The Oleno picnic, Saturday, Jan.  19 is one of the most fun GCC picnics.  Good food, plus many outdoor activities make this a great event for families and guests.   I need a little bit of help (see list below)

 

For road bikes, there is a paved bike trail that goes to Fort White (and passes by a wonderful thrift store) and on to the Itchetucknee and to Branford.   And there are many quiet country roads for road rides.

 

For off-road cyclists, there are gentle hiking/biking trails in the park, excellent for families and beginning off-roadies.   The trails are historic roads, that connected Spanish missions, and later connected Oleno with the Belamy Road,  the first Federal road built in Florida in 1825.  The Belamy Road is preserved in it's original condition in the park and has informational kiosks along the road.

 

There is excellent hiking and a museum detailing the construction of the Park by the Civilian Conservation Corp during the 1930's.

 

Food will begin a little before noon.  Club members are asked to bring either chili, a salad or a side dish.  Chandler will make a big pot of meat chili (so mild it is guaranteed to offend no one),  vegetarian chili and will attempt a seafood chili.  The Club will provide soft drinks.

 

Following the noontime feast, some club members may go for a hike and many will go to watch local bike racing at the Progress Center from 2 p.m. til  5 p.m.

 

SOME HELP NEEDED:  

1)  If you have a Coleman stove, it might be good to bring it to re-heat chili.  I will have a Coleman Stove and two grills with charcoal.   If you need propane fuel, e-mail me and I can get a small propane bottle for you.

 

2)  If you can lead a ride at Oleno, that would be good.  One idea is a road ride on the paved bike trail to Fort White or beyond. A second ride would be a road ride (with one mile on US 441) to the Belamy Road, hybrids, comfort bikes and off-road bikes are suggested for this ride.  A third ride would be an off road ride on the Oleno trails to the Belamy Road.

 

3)  If someone wants to supervise the picnic site from 9:15 until about 11:30, I could lead one the above rides. 

 

Let me know if you can help.