Touring - Rode down Florida this weekend

So, I set out to do my first sorta-tour this weekend. I have recently set up a new bike with a dyno hub, lights, a good rear rack, etc. and this seemed like a good excuse to do something different and put it to the test.

I live in the Jacksonville area, and I have family near West Palm Beach in south FL (Hobe Sound). I wanted to ride the back roads and small towns of the central heart of Florida, not the coast.

So, I planned a route that took me from Jax down to Palatka, through the Ocala National Forest to Eustis. The second day went from Eustis SW to Groveland, then south to Polk City, then winding down to Sebring. The last day (today) I rode from Sebring across to Okeechobee and then over to Hobe Sound.

I had a great time, saw lots of interesting sites ranging from beautiful lakes to Legoland, Fantasy of Flight, and Bok Tower. Today was the desolate part of the ride across from Okeechobee into a killer headwind. I'm glad that's over. :p

I didn't camp this trip, but I learned a bit about what to pack and might try another with some camping (and less mileage per day, in consequence).

I really really don't like that bridge over the barge canal on State Road 19 south of Palatka. Too many logging trucks flying over it with NO shoulder to speak of. On a side note If you call ahead of time you can actually cross over the locks instead of riding over that bridge. Other than that bridge sr19 is a pretty nice ride.

Glad you had a great time......

Sounds like you had a nice trip. I was touring in the same general area this weekend and just got back home this afternoon in Bradenton. Camped Friday night northwest of Arcadia on the Peace river at a campground in Brownville. Spent Saturday night camping at Highland Hammock St Park just west of Sebring. Enjoyed the great weather, being outdoors and a nice ride. Oranges are in season so ate a lot of them and actually had fresh homemade OJ for breakfast. Planning a touring trip for Jan that will probably take in the Pinellas, Withlacoochee and Van Fleet trails. Love traffic free touring. Try camping next time you will probably like it.

I really really don't like that bridge over the barge canal on State Road 19 south of Palatka. Too many logging trucks flying over it with NO shoulder to speak of. On a side note If you call ahead of time you can actually cross over the locks instead of riding over that bridge. Other than that bridge sr19 is a pretty nice ride.

Glad you had a great time......

Crossing the locks sounds pretty cool! I actually stopped on top of that bridge and took a picture; traffic was light on a mid morning Friday.


Sounds like you had a nice trip. I was touring in the same general area this weekend and just got back home this afternoon in Bradenton. Camped Friday night northwest of Arcadia on the Peace river at a campground in Brownville. Spent Saturday night camping at Highland Hammock St Park just west of Sebring. Enjoyed the great weather, being outdoors and a nice ride. Oranges are in season so ate a lot of them and actually had fresh homemade OJ for breakfast. Planning a touring trip for Jan that will probably take in the Pinellas, Withlacoochee and Van Fleet trails. Love traffic free touring. Try camping next time you will probably like it.

Sounds like we were riding some of the same roads. I think a camping trip might be in my plans, maybe to one of the springs near here (Ginnie Springs is one that comes to mind).