Southeast - Orlando Biking

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Libido

11-01-08, 07:04 PM

I'm new to the biking world, but I am hoping to get into long distance riding. Is there anyone local who is already doing this, or would like to start?

Thanks,

-G

RubenX

11-04-08, 02:53 AM

Libido,

I love the long distance rides. Routes around here are somewhat limiting tho. I try to use bike lanes and trails as much as I can to avoid dealing with our friendly FL drivers. The challenge has been to link up the few cycle friendly routes to get a decent long distance ride.

One easy longish route is to get on the car and drive west on PR50 to the Mabel trailhead of the Gen. James A. Van Fleet State Trail (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/eastcentral/trails/general_james.htm). There are no cars and just a handful (around 5) of easy intersections during the whole 60Mi round trip. My thread on it with some pics here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=413390&highlight=fleet+van).

Personally I prefer not to use the car on my rides. The road trip takes time out of the ride. I like to find routes that I could start/end from my home. You can find a collection of bike maps on the Orange Cycle Web page, here (http://orangecycleorlando.com/page.cfm?pageID=30). But be aware that many of the maps are outdated. Some bike lanes are no longer there and many others that are new don't show up on the maps. Luckly every new bike route that shows up is usually reported by these guys (http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_thechaingang/) on their column at the Orlando Sentinel. Browse that column every now and then.

Many local bike clubs post their routes on their websites. But beware, most of those are Sunday Routes, not really doable on weekdays due to traffic (I found out the hard way). Always scout the routes first.

I'm north or Orlando by the way... In Longwood at the moment but will move to Winter Springs this month.

2000cctuner

12-15-08, 01:29 PM

Im new to the scene also. i just got my bike a few days ago. and looking to ride. i either run or bike now on little econ and want to start going further.

cflbiker

12-15-08, 03:14 PM

I have been looking for people to ride with since I got my trek about 2 months ago, Anyone up for a ride on the Gen. James A. Van Fleet State Trail (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/eastcentral/trails/general_james.htm) on sat Dec. 20th?

2000cctuner

12-15-08, 03:38 PM

yea im down. im coming from east 50 and goldenrod any directions? anyone can carpool? time you are thinking?

RubenX

12-18-08, 07:52 AM