Saturday – July 16^th:

This Saturday the LoBees will accompany the Saddle Tramps on a ride of similar speed & distance before the Fanning Springs Picnic.

Where: Trenton Rail Trail Depot

When:&nb sp; 7:15AM meeting, 7:30AM departure, Saturday July 16th

Distance: Long ride: ~40 miles, 1 rest stop at the bridge, 1 restroom stop at Chiefland.

Shorter ride ~23 miles, 1 rest stop at the bridge

Speed: 13-16 mph

Duration: ~3:00 hours total time (long ride), ~2:00 hours (short ride)

Questions?: (352) 332-5678, or egardner@xxxxxxx

SEE SPECIFICS BELOW PLEASE.

Thanks in advance… Bob

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The Saddle Tramps (Bees are welcome to join us) will ride the Nature Coast Trail Saturday July 16th, from the Train Depot in Trenton. Rather than wait until the Fanning Springs Park opens up at 8:00, we will meet in Trenton BEFORE the park opens , ride in the cool of the morning, avoiding the opening delay at the park, then drive from Trenton to the park at the completion of our bike ride. The ride will begin at the Trenton Rail Depot parking lot, ride the trail west to the bridge over the Suwannee River where we can watch the sturgeon jump out of the water, from there east and south to Chiefland, and then north and east from Chiefland back to Trenton, and from there drive on to the park.

This is an easy ~40 mile ride on the Nature Coast Trail, which is a paved, virtually level rail trail with a few car crossings. Anyone who does not wish to do the full ride can avoid the leg to Chiefland and take the shorter route back to Trenton on the way back from the bridge; this would result in a ~23 mile ride. Restrooms are available at the rail depot in Trenton and Chiefland. Meet at 7:15AM in Trenton for a departure at 7:30AM so we get as much cool morning riding as possible. High temperatures and humidity are currently forecast in the low-90s later in the day, so bring plenty of water (at least 2 bottles for the long ride!) and dress for hot weather; bring swim clothes and towels if you want to take a dip in the springs after the ride. Be sure to bring a side dish to enjoy with the Grandy's catered chicken and veggie lasagna served for lunch.

Expect level-ground pedaling speeds between 13-16 mph, and an average speed of 13-15 mph on this relatively flat route. This is a no-drop friendly ride; nobody needs to stress themselves to keep up with the leader or faster riders, because we will stop and wait for everyone to regroup at each major turn. Helmets are required, suntan lotion is recommended, as some par ts of this ride are in sunny open areas.

The Trenton Rail Trail Depot is located in Trenton on highway 129 north. Take SR 26 west to Trenton, head north (right) on Main Street (US 129). Proceed about 2 blocks to the Trenton railroad depot on the left side.

The Fanning Springs Park is located on highway 19 in Fanning Springs. Take SR 26 west to Fanning Springs, turn right onto highway 19; Park is about 1/4 mile west at 18020 NW Highway 19. Admission is $6 for a car with 2-8 people, or $2 per bicyclist.

~~This ride will be lead by Ed Gardner in the continued absence of our fearless leader Melinda Koken, who will be sweeping down the west coast like Sherman marching through Georgia.~~

~~Where: Trenton Rail Trail Depot~~

~~When: 7:15AM meeting, 7:30AM departure, Saturday July 16th~~

~~Distance: Long ride: ~40 miles, 1 rest stop at the bridge, 1 restroom stop at Chiefland.~~

~~Shorter ride ~23 miles, 1 rest stop at the bridge~~

~~Speed: 13-16 mph~~

~~Duration: ~3:00 hours total time (long ride), ~2:00 hours (short ride)~~

~~Questions?: (352) 332-5678, or egardner@xxxxxxx~~

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