Getaway Gainesville (DAY 1): Bike the Nature Coast State Trail (~25 miles r/t)

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EVENT DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!
This getaway is supposed to be a social event and involves an overnight stay in Gainesville. However, if you do not want to spend the night, you can still sign up for each or any of the two days individually.
If you want to do both days, please sign up for both so we know whom to expect.

Gainesville offers several types of accommodations including some wonderful B&B's. If you are going for a hotel (as we do), we can highly recommend the modern Hyatt Place Gainesville Downtown. Rooms are spacious, breakfast is included and you will be close to restaurants and bars. Current rates are $157 + tax.
Please book your accommodations early, you can always cancel if plans change (but please read the fine print of your choice).

DAY 1: Bike the Nature Coast State Trail (~25 miles r/t), explore Fanning Springs State Park, the historic Suwannee River Bridge and have lunch in Trenton

In the early 1900s, trains replaced the steamship as the freight and passenger carrier throughout the Suwannee River Valley. The historic route of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad now provides an excellent opportunity to experience Florida's beautiful Nature Coast region.

09:30 AM: Meet at Chiefland Trailhead located by the Chiefland Chamber of Commerce (23 SE 2 Ave, Chiefland, FL 32626)

We will ride 9.2 miles northwest until we reach Fanning Springs State Park (two dollar entrance fee per bicyclist). There, we will enjoy the stunning blue-green spring waters under ancient oaks on the historic Suwannee River. We will also check out the boardwalk and go on a short but relaxing 0.85 mile hike on the Palmetto Trail.
If you like, you can also bring along your swim wear. The spring is comfortable 72 degrees warm year-round.

Our next stop will be the historic Suwannee River Bridge, a short 3.9 mile bike ride from the State Park.

After a break on the bridge, we will ride 12. 3 miles back to the Trailhead in Chiefland. We should be back at the car by approximately 01:30 PM.

We will drive 10.9 miles or 14 minutes to our lunch venue in Trenton.

02:00 PM: Lunch at Green Barn Prime. The restaurant also offers a variety of non-meat items.

03:30 PM: We will drive 31 miles or approximately 45 minutes to our accommodation in Gainesville.

Those who would like to go for drinks and/or light dinner in Gainesville could meet at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, a short walk from the Hyatt Place.

Up to you when you want to call it a day. We will meet the next day at 09:00 AM for the DAY 2 event. This way, we all get a good night sleep and can enjoy a relaxed breakfast at our accommodation.

As always, if you have questions or need directions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.