Winter Riding in the South?
11-19-13, 01:06 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 274
Bikes: Bianchi xl boron, Trek WSD, Comotion Speedster, Giant TCR Advanced
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Winter Riding in the South?
Hi all
We want to get out of Ohio in late February and I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas. I looked at Winter Park FL and it seemed to offer a lot of rides which were mapped on mapmyride, but I wondered what the traffic situation would be like. Thanks.
Frank and Terry
We want to get out of Ohio in late February and I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas. I looked at Winter Park FL and it seemed to offer a lot of rides which were mapped on mapmyride, but I wondered what the traffic situation would be like. Thanks.
Frank and Terry
11-19-13, 01:58 PM
#2
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
The Orlando area has a lot of trafffic. There are rides around residential neighborhoods in Winterpark that would be nice, but outside of that I think it would be fairly congested.
A little bit west of Winter Park, around Clermont, there is great riding with a surprising amount of climbing
A little bit west of Winter Park, around Clermont, there is great riding with a surprising amount of climbing
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
11-19-13, 02:19 PM
#3
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southern Utah
Posts: 48
Bikes: CerveloR3, Andy Gilmour lugged steel, custom Trek tourer, Cannondale Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Where in the south are you considering? Here in St George Utah the weather is year round riding and there is no humidity.
Lots of great trails here for road riding, mtn bike riding and overall just good riding general
Lots of great trails here for road riding, mtn bike riding and overall just good riding general
Last edited by gsms; 11-19-13 at 02:21 PM. Reason: addition
11-19-13, 02:45 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 1,092
Bikes: 1980's Spectrum 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, 1990 Eddy Merckx 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, Bushnell Tandem, Co-Motion Speedster Tandem
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 185 Post(s)
Liked 102 Times
in
65 Posts
You probably already know this but the Sebring rally is the end of march if you shifted a month.
11-19-13, 07:48 PM
#5
Senior Member
Several nice trails in Florida that we ride when we visit in the winter. Good source to fine trails is https://www.traillink.com/state/fl-trails.aspx
11-20-13, 07:48 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 1,971
Bikes: Custom 650B tandem by Bob Brown, 650B tandem converted from Santana Arriva, Santana Noventa, Boulder Bicycle 700C, Gunnar Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
When investigating a destination, I suggest you review the NOAA climate data easily available on Wikipedia.
Below is the chart for St. George Utah and Fort Worth, Texas.
Key points:
Average low in November: St George: 38, Ft Worth 45.1
Average high in November: St. George 62.9, Ft Worth 65.1
Average Precipitation days St George 3.4, Ft. Worth 6.7
Not shown is wind and it can be windy in Ft Worth as a south wind brings warmer temps. Still this basic data is useful and easily available on any destination.
Below is the chart for St. George Utah and Fort Worth, Texas.
Key points:
Average low in November: St George: 38, Ft Worth 45.1
Average high in November: St. George 62.9, Ft Worth 65.1
Average Precipitation days St George 3.4, Ft. Worth 6.7
Not shown is wind and it can be windy in Ft Worth as a south wind brings warmer temps. Still this basic data is useful and easily available on any destination.
11-20-13, 11:33 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Upstate South Carolina
Posts: 1,092
Bikes: 1980's Spectrum 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, 1990 Eddy Merckx 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, Bushnell Tandem, Co-Motion Speedster Tandem
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 185 Post(s)
Liked 102 Times
in
65 Posts
We tried to chase the sun twice last winter with less then stellar outcomes. What we found was South Carolina isn't far enough south. :-) Florida sounds like a good idea from Ohio of course the further south you go the better. I have wondered about San Antonio TX at that time of the year.
11-20-13, 12:00 PM
#8
I Like to Move It
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: florida
Posts: 59
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi all
We want to get out of Ohio in late February and I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas. I looked at Winter Park FL and it seemed to offer a lot of rides which were mapped on mapmyride, but I wondered what the traffic situation would be like. Thanks.
Frank and Terry
We want to get out of Ohio in late February and I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas. I looked at Winter Park FL and it seemed to offer a lot of rides which were mapped on mapmyride, but I wondered what the traffic situation would be like. Thanks.
Frank and Terry
https://www.facebook.com/groups/272437492792110/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinellas_Trail
and g00gle
"st petersburg florida bicycle lanes"
look for the PDF
Last edited by rickbyb; 11-20-13 at 12:19 PM.
11-20-13, 02:47 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 274
Bikes: Bianchi xl boron, Trek WSD, Comotion Speedster, Giant TCR Advanced
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I forgot about the Sebring Rally (thanks), but timing isn't quite right. St. George is a little too far for 3 or 4 days of riding. Clermont sounds interesting, I wonder about the "surprisingly hilly" phrase. While I can't fathom that we could struggle with hills in Florida, as we slither into our 70's we are less robust climbers.
Frank and Terry
Frank and Terry
11-20-13, 04:00 PM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 274
Bikes: Bianchi xl boron, Trek WSD, Comotion Speedster, Giant TCR Advanced
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I looked at the Sugarloaf Mtn videos. This likes pretty tough. We could do this, but would probably avoid it in February.
11-20-13, 09:02 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Royal Palm Beach, Florida
Posts: 1,236
Bikes: 2006 Co-Motion Roadster (Flat Bars, Discs, Carbon Fork), Some 1/2 bikes and a couple of KTM's
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Not sure on availability or cost, but the Villages has plenty of tandem teams, and may miles of central Florida riding. If you needed to, maybe find a place in Brooksville or Ocala. Same general area.
But then again...this place certainly has a lot of coastline.
PK
But then again...this place certainly has a lot of coastline.
PK
11-20-13, 09:33 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,811
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,018 Times
in
571 Posts
The Withlacoochee (46 miles) and the Nature Coast State Trail (32 miles) are well regarded rail trails in the big bend area (near the gulf coast east of Ocala). Not going to get hills, but I've heard they're very nice rides. I'm embarrassed to admit I've never actually gone down to ride them. Late February you should generally see temps around 70, but cold snaps could see a high in the 50s.
11-21-13, 06:51 AM
#13
Senior Member
This year we are going to Tulsa, we have a daughter who lives there who has a spare room, the weather is milder and it is a VERY bicycle friendly community. We will ride the river trail nearly everyday. For us Tulsa is only a one day drive which we prefer, it is not as warm as Florida, but it has advantages for us.
11-21-13, 11:02 PM
#14
Senior Member
Fredericksburg, TX. Cycling capital of TX is my recommendation. We go there for one week on two separate occasions every winter even though we live only a few hundred miles north.
Routes on paved roads, low traffic, a great place. Austin and San Antonio are both close.
Come and ride it. https://www.cycletexas.com/
Routes on paved roads, low traffic, a great place. Austin and San Antonio are both close.
Come and ride it. https://www.cycletexas.com/
11-22-13, 07:04 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 1,971
Bikes: Custom 650B tandem by Bob Brown, 650B tandem converted from Santana Arriva, Santana Noventa, Boulder Bicycle 700C, Gunnar Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Fredericksburg, TX. Cycling capital of TX is my recommendation. We go there for one week on two separate occasions every winter even though we live only a few hundred miles north.
Routes on paved roads, low traffic, a great place. Austin and San Antonio are both close.
Come and ride it. https://www.cycletexas.com/
Routes on paved roads, low traffic, a great place. Austin and San Antonio are both close.
Come and ride it. https://www.cycletexas.com/
What is a good time to go?
Favorite Routes?
11-22-13, 07:22 AM
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 274
Bikes: Bianchi xl boron, Trek WSD, Comotion Speedster, Giant TCR Advanced
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fredericksburg, TX. Cycling capital of TX is my recommendation. We go there for one week on two separate occasions every winter even though we live only a few hundred miles north.
Routes on paved roads, low traffic, a great place. Austin and San Antonio are both close.
Come and ride it. https://www.cycletexas.com/
Routes on paved roads, low traffic, a great place. Austin and San Antonio are both close.
Come and ride it. https://www.cycletexas.com/
Frank and Terry
11-22-13, 08:01 AM
#17
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I forgot about the Sebring Rally (thanks), but timing isn't quite right. St. George is a little too far for 3 or 4 days of riding. Clermont sounds interesting, I wonder about the "surprisingly hilly" phrase. While I can't fathom that we could struggle with hills in Florida, as we slither into our 70's we are less robust climbers.
Frank and Terry
Frank and Terry
Mostly, the Clermont area has a bunch of small rolling hills. Nothing killer, but enough to add interest.
Around Ocala is Horse Farm country, with topography similar to the Lexington Ky area, with rolling hills, and beautiful horse farms.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
11-22-13, 08:06 AM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 274
Bikes: Bianchi xl boron, Trek WSD, Comotion Speedster, Giant TCR Advanced
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks merlinextralight. That's very helpful. We went ahead and reserved a hotel for mid Feb. Looking forward to it.
Frank and Terry
Frank and Terry
11-22-13, 09:13 AM
#19
Senior Member
We usually go for three or four days between Christmas and New Year. We also go Spring Break, usually during Hell Week but we do our own thing.
Used to stay at F'burg Inn & Suites, then Inn on Baron Creek. All a block from downtown. Both have gone way downhill of late.We now stay at Holiday inn. Walk to downtown still. Good pool and hot tub.
Many routes to choose. We like the north areas and also south. One of our favorites is Old S A Road, then good downhill to Luchenbach, then back north and west to town.
Check the Cycle Texas link to find maps, cue sheets, and descriptions for many routes.
Next time I reboot professionally I plan to move there if Mrs. Mono can pull herself away from kids in the Metroplex.
Used to stay at F'burg Inn & Suites, then Inn on Baron Creek. All a block from downtown. Both have gone way downhill of late.We now stay at Holiday inn. Walk to downtown still. Good pool and hot tub.
Many routes to choose. We like the north areas and also south. One of our favorites is Old S A Road, then good downhill to Luchenbach, then back north and west to town.
Check the Cycle Texas link to find maps, cue sheets, and descriptions for many routes.
Next time I reboot professionally I plan to move there if Mrs. Mono can pull herself away from kids in the Metroplex.
