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Saturday April 19th, 8:30 a.m. Trailhead at 14300 Rockridge Rd., Lakeland. Hampton Tract trailhead.
Join the club on this appx 48-mile or 21-mile bike ride (two options). Gravel bikes or MTBs. Moderate pace with stops. Green Swamp and adjoining properties comprise one of the largest and most important conservation lands in the state, collectively over 500,000 acres of greenspace and serving as the primary hydrologic recharge for the Floridan Aquifer, and the headwaters of four major rivers; the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, Peace, and Ocklawaha, and numerous other streams. Both route options will consist of hard-pack dirt roads, double-track, rugged (less traveled) grass and dirt trails, sand, mud, and potential water crossings – depending on conditions leading up to the ride. Both route lengths will also include appx 3 miles of rural paved road shared with vehicles. We will pass through multiple adjoining conservation lands and visit several remote lakes and other backcountry points of interest. The 48-mile route will also cross Highway 471 and the Withlacoochee River. There’s a chance we may add a 3rd longer option by the time April rolls around. Message me if there’s any interest in this.
Riders should be self-supported and accustomed to long off-road rides in remote areas. Restrooms and water at 11 miles (for the shorter route) or 37 miles (for the longer route). There are no other facilities and cell reception is poor. Most of the route is closed to vehicles, but Hwy 471 can serve as a bailout point if needed. Bring tail lights (for paved road section), plenty of hydration, snacks/ lunch, sun screen, bug spray, 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). Please post any questions under this ride Event or message me on Facebook
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
14300 Rockridge Rd. Lakeland, 14300 Rockridge Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809, United States,Providence, Florida
