There is some great riding in that area. There's the trail near the Hillsborough River, and several others around. When you eventually tire (hoho) of pavement there are some great off road trails as well. When you get some confidence you need to do the drive to Ocala and do the trails at Santos. It's not Moab, one could say it's Disney World for trail riding. Tenoroc (spelling?) in Lakeland, Alafia, outside of Brandon both have some cool rides that aren't too hard. There's some up around Carolwood but I can't remember what they're called.

I know the S.W.A.M.P club in Tampa, and the Ridge Riders Club in Lakeland both have websites and resources that are worth checking out. And they're mostly a friendly bunch of guys, so if you see any of them around, and you will, say hi and ask questions.

I sometimes miss the riding in Florida. I would rather crash on the ferns and sand there than the rocks and thorns here.

welcome aboard.