Outdoors

Cruising, bruising

By TERRY TOMALIN, Outdoors Editor
Published January 11, 2008

Left to right, Darry Jackson; Aaron Freedman, who rides for the Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure Racing Team; Times Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin; and Hank Campbell, who rides for Florida Bicycle Sports, cruise along a wide portion of the Morris Bridge trail area in the Wilderness Park cycling area. More grueling single-track trails came later.
	[Carrie Pratt | Times]

THONOTOSASSA

Forty years ago, when I swapped the skinny tires off my Sting-Ray-style bicycle for fat ones, I didn't think twice about jumping over logs. My banana seat was well padded, and when you're a kid, landing never really hurt that much.

Today, I'm old, a little gray and a tad overweight. Falling doesn't feel so good, even if you land in the mud and miss the cypress knees.

However, as my riding companion Aaron Freedman explained, when mountain biking, it is best to remain seated.

"Are you all right?" he asked, as I slowly picked myself up off the ground. "Watch out for those roots. They will get you every time."

With the wind knocked out of me, I climbed back in the saddle and headed off down the trail - cautious and slow - but ready for anything. The off-road bicycling trails here at Wilderness Park, which is actually three separate riding areas, would hardly be called "technical" by die-hard, fat-tire devotees.

But for this aging outdoorsman, the trails were challenging enough to prompt me to embark on a fitness plan, or at least, wear a catcher-style cup next time I get on a mountain bike.

Trail rules

Pre-ride checklist

- Always wear a helmet. Florida law requires children under the age of 16 to wear a helmet.

- Make sure your helmet, gloves and safety glasses fit properly.

- Check over your bike to ensure it is fully operational.

- Bring a pump, tools and patch kit. Know how to use them.

- Bring plenty of water and snacks.

- Bring a cell phone.

- Pack a first-aid kit.

Rules of the road

The International Mountain Biking Association believes a courteous rider is a safe rider. Some suggestions for proper trail etiquette:

- Ride on trails only. Avoid vegetation.

- Control your bicycle.

- Always yield the trail.

- Never scare animals.

- Plan ahead.

- Make your contact with others pleasant, no matter how brief.

- Tread lightly and leave no trace by packing out trash and avoiding muddy trails.

- Try not to skid.

- Teach new riders proper etiquette.

- Lead by example.

Source: University Bicycling Center in Tampa; www.ubcbike.com, (813) 971-2277.

Trail maintenance

Volunteers play a big role in keeping Hillsborough County's mountain biking trails open to riders and hikers. Members of the Wilderness Trails Association (WTA) meet at the Morris Bridge boat ramp on the third Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. then hit the woods for trail maintenance. To help, contact Sharon Noll at Noll2@juno.com or Joe Humble at jrhumble@aol.com You can also call the WTA at (813) 987-6211.

SWAMP mountain biking club

There's safety in numbers, and the Southwest Association of Mountainbike Pedalers (SWAMP) host regular group rides and clinics for everybody from the novice to the expert. The club's Web site (www.swampclub.org) has a wealth of information for fat-tire enthusiasts. You can find out everything from local trail conditions to upcoming mountain biking festivals. To learn more, call the SWAMP hotline at (813) 689-5109.

Other places to ride

Alafia River State Park, southeast of Brandon, is one of the top mountain biking destinations in the state. You will get your fill of big drops, hairpin turns and white-knuckle ridge rides on the park's 20 miles of trails. For information, go to www.floridastateparks.org or call (813) 672-5320.

Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve in South Brandon has 4,900 acres of wild scrubland peppered with a dozen or more lakes. This Hillsborough County park has nearly 20 miles of challenging trails. For information, go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks or call (813) 672-7876.

The Croom Tract in Withlacoochee State forest has Florida's longest contiguous single-track bike trail. This off-road network forms two loops of 12 and 35 miles. The actual trail length, including connectors, is more than 55 miles. For information, visit http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/withlacoochee_trails.html or call (352) 754-6896.

Morris Bridge site (813) 987-6209

Place names such as The Pits, Misery, Gator Bait and Grandpa, give you some idea what to expect on this stretch of trail. The miles of single track (trail wide enough for just one bike), the Morris Bridge site is a workout for both mind and body. The terrain varies between hard-packed dirt to soft, sugar sand and everything in between. Experienced riders will love the exposed roots - they will send you flying - but beginners should beware. You will learn how to land after a fall. With plenty of pine and oak trees, the shade makes this a fun ride anytime of the year. But be careful. No matter how many times I have taken this trail, I still manage to get lost.

Flatwoods site (813) 987-6211

Ideal for beginners, the Flatwoods site has a 7-mile paved loop that is favorite spot for "roadies" and in-line skaters. But Flatwoods also has great double track (dirt access roads that are wide enough for cyclists to ride side by side) and a network of single track as well. Like Morris Bridge, this area has plenty of shade and varied terrain to keep you interested. When combined with the other two riding areas, you can cover 15 miles of trail.

Trout Creek site (813) 987-6200

The smallest of the three riding areas, Trout Creek is a great place to introduce kids to off-road riding. The trail winds around two lakes. The double track section is easy to master. A bridge over the Hillsborough River at Trout Creek links the other sections of Wilderness Park. There are several tables on the water, so pack a picnic lunch for after the ride. Another added benefit is the park's canoe launch. Bring along your favorite paddlecraft. Ride in the morning and explore the river in the afternoon.

[Last modified January 10, 2008, 21:40:47]