Over the years I have been an ON and Off recreational off road or mountain biker. I am On again and it has been a blast. I would like to start a discussion of local bike trail options... not for transportation or commuting purposes but for recreation. I have found some extensive and fun trails out on the Westside that provide 15+ miles of fun and interesting rides.
First stop... Pope Duval Park https://www.google.com/maps/@30.3069475,-81.8931509,1387m/data=!3m1!1e3
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/pope-duval-park.aspx
This site is basically a series of dirt roads that sometimes require a 4WD vehicle. Pretty easy but if you look at the map you cross under I-10 into a vast array of mostly unmarked trails that ultimately connect to the Cecil field complex. I have ridden up to 30 miles back there and still have not been on all the trails.
Next up... Cecil Equestrian Center... https://www.google.com/maps/@30.2430361,-81.9058676,1167m/data=!3m1!1e3
http://www.jaxequestriancenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Cecil-Riding-Trails.pdf
Not publicized as a bike trail but there is the beginnings of an awesome biking facility here. Only a mile or two of marked trails but they all connect to a HUGE series of unmarked trails that connect all the way to Pope Duval consisting of 5400 acres of wilderness.( http://apps2.coj.net/parksinternet/parkdetails.asp?parkid=349 ) Both of these sites offer an extensive array of wildlife. On virtually every ride I surprise at least one deer and/or a flock of turkeys. If you ride far enough... the silence of the forest is almost surreal.
Also on the Westside is the Baldwin Trail. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Baldwin+Trail+-+Imeson+Trailhead/@30.3451659,-81.7748473,294m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe5e9eab4836516d2!8m2!3d30.3456034!4d-81.7727322
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/jacksonville-baldwin-rail-trail.aspx
Baldwin Trail features a paved straight line for 14.5 miles with three different trailheads for access. Here you will encounter walkers, joggers, and bikers of various abilities. Plenty to see... fun ride with friendly encounters with all the other folks who are out in the fresh air...
https://www.youtube.com/v/Z24Duho03v0
I have not yet ridden at Tillie K. Fowler Park... https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tillie+K.+Fowler+Regional+Park/@30.2298587,-81.7025609,829m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x464c69df86cff2d9!8m2!3d30.2302255!4d-81.7028446
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/tillie-k-fowler-regional-park
I understand there are 2 miles of dedicated Mountain bike trails... Based on videos it looks like pretty skinny trails with plenty of obstacles and terrain.
https://www.youtube.com/v/IN2t0IBqhOU
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park... https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kathryn+Abbey+Hanna+Park/@30.3704294,-81.4066688,986m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xcb308369ee26935c!8m2!3d30.3709244!4d-81.4067709
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/docs/preservation-(1)/kathryn-abbey-hanna-park-trails-maps.aspx
I have not been here since getting my new bike... I do remember the trails as pretty intense...
https://www.youtube.com/v/cLrVSVXAJV8
Please add to this list... I know there is more...
I try to ride every weekend... would love to go for a ride with you... 8)
For actual singletrack mountain bike trails here are your options:
Tillie Fowler- About 10 miles of trail total - 3 dedicated MTB
Hanna Park - 17 miles of MTB trails - Best in Jax
Losco Park - Short 5k Loop
Nocatee - 5 miles of trail behind Ponte Vedrea High School
Fort Clinch/Fernadina Greenway - Clinch has a nice 6 mile loop then just south of it area few more miles of singletrack and doubletrack on the greenway
Jennings State Forest - Large trail development in the works to eventually connect to Cecil Commerce Center/Equestrian Center/Pope Duval
Farther Away day trips: Graham Swamp and Mala Compra in Palm Coast, San Felasco in Alachua, Santos in Ocala, White Springs trails
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorbajax/?fref=nf
For road biking I much prefer the Baldwin Trail to sharing the road with cars and trucks. If there are any comparable options, I would love to know about them.
Quote from: DrQue on January 17, 2017, 11:32:20 AM
For road biking I much prefer the Baldwin Trail to sharing the road with cars and trucks. If there are any comparable options, I would love to know about them.
Talbot Island
Palatka - Lake Butler Trail
Gainesville - Hawthorne Trail
Palatka - St Augustine
Lehigh Greenway (Palm Coast)
Quote from: DrQue on January 17, 2017, 11:32:20 AM
For road biking I much prefer the Baldwin Trail to sharing the road with cars and trucks. If there are any comparable options, I would love to know about them.
That's the one thing that Jax is seriously lacking. The Baldwin Trail is about the only decent-length rail-trail around. We have been to urban areas all over and most of them have so much more than we have to offer, even those that have made the commitment and carved these trails out right into their downtown areas. I know there is one up in the Talbot Island area that is being finished up (I saw a press release about it last month) but other than that, we don't have many options.
Here is the news article on the Timucuan Trail extension from 29 November 2016.
http://jacksonville.com/news/2016-11-29/next-phase-timucuan-trail-set-begin-along-jacksonville-s-heckscher-drive
There is also the S-Line but its not very long an a little chopped up.
Unlike a lot of cities, Jax still has most of it's historic railroads in operation. Other than the Baldwin trail there aren't any other meaningful options. A good problem to have if you asked me. A trail paralleling the CSX tracks down Roosevelt would be pretty cool. Crossing the Ortega River would be a problem though.
Quote from: DrQue on January 17, 2017, 11:32:20 AM
For road biking I much prefer the Baldwin Trail to sharing the road with cars and trucks. If there are any comparable options, I would love to know about them.
This subject comes up quite a bit. I don't ride nearly as much as I used to, but I was also never against riding in traffic.
Out of curiosity, what kind of ride are you looking for length wise? Because while I understand not wanting to ride down US-17, there are plenty of 4-lane roads around with moderate speed limits and very little traffic.
What part of town you live in plays a pretty big part in this also. I prefer to not drive somewhere to ride.
Edit:
And no Mountian Bike thread would be complete without a video of this guy. BTW, acme, he solves your CSX 'trail' conundrum in the video.
https://www.youtube.com/v/K_7k3fnxPq0?
Quote from: acme54321 on January 17, 2017, 11:10:07 AM
For actual singletrack mountain bike trails here are your options:
Tillie Fowler- About 10 miles of trail total - 3 dedicated MTB
Hanna Park - 17 miles of MTB trails - Best in Jax
Losco Park - Short 5k Loop
Nocatee - 5 miles of trail behind Ponte Vedrea High School
Fort Clinch/Fernadina Greenway - Clinch has a nice 6 mile loop then just south of it area few more miles of singletrack and doubletrack on the greenway
Jennings State Forest - Large trail development in the works to eventually connect to Cecil Commerce Center/Equestrian Center/Pope Duval
Farther Away day trips: Graham Swamp and Mala Compra in Palm Coast, San Felasco in Alachua, Santos in Ocala, White Springs trails
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sorbajax/?fref=nf
Do you bike alot? I kinda stopped going to the Hannah park trails a few years ago due to distance from home... and well... hitting a tree pretty hard.
I try to but don't get out as much as I'd like :-\ Usually at least once a week to one of the those trails systems.
Hitting trees is part of the business though ;D
Have you ridden any of the trails between the equestrian center and Pope Duval? I need to try out Tillie Fowler park next...
[/quote]
This subject comes up quite a bit. I don't ride nearly as much as I used to, but I was also never against riding in traffic.
Out of curiosity, what kind of ride are you looking for length wise? Because while I understand not wanting to ride down US-17, there are plenty of 4-lane roads around with moderate speed limits and very little traffic.
What part of town you live in plays a pretty big part in this also. I prefer to not drive somewhere to ride.
[/quote]
I live around 5 Points and do ride the streets, but not as often as I used to. Experiencing a close call with a texting driver made me re-think my approach. I pick my battles now. I do find that the areas around downtown, particularly down Bay St to the stadium and beyond make for great weekend/evening riding due to the lack of traffic.
Typically I am doing 20 - 40 miles in a ride.
Quote from: DrQue on January 17, 2017, 01:29:37 PM
I live around 5 Points and do ride the streets, but not as often as I used to. Experiencing a close call with a texting driver made me re-think my approach. I pick my battles now. I do find that the areas around downtown, particularly down Bay St to the stadium and beyond make for great weekend/evening riding due to the lack of traffic.
Typically I am doing 20 - 40 miles in a ride.
You should give Riverside to San Marco via Acosta down San Jose & back a shot. I still haven't ridden it personally since the bike lanes were added, but it still looks comfortable for those who don't want to share lanes.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,22279.0.html
Quote from: BridgeTroll on January 17, 2017, 01:26:36 PM
Have you ridden any of the trails between the equestrian center and Pope Duval? I need to try out Tillie Fowler park next...
Yeah I've explored around out there a bit. There is also a way to get into Jennings from Cecil field if looking for more dirt road miles. Mostly double track, I'm more into the singletrack variety. I built that ramp that's in the preview picture of your Tillie video 8)
Quote from: DrQue on January 17, 2017, 01:29:37 PM
This subject comes up quite a bit. I don't ride nearly as much as I used to, but I was also never against riding in traffic.
Out of curiosity, what kind of ride are you looking for length wise? Because while I understand not wanting to ride down US-17, there are plenty of 4-lane roads around with moderate speed limits and very little traffic.
What part of town you live in plays a pretty big part in this also. I prefer to not drive somewhere to ride.
[/quote]
I live around 5 Points and do ride the streets, but not as often as I used to. Experiencing a close call with a texting driver made me re-think my approach. I pick my battles now. I do find that the areas around downtown, particularly down Bay St to the stadium and beyond make for great weekend/evening riding due to the lack of traffic.
Typically I am doing 20 - 40 miles in a ride.
[/quote]
Baldwin trail is perfect for that... plus no fumes or texting drivers. I'm not riding the roads unless there is a barrier between myself and auto's.
Quote from: acme54321 on January 17, 2017, 01:44:52 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on January 17, 2017, 01:26:36 PM
Have you ridden any of the trails between the equestrian center and Pope Duval? I need to try out Tillie Fowler park next...
Yeah I've explored around out there a bit. Mostly double track, I'm more into the singletrack variety. I built that ramp that's in the preview picture of your Tillie video 8)
Ok... well you just answered a question I did not ask... what is double vs single track? I get it now... Yeah the area between Pope Duval and Cecil is mainly 4wd type trails... 2 weeks ago I was deep in the forest when the trail turned to swamp. I could have turned around (about 2 mile backtrack) or remove shoes and socks and wade 200 yards through knee deep frikin cold ass water... I waded...lol
Quote from: BridgeTroll on January 17, 2017, 01:45:33 PM
Baldwin trail is perfect for that... plus no fumes or texting drivers. I'm not riding the roads unless there is a barrier between myself and auto's.
Exactly how I feel. Just purchased my new road/racing bike fourteen months ago and before we even got her out on the road, we had five people killed by an idiot driving on drugs. I'm scared to death now and will only ride where I can almost guarantee their will be zero auto traffic. Sad, but true.
People texting are extremely dangerous for cyclists. They are wandering all over the road and quick glances up from the phone might alert them to a car in front but your chances of seeing a cyclist on the shoulder you're bobbing into are slim.
I used to be a big bike trail rider until I moved here.
I have posted previously my desiire for an agreement between COJ, JTA and JEA to build a trail connection network using JEA right of ways.
JEA supplies ROW. JTA maintains the paved trails, COJ provides the park entry/exit.
This is a common shared trail management arrangement in the north.
JEA trims the trees on the ROW, JTA has to build or maintain any highway crossings, COJ would cover any roadside trails.
Good luck. This city has zero interest in truily improving cycling facilities.
I forgot to mention... for road biking with very minimal traffic or sidewalks with no pedestrians... Cecil Field. The old base is open to all. The streets are grid but long and straight... well maintained but almost no traffic on weekends so you should be able to get some speed up for extended runs... Not like Baldwin trail but...
Love these suggestions for trails - makes me want to get my brother's old mountain bike back home, fix it back up, and check 'em out when back in town.
Btw...has anyone done the old MS150 ride to Daytona Beach in the Fall? Don't know if they start it at World Golf Village still but it was a blast the years I did it. And most importantly safe.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on January 17, 2017, 03:12:04 PM
I forgot to mention... for road biking with very minimal traffic or sidewalks with no pedestrians... Cecil Field. The old base is open to all. The streets are grid but long and straight... well maintained but almost no traffic on weekends so you should be able to get some speed up for extended runs... Not like Baldwin trail but...
Help me out, please. I find Cecil Airport on the map. Is that the "base" you are talking about, or is this a different location. (I'm not a Jax local, yet, but will be this year.) Thanks.
Has anyone done this trail yet? They are going to extend it using old FEC ROW.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Cross-Florida
(https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/styles/slider_large/public/Division%20of%20Recreation%20and%20Parks/gallery/Cross-Florida/Dunnellon%20Trail%20Bridge.png)
Quote from: TimmyB on January 17, 2017, 08:20:56 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on January 17, 2017, 03:12:04 PM
I forgot to mention... for road biking with very minimal traffic or sidewalks with no pedestrians... Cecil Field. The old base is open to all. The streets are grid but long and straight... well maintained but almost no traffic on weekends so you should be able to get some speed up for extended runs... Not like Baldwin trail but...
Help me out, please. I find Cecil Airport on the map. Is that the "base" you are talking about, or is this a different location. (I'm not a Jax local, yet, but will be this year.) Thanks.
Yes... Cecil airport is a former Navy jet base for carrier based aircraft. It was closed during Brac quite a few years ago.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on January 17, 2017, 09:41:01 PM
Quote from: TimmyB on January 17, 2017, 08:20:56 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on January 17, 2017, 03:12:04 PM
I forgot to mention... for road biking with very minimal traffic or sidewalks with no pedestrians... Cecil Field. The old base is open to all. The streets are grid but long and straight... well maintained but almost no traffic on weekends so you should be able to get some speed up for extended runs... Not like Baldwin trail but...
Help me out, please. I find Cecil Airport on the map. Is that the "base" you are talking about, or is this a different location. (I'm not a Jax local, yet, but will be this year.) Thanks.
Yes... Cecil airport is a former Navy jet base for carrier based aircraft. It was closed during Brac quite a few years ago.
OK, thanks, BT!
Quote from: spuwho on January 17, 2017, 08:24:42 PM
Has anyone done this trail yet? They are going to extend it using old FEC ROW.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Cross-Florida
(https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/styles/slider_large/public/Division%20of%20Recreation%20and%20Parks/gallery/Cross-Florida/Dunnellon%20Trail%20Bridge.png)
Yes there is a large mountain bike trail system in Ocala on the Greenway, Santos. The Greenway isn't really a single trail but a large network built on the land that was originally for the cross Florida barge canal. In fact parts of the trails go in and out of the dry canal diggings.
Is the extension you are talking about on the old ROW trough Maytown to Enterprise or east palatka to bunnell? Are you sure it's part of the cross Florida Greenway?
Quote from: acme54321 on January 17, 2017, 10:01:40 PM
Quote from: spuwho on January 17, 2017, 08:24:42 PM
Has anyone done this trail yet? They are going to extend it using old FEC ROW.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/trail/Cross-Florida
(https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/styles/slider_large/public/Division%20of%20Recreation%20and%20Parks/gallery/Cross-Florida/Dunnellon%20Trail%20Bridge.png)
Yes there is a large mountain bike trail system in Ocala on the Greenway, Santos. The Greenway isn't really a single trail but a large network built on the land that was originally for the cross Florida barge canal. In fact parts of the trails go in and out of the dry canal diggings.
Is the extension you are talking about on the old ROW trough Maytown to Enterprise or east palatka to bunnell? Are you sure it's part of the cross Florida Greenway?
http://www.traillink.com/trail/east-central-regional-rail-trail.aspx (http://www.traillink.com/trail/east-central-regional-rail-trail.aspx)
I think the plan is to connect this trail to the Cross Florida using the Seminole Trail.
I will have to look at the updated trail map again.
What accessories do you have mounted on your bike or carry with you? How about App recommendations?
Depends. Rides deep in the woods: multi tool, mini pump, tube, patch kit, chain link. Local park Rides where I'm never more than a short walk to the trailhead I just carry water. Both situations I use a camelback. For apps I use Strava to record rides.
I dont do backwoods trails anymore, body cant take it. After getting flipped heels over head and about broke my wrist on the landing, I shifted over to hybrid Diamondback and stick with prepped, groomed or paved trails.
Before I moved here I was doing up to 75 miles a week, with occasional 44 mile Saturdays.
But I lived right next to the trail then so it was easy to jump on, now I have to drive, so I cant say I have done much since.
I have done the Illinois Prarie Path, The Katy Trail, The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, Fox River Trail and the Chicago-Lake Michigan bikeway, the Burke-Gilman Urban Trail in Seattle.
Thanks acme... just downloaded and installed Strava... was using map my ride...
Quote from: spuwho on January 18, 2017, 12:24:20 PM
I dont do backwoods trails anymore, body cant take it. After getting flipped heels over head and about broke my wrist on the landing, I shifted over to hybrid Diamondback and stick with prepped, groomed or paved trails.
Before I moved here I was doing up to 75 miles a week, with occasional 44 mile Saturdays.
But I lived right next to the trail then so it was easy to jump on, now I have to drive, so I cant say I have done much since.
I have done the Illinois Prarie Path, The Katy Trail, The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, Fox River Trail and the Chicago-Lake Michigan bikeway, the Burke-Gilman Urban Trail in Seattle.
If only we could get Jacksonville to move to be closer to the Silver Comet Trail! Then, we'd have it made!!! Absolutely the best. Fort Wayne and Columbus also have GREAT urban trails, very safe and yet takes you right downtown.
Quote from: spuwho on January 18, 2017, 12:24:20 PM
I dont do backwoods trails anymore, body cant take it. After getting flipped heels over head and about broke my wrist on the landing, I shifted over to hybrid Diamondback and stick with prepped, groomed or paved trails.
Before I moved here I was doing up to 75 miles a week, with occasional 44 mile Saturdays.
But I lived right next to the trail then so it was easy to jump on, now I have to drive, so I cant say I have done much since.
I have done the Illinois Prarie Path, The Katy Trail, The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, Fox River Trail and the Chicago-Lake Michigan bikeway, the Burke-Gilman Urban Trail in Seattle.
Yeah... I flipped today at Tillie Fowler... was going too fast going the wrong way on the wrong trail. Hit one of the wooden ramps wrong and landed hard on my shoulder. No bent rim and no broken bones...
TF frustrates me... I find the trails are great but not marked or defined very well. I keep finding myself on the wrong trail or either me or the other guy going the wrong way. Oh well... I hope my shoulder feels better by next week...
Heal quickly, BT.
What's going on at TF today other than the weather? I've got several groups of friends doing things out there today from hiking trails, to the park, and even a few on the trails with you.
I packed my group up and went to the beach. A little windy, but I couldn't stay inside and work all day.
I left just before noon. Looked like a family setting up a birthday party... a few hikers on island loop... a whole bunch of people at the bow shooting range... only a few on the mb trails... nice place and I don't think too many people know about it...
Nothing is scarier than being caught in a thunderstorm far out on an offroad bike path, like I was one time on the hardest long course out Hanna. I'm not really a big religious guy, but I was that day, LAWD HELP ME!!! LOL.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on March 19, 2017, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: spuwho on January 18, 2017, 12:24:20 PM
I dont do backwoods trails anymore, body cant take it. After getting flipped heels over head and about broke my wrist on the landing, I shifted over to hybrid Diamondback and stick with prepped, groomed or paved trails.
Before I moved here I was doing up to 75 miles a week, with occasional 44 mile Saturdays.
But I lived right next to the trail then so it was easy to jump on, now I have to drive, so I cant say I have done much since.
I have done the Illinois Prarie Path, The Katy Trail, The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, Fox River Trail and the Chicago-Lake Michigan bikeway, the Burke-Gilman Urban Trail in Seattle.
Yeah... I flipped today at Tillie Fowler... was going too fast going the wrong way on the wrong trail. Hit one of the wooden ramps wrong and landed hard on my shoulder. No bent rim and no broken bones...
TF frustrates me... I find the trails are great but not marked or defined very well. I keep finding myself on the wrong trail or either me or the other guy going the wrong way. Oh well... I hope my shoulder feels better by next week...
The problem with Tillie these days are the multiple illegally cut trails that have popped up. It was signed well, and the official trails are, but the spiderweb of renegade trails make it hard to navigate. As far as one way trails, the only one is Hoosker Doo. The rest are two way.
OK... maybe it was at one time but I frequently come to intersections without any guidance as to what trail is what. The trails themselves are great but like with yesterday I somehow took a wrong turn and hit an obstacle I wasn't expecting and took a tumble. Totally my ineptitude but I should not have been on that particular trail at the speed I was going... After my wreck I could not find an exit... the only sign pointing me how to get out was... right next to the exit. I saw a single mile marker but was unsure if it meant I had traveled a mile or had a mile to go.
Hoosker doo... https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4306882/hoosker-doo-tillie-fowler-regional-park
Nipsey Daiser... https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4306836/nipsy-daiser-tillie-fowler-regional-park
WKC... https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4306278/wkc-trail-tillie-fowler-regional-park
All three of those trails are marked. It's all of the intersections with the random renegade trails that are unmarked and make it confusing.
No problem! The trails are great and seem to be well kept... plenty of variety for a rider like me... 8)
Maybe we should organize a community meetup bike ride event? Me&Mine like to ride our mountain bikes too :)
Quote from: jaxrox on November 30, 2017, 11:52:29 PM
Maybe we should organize a community meetup bike ride event? Me&Mine like to ride our mountain bikes too :)
I am partial to the huge number of trails and the long distances available at the Equestrian center. They are not challenging in the manner of Hannah park or Tillie Fowler MB trails but they are scenic and lengthy. You are unlikely to come across another human with the exception of occasional horse riders... the very few bikers or runners. I usually see more deer than humans...
Not open yet, but the gap in the rail trail that runs over Deep Creek and through Hastings is being constructed. Soon you'll be able to go from SR 207/ I-95 to Palatka. And once that small gap just west of Palataka is filled in, then you'll be able to go all the way to Keystone Heights. I'm rather excited for this to be completed.
QuoteConstruction of a four-mile segment from west of Hastings to Spuds will begin in September.....MAER Homes of Jacksonville will do the construction work. It is scheduled for completion in spring 2018.
http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/florida/2017-08-16/fdot-building-trailhead-sr-207-bike-path (http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/florida/2017-08-16/fdot-building-trailhead-sr-207-bike-path)
QuoteA long-in-the-works project that started as a collection of individual trails, there are still many gaps in what could eventually be a 260-mile route connecting Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2016-04-11/story/st-johns-river-connected-trails-get-boost-funds (http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2016-04-11/story/st-johns-river-connected-trails-get-boost-funds)
That will certainly be nice. I do enjoy the paved trails and use the Baldwin trail occasionally... the trails at the Equestrian center are generally dirt or clay with some eroded pavement sections...
Quote from: BridgeTroll on December 01, 2017, 07:33:53 AM
Quote from: jaxrox on November 30, 2017, 11:52:29 PM
Maybe we should organize a community meetup bike ride event? Me&Mine like to ride our mountain bikes too :)
I am partial to the huge number of trails and the long distances available at the Equestrian center. They are not challenging in the manner of Hannah park or Tillie Fowler MB trails but they are scenic and lengthy. You are unlikely to come across another human with the exception of occasional horse riders... the very few bikers or runners. I usually see more deer than humans...
Scenic and lengthy is good..mmm..yummy..deer..been too long since I had venison lol
Quote from: jaxrox on December 04, 2017, 10:51:01 AM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on December 01, 2017, 07:33:53 AM
Quote from: jaxrox on November 30, 2017, 11:52:29 PM
Maybe we should organize a community meetup bike ride event? Me&Mine like to ride our mountain bikes too :)
I am partial to the huge number of trails and the long distances available at the Equestrian center. They are not challenging in the manner of Hannah park or Tillie Fowler MB trails but they are scenic and lengthy. You are unlikely to come across another human with the exception of occasional horse riders... the very few bikers or runners. I usually see more deer than humans...
Scenic and lengthy is good..mmm..yummy..deer..been too long since I had venison lol
Is admission to the Equestrian center for bikers free? Are the trails easy to follow or marked? I've never been out there but am definitely interested in checking it out.
I would like to know this also
I'm gonna share my secret spot because I like y'all.
Julington-Durbin Preserve off of Bartram Park Blvd in Mandarin
Don't tell everybody else though, please.. :D
Quote from: JohnnyG on December 06, 2017, 04:06:07 PM
Quote from: jaxrox on December 04, 2017, 10:51:01 AM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on December 01, 2017, 07:33:53 AM
Quote from: jaxrox on November 30, 2017, 11:52:29 PM
Maybe we should organize a community meetup bike ride event? Me&Mine like to ride our mountain bikes too :)
I am partial to the huge number of trails and the long distances available at the Equestrian center. They are not challenging in the manner of Hannah park or Tillie Fowler MB trails but they are scenic and lengthy. You are unlikely to come across another human with the exception of occasional horse riders... the very few bikers or runners. I usually see more deer than humans...
Scenic and lengthy is good..mmm..yummy..deer..been too long since I had venison lol
Is admission to the Equestrian center for bikers free? Are the trails easy to follow or marked? I've never been out there but am definitely interested in checking it out.
Free. Well marked? Not really... there is a map at trailhead and with your phone's mapping function they are easy
This area was part of a former HUGE airbase and back in WWII it was a Gunnery school for army aviators... Many of the trails were roads or walkways as part of the base and many old structures still exist... the link below describes some of the history and explorations..
https://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,8193.0.html
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/docs/preservation-(1)/preservation-project/cecil-rec-trail-map.aspx
https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7003037/cecil-commerce-center-taye-brown-regional-park
Quote from: lastdaysoffla on December 06, 2017, 09:32:03 PM
I'm gonna share my secret spot because I like y'all.
Julington-Durbin Preserve off of Bartram Park Blvd in Mandarin
Don't tell everybody else though, please.. :D
I hear it's a sandpit.
Although a ways away but still handy and easily accessed via I-10,Osceola National Forest is worth mentioning.
It's a sprawling area stretching from I-10 northward to the state line.
I am drawn to the numbered forest vehicle roads and easier atv trails in the southerly section surrounding Ocean Pond.Some of the forest roads have very firm surfaces.Great to take a break and go for a swim.
Also an ideal camp/bike location.