my favorite was when it passed over Lake Apopka--it was beautiful--benches and a gazebo; lots of bikers sitting and reading. We went as far as Inverness where there was a beautiful park on the lake.

Inverness was 16 miles from the start.
Miles today 32
267 miles ridden thus far!

Suwannee Greenway: Branford to Fort White

We did 27 miles on the Suwannee Greenway. We started at Branford next to the Suwannee River. The trail winds through a Gopher Tortoise Management Area in the woods, but then emerges to run beside US 27. It's pretty rough for that stretch; lots of potholes and tree-root bumps and piles of litter and trash. :>(( But after you cross the Ichetucknee River bridge at Three Rivers (the off road trail is interrupted here)it improves and is pretty once again.

We stopped outside of Fort White. We ended the trip back at Ivey Memorial Park next to the river in Branford, which is really gorgeous. The Suwannee flowing past, with a nice scenic spring feeding into it. All in all, it was a really good afternoon!

27 miles

235 miles ridden thus far!

Grandin to Keystone Heights

Began at Grandin, parking just off Rt 315 north of 100. Rode towards Keystone Heights. First part of the trail is mostly shady--to Twin Lakes Park where there are nice clean restrooms and water. The rest of the trail is equally shaded and sunny. There are a couple of pretty bridges which go over the land. Very rural. We met riders on the trail (Cheryl and Tom) who warned us not to stop at Putnam Hall. There are alot of businesses in Keystone Heights--Wendy's is right on the trail where we stopped for a quick bite (but no bicycle racks!) This is a rails-to-trails flat paved path. There are no mile markers along the way except for painted numbers on the pavement and no rest benches. This leg is 10 miles.

When we got back to Grandin, there was a just paved trail heading east which we rode on for about a mile. We had to stop when we came to construction equipment laying sod--but we understand it will open any day now!

Very pretty trail--would do it again.

21 miles today!
208 miles thus far!

Downtown Connector Trail - Gainesville

Not really sure where this trail starts vs Depot Avenue trail. Most of the trail is very pretty--but it runs along side tent city. Can't believe--these guys have real big tents all over the woods. It is a city. Anyway, the trail was nice a flat and through the woods. Part crosses Williston Road and there's a pretty bridge. It connects to the Hawthorne Trail at Boulware Springs.