New Ocala Trail

[bigjohn]

I rode the entire 47 mile trail yesterday and must say I was impressed with the overall experience. There were a few places down in the Big Scrub area that needed to be better groomed and a few turns that needed better signage. It got a little confusing where the Srub Jay Loop Trail joins the Centenial trail. Don't worry Ranger Bob will be in there to help you out.
If you decide to ride this trail the whole length from Pipeline/40 trailhead to Big Scrub trailhead and on around back to Pipeline/40 bring plenty of extra gas, water, and bug spray. The deer flys were so bad they were bouncing off my glasses even at 10 and 15 mph.
About halfway to Big Scrub there is a huge cut on a hill east of the bombing range where you can stop and watch the Navy drop their live bombs and actually feel the ground shaking under your bike.
Have a safe holiday
Big John

[novadave]

I too rode the new loop this past weekend and really liked it. I just wish it was one way so there wouldn't be the fear of coming head on with someone around a turn(even at 20mph), because there are alot of them. We did both loops on a tank of gas. And yes the horse flys were bad.

[megapurt400]

the horse flys still suck!

[Shallowminded]

How were the signs, is this easy to navigate without a GPS?  Any concerns with having enough fuel, I'm riding a TRX 450.  How's the parking, would it be a problem to get to the parking with a car or do you need a truck?  Last but not least, was it fun???  Thanks......

[novadave]

I have a yfz450 and can do both loops on a tank of gas. Yes you can make it to the parking with a car. Its on the pipeline road and its clay. Some parts of the trail are smooth and some are whooped out so you get a little of both. There are some long straights and lots of corners. They seem to be well thought out.