Inverness Getaway (Day 2): Withlacoochee Trail to Dunellon

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EVENT DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP!
We haven't done this particular 3 day (2 nights) getaway before, all events are new! Please be a little adventurous, occassional hiccups might occur but that's part of the fun experience and they usually make good memories.
The whole getaway is a social event and involves a stay in Inverness.
We negotiated special rates at the Central Motel (721 US Hwy 41 S) and blocked several rooms. To book your room, you can call (352) 726-4515 and mention SWFL Bikes and Hikes. If you stay only 1 night, the rate will be $109 plus tax, for 2 nights it will be $99 plus tax per room.
PLEASE BOOK EARLY, you can always cancel in a timely fashion if needed.
Event dates are October 21st to 23rd, 2026.
On Day 1 we will do a bike and hike event followed by a group dinner at Stumpknockers in Inverness. If you are not interested in the hike, you might still want to join us for the dinner. If that's the case, please sign up for Day 1 and indicate that you will be there for the dinner only.
On Day 2 and 3 we will ride our bikes.

DAY 2: BIKE FROM CENTRAL MOTEL TO DUNNELLON WITH LUNCH
This will be a long but scenic bike ride. We will take several breaks along the way, so we all should be able to make it!

08:10 AM:
Let's meet in the pool area of the Central Motel. Kick off is 08:15 AM sharp.
If you like to have breakfast before the ride (highly recommended, you will need the energy), the Central Cafe & Bakery on the motel's property opens at 07:00 AM.

Please make sure that you carry plenty of water (ideally with electrolytes) and protect yourself from the sun! It will be a long but fun day of riding.

08:20 AM:
After a short ride we will make our first stop at Wallace Brooks Park and check out the boardwalk overlooking the Henderson Lake. We should be able to see wildlife at that time of the day.

08:30 AM:
We will continue our ride past the picturesque Train Station, The Depot and the Inverness Trailhead. All will be fantastic backgrounds for group pictures when we return!
Not long thereafter, we will cross the historic Lake Henderson Trestle.

Next stop will be the South Citrus Springs Trailhead which provides shade and restrooms. At that point we will already be 12.9 miles into the ride. We can stop in between at any time if necessary.

Gulf Junction Trailhead is only about 5 miles away. It officially marks the end of the Withlacoochee State Trail. We will take a short break there to take a picture in front of a trail sign that makes great memories.

We will then get onto the Withlacoochee - Dunnellon Trail Connector, the most scenic part of the ride. It provides plenty of shade under tree canopy. Highlight will be the Dunnellon Trail Bridge overlooking the Withlacoochee River. Of course, we will stop there to soak in the sight.

A short ride further we will take the Blue Run Trail that will ultimately lead us to our destination of the day. To get there, we will have to ride 0.2 miles on the side of the road, not a big deal when riding single file.

11:00 AM:
Swampy's Bar and Grille will open at 11:00 AM. The restaurant has plenty of covered outdoor seating right next to the Rainbow River. Menu varies but has very limited options for Vegans. Fish is usually fresh.
You definitely earned your food, you rode 19.7 miles!

12:30 PM:
By then we will be finished with our lunch and likely feel refreshed. As far as we remember, you can't access the river from the restaurant. Swimming is therefore not possible.

We will head back the same way and will again make several stops along the way. We definitely want to take group pictures at the Train Station, The Depot and the Inverness Trailhead. Would be fantastic if we all could be there!

03:30 PM:
We should be back at the Central Motel after a long day of riding.
Congratulations, you conquered a total 39.4 miles!

You can relax at the pool or rest in your room, whatever you prefer.

Those who still want to get out later in the evening might consider the Los Compadres Mexican Grill across the street from the Motel.
We will not schedule a dinner for the evening, you will have to decide what you would like to do.

Day 3 will start again with a bike ride at 08:15 AM. Breakfast can be had at Central Cafe & Bakery on the motel's property. It opens at 07:00 AM.