Ride in the villages 2

Bike Ride Through the Villages 2

April 17th 2011

Buddy takes a Dew break

    Buddy and I took a nice long bike ride through the villages last Sunday. We rode almost 33 miles starting South and then working our way North to 466 then East and back down to where we started. We mainly used the golf car trails which were nicely landscaped and provided a safe place to ride.

There isn't much elevation to contend with so the ride was more recreation than workout despite the length. We saw quite a few people enjoying the trails not to mention a couple of gentlemen both older  and in better shape than us. They obviously rode the trails regularly since their calves were the size of my head. They blew by us on their streetbikes which made our mountain bikes seem clunky and slow.We also passed a nice couple where the woman was in a wheelchair and the man was running pushing her along. They were out enjoying the beautiful weather together and were the definition of the commitment that comes with "in sickness and in health". We both found it very inspiring. We rode through both squares and although I was tempted to stop for a Starbucks we kept riding. Maybe starbucks and Barnes and Noble will be a scheduled pit stop on some other themed ride where we bring other friends.  If you are thinking of riding through the villages,I highly reccomend it. It is a pleasent experience with plenty to see.



Santos Bike Trail Riding the Wagon Trail from the Landbridge Trailhead

The Land Bridge Trail

March 27th 2011

    One of the benefits to living in Ocala, Florida is that we have some really great places to ride our bikes year round. All of which are close and accessible. I have choices to ride on dirt trails or paved trails whether it is for distance, technical challenge or just plain easy recreation. There is a maintained trail for any mood or desire I may have at any moment of any day.

    I went riding with my good friend Mike. We decided to hit what's known as the "Wagon Trail" out here in the Santos Bike trail system. The wagon trail is named for the reason it was designed, to give horse drawn wagons or sullied carts a place to be driven so that their owners may use and enjoy the trails just like everyone else.

The terrain of the wagon trail changes as it takes you through the oak hammocks and pine woods. There are man made structures to navigate as well such as this bridge we ride under not long after crossing the land bridge itself.

We rode just under 20 miles and the ride was nice. We felt as though we got some decent exercise in while having a lot of fun. There is something about just being outside with your friends doing something you enjoy together. Personally, I find that bike riding is more enjoyable in the company of others. If you are thinking about riding, I highly suggest starting up with someone whose company you enjoy.

The next time we ride this trail, Mike and I have decided to hit one of the blue mountain bike paths that connect to the main wagon trail. Apparently there are some pretty technical blue trails just beyond the 49th street bridge that sound like a  lot of fun to ride and share with you! Until next time, take care, share some thoughts, and maybe I'll see YOU on the trail!

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.

Villages Road Trip

Today we were in the mood for a change in scenery. Buddy wanted to take off from his front porch and see what we could see so I thought it was a good idea and joined him on this 30 mile local road trip. We started out riding a few miles down the street just to get to our destination, The Villages. We left early (around 7:45) so traffic heading out was minimal.

The villages sounded like a decent place to ride since we needed practice riding with road traffic. The idea was that dodging golf carts would be a good place to start instead of dodging cars. It was also assumed that drivers who travel the roads around the villages would be used to looking out for recreational riders as well as golf cart enthusiasts. :-)

Once we were actually riding in the villages the paths became groomed and landscaped. This made for some scenic vistas and great backdrops to our ride as we peddled along. When we finally made it into the villages Buddy and I were welcomed with some really nice paved golf car trails which led all over the town. One of the coolest features were all the built in tunnels used to accommodate the golfers and village residents.

We kept riding all the way through until we reached Wildwood. At that point we turned North-ish and headed home. All in all the trip was nice and enjoyable. I especially prefer riding a loop since the scenery changes.

Croom Tract

We rode a 40 mile trip today on the Withlacoochee into the Croom tract Wildlife management area. The weather was cool in the beginning but then it became nice and warm as the day progressed. We had a strange thing happen today as a squirrel ran full speed right into Buddy’s front tire as we cruised along at about 13 MPH. He nailed it pretty hard but then turned tail and scurried back into the woods, no doubt scared but hopefully unhurt. We made it a point to eat right, stay hydrated and we made sure we stopped briefly to replenish our glycogen levels with some sports gels.

After the 3 hour ride we left feeling good and it was obvious we hit a great balance between our workout and our energy levels. Buddy and I are thinking that we need a break from this trail so next week we are planning on going back to the Hawthorne trail in Gainesville.

Starting next week I plan on taking you with me out on the Santos Mountain bike trails with the Santos Bike Shop. It should be a good time and will get me off the pavement and back in the woods where I really belong on this bike.

Biking Sunday on the Greenway

Took an easy solo 11 mile ride at the local Greenway trail today. It was foggy and cool but a nice ride. The Greenway trail is appox. 5 miles if you do the long loop and I did it twice. I like the elevations, it gives a tougher workout for a shorter distance.

Doing it more than twice is boring so I figure I'll try to hit it a couple times this week after work to get my intended 30 miles in.

Biking the Withlacoochee Part Duh

Buddy and I had a nice 21 mile ride last Sunday, February 20th. This time we rode North toward Hernando. The weather was warmer but not hot and we completed the ride feeling much better than the first ride this year. Halfway through our long rides we will sometimes slurp down a glycogen replacement supplement (gel pack.) They provide concentrated carbs and possibly some extra ingredients (amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins, caffeine).

These carbohydrate supplements are convenient fuel for the longer training sessions or events (lasting more than an hour). Buddy has been getting me used to these gelatinous pastey fuel packets.

After the ride we stopped into the bike shop which is at the trailhead. We looked around a bit when I was happy to discover the same type of energy suppliment that is more in tune with my tastes. Jelly Belly sports beans!

Along the way there was this cool little art shop that had trees made of old wine bottles outside. I thought it was cool enough to share with you so I snapped a pic :-)

Biking the Withlacoochee

Buddy and I rode a short 11+ mile ride on the Withlacoochee state trail. It was a bit chilly with constant wind but all and all it was a great way to start our year off.

We are here....
We stopped for a little break. This was our first time heading South on this trail so we took some extra time to get to know our surroundings.

We took it easy for the first ride.

First bike ride of the year!

This Sunday, February 13th, Buddy and I (and possibly a few friends) will be taking a modest 10-20 mile ride to kick off the year. I will hopefully be able to upload the gps data maps as well as some new pictures from this ride. We like the Rails to Trails system which is where old railroad tracks are converted to bike trails.