Super cold weather forecast for the next 10 day so gonna hop in the van and head south. Anyone have a suggestion for a northern Florida hub for riding for a couple days? Yeah, I know even Florida isn’t going to be toasty, but above 40 will feel pretty good. Prefer “gravel” but would also do road. Don’t need anything other than a good place to get some miles and interval in. Any suggestions?
Thomasville, GA can make a good base. That’s just north of the FL border. Monticello, FL is also nearby and home of the Dirty Pecan. There are some good routes in that area as well. I’ve done rides leaving from one and looping around through the other and back.
https://gravelmap.com/map#_=7.37/30.814/-84.083&area=range&area_distance=50&area_location=Thomasville%2C+GA%2C+USA
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If you insist on being outside in such moderate temps, just buy the clothing for it. Probably cheaper than a new trainer, and cheaper than a week of VRBO.
If you want North Florida warmth without a long drive, I’d look at the Ocala and Gainesville area. You get lots of quieter roads outside town, plus the Hawthorne Trail and parts of the Santos network if you want something off the main roads. St. Augustine also works if you want a ride plus beaches, but it can feel busier and windier. Pack arm warmers anyway, mornings can still bite.
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I have plenty of cold weather gear. Riding in the teens does not put a smile on my face, and ice and bikes are not a good option. I have a van, so why not use it and be happy riding outside in relative warmth?
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Thanks. Looks like these are good gravel options as long as its not wet). Also saw Live Oak Florida (nearby) has a bunch or road riding. May be a destination!
Thanks, ocala is on the list. Rolling terrain, correct?
I did a bunch of riding recently in the Osceola National Forest back in Nov. Really quiet area and nice “gravel”roads to ride. Most of Florida is sand so be prepared for deep sand at times. There are some campgrounds around that area as well. I stayed east of Lake City area. Also check out High Springs and Alachua area as well.
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Sorry, I misread that you had the 40s at home….
for real, Sunday am lows in a lot of Fl are below freezing.