The Saddle Tramps and LoBees will ride jointly Sunday June 12, from the Santa Fe Lake Park in Melrose.  We will ride east on SR26 through Melrose to CR219, to SE on Hwy 100, then south on CR315 to Interlachen for a midway snack/rest stop, then west on Hwy 20 to CR20A, then south/SW until CR20A renames to CR21 going north, which returns us to Melrose where we rejoin SR26 west back to the park.
 
This is a ~37 mile ride with mostly smooth roads and multiple moderate rolling hill climbs all along the route as we ride along between many small lakes.  Maps will be available at the start.  Serviceable but not elegant restrooms are available at the Park, at the snack/rest stop in Interlachen, and in Melrose if one wants to grab a convenience store drink near the finish.  Meet at 8:00AM for a departure at 8:10AM.  High temperatures are currently forecast in the low-90s later in the day, so bring plenty of water and dress for hot weather.  It would be a good idea to bring a few dollars to purchase a cool drink at the rest stops to stretch your water supply. 
 
Expect level-ground pedaling speeds between 13-16 mph, but an average speed of 12-14 mph, as we moderate our speed up some of the longer hills and slow down to enjoy some of the lake views.  This is a no-drop friendly ride; LoBees who want to sprint ahead of the pack for training are welcome to do so, however you should expect to rest a few minutes while we stop and wait for everyone to regroup and have a drink at each major turn.  Helmets are required, suntan lotion is recommended.  If you would like to hang around after the ride and have a picnic lunch, bring some lunch food with you and enjoy the park with those of us who are doing this.
 
The Santa Fe Lake county park is located on the west side of Melrose on the north side of Hwy 26 near the green Melrose city sign on Hwy 26; the park road is marked, and is preceded by a brown sign indicating the park and a boat launch ramp are 1000 feet ahead as you approach Melrose from Gainesville.  If you get to the traffic light in Melrose, you have gone too far; turn around and go back 1.14 miles to the park entry road.  Park near the covered picnic tables near the park entrance; the restrooms are located several hundred feet further back, near the boat launch.
 
If you would like to receive a preview map of the ride, or a Garmin .tcx/.gpx file of the route, please email Ed at the address below.
 
This ride will be lead by Ed Gardner, due to our fearless leaders, Bob Newman and Melinda Koken, taking the day off for pressing international business and intrigue.
 
Where:       Santa Fe Lake Park just off Hwy 26 west of Melrose
When:         8:00AM meeting, 8:10AM departure, Sunday June 12
Distance:    ~37 miles, 1 rest stop midway
Speed:       13-16 mph, slower on hills
Duration:     ~3:00 hours riding time
Questions?: (352) 332-5678,  or egardner@xxxxxxx

 

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