Navigating the Florida Coast to Coast Trail GAP
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 дек 2023
- Until the trail is completed, there is a fairly significant gap in the Florida Coast to Coast Trail route. I discuss three options for getting through that section including a wilderness route through the Richloam Wilderness Management Area.
If you haven't watched my complete ride of the Florida C2C trail, here is the link: • The Florida Coast to C...
Please like and subscribe!
Below are Google Maps links for each option:
OPTION ONE - Florida State Route 50
www.google.com/maps/dir/Grove...
OPTION TWO - State Route 48
www.google.com/maps/dir/Grove...
OPTION THREE - Richloam Wilderness Management Area
www.google.com/maps/dir/Grove...
I scouted 50 once by car, no way I would take that route. Little or no shoulders + highway speeds + numerous semis = too dangerous for me. With little margin for error along this route, just a moment of inattention can have permanent consequences. The Richloam route seems like a great option. Thanks for posting.
Glad it was helpful. Yeah, 50 is definitely a challenge until they either create a real shoulder or bike path. The little bit I rode was intense.
Thank you for the video. Just checked this out February 10, 2024 for as possible group ride next winter. Just did a quick check on the gap section since that was the big concern. Started from VanFleet but after two miles turned back. The “road” was a disaster - mud and slime, craters running across the road, potholes, deep groves, etc. There had been a heavy rain about a week before we arrived but not going to count on a manageable road when we ride it so are taking a pass for now. Thanks agree for all your great videos.
Bummer. Well, hope you get a chance to enjoy it some other time! I love that area. Thanks for watching. 🙏
You were smart to go back. We want to do this, starting on the Withalacoohie but we can’t figure out that section. We really want to take our road bikes but that sure won’t work. Did you find a safe alternative?
It looks like the alternatives all involve questionable public roads. I did check route 50 by car and it was a very busy road as Bryan at Ride Along Adventures and others have noted. The group I ride with do almost exclusively rail trail type rides so have no interest in a prolonged exposure to public roads. The section I tried of the C2C - just west of the very nice Van Fleet trail - has also been noted, as you no doubt are aware and as I found out - the worst of the Richloam Wildlife section. And it is a wilderness area for sure with very limited cell phone service. (Verizon) I can just imagine getting lost there for days. lol My ride with group is from way up north so just don’t want to recommend the C2C and have them come all the way down to Florida to try and ride through through this muck even if it is just two or three miles. We ride with 700x35 tires which sound like they may not be suitable regardless of the much?
I concur the Richloam General Store is well worth the stop. Cool place
indeed
Awesome! This is definitely the best info I've seen on the GAP(S) on this trail. Thanks for putting it together. This one is definitely on my "to ride" list
Glad it was helpful!
also...I totally dig your channel. Great content.
Thank you for this. I been searching for a good explanation of the gap. I'm hoping to do this ride this winter and this really helps.
Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great time.
What bike did you take? We live on the Withalacoohie and would take your route but sure would like to ride the road bikes and that looks impossible. Your video is much appreciated!
Yeah…that section in Richloam would be tough on a road bike. Especially after rain. However, it was really beautiful.
Great info thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video and tips on that stretch. I plan to ride that in March and I was wondering about that dirt road instead of going on SR-50. I've ridden up to 301 from the Withlacoocie one time and the trail had been constructed just a little passed 301 but, I was already at 32 miles and I had to turn back so, I didn't get to ride the rest. How many miles do you think that dirt road is? I am going to go park at the Withlacoochie trailhead and go check that out probably in the next couple of weeks to see if my 32s on my road bike will roll on that.
Good question and Google maps doesn't make it easy. I tried plotting a few different routes. I'm referring to the "start" as the Van Fleet trail crossover (maps.app.goo.gl/75GW8VQWh5GNN3zo7). It's about 15-17 miles to Richloam General Store and 20-22 to Owensboro. Google won't do a clear bike route through the various logging roads and small dirt roads. You can see them (!) but when you start to move the direction plot around, it starts doing funky things.
What I'd share is that it is scenic and beautiful and remote. I enjoyed it thoroughly but I've received comments from others that they didn't like riding through hunting areas and some said they got confused by so many other intersecting roads. Getting to the general store (which was a great stop, by the way) seemed like a pretty straight shot. The only place where I got confused was right at the beginning where you have to hang a left right after the Van Fleet trail. Let me know if that answers your question. Thanks for watching!
I live in Groveland and bike the dirt route all the time (on 2.5" mountain bike tires). It is entirely weather-dependent. I've ridden it after a seven-day period absent of rain and thought maybe even a skinny road bike tire could make it. If it's rained within a week, however, it's definitely knobby mountain bike tires only.
@@Ettridge thank you so much for letting me know! I appreciate it. I'm going to chance going on the cement trail on SR-50 up to US 301 and then get passed the railroad track part and get to that new asphalt trail if I can get on it on a Sunday for example and make my way to the river where it ends around. From what the Google Maps viewpoint is showing in view point from there looks like there is a bike lane there. I will chance it in the bike lane. If I don't feel safe then I will just try to ride in the grass.
I’m hoping you could help me I live in Boynton Beach I did a day trip on this coast to coast I parked In Titusville and bike about a 100 miles in total out and back now I’m looking to do the entire trail. I was just wondering if you knew the train situation like once I get into St. Petersburg there really not a lot information on this that would make for a great video idea!
Sure. The closest Amtrak station is in Tampa (Union Station). If you google Tampa to St Pete you get a route across 92 (www.google.com/maps/dir/Tampa+Union+Station,+601+N+Nebraska+Ave,+Tampa,+FL+33602/St.+Petersburg,+FL/@27.8601535,-82.6267356,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x88c2c45f796899b5:0x52ad2a2596f44ef8!2m2!1d-82.450219!2d27.9527257!1m5!1m1!1s0x88c2e663693aaa41:0x4cc4003bcd48bff!2m2!1d-82.6384451!2d27.7671271!3e1?entry=ttu) but for whatever reason, if you flip directions (St Pete to Tampa), it takes you further north onto 60 and has 17 more miles (www.google.com/maps/dir/St.+Petersburg,+FL/Tampa+Union+Station,+601+N+Nebraska+Ave,+Tampa,+FL+33602/@27.8693982,-82.7093374,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x88c2e663693aaa41:0x4cc4003bcd48bff!2m2!1d-82.6384451!2d27.7671271!1m5!1m1!1s0x88c2c45f796899b5:0x52ad2a2596f44ef8!2m2!1d-82.450219!2d27.9527257!3e1?entry=ttu).
Both have bike shoulders despite fairly heavy traffic. During my trip, a friend drove me to the station from Treasure Island so I can't speak to the specifics of the route. Whatever the challenges, this ride is worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to see this part of Florida.
Thank you for this update!
You bet!
I've done the highway 50 both times on my C2C rides and it was okay since there is a shoulder to ride but the next time I want to experience the wilderness route through the Green Swamp area. Thanks for the follow-up video👍
Thomas, you'll always be the Florida Authority in my book--who else has ridden the state like you have?? :) I found info at the Florida DOT website that they will be improving 50 over next year (2024) to have an actual dedicated path, similar to other parts of 50. I guess that makes sense being the shortest path between the two points along with the infrastructure to support travelers. And I understand the wilderness might be too remote for some but the natural beauty is just so amazing. I was watching your Kissimmee Prairie video last night and there are some big similarities, although I didn't see alligators like you did!!!! Another viewer sent me an additional route that goes even further south into Green Swamp. It adds a lot more mileage but its even MORE remote than the Richloam area. What this all tells me, in summary, is that I'm going to have to come back and ride this trail again. There's so much more to see.
@@RideAlongAdventures That's a great news about 50. More people would ride it if it's safer. C2C is a great trail, or should we say collection of trails because it connects more than 10 trails. Some of the other state trails are 46-mile Witlacooche State Trail. West Coast has Legacy Trail and of course Van Fleet Trail which you already got clips of, but there is more like Overseas Heritage Trail down the Keys or St Marks Historic Railroad Trail between Tallahassee and historic St Marks. So, you definitely need to come back and explore more trails in Florida. Our riding season just got started. 👍
wonderful video, as always. 1) Did you have a problem with poor/non-existent cellphone coverage riding the gap, in particular in the wilderness area?? If yes, how much did that affect your ability to follow Google maps route?? 2) Do you use satellite communicator (Garmin in Reach, Motorola defy, etc.)?? Thank you and keep making those wonderful videos!!
I don't know about the Wilderness area because I didn't look. When I finally came out the other side, I definitely didn't have coverage because I made a wrong turn when I didn't see my "dot" on the app. No, no satellite tech. I usually try to print up some backup maps (old school) just in case everything utterly fails. The route through the wilderness was fairly straight forward.
thanks for watching--i greatly appreciate it.
Good information. Thanks.
hope it helps.
It definitely helps to know all the options. Ok, I have a question for you. I unfortunately may need to cut a day out of my trip due to work schedules. Let's say that this comes to pass and I'm forced to eliminate either the first leg or last leg. My question for you is how was the section from Titusville to Sanford? I'm inclined to leave the last section at the gulf in my plans. Hopefully, all will work out and I can stick to my original plan. It's looking like there is an excellent chance I can. However, if I must make a last minute change would the section between Titusville and Sanford be a huge loss? @@RideAlongAdventures
@@tony5323 Well...first of all: been there, done that. I feel for you. The Titusville/Sanford section is definitely picturesque and it seemed different from the rest of the trail which was cool. But, you can always save that for another day/trip.
If I were to cut a day from my own journey, I would probably have cut the final day from Tarpon Springs to the end. Not that it wasn't beautiful but it was mostly coastline and beach scenery while the rest of the trail was more inland and different than what I think of as "Florida". But that's just my opinion.
Good luck and I'm sure you'll enjoy everything you get to see!
Thanks, fingers crossed I will be able to do the whole thing. I live in Georgia so I don't have the 1000 mile journey you did. @@RideAlongAdventures
Bryan, except for a few different streets in Groveland, your route looks the same as the one I took. I suppose you could shorten it by skipping the Richloam General Store and taking the most direct route, but to me it's worth the added 1.3 miles. Thanks!
Agreed! 😊 that’s a fun little place.
Great follow up video with excellent information. Given the gap and the point to point logistics, I’m opting to do the FL C2C ride with a touring company instead of self supported. It will cost a little more, but having that support (and not carrying my stuff) will be worth it in my opinion. I’m curious to see how the touring company (Cycle of Life Adventures) manages the gap.
Best of luck! I’d be very interested in how it works out. Enjoy.
Great info. We plan on doing this soon.
Have fun! I'd be really interested to hear your experience as well. It's amazing how differently people view this stretch from absolutely 0 concern about SR50 to debilitating fear of the swamp area. I don't know: I may be naive about certain options but I shared info from about 25 other riders so I hope it helps.
I subscribe to and thoroughly enjoy your channel as well. I particularly enjoyed your Evel Knievel/Snake River video. We must be around the same age because I remember this event around the same age and i remember it was ALL my friends and I talked about for a long, long time. Such an amazing build-up.
Awesome 😎 Thanks 🍀 I plan on Biking through there next week.. I won’t be taking Route 50.. it will make decision day of ride.. either Northern route 48 or Southern route so hit Richloam General Store..
just an extra bit of info: I've gotten several private emails to avoid 50 but those people have also said it isn't a consistent issue meaning some parts of 50 are fine while others are not. i'd agree based on the two parts of 50 I rode. Especially the construction area closer to Brooksville. Safe travels!
@@RideAlongAdventures I’ve biked C2C in January 2022.. I took the northern route.. So this time I would like to take Richloam Route.. We will see.. 🚴♂️😎
@@billysbikesbrews7183 oh, cool. well, rock on!
Excellent excellent !!
On my 2024 list of things to do is to ride with you guys. Somehow. Somewhere. Maybe I just need to put the bar mitts on and come out now. 😂
Excellent vid Bryan. Thanks for outlining the 3 major routes. There is a light at the end of the tunnel too, as that section is supposed to be bike enabled sometime in 2024 - so keep an eye on the C2C website.
Thanks for the info! I wonder which route they are planning. I’m betting along 50 but I’m hoping for something in Richloam.
Hi Bryan, I am here now and will be riding the Withlacoochee trail tomorrow. Actually, I rode a quick 10 miles of it the other day and it was wonderful!! I will be riding more trails down here: Van Fleet (again), West Orange (need to finish this one), Spring to Spring, to name a few.
My question from your video is: How did you get back to your vehicle? Another question I have is what do you do for streching and preparing you body for the rides?
Oh, and yes, i nearly peed myself at the mixing up the Butt Butter and your sunblock!!
so Jealous!!!!! Good for you. how's the weather?
So, I took a rental car from Delaware to Titusville then I took Amtrak from Tampa back home.
And, yes, I've thought about a video on conditioning, exercises, stretching. Now that winter is upon us, I've already been fully back into working out, doing yoga, etc. The summer and fall riding was so much, I sort of put that stuff on the backburner. In summary, I prepare in two ways: I do longer training sessions on either my bike or trainer in order to get a comfortable 4-5 hours in the saddle. My biggest struggle is basically butt pain and soreness so I make sure I've got a few long, long rides that are near or above my targeted tour mileage per day. The other thing is to do about 10-15 minutes of yoga/stretching each day. I've been doing that for years and I know it works because when I stop doing it, I become a tin man.
Those trails are totally awesome. that spring to spring trail is smooth as glass. Have a great time, Amy.
sorry, one more quick story: I was rewatching a video this afternoon on my trainer and I noticed how I had what looked like clown makeup on my face which, of course, was chamois cream. I still shake my head at that one.
Thanks for the clarification on trail routes. I rode on the Withlacoochie trail last spring and just like you I lost all navigation on my cell phone. Thanks to the trailhead maps I was able to get my bearings. You would also enjoy taking the Withlacoochie trail north of Inverness to the Norvel hwy trail(486) west to the Crystal River and do some snorkeling with the manatees. You could then head south and catch the sun coast trail to finish your ride. Illinois resident but enjoy finding new places to ride. Sorry to here you will be skipping RAGBRAI, this will be my 3rd ride this coming year and excited to try out my new carbon fiber bike. Cheers
ok...wow...i feel slightly better. I was really surprised because that particular area didn't seem super remote but I had no coverage (AT&T). Thanks for the recommendations on the rest of the Withlacoochie. yeah, I'm sort of bumming about skipping RAGBRAI but I'm pretty sure I'll be back in '25. thanks for watching!
thanks man, i was wondering about the gap and how you made it to richloam, love that area.
your lav mic works really well, which brand are you using.
Thanks. yeah, it is amazingly beautiful out there. I know it was only about 30 miles but it felt like I was out there for a long time--so much to take in. I've been back now for awhile but my mind keeps daydreaming about that area.
So, I use a MOVO wireless lavalier. and, I agree: the quality is pretty good and it's really flexible and small. My home studio camera is a Sony ZV-E10 and the mic integrates perfectly. It's also got a really fantastic range. I've tested it up to 150' without any issue. The only downside is that it is sort of hard to hide. I used it in a professional setting wearing a black suit so it blended in really well but youtube videos in a t-shirt...well, that's a different story. And don't tell the company but I think it's under-priced. :) Here's an affiliate link ONLY if you're interested: amzn.to/46T8Pkt
The Florida CTC trail video was great. I've watched it a couple times. Be careful in those wooded areas though.
It was a great trip. Thanks for watching.
Be careful of what specifically? Bears? Rednecks? Serious question
Thank you for your clear explanation of this gap in the C2C trail. This topic is often brought up on the FB Florida Coast to Coast page. I was never quite sure of the issues, but now i know. 🙂 Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! I, too, found it confusing. I'm incredibly grateful for other riders who shared their experiences.
thanks for watching!
I thought he was going to use a dirt bike.
Robert, that is a question I should have covered more deeply because I've gotten more private email on this than anything else. I ride on 43s currently and, yeah, the swamp route is not for road bikes. Especially the area right around the Van Fleet trail crossover. That sandy/muck is not particularly long but I would bet that after wet weather, it's just not a place you want to be without wider tires.
You convinced me to take the Southern route on my next C2C 😂. Very good explanation.
lol. Well...remember to top off your fluids, make sure your emergency contacts know where you are, say a short prayer, etc. :) It's really beautiful. I keep lost in thoughts about that section even weeks after the ride.
@@RideAlongAdventures we need to go back to at least participate in that “crossroads bonfire” sometime. With all the garbage in that area it’s gotta be a fun time.
@@kmccarr that's definitely a meeting point!!! :) too funny.
all joking aside, thanks for the invaluable input. I would not have done this route without your encouragement and advice.
@@RideAlongAdventures glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you so much, I have been considering this ride for a year or so now however navigating all the different trail turns and the "Gap" has been difficult. Thank you so much for this video as it is the first one I have seen that gives me a better idea of what the ride looks like and how to navigate it. My father lives in New Smyrna Beach so my plan is to start the trip with my back tire in the Atlantic there. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this video and I have loved your other videos. I am 63 yrs old and my college buddy and I have picked a big trail each of the last 4 years: Kentucky Bourbon Bike Trail, 20..Ohio to Erie trail, 21..Great Allegheny Passage Pit to Cumb and back to Pit..22 and last year we took the Amtrak from St Louis to Just outside of Kansas City and rode back on the Rock Island Spur and Katy Trail. We are looking at 2 trips in 24 and this might be one we do in Feb. Again...your videos are not only fun and well done, but very helpful! Ride On Brother and maybe someday we will run into each other on a trail. Ken Grether
Man, that's really nice. Thank you for the kind words. Yeah, that other path down from New Smyrna Beach is also really scenic. Glad you enjoy the vids and, yes, I hope our paths cross.
Wow, you've covered a lot of ground but now you've gotten me super curious about the Kentucky Bourbon Bike Trail--four words I enthusiastically enjoy. If you've got a minute, I'd enjoy hearing your experience on that. any tips? bryan@ridealongadventures.com
Just sent you an email Bryan @@RideAlongAdventures
Thanks Bryan. I'm going to guess that when they complete this trail, it will be the southern route you took.
It's remote, scenic, and doesn't run into too many political issues with local zoning and the like.
Do you have any knowledge on their plans?
Gord
I don't. I actually emailed some people associated with the C2C Alliance but haven't heard back. I would hope they'd choose the Richloam area but without much other infrastructure and maybe some safety concerns, I wonder if they would discount it in light of 50. Time will tell!
@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks Bryan. The southern route is the right one imo, in order to see that part of Florida that otherwise gets overlooked. It would also help to open up that area for development over time.
Even if they don't choose that route, it would be great if they at least put signs up, indicating the correct turns, as an alternate route.
Gord
@@gorrdd Gordon, I looked further online and found this: fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/planning/systems/suntrail/maps/suntrail_c2c_connectinggaps_2023-07.pdf?sfvrsn=637b5f5f_1
Looks like they are going to improve 50 with some multi-use lanes. That would help quite a bit but, I'm with you: I think this area is super unique to the state and something outsiders don't really see very often. it was my favorite part.
Thanks for download link, Bryan. Yes, they are going the 50 route. Several right of way access going on right now.
Let's hope the open up the southern route at some point. That would be the choice of most riders once available.
Gord