LAKE OKEECHOBEE SCENIC TRAIL (L.O.S.T.)
Sanibel Bicycle Club Off-Island Ride
Jan. 28, 29 & 30, 2009
DESCRIPTION: Plan to cycle the Southwest, South & East side of Lake “O”, the second largest inland lake in the U.S.
ACCOMODATIONS: Plan to spend two nights in Clewiston, preferably at the Clewiston Inn (Sanibel Bike Club rate of $89 & $99 depending on number of beds).
Telephone: 800-749-4466 or 863-983-8151. Alternate hotels are Holiday Inn Express, 863-935-1000 and Best Western, 877-478-1700 or 863-983-3400.
SCHEDULE:
January 28:
The route this first day reflects a change from past years due to a Corps of Engineers closing of the trail from Belle Glade to Pahokee.
There will be two separate rides available this day: a long ride (34-35 miles) and a short ride (16-17 miles). Both will have lunch at the Belle Glade golf course restaurant.
Long ride – Clewiston to Belle Glade, starting at the first road left and South of the bridge on Hwy. 27 across from a cemetary and adjacent to the Corp of Engineers office. Plan to be there at 10 AM. Distance is 85 miles from Sanibel.
Short ride – Starting at John Stretch Park, 9 miles SE of Clewiston on Hwy. 27 & 80. Plan to be there at 10:15 AM. Distance from Sanibel is approximately 95 miles.
Return to vehicles and drive to Clewiston Inn. for 2 nights, dinner.
January 29:
Leave hotel at 9:00 AM.
Drive to Port Mayaca from Clewiston on Hwys. 27, 715, and 414, through Belle Glade and Pahokee. Again, there are long and short ride options this day. Both rides will have lunch at “The Office” restaurant and bar, just East of the dike and Hwy. 441.
Long ride (36 miles): Start on top of the dike North of the locks and West of Hwy. 441. Maps will be available to show the route from there.
Short ride (20 miles): Start 7.5 miles North on Hwy. 441 at a lake entrance. Watch for trail signs & road to dike on the left. Distance to lunch is 10 miles one way.
Note there are no rest rooms along this route. Sugesst stopping at Paul Ruddin Park on Hwy. 715 West of Pahokee before starting the ride.
January 30:
Ride on your own. There are several routes that can be cycled from the hotel. Cycle South toward John Stretch Park (9 miles one way) or North to toward Moorehaven (13 miles one way). Return to the hotel for lunch.
DINNERS:
Plan to have dinner Wednesday evening at the Clewiston Inn. Time will be announced. Thursday evening, dinner can be had at the Clewiston Inn, Sonny’s Barbeque (North on Hwy. 27) or Martins Marina, Tiki Bar and Restaurant.
ALERT: Be aware that strong winds might be present on this ride. There are no wind breaks on the dike.
QUESTIONS: Call Max or Jan Koletzke (472-9374). Please let us know if you are planning to attend so we can keep track of the numbers.
For your information: Bulk honey is available in Labelle. Bring your own container. Price is $1.75 per pound. At the main intersection in La Belle (Hwy. 80 & 29) go north for 0.2 miles and look for CURTIS on the right side, before the bridge.