[carwy]

Hi all,
I live in Colorado and have family in Ocala.
We will be going to visit them in July and I will be in my training for the Tour De Cure here in Colorado and I do not want to miss any days of my training.
So I have a few questions
1) Where can I rent a road bike?
2) Where are the best places to ride?

Thanks for your help.
Carwy

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[chewybrian]

You might try this trail. It is not far from Ocala:

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/crossflorida/trails/nature_coast_trail%20.htm

It is rural+quiet. You will go a LONG way without seeing a car.(@30 miles total, I think)
If you go, check out the springs:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortcooper/default.cfm

That one is on the trail, and there are others around. I would spend a day here, too:

http://www.obssales.com/

...if you like horse racing like I do. You can bet the races on tv and watch live workouts, if you are into it.

Have fun. Ocala is a beautiful area, although I can't say more than Colorado...

[chewybrian]

Doh! Wrong park. That one is on a different trail. This one has the spring, and it's right on the Nature Coast Trail trail near Ocala:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/fanningsprings/default.cfm

[duke249]

The best areas to ride are north/northwest of town and southeast of town. I've posted a number of routes on mapmyride.com. Just look up Ocala. They all start from the Baseline trailhead on the east side of town.

Regarding the road bike rental, check with the Santos bike shop. I know they rent MTBs, so possibly they'll be able to set you up with a road bike. BTW, MTB is dominant in Ocala. check out OMBA.org

If you have any questions, send me an email.

Good luck!

[carwy]

Thanks for the help. I will be sure to check them out. Sorry it's taken so long to reply. Just finished Finals and needed a few days to unwind.