The Land Bridge Trail Ride

I needed a change of pace. My mountain bike was feeling neglected from all the asphalt touring as of late. It was to my good fortune that I was invited by my good friend Mike to join him and his buddy on a leisurely trail ride from the local land bridge trailhead. For those of you who do not know, The Land Bridge is located in Ocala, Florida and was constructed in 2000. It was built with the intention to be a safe alternative route for people and wildlife to cross over interstate 75. Personally,I find that the trail keeps me immersed in my ride. I am grateful that people cared enough to put forth the effort to build such a wonderful addition in our community.

The idea was to construct a path to wondering animals from one side on the interstate to the other while keeping the façade of the native environment.

Indigenous trees and plants line the trail and the walls are covered in rock as an added natural element. The bridge is enjoyed by hikers, bikers, animals and equestrians.

We started out by letting curiosity lead us and lead us it did, right to an equestrian trail. The trail was definitely not intended for bikers. The sand was so deep it sucked my tires in past the rim. It was only the belief that this trail was leading us back to our intended bike trail that kept us going.

After peddling several hundred yards through this humbling gauntlet of sugar sand we made it back to the main trail. From there we rode through several different changes of scenery. We peddled through Oak Hammocks, Pine Flatwoods and scrub. The trail surface changed from sandy to gravel, frequently and without notice.

It was a good trip and I enjoyed ending my week at work by starting the weekend as preferred, peddling through God’s gracious Greenway. Tomorrow Buddy and I are off to explore some trails through the villages again as we continue our training for big trip on the L.O.S.T trail in August.