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Trail riding at Wilderness Park
By TERRY TOMALIN, Times Outdoors Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 5, 2000
[Times art: Earl Towery]
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Over the past decade, the popularity of off-road bicycle riding has increased dramatically. While Withlacoochee State Forest and Ocala have trails of note, you have to drive a long distance to get your heart, lungs and legs pumping.
Hillsborough's Wildneress Park (Morris Bridge, Flatwoods and Trout Creek) has more than 20 miles of trails for riders with beginning, intermediate and advanced skills. Wear a helmet; it keeps spider webs out of your hair and protects your skull from obstacles such as tree limbs.
Remember, off-road bikers often get a bum rap from other outdoor enthusiasts who see the fat-tire riders as environmental pirates who tear up trails and chase away wildlife. So ride safe, ride smart, be polite and follow these guidelines from the International Mountain Bicycling Association: ride on open trails only; leave no trace; control your bicycle; always yield the trail; never spook animals and plan ahead.
You can access the 20-mile loop trail at Flatwoods County Park, on Morris Bridge Road, 1 mile north of the Hillsborough River. Call (813) 987-6211 for information.
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