My RAPHA FESTIVE 500 Challenge 2016

 

RAPHA FESTIVE 500

Rapha challenges you to ride 311 MILES IN the eight days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Join  thousands of CYCLIST around the world in getting up off the sofa and onto your bike, and send Rapha your stories to win amazing Rapha prizes. Rapha Festive 500.
All cyclist who complete the challenge can register to receive a Rapha Festive 500 woven badge to commemorate their achievement. All finishers and those submitting entries for the grand prizes must submit their details by 14th January 2017.

http://pages.rapha.cc/feature/festive-500

https://www.strava.com/challenges/rapha-festive500-2016

Rapha Festive 500 ride your bicycle 311 Miles (500 Kilometers) in 8 days between Christmas and New Years! Thats About 40 miles each day!! 

 I Plan to break up the mileage into daily rides and use this Rapha Festive 500 Challenge to whip myself back into shape and Rehab my Leg and Shoulder. I was hit by a Stoopid car last April 7th and suffered a Broken Left Tibia and Fibula had a Intramedullary Nail implanted. Also a broken right clavicle and head injuries.

GeorgiaMTB

https://www.strava.com/athletes/396499

Rapha Festive 500 STRAVA challenge

 

 



I'll be riding all SideWalk with Flat Pedals on my Specialized Stumpjumper Comp FSR 29er Mountainbike.

 

I already have and will wear my My RAPHA Brevet Long Sleeve Jersey on cold rides.

 

I ordered some new RAPHA Brevet Reflective Socks!

I completed the Strava Rapha #Festive500 Cycling Challenge with only a couple of hours to spare! Riding 100 miles in the last 24 hours of the Strava Rapha Festive500 cycling Challenge.
As my reward for completing the Strava Rapha Festive 500 Challenge I'm ordering myself a Rapha Insulated Brevet Jacket!!


Dec 24


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GeorgiaMTB.com

 

Swamp Fox Passage Trail South Carolina Overnight BikePacking Trip

Swamp Fox Passage Trail South Carolina Overnight BikePacking Trip part of the Palmetto Trail

http://palmettoconservation.org/passage/swamp-fox-passage/




Swamp Fox Passage Trail South Carolina Overnight Bike Packing Trip part of the Palmetto Trail
Day 1: Starting 9:00am  near the Walmart Supercenter 511 N U.S. Hwy 52, Moncks Corner, SC riding north to the Swamp Fox Passage Trail Head. Riding the Swamp Fox Passage Trail to Halfway Creek Road then south to Isle of Palms Beach on the coast. Approx 65 Miles mostly flat one way.  HOBO/Stealth Camp or Hotel Options Nearby.

Day 2: Starting at 7:30am Backtracking same route as day before. Isle Of Palms, SC to Swamp Fox Passage Trail via Halfway creek road, Then on to Monks Corner, SC,  Approx 65 Miles mostly flat one way

Be Self Sufficient. Maintain 10 mph average. Be Prepared for inclement weather. Just Rain: Ride On. Lightning: Take Cover. Red Blinkie & Light as Night Riding Possible if Schedule Shifts.
This Schedule is FLEXIBLE... This will be a Laid back No Stress Ride enjoying the Beautiful Flora & Fauna South Carolina Has To Offer. Dirt Riding will not be Technical.

Preliminary Gear List:
GPS
Rain Jacket
Light –Blinkie
Extra Batteries GPS/Phone
Bivy
Brake Pads
Deraileur Hanger
Chain Tool, pin, link
Multi Tool, Hex, Torq
Knife
Spoke Wrench
Lube
4 tubes
Patch kit
Co2 Kit Levers
Pump
Duct tape, zip ties
Zip lock bag
Bug spray
Butt Butter
Sock Hat
Socks/shorts/shirt
Perpetuem, gels, enduralytes
Ibuprophen
Sun & clear glasses
Cash

List of Gear I use:

Under Seat Bag:
Phantom Packs SIC pack
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2015/09/phantom-packs-sic-pack-bikepacking.html

Tubless Tires:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/10/specialized-2bliss-tire.html

Handlebar Bag:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/08/axiom-handle-bar-bag.html

Bivy Set up:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/09/emergency-bivy.html

GPS unit:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/09/garmin-dakota-20-gps.html

SawMill Branch Canal Multi-Use Paved Trail Summerville, South Carolina

SawMill Branch Canal Multi-Use Paved Trail Summerville, South Carolina

SawMill Branch Canal Multi-Use Paved Trail Summerville, South Carolina

Ride Report: SawMill MultiUse Paved Trail Summerville SC. @approx 7 miles 1 way. All flat crosses a couple roads some are the trail under passes the road. You have to cross #SawmillBranchCanal at certain road bridges to continue. minimal traffic
SawMill Branch Canal Multi-Use Paved Trail Summerville, South Carolina

 

SawMill Branch Canal Multi-Use Paved Trail Summerville, South Carolina 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starts Near Coastal Coffee in Summerville SC http://www.coastalcoffeeroasters.com/

Holmes Clear Lens cycling glasses For Night Riding.

Holmes Clear Lens cycling glasses For Night Riding.....purchased at Home Depot.....under $10....make it safe is the code in my bicycle riding.

3M create the Holmes
Workwear Safety Eyewear line. A complete safety eyewear line
designed to help keep you safe and get the job done right
because doing itright also means doing it safely. Make it Right  Holmes Clear Lens cycling glasses For Night Riding.
SAFETY GLASSES
Lightweight frame with anti-fog lenses
Meets ANSEZBT 1-2010 standards

Holmes Clear Lens cycling glasses For Night Riding.

Sleek styling

Clear lens with anti-fog coating, ideal for

Low light bicycle riding

soft molded nosebridge and

temple tips for long ride comfort

C4 Impact resistant lenses absorb 99% UV

keeping eyes protected while you ride

Holmes Clear Lens cycling glasses For Night Riding

NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light Blinkie

The NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light  includes one Rubber strap type mounting bracket and one Charging Cable, USB to plug into the computer or wall outlet adapter. It does NOT include the wall adapter used to plug the unit into the wall outlet. The NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light is rechargeable using a USB or regular Phone Charger. The same charger most android phones and tablets use. The charging port on the NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light is on the bottom covered by a protective weather proof rubber flap. The NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light  indicates low charge when the center white lens illuminates red. The NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light center white lens illuminates RED while the NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light  is Charging then BLUE when fully Charged. The NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light has 4 modes of operation: two flashing modes and two steady light modes. NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light BRIGHT Steady Red Light Mode (~5 hours) has less of a run time than the NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light LESS BRIGHT Steady Red Light Mode (~33 Hours).

Cycling Tail Lights are often called Red Blinkies or jus blinkies cause they Flash red lights so cars an other can see them wile on the road. VISABILITY meaning BEING SEEN wile riding a bicycle on the road is VERY important! Also the NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light Bracket fits or accepts other NiteRider Cycling Tail Lights. I carry a AAA Battery Operated NiteRider Cherry Bomb Cycling Tail Light as a backup in case my NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light runs out of juice MidRide. The NiteRider Cherry Bomb Cycling Tail Light fits in the same bracket as the NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light.
https://www.niterider.com/
Solas 30 NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light Blinkie Lumen Output: 30 Run Time: 4:30 – 36 hours Charge Time: 4 hours Weight: 45g Battery: Li-Po
NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light Blinkie
.....

..................

https://www.niterider.com/product/solas-30/
....
NiteRider Solas 30 Cycling Tail Light Blinkie

www.GeorgiaMTB.com

Hit by a Stoopid Car! Broken Tibia Fibula and Clavicle

Well I was hit by a Stoopid Car wile riding my bicycle in April 2016. Suffered a Broken left Tibia & fibula  (Lower Leg), Broken Right Clavicle (Shoulder), Head Injury, Mouth Injury, Scrapes, Bruises, sprained right elbow. I do not remember being hit. I have memory loss of that whole day and several days after. I was hospitalized for a week after being hit.

Anyway Gunna try to document my recovery here.

I have a An intramedullary rod, also known as an intramedullary nail (IM Nail), is a metal rod forced into the medullary cavity of a bone. From my left knee down to my left ankle.  

This is my leg @ 4 Months

this is my shoulder after 4 months. Still not fused. I will have outpatient surgery to fix it with a plate and screws. 

Got a huge surprise at the Local IMBA meeting. Got my fixed bike back! Huge Thanks to DUANE and The Bike Store What a Surprise!  Ocmulgee Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA)

HandUp Gloves Blackout Pedal Hard

HandUp Gloves Blackout Pedal Hard
Handup Gloves #HandupsAreNotACrime

 

http://www.handupgloves.com/products/pedal-hard-blackout-glove

HandUp Gloves Blackout Pedal Hard

After watching #CrossVegas on TV last night I wanna get a #Cyclocross Bike! Started by ordering a pair of Handup Gloves #HandUpsAreNotACrime I got this Conformation E-mail "Thank you for your order at Handup Gloves. Once we received your order, we downed our beers and sprinted to the warehouse so quickly that one of our guys broke Usain Bolt's gold medal time for the 100-yard dash. In your honor, we lit 15 different fireworks while we searched for the gloves of your choosing and ever so gently bagged them up as Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner rang out over the speakers, summoning the most majestic bald eagle to swoop in on this glorious moment and pick up your gloves for delivery. We stood in awe of this moment and wished your gloves a wonderful journey both to your door step and on the trail! Your order confirmation is below."

Xtra Large Blackout HandUp Cycling Gloves. Pedal Hard Logo on the palms. Relective logo and Finger swipes on the Blackout HandUp Glove.  These BlackOut HandUp Gloves work on Smart Phone Touch Screens. I was able to navigate the Touchscreen on my Samsung Galaxy Phone wile wearing these gloves. Snug secure fit with perforated palms for cooling vents.

Back of hand view, HandUp Gloves Blackout

 

 

 

Palm of hand view, HandUp Gloves Blackout

 

HandUp Gloves Blackout Pedal Hard
Handup Gloves #HandupsAreNotACrime

2016 Music Midtown Atlanta Georgia

2016 Music Midtown Electric Ball Room Stage Piedmont Park Atlanta Georgia Saturday
Parked at Public Parking next to the Four Seasons Hotel on 14 Street MidTown Music and waked to the 12th Street Gate at Piedmont Park to enter the 2016 Music Midtown concerts $12 to park all day!

2016 MusicMidtown Electric Ball Room Stage Piedmont Park Atlanta Georgia Saturday

 

2016 Music Midtown Electric Ball Room Stage Piedmont Park Atlanta Georgia Saturday



2016 MusicMidtown Electric Ball Room Stage Piedmont Park Atlanta Georgia Saturday

2016 Music Midtown Piedmont Park Atlanta, GA DNCE G Easy Twentyone Pilots Saturday At the Electric Ballroom Stage

2016 Music Midtown Electric Ball Room Stage Piedmont Park Atlanta Georgia Saturday

2016 Music Midtown Piedmont Park Atlanta, GA DNCE G Easy Twentyone Pilots Saturday At the Electric Ballroom Stage

 

2016 Music Midtown Piedmont Park Atlanta, GA DNCE G Easy Twentyone Pilots Saturday At the Electric Ballroom Stage
2016 Music Midtown Electric Ball Room Stage Piedmont Park Atlanta Georgia Saturday
Parked at Public Parking next to the Four Seasons Hotel on 14 Street MidTown Music and waked to the 12th Street Gate at Piedmont Park to enter the 2016 Music Midtown concerts

My Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet

My Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet



Cooler Heads Prevail! Specialized Tactic II, All Mountain Design, Headset SL Fit System, Double Clutch Micro-Adjust Dial, TriFix Webbing.

I ordered my Large, White Specialized Tactic II Bicycle Helmet  at  https://www.specialized.com/us/en/helmets/mountain/tactic/105240
it shipped to me in three days, $75 plus FedEx Ground shipping
The Large Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet weighs about 342 grams, fits a 57-63 cm Head circumference.

Know the LIMITS OF YOUR Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet
wearing a Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet will not protect against injury in all types of  Bicycle accident scenario complete protection studies have shown you are better off with a Bicycle Helmet than without one. No protective headgear can protect the head against all possible impacts, and serious injury or death could occur while wearing this Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet. Specialized recommends that you choose a Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet which provides the most cover Make sure the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet fits snugly and is tightly fastened at all times Any Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet subjected to impact should be discarded, even though damage may not be outwardly visible. Do not modify or remove any original part of the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet. Heat damaged helmets will appear to have uneven or have bubbly cover.
Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet must fit property, be worn property.  
How to fit Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet  For proper use, the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet must sit level on the head. The Specialized helmet uses release buckle retention system that, once adjusted, can be buckled and unbuckled without changing the adjustment. For proper use, the straps must be snugly and closed Always wear the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet with the chin strap fastened, and the strap pulled tight, and positioned back against the throat. Here is a good test for determining if you have properly fit your Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet With the strap buckled and the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet positioned you should feel the chin strap pull firmly against your chin as you open your mouth when properly adjusted the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet will wrap around your head and cradle it with firm, but comfortable pressure.Your Specialized Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet is equipped with an adjustable fit system which helps stabilize the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet in the correct position when you ride. When properly adjusted, turn the fit system knob clockwise to tighten or counter clockwise to loosen, Fit System Check: with the fit system knob turned clockwise until comfortably snug and the chin strap buckled and snug under the chin and back against the throat, grab the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet with both hands and twist the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet to the right and loft. the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet fits correctly the skin on the forehead will move as the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet moves. if it does not, tighten the fit system dial clockwise. You should also tighten the chin strap, Check the fit again, If you cannot achieve the proper fit DO NOT USE THIS Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet. Replace it with a different size or model until the correct fit is achieved. Chin Strap Check: with the fit system knob turned clockwise until comfortably
snug and the chin strap buckled and snug under the chin and back against the
throat, grab the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet with both hands and try to remove it by rolling the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet forward and backward as far as you can. This is an important test to ensure that the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet fits correctly. When you do this, for a proper fit you should the pull against the underside of your chin and the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet resist any  movement. WARNING: Always make sure the buckie is properly fastened before you ride. Failure to follow thls instruction could result in serious personal injury, as the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet may not stay in position while riding  Do not wear anything underweath your Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet. Such as wrap, hood, bundled hair. headphones, barrettea, as the belmet may loosen or come off, Do not wear anyone else's Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet and don't loan Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet to anyone Clean Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet
 water, mad soap abrasive clean the helmersehee pads WARNING: This Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet can be damaged by oontact with common substances (for example, certain solvents (ammonia), cleaners (bleach), paints, abrasives) and this damage may not be visible to the wearer. Do not use this Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet
if it has been exposed to such Do not take risks just because you are wearing a Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet. This Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet has been designed for recreational bicycling. This Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet has not been approved and is not intended for extreme uses such as downhill racing at high speeds, jumping or leaping with a fully suspended bicycle, snow sports, water sports, motor sports,street hockey, playground activities, or other activities where face. ear, or greater protection or coverage is
For United States Consumers, this Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet has been tested and
certified to ment and exceed the Bicycle Safety Standard for Bicycles Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmets, 16 CFR 1203. A copy of this regulation can be obtained
WARNING: A bicycle Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet for bicycling onlyl Always wear a
Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet when bicycling. When you get off your bicycle, remove your Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet. Do not wear a Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet while climbing trees, in play areas, on playground equipment, or, at any time while not riding a bicycle. Parents: Instruct children to follow this warning, Failure to follow  this warning could result in serious personal injury, death or death by strangulation. The shell of this Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet is expanded polymer foam. Ventilation holes may allow harmful objects to pass in the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet WARNING: Do not attach anything to your Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet, including mirrors High temperatures (above 110" F, 43 C) may melt the Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet's shell. Do not store your Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet in your car or anywhere else near a heat source. Do not use if the shell has been melted or The protective capability of your Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet will diminish over time. dependent upon many factors such as dents, dings, and exposure to pollution, harmful chemicals.
Specialized Tactic Bicycle Helmet's ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

ChiefN The Comet Bicycle Ride

Chief'N The Comet Bicycle Ride,  8 April 2017
Beautiful Days on the Bike. Was too Slow and did not make the complete route Saturday, 20 miles short. was extracted at Starbucks East of Dallas.



 Started Sunday in Cedartown west back to vehicle.





Chief'N The Comet photos:



Chief'N The Comet Bicycle Ride

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ChiefN The Comet Bicycle Ride

Day 1: 9:00AM Start at Weaver Police Station 500 Anniston St, Weaver, Alabama riding Chief Ladiga Trail > Silver Comet Trail to Cumberland Mall
1000 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Approx 100 miles.  HOBO/Stealth Camp or Hotel Options Nearby.

Day 2: 7:30AM Start at Cumberland Mall 1000 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, Georgia  30339 riding Silver Comet Trail > Chief Ladiga Trail to Weaver Police Station 500 Anniston St, Weaver, Alabama Approx 100 miles

OverNight Parking at Start/Finish Weaver Police Station 500 Anniston St, Weaver, Alabama 36277 Leave Tag Number and Info Inside
Lunch Both Days in RockMart, Georgia

http://www.silvercometga.com/

http://www.chiefladigatrail.com/plan-a-visit/faq-s

ChiefN The Comet Bicycle Ride

  

  

Chief Ladiga Trail and The Silver Comet Trail Overnight Bicycle Ride.

Be Self Sufficient. Maintain 13mph average. Be Prepared for inclement weather. Just Rain: Ride On. Lightning: Take Cover. Red Blinkie & Light as Night Riding Possible if Schedule Shifts.
This Schedule is FLEXIBLE... This will be a Laid back No Stress Ride enjoying the Beautiful Flora & Fauna Alabama & Georgia Have To Offer. Any Dirt Riding will not be Technical. Plenty Of Restock Options along the route. Also the Option of joining in Anywhere on route.

Chief Ladiga Trail and The Silver Comet Trail Overnight Bicycle Ride.

Preliminary Gear List:
GPS
Rain Jacket
Light –Blinkie
Extra Batteries GPS/Phone
Bivy
Brake Pads
Deraileur Hanger
Chain Tool, pin, link
Multi Tool, Hex, Torq
Knife
Spoke Wrench
Lube
4 tubes
Patch kit
Co2 Kit Levers
Pump
Duct tape, zip ties
Zip lock bag
Bug spray
Butt Butter
Sock Hat
Socks/shorts/shirt
Perpetuem, gels, enduralytes
Ibuprophen
Sun & clear glasses
Cash

List of Gear I use:

Under Seat Bag:
Phantom Packs SIC pack
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2015/09/phantom-packs-sic-pack-bikepacking.html

Tubless Tires:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/10/specialized-2bliss-tire.html

Handlebar Bag:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/08/axiom-handle-bar-bag.html

Bivy Set up:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/09/emergency-bivy.html

GPS unit:
http://floridamtb.blogspot.com/2013/09/garmin-dakota-20-gps.html

Santos Vortex 12\6 Hr MTB Race 2016

Santos 12\6 hour MTB Race Santos Vortex Trails. Lemans Style Start in the Pit wit a Parade lap before hitting the red Trails then Twisting thru the flowy Trails in the Pines. Many steep rocky drops and Man made wooden features made this a Fun And Exciting course.


All Photos Here: 2016 Santos Vortex MTB Race PHOTOS on Flickr



www.GoneRiding.com

Santos Votex Trails 12 Hour MTB Race Awards ceremony video:


www.GeorgiaMTB.com

Drove down Friday to set up Camp/Pit right on the course. Had a 8 person Tent, Popup two tables Chairs. Camp Stove for making Hot Coffee n Oatmeal. Few others showed up to camp and pit with me. We had home made Baked Ziti Friday night by the fire with a beautiful full moon. Temps got down in to the low 40s over night and we woke to a Heavy dew. Drank Coffee Ate Oatmeal and got all my stuff toether ready to rave. I had Hammer Perpetuem, Gels, Pnut butter n honey sandwiches for the day. Had pepsi n snickers for later in the race to keep me going. Had a Fun time Videoing and Tacking pictures during the race. ended up doing 5 laps and having a Blast down at the Trailer Park pit with their Heckle Jump set up complete with a flame to jump thru.

 

Santos Vortex Trails Ocala, Florida

Bike Macon Complete Streets Georgia Bikes Presentation

Bike Macon Complete Streets Georgia Bikes Presentation

Bike N Beers Bike Macon www BikeMacon.org  Bicycling Organization Meeting Group Ride Downtown Macon, Georgia More People On Bicycles Cycling Safety Bicycle Advocates



Bike Macon Complete Streets Georgia Bikes Presentation
Bike Macon Complete Streets Georgia Bikes Presentation www.GeorgiaBikes.org More People on #Bicycles Macon, Georgia #Cycling Safety Safer Roads and Intersections for Cyclist



Complete Streets are Streets tat are safe for all users. Cyclist, pedestrians, and Automobiles. Designing City thoroughfares in a way that all users can move about safely. Complete streets have save intersections where all users can pass and cross easily and safely without Traffic interruption. Complete streets concepts are good for cities.

www.GeorgiaMTB.com

Conquistador's Raid On The Loop

Conquistador's Raid On The Loop

 Conquistador's Raid On The Loop ~300 Mile loop in 3 Days By Bicycle. Arrived at the Start near Chuck Lennon Trail in De Leon Springs, Florida Late Thursday Night. Slept few hours in the Car before:
Day 1  -   Waking to pack up and roll out at sun up. Skipped Riding The Chuck Lennon Trail and went straight to McDonalds for Coffee and an Egg Mc Muffin. On Southward to Lake Baresford with a break by the lake before taking bike path to French road. Then to Starbucks for more coffee before cruising down Shell rd. to the  pristine Spring to Spring Bike Paths starting at Gemini Springs at Lake Monroe. Beautiful Partly cloudy Day in Florida Riding a Bicycle. Stopped an had lunch at Subway before swerving down more bike path past Osteen to Hickory Bluff Preserve for a rest by the St. Johns River. East down Maytown Road turning north after passing under the I-95 overpass to Cow Creek. Took the causeway over to end on the Beach in New Smyrna. 90+ mile day. Although I was Prepared to Hobo/Stealth Camp I Got a Room at the Ocean Air on HWY 1 in New Smyrna Beach. Ate a huge Grouper Sandwich at Pappa's Drive In Resturant.



Day 2  - Coffee, Eggs n Gritz at Pappa's Drive In Restaurant then Cycling North toward St Augustine on HWY A1A. Crossed over to the Beach at port Orange then Cycling north on the beach. The tide was in so riding the soft sand was hard so I popped back up onto A1A North.  Cruised through Daytona to the Starbucks in Ormond Beach. Refilled my bottles and Had a Caramel Macchiato sitting in the park by the beach. Riding out north up A1A thee was a slight tailwind. Fish Tacos n Pepsi at the Golden Lion in Flagler Beach Florida. Still Cycling A1A north looking for the Mala Compra Trail. Did the Easy loop of the Mala Compra saving my legs for the long stretch of Cycling HWY A1A left to make Castillo De San Marcos by Dark . Crossed over in to St Augustine on the Bridge of Lions just as it was opening for some sail boats to navigate through the bridges gates. Ate Manacotti n salad at AL's Pizza Just outside the Forts gates. Ridng SouthWest out of St Augustine passing under the I-95 overpass. Got a Room at the Quality Inn near were the Rail Road Tracks turn into Bike Path Leading Toward Palatka, Florida. 80+ mile day.





Day 3  -  Early, Dark, Misty morning start by finding the beginning of the Bike Path leading to Palatka, Florida. Jus a mile from the hotel begins a long stretch of bike path that gives way to road riding. At the Putnam county line outside of Palatka the Bike Path resumes through beautiful Florida country side all the way to the bridge in to Palatka, Florida. Cycling South out of Palatka on the East side of the St Johns River its road riding all the way in to Welaka, Florida. Welaka Forest Trail down to the Mud Spring area for a snack break.  Popping out at the Fort Gates Ferry still following the St. John's River South I decided it was time to take the most direct route to the car. Pedaled over to Crescent City and picked up HWY 17 South. HWY 17 has bike lanes separated by rumble strips. Store Stop in Seville, Florida for some Pepsi and Peanuts and refill my Water Bottles. Made it back to the Car in De Leon Springs, Florida. 85 mile Day.




Conquistador's Raid On The Loop ~300 Mile loop in 3 Days By Bicycle was a great ride. Temperatures were mild, tailwinds were prevalent, and no rain for this BikePacking Adventure around the "River To Sea Loop" in east Central Florida. There were many Restock Options along this route including Kangaroo Convenience stores and All had Clean Bathrooms. The Bike Paths of the River To Sea Loop are beautiful and Pristine. There were many miles of Road Riding streets with Bike Lanes and without too.

Conquistador's Raid On The Loop Photos on Flickr



Conquistador's Snaps







3 Day BikePacking trip around the St John's River to Sea Loop in East Central Florida
Friday March 18th  -  Sunday March 20th 2016

 

THIS MAP APPROXIMATE ROUTE. ACTUAL ROUTE MAY SLIGHTLY VARY ONTO BIKEPATHS NOT SHOWN IN GOOGLE MAPS.
 View Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zikQ9KZ23rnU.kGRo_Cpq1_1U&usp=sharing
 

Cycling a Modified Route of the SingleTrack Samurai Productions "St John's River To Sea Loop" Created by the Legendary Karlos Rodriguez Bernart.
Be Self Sufficient. Maintain 13mph average. Be Prepared for inclement weather. Just Rain: Ride On. Lightning: Take Cover.

FRIDAY: 8am departure DeLeon Springs, Florida. Chuck Lennon Trail, Lake Beresford Bike Paths/Back roads to Lunch Near I-4 Gemini Springs. Bike Path to Hickory Bluff on the St Johns River for a Break/Swim. Maytown road to New Smyrna Beach, Possible Dinner Cruise at 5:30pm. HOBO/Stealth Camp at Marine Discovery Center on the Indian River or Hotel Option. Approximate 95 mile Day.

SATURDAY: 7:20am departure Breakfast Near Port Orange few miles on Beach riding, Scenic HWY A1A to Lunch at Golden Lion in Flagler Beach, Riding the Mala Campra Trail, Dinner in St Augustine HOBO/Stealth Camp or Hotel Option where rail track turns into Bike Path west of I-95 overpass near Vermont Heights. Approximate 80 mile Day.

SUNDAY: 7:20am departure, Store Stop East Palatka, Cross thru Dunns Creek Wildlife Area, Lunch at Shrimps R Us in Welaka. Spring Swim in the State Forest, ride thru Lake George Conservation Area to Seville then fastest route to car. Approximate 90 mile Day.

This Schedule is FLEXIBLE... This will be a Laid back No Stress Ride enjoying the Beauty, Flora & Fauna Florida Has To Offer. Any Dirt Riding will not be Technical. GPX file for loading into navigation device will be available. Plenty Of Restock Options along the route.
Also the option of just the First Day Ride to New Smyrna Overnight stay then Backtrack to car. Also the Option of joining in Anywhere on route.

FaceBook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/180251102342680/

2015 River to Sea Loop BikePacking Trip Ride Report: http://georgiamtb.blogspot.com/2015/09/river-to-sea-loop-2015.html

www.GeorgiaMTB.com