Take A River Ride - Fort Gates Ferry

Located in Fruitland, literally at the end of the road. The ferry is well marked from US 17 to CR308, to CR309 and then down the Ft Gates Ferry RD. Interesting historical marker, the Mount Royal site, very cool.

A really good YouTube video is posted here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he62Bt8C0L0 The couple that put this up did a great job, very nice. Heed their advice, and mine, VISIT.

The day was rain free. The ride is challenging on a heavy classic cruiser style road bike. From the Fruitland Park (main office) side it's only 1 mile of dirt road to get onboard. If you don't enjoy that mile, TURN BACK! Once you cross the river, you get about 8 miles of dirt rd, varying from fresh grade hard-pack dirt to soft sugar sand, to wet mud sections that for me weren't bad today, but after a wet season may have been real cruiser bike-stoppers. Luckily, worst case, you decide not to proceed, turn around and the ferry operator will come back for you - park at the ramp and LEAVE YOUR LIGHTS ON - is the universal "come get me" river signal.

Cost of the ride for my motorbike today - only a Fiver! AWESOME service, the ride operator was cordial and efficient. Sadly, he remarked that he doesn't get many bikers through lately.

Brave the dirt, take the drive to the boat, enjoy a last true, unspoiled bit of Florida, far away from condos, downtowns, politicians, and stop lights. A wonderful bargain at $5 for the bike, or even $10 for a car.

More ride pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/105039978752277397723/FortGatesFerryRide#

Biggest Little Show? Leesburg Bikefest

The Leesburg BikeFest is awesome. Growing in popularity every year and this year has been great as well. Added on one more day sort of and expanded some venues. The entire area benefits from the influx of biker business. Extra bonus for us Central Florida residents who are sad we only (! boo hoo!) get Biketoberfest and Bike Week...the Leesburg event is very welcome, nice and close and a great time! Don't miss it!

http://leesburgbikefest.com/Bikefest/index.htm

Seven Mile Smile

Truly a candidate for a decent Bucket List ride......

A1A down through the Keys. Go all the way!

Yes, the lower part is two-lane and given to congestion....

But oh man, it's so worth it!

All the bridges, all the history.

All the bars, all the beaches.

Don't forget the Duval Crawl.

Route 60 East

Running across the state, between Yeehaw Junction and Vero Beach....

This stretch of route 60 was improved some years ago and is a delight to ride.

Light traffic, fast four lane (watch out for Mr Trooper Sir), it makes short work of the miles between the Turnpike at Yeehaw and I-95 at Vero.

Find Your Center >> Center Hill

CR478, route 48, north of Websters....

A few old blocks of the remnants of town.

Good spot for a cold beverage from the store.

The Road To Tuscanooga

The road to Tuscanooga(Tuscanooga RD, oddly enough) is just west of downtown Groveland.

Run 50 through Groveland, and on your way towards Sloan's Ridge you pass the road to Tuscanooga. Going uphill in front of the Groveland cemetary, at the west end of the cemetary at the end of a stand of pine trees, take that right turn to get on to Tuscanooga Rd. Only a few short miles, it takes you towards Center Hill and CR 469., or left on CR 469 and head back down to SR 50.

Nice curves, some good deep swamp and woodsy bits, old time Florida settlement history, it's always a pleasant ride and fun to get off SR5o for a few klicks.

Another Bike Week

Was lucky enough to get over to Bike Week for two Fridays this year. Both days were clear and cool. Lots of cold and rain this year, sorry for those many who traveled and were met with inhospitable Florida winter, very much out of character!

Still, big fun when it's clear and bright, many seemed to be having great times!

Looking forward to Leesburg soon!