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 parts 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)