JaRow

who in gainesville rides mtb. i'm kinda new to the area and need some place to ride, my bike is getting bored of riding through campus.

kensuf

Welcome to Gainesville. There's a ton of single-track throughout the town which will link you through various neighborhoods. You can start right behind the Creekside Mall and hit some trails that will take you out to the Oaks Mall -- you'd be amazed at what stuff you'll find out there. I believe the annual "Tour de Gainesville" is now approaching something like 70 miles of trail.

There's a regular Tuesday/Thursday mtb night ride that'll link up a bunch of the urban trails. I've never done it myself, but I understand it's quite fun and you'll get to see what's out there. The guys at Mr. Goodbike should be able to hook you up with the info on that.

Elwoodab

I found a nice trail in the Ocala National Forest near Paisley (west of Deland on 42) last Monday. I rode a 10ish mile loop called Alexander Springs, theirs another loop called Clearwater Lake and they hook together so you can ride them both for 20ish miles. I will tell you that it's tough riding, a lot of sandy spots on the trail that take away any momentum you have. It took me over 2 hours to ride the one loop and I was tired after that. It's a little scary because you are in bear country and I was by myself, and never saw another human being the whole time I was out there. All I saw was a couple of racoons and some lizards. I would do it again, but I would like someone with me.

JaRow

Thanks for the info guys.