Winter Biking for retired folks on a budget.
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Winter Biking for retired folks on a budget.
I have a hot tip for Retired Folks who want to get away from the cold.
We found a place in Florida which has very nice bike trails as well as country roads not much traveled.
The cost in this area is modest. You can rent a trailer for $500 per month and we rent a house on a lake and bike trail for $1,500 per month. The Town is Inverness and offers several reasonable restaurants like Applebee's, Outback and Local Dining. The Beach is 45 minutes away. There is Fishing, Boating and lots of Golfing.
We are on this bike trail which is 46 miles one way. There are several bike trails nearby.
I noticed that there is room for a lot more bikers down here so I thought I let you know.
The biggest attraction? Daytime temperatures range from F50 to the 80's. We had one rainy day in two months. You can bike until you drop.
We found a place in Florida which has very nice bike trails as well as country roads not much traveled.
The cost in this area is modest. You can rent a trailer for $500 per month and we rent a house on a lake and bike trail for $1,500 per month. The Town is Inverness and offers several reasonable restaurants like Applebee's, Outback and Local Dining. The Beach is 45 minutes away. There is Fishing, Boating and lots of Golfing.
We are on this bike trail which is 46 miles one way. There are several bike trails nearby.
I noticed that there is room for a lot more bikers down here so I thought I let you know.
The biggest attraction? Daytime temperatures range from F50 to the 80's. We had one rainy day in two months. You can bike until you drop.
#2
Ride Daddy Ride
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Villa Incognito
Posts: 2,648
Bikes: 1983 Trek 720; 1983 Trek 620; 1989 Gi Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra; LeMond Victoire; Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Just googled it. Looks interesting--and surrounded by a lot of lakes, which must be nice. How is it in the summer?
__________________
"Light it up, Popo." --Levi Leipheimer
"Light it up, Popo." --Levi Leipheimer
#3
Senior Member
#4
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
Thanks will. We have friends in *****assa and my wife has an aunt in Crystal River. Seems we wear out our welcome sometimes when we stay with either. Didn't know about the "cheap" trailers and houses.
Several people have discussed the Withlacoochee Trail. It's awesome. There is a very nice park in the middle of town and Chain Reaction Bicycle Shop (aka Suncoast Bicycles) is right next to the trail. I always stop by there when we're down that way to see if they have something new I haven't seen yet.
Several people have discussed the Withlacoochee Trail. It's awesome. There is a very nice park in the middle of town and Chain Reaction Bicycle Shop (aka Suncoast Bicycles) is right next to the trail. I always stop by there when we're down that way to see if they have something new I haven't seen yet.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
Last edited by RonH; 01-20-09 at 09:49 AM.
#5
Formerly Known as Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Posts: 6,249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I saw the thread title and figured this would be all about discounted studded tyres and such. Yeah, right.
__________________
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
To err is human. To moo is bovine.
Who is this General Failure anyway, and why is he reading my drive?
Become a Registered Member in Bike Forums
Community guidelines
#6
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,524
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
I stopped by Inverness last Thanksgiving for the reasons you posted above. Good choice.
#7
Senior Member ??
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Englewood,Ohio
Posts: 5,098
Bikes: 2007 Trek Madone 5.0 WSD - 2007 Trek 4300 WSD - 2008 Trek 520 - 2014 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have friends who just returned home from a bike trip to ride this trail. They stayed at a hotel on the trail.
__________________
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
#8
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
The last thing you do if you find a nice quiet part of the country is tell everyone how marvellous it is.
Last I heard jppe is packing his golf clubs in the trunk of his car.
Sounds ideal- Any where closer to me as I don't travel too well?
Last I heard jppe is packing his golf clubs in the trunk of his car.
Sounds ideal- Any where closer to me as I don't travel too well?
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#10
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Citrus county Fl.
Posts: 787
Bikes: Litespeed Tuscany , Lemond Poprad, 1970's Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have to agree with Will about the Inverness area. I live 7 miles from the trail and can get to it on a number of nice quiet back roads. It does get hot here in the summer, but I just start early and try to finish riding before noon. One of my favorite local restaurants is the Chicken King in Hernando. It is right on the trail and you can stop and get a coffee on a cool day or lunch on their delicious fried chicken gizzards.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is a place called "The Villages, Florida". It is South of Ocala and 1 hour from Inverness. There are 20,000 homes in that community of villages. Walled and gated. A typical 3 BR, 2 Bath home costs $250,000 and the fees for golfing, community, maintenance, utilities, tax, insurance is $1,000 per month. The homes range from $90,000 to $3,000,000.
Lots of biking going on there.
They do stay all year and I talked to serious bikers who claim it is OK in the summer.
I am Snow Birding for 4 months in the winter and will do so until I get too old to do that.
This is just a service message for you B50+++ guys.
Lots of biking going on there.
They do stay all year and I talked to serious bikers who claim it is OK in the summer.
I am Snow Birding for 4 months in the winter and will do so until I get too old to do that.
This is just a service message for you B50+++ guys.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Waldorf Md.
Posts: 2,045
Bikes: Cannondale Six Carbon 5 and Gary Fisher Wahoo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I also have a friend in Hommassa and when I went to visit and play golf with him in Oct I saw a cool trail on the way from Tampa Airport along the highway and was thinking how cool it would be to ride that trail. Maybe next visit I will take my bike and bike more than golf LOL
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,157
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I live just N of there , but am in the area quite a lot. I take people out swimming with manatees in Crystal River. Inverness is a nice little town. Whole area is ! Plenty of fishing, hunting, bike riding, & outdoors activities. It IS FLORIDA, so yes, hot & humid in the summer & gators in all waters.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
What is the "retirement" of which you speak? In the last two months my wife and I have come to find that our "nest egg" has been reduced by about 30% because of the lousy economy. Working more years than we originally thought and living on a tighter budget will surely be a reality for us. Despite this, what you've described sounds very nice. I can easily day dream (tilt head to the left and look up) about warm weather, long bike paths, and the free time to enjoy both.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#17
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
30%??? Is that all? You're one of the lucky ones. Mine is closer to 50%.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#18
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
I live 7 miles from the trail and can get to it on a number of nice quiet back roads.
One of my favorite local restaurants is the Chicken King in Hernando. It is right on the trail and you can stop and get a coffee on a cool day or lunch on their delicious fried chicken gizzards.
One of my favorite local restaurants is the Chicken King in Hernando. It is right on the trail and you can stop and get a coffee on a cool day or lunch on their delicious fried chicken gizzards.
I've seen that chicken place. It the food really that good? From the outside it looked kinda iffy to me.
We'll be down that way sometime between late February and mid-March. I hope I can bring one of the bikes and ride.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OTOH my wife has trouble with anything over F90 and the usual high humidity in a swamp area of Wisconsin.
Florida? I talked to serious bikers who say it is no problem for them.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Outback is always full. Wonder why? They are not cheap.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It is the Central Motel. Nice place and affordable compared to National chains. They offer a small kitchen unit. We stayed there twice for one month until we found that we can rent a home for about the same cost. You need to stay 3 months to rent a home in most cases (unless they are desperate).
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have to agree with Will about the Inverness area. I live 7 miles from the trail and can get to it on a number of nice quiet back roads. It does get hot here in the summer, but I just start early and try to finish riding before noon. One of my favorite local restaurants is the Chicken King in Hernando. It is right on the trail and you can stop and get a coffee on a cool day or lunch on their delicious fried chicken gizzards.
I know guys on disability who rent a trailer near us and this above Restaurant can compete with Chicago's finest. Big contrast in lifestyles and we all get along.
I just wish we had some more serious bikers to make it interesting. There are a few but not enough. May be I have seen 5?
Most bikers do less than 15 MPH. I did 75 miles in 4 hours biking time this afternoon. It is a lot of fun and healthy.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What is the "retirement" of which you speak? In the last two months my wife and I have come to find that our "nest egg" has been reduced by about 30% because of the lousy economy. Working more years than we originally thought and living on a tighter budget will surely be a reality for us. Despite this, what you've described sounds very nice. I can easily day dream (tilt head to the left and look up) about warm weather, long bike paths, and the free time to enjoy both.
To save money stay out of restaurants and cook.
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: rockford, il
Posts: 2,646
Bikes: Trek 7700, C'dale R2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any new housing developments in Hernando? We saw a street of nice looking new homes when we were down there a few years ago. Not too far from the big park on the lake and about one block from the bike trail. My wife thought that was a plus for buying the house.
I've seen that chicken place. It the food really that good? From the outside it looked kinda iffy to me.
We'll be down that way sometime between late February and mid-March. I hope I can bring one of the bikes and ride.
I've seen that chicken place. It the food really that good? From the outside it looked kinda iffy to me.
We'll be down that way sometime between late February and mid-March. I hope I can bring one of the bikes and ride.
We decided not to because the rentals are very attractive here and Wisconsin is for Summer recreation hard to beat. Summer down here is not all that great. Lots of bugs, rain and humidity.
So, if your health and money allows it, Snow Birding is the way to go. The travel with Tandem and Road bike is a bit demanding. We can still do it and I think we will for the next ten years I hope.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,157
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
To those who think that the area is ALWAYS warm, [ I live nearby ] it was 21° yesterday !! Want to live cheaply ? There is a very small town N of there , [ S. of Gainesville ] called McIntosh. There is a nice trailer park for retirees, on Orange Lake, direct boat access. Super quiet, plenty of bike riding areas. Lot rent is $225/mo. & there are always some pretty nice trailers for sale for about $5000.