I still say it wrong to this day. It just doesn't look like the way those Floridians pronounce it. Kayla had to work and the closest riding was two hours north at Alafia State Park. The trails here were built and maintained by the SWAMP club. Like Santos this was a state run facility with a campground for those who can stay and make a trip of it.
Here the day use fee was a whopping $4, not bad for some fantastic singletrack. The parking area is again a haven for riders. Pump and tools, water, bike wash station, toilets, etc. What more could I ask for?
Here the day use fee was a whopping $4, not bad for some fantastic singletrack. The parking area is again a haven for riders. Pump and tools, water, bike wash station, toilets, etc. What more could I ask for?
I spun out North Creek, hit Razorback (a few quick burly climbs with exposure) and made my way onto Buzzard Bay which echoed Razorback. These trails were literally carved out of limestone and feature those Cape Cod-esque steep ups and down I'm use to. The exposure on the trails was awesome, these steep hammocks carved into singletrack that drop off to the side into obviously alligator laden waters (well, I just assume they were waiting for me to fall in).
I found my way to the legendary Gatorback where I let a guy with gears past who was amazed I could push the SS (aren't they all though?) From here it was Bridges to Rockgarden (which is misleading, its a green trail with no rocks). These were some fun fast twisting rides through the greenery. I then passed the same fellow as I rocked the three offshoots: Garden Ridge, OAF, and Franks. Franks has this nasty downhill into a 90 degree turn that I didn't make but luckily had the brake power to stop from plowing into the swamp water.
I finished the River Loop and headed to Sand Pine. Which actually fits its name. Very sandy and winding through the pines and palmetto. Rabbit Ears reminded me of Sidewinder at Kingdom Trails, Florida's smaller but no less fun version.
I was feeling the heat by now. The two hour drive meant I didn't start until around 10am, the humidity and temperature were rising. I was planning to hit the last trails; Rollercoaster, Derailed, and Moonscape before leaving.
I found my way to the legendary Gatorback where I let a guy with gears past who was amazed I could push the SS (aren't they all though?) From here it was Bridges to Rockgarden (which is misleading, its a green trail with no rocks). These were some fun fast twisting rides through the greenery. I then passed the same fellow as I rocked the three offshoots: Garden Ridge, OAF, and Franks. Franks has this nasty downhill into a 90 degree turn that I didn't make but luckily had the brake power to stop from plowing into the swamp water.
I finished the River Loop and headed to Sand Pine. Which actually fits its name. Very sandy and winding through the pines and palmetto. Rabbit Ears reminded me of Sidewinder at Kingdom Trails, Florida's smaller but no less fun version.
I was feeling the heat by now. The two hour drive meant I didn't start until around 10am, the humidity and temperature were rising. I was planning to hit the last trails; Rollercoaster, Derailed, and Moonscape before leaving.