Dear Friends:

The Office of Greenways and Trails announces a NATIONAL TRAILS DAY RIDE on the Nature Coast Trail on Saturday 7 June 2008. The EZ Riders will take part, and you are invited to join us. Because the EZ Riders are part of the Gainesville Cycling Club, our insurance regulations require helmets for all those who participate in the EZ Riders part of this event. We will ride with stately grace down this pretty, smoothly paved trail, stopping to look at wildflowers, and expecting to pause to watch the sturgeon jumping in the Suwanee River. Bring bug juice, sun blocker, water, whatever. Our ride is highly suitable for families and beginners.

See you then.

George

The following is the announcement sent by Trail manager Kirk Marhefka:

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY RIDE

Saturday 7 June 2008 - 9:00 AM

All rides start at 9:00 AM (or thereabouts) from the Old Train Depot, 419 North Main Street in Trenton. Trenton is about 25 miles West of Gainesville on SR 26.

A fun, open, very low-key ride on the smoothly paved Nature Coast State Trail for all levels of bicyclists, including children. Family ride groups are encouraged.

Ride options range from a few miles for beginning riders and families with small children, up to 64 miles for experienced cyclists who choose to ride the entire trail.

The old railroad bridge where the Trail crosses the Suwannee River near Old Town is a favorite option (about 12 miles from Trenton). The original machinery which made the bridge pivot to allow steamboats to pass can still be seen from the bank of the river below the trail. The rural landscape along the trail offers a peaceful atmosphere complete with live oaks and wildflowers.

Maps of the trail will be provided at the starting point in Trenton. There will be refreshments at the Depot and there are convenience stores along the trail. There is a Dairy Queen under the live oaks in Cross City. The ride is not otherwise supported.

For information, contact Kirk.Marhefka@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or 352-535-5181.

or George Edwards at gedwards@xxxxxxxxxxxx or 352.333.3184.

Helmets are required for children under 16 and recommended

for everyone.

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