Van Fleet Trail (58 miles or option for 71 miles, or less), precentury training

Here is a free ride to help prepare for the century on the 27th, listed at https://www.meetup.com/Pinellas-Pedalers/events/261265536/

It is out and back if you prefer less then 58 miles.

We have an optional 13 additional miles to the ride (for a total of 71 miles), for those that want to ride some extra miles. At the 9am start, those wishing to do the additional 13 miles will head south from the Polk City trailhead on the TECO Auburndale trail for 6.5 miles, before returning back to the Polk City trailhead. For those who DO NOT want to ride the additional 13 miles, FIRST the 58 mile ROUTE WILL START AT 10am. Some of us, for example Patrick, Paul, and Lori plan to start at 10 then if weather and our legs are cooperative add the 13 south on at the end.

The Gen. James A. Van Fleet trail is 29.2 miles in length and is one of Florida's most rural, paved rail-trails. The landscapes include the river swamp, bottomland forest, pine flatwoods, former citrus lands and cattle ranches. The trail has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities (alligators, turtles, birds, etc.), especially between Green Pond Road and Bay Lake Road. This ride will start at the Polk City trailhead (info at https://www.floridastateparks.org/park-activities/Van-Fleet#Parking). From there, we will head north to the Mabel trailhead. The trail is very straight (only one slight curve) and there are plenty of benches along the way.

About every 10 miles, there is a trailhead with bathroom facilities. After reaching the Mabel trailhead, we'll take a lunch break (bring your own lunch and snacks, no eateries) and then head back. The total distance will be 58.4 miles (optionally 71 miles).

The ride will be paced between 14-16 mph (wind dependent). Breakaways available for faster riders, but no one will be left behind. If you are faster or slower it should not be a problem as it is out and back which also helps if you want to do less miles or feel you may bonk.

We saw interesting critters last year, see photos, hit slideshow at https://www.meetup.com/Pinellas-Pedalers/photos/28608332/468640973/

More photos and info at rails to trails, https://www.traillink.com/trail-gallery/general-james-a-van-fleet-state-trail/

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
By registering and participating in this meetup, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following statement:

I understand that bicycling and other activities herein involve certain dangers and risks which I am prepared to fully assume for myself and all children accompanying me. I will abide by all traffic laws and regulations and agree to bicycle in a safe and prudent manner. In addition, I agree to waive all claims which I, or any member of my family, or my heirs, executors or assigns, may have against this meetup or its agents for damages or injury sustained as the result of participating in the physical activity.

A signed waiver are required which leader will provide before the start of the ride.

• What to bring
I understand and will bring a spare tube, a bike lock and plenty of liquids,food; a helmet will be required.

Frozen water bottles are smart, water along trail won't be cool.

No food sources along trail unless you know how to wrestle and prepare a gator. https://www.traillink.com/trail-gallery/general-james-a-van-fleet-state-trail/

• Important to know
I understand I should get there 15 minutes early to set up, as the ride will start punctually at 9am for the 71 mile option and 10am for the 58 mile option.

If you want to carpool post it in comments below. We only do this trail once or twice a year so RSVP now as a placeholder in your calendar.

Join our Facebook group and invite your friends to it! Here's the link!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/361923074636358/

Feel free to friend us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/patrick.hodgson

and

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001816467228
paul.schlimme

See all our rides! We need you with us!

October at Space Coast and December Key West coming up!
https://www.meetup.com/Pinellas-Pedalers/events/calendar/