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Meet in grassy lot west of Lee’s Country Store, 3540 E. Central Ave., Alturas, FL. Saturday Jan 11th, 8:30 a.m. roll time. Restrooms at Lee’s Store (buy something and be friendly). Join the club on this 30-mile or 50-mile (two options) mixed surfaces ride. Gravel bikes, All-Road bikes, or Cyclocross bikes recommended. Moderate to fast pace with stops. Alturas, meaning “high land” in Spanish, has its roots dating back circa 1913, and is located in the Polk County hinterlands between Bartow and Lake Wales. This mixed surfaces ride will include gravel/ dirt roads, clay, rural paved roads and a small amount of grass. Depending on the weather leading up to the ride, some of the dirt roads may be soft in sections. The 30-mile option is 50/ 50 gravel/ pavement. The 50-mile option is appx 40% gravel/ 60% pavement. The ride is hilly by Florida standards, with appx. 1,300 ft of elevation change. There are several good-sized climbs and fast downhills. The route will include historic Alturas, rolling countryside and farmland (citrus, bamboo, etc.), pass near Clear Springs Ranch (home to Jeep’n with Judd), and provide views of at least a dozen lakes.
Note - If you are uncomfortable sharing the road with vehicles, this is not a good ride for you. Tail lights are required for safety. Mirror and Garmin Varia (radar) also recommended. Riders should be self-supported and accustomed to long rides in remote areas. No facilities except at Lee’s Store. Bring hydration, snacks, sun screen, tools, tubes and other flat repair.
Ride Guide Rob DeGraaf is a Senior Environmental Scientist and past Author of Fat Tire Favorites, Guide to West-Central (and South Florida) Florida Off-Road Bicycling books, and a past director of the Florida Off-Road Bicycling Association (FORBA).
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
3540 Central Ave. Alturas, Fl, 3540 Central Ave, Bartow, FL 33830, United States,Wahneta, Florida
