SBC Off-Island Ride---- Withlacoochee State Trail

March 24, 25, 26

Destination: The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46 mile, paved trail near I-75 North of Tampa. It passes through scenic rural countryside dotted with lakes, a few very small towns and one major town, Inverness, near the mid-point of the trail. We will stay in Inverness and ride the trail North (Day 1) and South (Day2) from there.

Accomodations: We will stay at the Central Motel, right beside the trail on US 41 in South Inverness. A block of 17 rooms are being held for SBC members at a discounted rate of $65/night. Call Central Motel at 800-554-7241 or 352-726-4515. Website is: www.centralmotel.com Make sure to say you are with the SBC group.

Note: This motel will fill up, so it is important to book early.

Itinerary for Tues. March 24:

· Drive to Inverness in the morning. Distance is about 220 miles from Sanibel. Exit I-75 at Exit #314 and go West on SR 48 to Floral City, then North on US 41 to the hotel. Plan to arrive in time for lunch in Inverness.

· Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 PM, but they will allow early access if rooms are ready. Also, we will have an SBC suite where you can change clothes for the afternoon ride.

· Ride: Meet at 1:30 PM in the Central Motel parking area and ride the trail North to Holder (11 miles one way, 22 miles round trip). We will stop at the Parkview Lanes, an old-timey bowling alley right on the trail for refreshments & rest rooms. Those who are brave can bowl a game or two. Others can be amused. (Non riders can get there easily by car.)

· Return to Central Motel. Social hour for wine/cheese in the SBC suite or poolside (time TBD). Dinner at 7:30 PM at Little Italy, 124 N. Apopka Ave. near trail just east of the Courthouse (1 ½ miles from motel).

Itinerary for Wed. March 25:

· Breakfast at Pantopia Bakery/Restaurant (at motel) or other options.

· Meet at 10:00 AM in motel parking area to begin ride. Ride South on trail to Floral City, Istachatta, & Nobleton, passing through beautiful farm & forest landscape. Distance can be totally flexible; for example:

Primary ride: Ride South through Floral City and Istachatta to lunch at Riverside Restaurant in Nobleton (15 miles to lunch, 30 miles round trip).

Shorter ride: Ride South to Floral City & have lunch at Shamrock or Floral City Bagel & Deli (6 miles one way, 12 miles round trip). Or ride as far South as you wish, then return to Floral City for lunch.

Longer Ride: Ride beyond Nobleton as far as you wish. (Riding all the way to the Ridge Manor Trailhead, where there are restrooms, would be a 48 mile round trip from motel.)

· Social Hour in the SBC suite or poolside depending on weather (time TBD). Dinner at 7:30 PM at Stumpknockers, 110 W. Main St. near Courthouse, 1 ½ miles from motel.

Itinerary for Thurs. March 26:

· Breakfast & lunch on your own. Recommended restaurant options for breakfast & lunches will be provided. Hotel checkout at 11:00 AM. Additional riding opportunities on Suncoast Trail ( 27 miles from Inverness) or West Orange Trail (53 miles from Inverness). Return to Sanibel.

Options for Non-riders: The motel has a nice pool. The downtown Courthouse Square area, with restaurants, shops and lakeside park is 1 ½ miles from the motel and can be reached by walking North on the trail. Fort Cooper State Park is 1 mile South of the motel and has extensive hiking trails among the dogwood trees (which may be in bloom in late March). Ferris Groves Citrus Market is an interesting store, located on US 41 just north of Floral City and reachable by car (5 miles) and from the trail. Non-riders can also drive to meet riders at lunch spots.

Ride Leaders: Tom & Judie Sharbaugh. Phone 395-0469. Email: sharbaugh67@comcast.net

Please let us know if you are coming!