Inverness Getaway (Day 3): Country Roads, Feed some Locals & More

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 dinnerat 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 3: BIKE THE TRAIL & COUNTRY ROADS, FEED SOME LOCALS, A LESSON IN HISTORY AND LUNCH AT A FISH CAMP
This ride will be shorter then yesterday's with a couple of longer stops in between
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OF YOUR ROOM! YOU CAN HOWEVER LEAVE THE CAR ON THE MOTEL'S PROPERTY.

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.

08:40 AM:
After riding close to 5 miles south on the Withlacoochee Trail, we will get off and explore some side streets of Floral City.

09:30 AM:
We will be about 10 miles in when we finally get the chance to feed some locals. They look very cute but beware they can bite and they are voracious!
PS: No worries, we take care of the food, so please no doggy bags from breakfast!

09:50 AM:
It's time to head back to the town center. On the way, we will ride on the more than a century old Avenue of the Oaks.

10:15 AM:
We will stop at the Floral City Heritage Museum where we will enjoy a private tour. Did you know that Floral City was at one time larger than Miami? Well, we will hear all about it!

11:15 AM:
After plenty of time spent on history, relaxation and restrooms, we will continue riding our bikes (If this time frame turns out to be too generous, we will start a bit earlier).

We will head further south on the Withlacoochee Trail for about 2 miles before we hit the country roads.
On those we will NEED TO RIDE SINGLE FILE but in general there should be very little traffic (except for a 0.4 mile section).

12:45 PM:
We should arrive at our lunch stop "Sleepy Hollow Fish Camp" by then. This place has a limited menu but fresh fish, shrimps, brisket and a variety of sandwiches will be available.

02:00 PM to 02:15 PM:
We will make our way back to the Central Motel. Remaining distance will only be 6.3 miles.

03:00 PM
We will be back at the parking lot and realize that we rode another 30.8 miles on Day 3! Congratulations!