Title: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on January 07, 2013, 02:03:45 PM Hey All!,
I just wanted to give a good update as to our current work on the Centennial Trail. My volunteers are doing 98% of the work right now as I manage my locations during our busy season, so if you stop at Big sCrub or camp there and enjoy the trails, make sure to thank them. Jimmy and Patsy have been raking and dragging the trail, taking the whoops down as best as possible and clearing fallen trees and debris. Roy and Sharon, who were there last year, have picked up where they left off, trimming out the sides of the trail and opening up corners for better visibility. They are working from Big Scrub east towards Blue Sink on the the lower part. Billy and Jane are my campground hosts, but they are also out on the trails a bit and have been trying to replace downed signage and monitor trail use for me. We have a lot of opened up trails and some missing signage due to the overuse of hunters in the area. We will regain our hold on this once hunting season ends. We are also still pushing for a youth training area in or next to Big Scrub to encourage the kids to ride in there instead of out on the sandy trail if they have minimal experience! I hope everyone is enjoying the trails. I will be double posting this so I can start a 2013 Centennial thread. Happy riding and please be safe! -Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on January 08, 2013, 08:28:34 PM well i have not been for couple weeks had to get my cat serviced wont b out their till the 18th but the trails were coming along real nice the camp ground host an his wife come out and talk to me when i am out their and i met the ohv trail workers sister up in apalahacola trails nice peple they do real nice grades on the trails well i'll b their friday the 18
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Starbuc71 on January 16, 2013, 08:38:30 PM Kris,
Once again, thank you for all the work you do on this trail. I have not been up to Ocala since September unfortunately. I refuse to do the centennial trail during hunting season. Too many jerks who give hunters a bad name, too many middle fingers flying from them and almost getting run over from some lifted piece of junk truck barreling down an atv only trail. Can't wait to get up there after hunting season. I'm in withdrawal .....lol. Thanks again for all your hard work Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Mars on January 23, 2013, 06:57:30 AM Thanks for the hard work to all. A kid area would be great near big scrub. It was really nice when you could ride under the power lines. (You could watch the kids from your campsite.)
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on February 19, 2013, 03:17:30 PM Just as an update, the volunteers are doing great work down the on the Centennial and have made it past FR45 headed towards Blue Sink trimming. They also have continued to raked and drag the trails and have them pretty smooth for your riding enjoyment. Stickers and signs have been replaced, although we are still missing a few and teh corral is being repaired at Blue Sink after some people decided to tear parts of it down. Come on out to Big Scrub and camp or just ride for the day. stop in and say hi to the Voluneteers and commend them on the job they are doing if you like the trail. They work very hard! Safe riding!
-Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: gmiller0737 on February 19, 2013, 08:14:15 PM I will be making the Trip down soon to Put some more miles on My new RZR
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: sugarsand007 on March 07, 2013, 10:36:54 AM Hey Kris, is anyone going to groom the Wandering Grass Loop???
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: CSpud on March 14, 2013, 05:45:01 PM looking forward to Centennial Trail this weekend. Quick Question...Coming up from Tampa area, where do I get my OHV Trail permit?
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: SMP63 on March 14, 2013, 08:56:10 PM Welcome to the forum!!!!!!!!!!! You can get the permit @ the trail head itself. $10 for each wheeler or bike & the permit is good for 3 days! They are located by the large trail map close to the restrooms. Enjoy your ride!!!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on April 20, 2013, 03:04:08 PM Hey Kris, is anyone going to groom the Wandering Grass Loop??? They did it with tractor/dozer and atv rakes this past week...then we got the rain we wanted prior. Anyhow it has been groomed and will be preiodically raked and dragged throughout the Summer by a couple of my volunteers. Sorry for the delay in this reply. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on April 20, 2013, 03:06:26 PM Centennial Trail is still being groomed frequently and the trail is trimmed back very well from Big Scrub to Blue Sink for visibility. Still remember they are two-way trails and to ride with caution...but they are very enjoyable!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on April 20, 2013, 08:09:49 PM My wife and I camped at Big Scrub last night and ran the trails yesterday and today for the first time. They are in great condition! Didn't know about thanking them at the camp, but will next time.
I think everybody would be pleased riding there. We enjoyed ONF so much that we bought a yearly pass for $75.00. We also go the Senior Pass which costs us only half at the camp grounds. You have to be 62 years old to get it. Thanks to all of you that work so hard making those nice trails !!! Larry & June Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on April 29, 2013, 07:03:08 PM We rode the Centennial trail Sunday. It was great ! We will be back ! Just a side note please becareful there are a few blind curves. There are other riders on the trails. We only saw 4 atvs , 1 dualsport, and a couple of Rokons. All seemed to be having a great time.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on April 29, 2013, 07:57:23 PM You should have came out on Saturday. June and I rode Friday, camped out Friday night and rode all day Saturday. That's the 4th weekend in a row. We love that place. Larry
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on April 29, 2013, 09:29:26 PM You should have came out on Saturday. June and I rode Friday, camped out Friday night and rode all day Saturday. That's the 4th weekend in a row. We love that place. Larry Sunday was the only time my wife could ride. She loved the trails. I'll be trying to get up there more now that I have a yearly pass. Except for when it gets too HOT ! I'm sure if you keep going that often we will get together. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: zephyr on May 20, 2013, 11:01:52 AM Rode the outer loop on Sunday found 8 down trees between FR30 and FR37 also it looks like the party-ers are trashingthe corral at blue sink again other wise had a great time Trail was in great condition overall
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: zephyr on May 28, 2013, 02:34:28 AM Glad to report rode on Sunday and all the previous were cleared A big Thanks to the Trail crew!!!!! Hurry back Kris
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 10, 2013, 05:24:14 PM well ok been getting back out to the trail had a bad couple few weeks my dad died apr.23 took a month to get my mom back on track with all the family afairs. All the winter help are gone now but I met brain the trail hand staying at big scrub he was going to work on the blue sink area that place is a mess ppl just don't care bout what we have their they will shut it down if the mosters keep running it down but I can only ride during the week still will b out their tue. jun 10th
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Mingy on June 11, 2013, 02:30:43 PM Sorry to hear about your Dad.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on June 11, 2013, 04:54:07 PM I want all of you who ride the Centenial trail. To be aware of the DANGER !!
I like the trail and will most likely NOT ride it again. On Sunday my wife and I went for a ride on the trail. Nobody was parked at the north trailhead and we rode the long way to the campground. There we saw only about 4 campers. We switched rides so she could try out my new Grizzly 550. I rode her 250 Ozark. She prefers I lead (I'm glad). As we headed north to the truck to get gas so we could ride more. We were taking it easy cause the trail narrows and has blind curves. I keep to the right just in case. Well it happened BAM!!! A dirtbike rider came flying around the curve and hit me head on. His buddy was riding far enough behind but he almost me. The 1st rider hit the front of the quad right between the center of the front and the left wheel. The impact caused the ATV to flip on it's right side. Damage to me is a swollen hand, wrist and elbow. It will take weeks before it's better. Damage to the quad, front bumper totaled and either the handlebars are bent or the steering stem. I'm not up to tearing it apart yet. So please if you ride there remember to use extra caution on the narrow sections with the blind curves. Had I been going fast it would have been much worse. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: SMP63 on June 12, 2013, 05:49:31 AM Really sorry to hear about that Roland!!!!!! I had a colision with a sport quad on the north trails also on a blind curve in the Delancy Loop section. Came out with no injuries or damage tho. Some people think they are the only ones out there riding like it is a closed race course unfortunatly. If they want to ride like that they need to take asses to a race track!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 12, 2013, 06:38:52 PM Sorry to hear about your Dad. thank u mingy maybe we get to gather again for a ride at north trails went to centennial Tuesday I need a change of trails Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: AintSkeered on June 12, 2013, 08:50:16 PM I hope you got the idiots contact information, filed a police report and take him to court if he refuses to pay damages. And, that's the only courtesy I'd give that careless, reckless turd, before taking further action.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on June 13, 2013, 10:18:05 AM I hope you got the idiots contact information, filed a police report and take him to court if he refuses to pay damages. And, that's the only courtesy I'd give that careless, reckless turd, before taking further action. No I didn't bother the damage to the quad won't add up to my deductable. That would have just raised my insurance rates cause of a claim. He is not required by law to have ins. You know he would not admit guilt. He had one witness I had one witness. Though had he hit and hurt my wife I would have lost it and ended up in jail. So I did the next best thing. His bike had a badly bent front wheel with broken spokes. I know it wasn't rideable . The tire was rubbing against the fork. So I left him and his buddy miles from no where to get out on thier own. I'm going to add to my already massive front bumper on my Grizzly and ride it in front from now on. He was lucky there were truck tire tracks on the trail he might have ran into a jeep. I do hope to spend time when the weather is cooler at ONF. And clear some of the brush on some blind turns up there. Now I need info on putting a loud horn on my quad. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Thunderdually on June 13, 2013, 12:03:50 PM I hope you got the idiots contact information, filed a police report and take him to court if he refuses to pay damages. And, that's the only courtesy I'd give that careless, reckless turd, before taking further action. No I didn't bother the damage to the quad won't add up to my deductable. That would have just raised my insurance rates cause of a claim. He is not required by law to have ins. You know he would not admit guilt. He had one witness I had one witness. Though had he hit and hurt my wife I would have lost it and ended up in jail. So I did the next best thing. His bike had a badly bent front wheel with broken spokes. I know it wasn't rideable . The tire was rubbing against the fork. So I left him and his buddy miles from no where to get out on thier own. I'm going to add to my already massive front bumper on my Grizzly and ride it in front from now on. He was lucky there were truck tire tracks on the trail he might have ran into a jeep. I do hope to spend time when the weather is cooler at ONF. And clear some of the brush on some blind turns up there. Now I need info on putting a loud horn on my quad. Mount some train horns on your quad... Blow them just before the blind curve. You should scare them bad enough that they will already be down on the ground cleaning out their pants! when you come around the corner. Problem solved!!!! Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: sugarsand007 on June 13, 2013, 12:14:39 PM It such a shame that the powers to be dont see the need for one way trails. Atleast clear out the blind turns. I stop riding the northern end due to the dangers. I only ride wandering grass loop where most riders try to ride one direction.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on June 13, 2013, 06:57:26 PM I'm hoping the powers to be are still checking this thread once and a while. I for one am NOT going to stop riding cause a few idiots think they are alone out there. However with limited funding and staff. And I don't know how many volunteers. There is only so much that can be done. We all need to do our part to make it a better and safer trail system.
It's a 2hr drive one way for us to ride there. And now I'm going to bring some tools and try to help clear a line of sight on a curve or two when I go. It's not much but every little bit helps. There used to be a group called the Ocala Forest Volunteers are they still around ? I think a train horn would be great but a little over kill ! Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: zephyr on June 14, 2013, 03:12:24 AM I always ride in a clockwise direction
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: sugarsand007 on June 14, 2013, 09:31:42 AM I signed up to volunteer and never got a request to do anything. But did get a call a year later that they wont be renewing my volunteer status because i didnt do any volunteering. lol
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: monkeyonashovel on June 14, 2013, 01:34:46 PM I'm thinking about riding Wiregrass trail on Monday. Anybody else interested in going?
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 17, 2013, 05:25:50 PM I signed up to volunteer and never got a request to do anything. But did get a call a year later that they wont be renewing my volunteer status because i didnt do any volunteering. lol doing something for the trail is not bad idea I do about an hour of time every time I ride mostly clearing on blind cruves it has become part of my rideTitle: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 17, 2013, 05:29:44 PM I will b going to Ocala north this Friday the 21st any one riding any one want to ride
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on June 17, 2013, 06:28:49 PM I will b going to Ocala north this Friday the 21st any one riding any one want to ride I sometimes get a week day off but it doesn't fall on the 21st this time.Thank you for doing your part. I will try to do the same. It will still be a couple of weeks before my arm is 100% . I'm still working but it ain't easy. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 17, 2013, 06:41:27 PM I will b going to Ocala north this Friday the 21st any one riding any one want to ride I sometimes get a week day off but it doesn't fall on the 21st this time.Thank you for doing your part. I will try to do the same. It will still be a couple of weeks before my arm is 100% . I'm still working but it ain't easy. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: motoxracer49 on June 19, 2013, 10:23:59 AM Can a polaris trailboss 330 get around easily at ocala? I've wanted to take a trip there but wasn't sure if it gets too deep out there this time of year.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 19, 2013, 11:10:00 AM U would b fine out their i have arctic cat 300 an have no problems i am at centennial rite now with my side x side i will n out at ocala north friday with my cat and my sxs your wellcom to ride it u like
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: motoxracer49 on June 19, 2013, 01:32:52 PM thanks for the info dalem i appreciate it. ocala is a bit far from me so i would need to plan out that trip out but i will let u know. i want to come up soon.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 19, 2013, 01:41:41 PM That would b cool any time for me i only live 20 miles from centennail trail
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: motoxracer49 on June 19, 2013, 03:59:23 PM Thanks man i will let u know. Are you allowed to have two people on one bike riding thru the trails? (me and one person on the back of my trailboss)
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 19, 2013, 06:34:54 PM No double ride in any national forest trails in Florida where u have to come from
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: motoxracer49 on June 20, 2013, 12:37:23 PM That's what i figured. Coming from parkland
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 22, 2013, 10:41:23 PM Welll i blow up side x side friday and i could not help my self today i got a 2013 polaris sportsman 500 ho nice
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on June 25, 2013, 10:02:41 AM Hey everyone!
I just returned from 3 weeks of military training and I am glad to see the traffic on this thread (other than the accident, very sorry to hear). I am working on cleaning up Blue Sink...again. Dropping some trees and rebuilding the corral walls. I'm gonna try and get out again this week to check the trail for trees downed in the recent rain storms. I may be able to continue to clear line of sight around turns throughout the summer, it is a long and daunting task, but the result is great! When Fall comes around, we will have volunteers assign for this task specifically to continue from the Scrub Jay loop north. Brian at Big scrub is assigned as security only, although he is very helpful and I encourage any rider to meet him. He is up in a white trailer in the Northwest corner of the campground. I'll do my best to keep the trails safe and fun during the Summer until my volunteer helpers return! -Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 25, 2013, 12:40:13 PM Well Kris I will still b riding each week I been doing about an hour on the blind turns a week I will b out their wed. Jun. 25th I bought a new quad so now my gf will b riding with me I met brain few weeks ago he was headed out to blue sink.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 26, 2013, 10:10:31 PM Road centennial today was nice hot ride cleared another blind cruve and move to trees off the trail it is all clear i road the blue jay an the big loop
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on June 27, 2013, 06:34:03 PM Looks good ! Thank You ! One less corner to worry about. I hope to get up there after the 4th of July. I've got some time off.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 27, 2013, 07:31:42 PM Thats cool mabe we hook up for a ride i only ride on week days
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on June 28, 2013, 09:47:57 PM Thats cool mabe we hook up for a ride i only ride on week days I send you a pm when I know I or we are headed your way.Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on June 29, 2013, 03:41:42 PM Thats cool mabe we hook up for a ride i only ride on week days I send you a pm when I know I or we are headed your way.Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on July 02, 2013, 03:21:55 PM Appreciate all the help!!!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on July 02, 2013, 08:37:43 PM thk u kris well my help is part of my ride now got to help make the trails better and your winter help did good this year
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on July 08, 2013, 09:41:22 PM Riding Ocala north wed.the 10th any one want to ride
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on July 09, 2013, 07:34:23 PM Riding Ocala north wed.the 10th any one want to ride Wish I could , but I've got an appt. I've got to keep. How can you stand riding in this heat ?Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on July 09, 2013, 08:20:58 PM I get their at 7 am its close for me ride from bout 7;30 till 1
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: monkeyonashovel on July 10, 2013, 03:31:05 AM I'd like to go riding this Sunday, but the weather is looking a little questionable.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on July 24, 2013, 11:39:44 PM Going to centennial Friday the 26th anyone riding anyone want to ride ?
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on July 26, 2013, 04:17:19 PM Rode centennial today what a hot ride moved 5 trees off the trail all clear again
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: zephyr on August 04, 2013, 09:57:34 PM Rode Centennial on Sat was nice please be careful there a low tree about 2 miles west of FR30 if you are riding clock wise it is around a blide corner an if you take the inside line it is right at head level. Also rode the north sections. cant understand why they can do perscribed burns and none are being done at Centennial I think it would help in getting some of the blind corners cleared. For that matter rode wandergrass and due to the burns there is no undergrowth
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on August 04, 2013, 10:12:00 PM I bout hit it to last time I was out their looks like someone tried to cut it with a machete the trail host told me last winter not to remove trees if they are not layed all the way down so I went around it had moved 5 trees when I was their
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: zephyr on August 04, 2013, 10:43:36 PM Yes Dalem thats the one !!!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on August 04, 2013, 10:53:22 PM May be with a little pull it will hit the ground its laying on another tree I not going out their again this week going back to croom wed been to hot
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on October 02, 2013, 09:05:12 AM @centennial trail blue sink is closed I hear they mite not open the trail back up to atvs
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on October 03, 2013, 06:30:52 PM Thanks for posting. I have not been there for a while. Last time we stopped at Blue Sink there must have been a party there. Lot's of trash piled up. And a broke down suv on the trail. I do hope they open it back up to atv's.
We could use more trails. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on October 03, 2013, 07:57:51 PM Yes a few months ago they put all the fence back up two weeks later someone recked the fence again they even dig holes around the sides of the fence to keep people from going around it
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on October 03, 2013, 08:15:42 PM @centennial trail blue sink is closed I hear they mite not open the trail back up to atvs Have you rode there since the government shut down? I thought that they closed everything up. Larry Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on October 03, 2013, 08:22:13 PM Yea I rode Tuesday had talked to a forest fire ranger said the trails were still open and told the camp ground grounds keeper he had to leave
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on October 03, 2013, 08:32:50 PM Thanks! If you hear where they close, please let me know. Larry
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on October 03, 2013, 08:34:15 PM Ok
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on October 22, 2013, 07:50:45 AM Hi everyone, we are back open, although I hear they never closed the trails (technically they should have), but I'm glad you guys were able to ride! Blue Sink is a temporary close while they restore the terracing and the water shed, install a turn-around for both vehicles and OHV's, and generally try to improve the area. The trail will permanently be changed to follow that north & south road (FR 14-9.8) from the southeast Scrub Jay/Centennial corner, all the way up to FR 22 at Farles Prairie. This cuts down on maintenance in an area that I really couldn't stay on top of do to truck traffic, bad visibility, and wash-out near Blue Sink. When Blue Sink reopens, you willl be able to follow the same path in where that gate is, and then just backtrack out to continue on the trail. That is the only change, and I am hoping sooner than later we have the Sink back open, I enjoy it and miss it already! Also I have new CG hosts at Big Scrub, Timothy and Darlene, they just started on the 19th. Stop by and say hi!
-Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on October 22, 2013, 09:33:19 AM Well the sink is a nice stop on the ride hope it is open soon.i all so got me a camp site at river ranch now going to put my travel trailer out their
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: sugarsand007 on October 22, 2013, 01:28:41 PM Hey Kris any chance Wandering Grass loop will ever be groomed again? Must be atleast 3 trees down for months.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: K_Man on November 20, 2013, 05:00:00 PM How does the volunteer thing work? I wouldn't mind helping out once or twice a month on Saturday's. I only get down to the ONF on weekends.
Ken Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: dalem352 on November 22, 2013, 06:57:57 PM hi K_Man they work the trails during the week so every one can enjoy them on the weekends I haven't been out their in 2 weeks the trail volunteers got their same day I rode I met the camp host 2 he is a nice guy I don't ride much their any more I got a camp at river ranch now it is awesome out their dale
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: BassMaster on December 03, 2013, 04:14:26 PM We went to ONF a few months ago, was my first time in years was shocked to see the powerlines closed down.We ended up like 10 miles away on some crap loop. What's the big thing out there now for quads and bikes.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Busta Nutt on December 11, 2013, 08:00:33 PM can you get to the centennial trail from the north trails?
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on December 12, 2013, 06:33:48 AM can you get to the centennial trail from the north trails? Not by ATV. Only by car or truck. The north trails are like 20 miles north of US40 and Centennial Trails are just a little south of US40. Larry Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Busta Nutt on December 12, 2013, 05:51:55 PM I dont think the north trails are 20 miles from 40 because you can cross 40 from the trailhead at 316. I might ride dirty to the centennial trail.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on December 13, 2013, 10:33:39 AM I dont think the north trails are 20 miles from 40 because you can cross 40 from the trailhead at 316. I might ride dirty to the centennial trail. Hwy 316 is 16 miles north of US40 if you go up US 19, then you go 8 miles on Hwy 316 to the trail head that you are referring to. The road that you are crossing from that TH is Hwy 316, not US 40. FYI, the TH on US 19 is 22 miles north of US 40. Larry Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Busta Nutt on December 15, 2013, 06:57:50 PM Larry please excuse me my brain was not working when i typed that and it was confusing 316 with 40.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on December 16, 2013, 06:03:45 AM No problem!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on January 26, 2014, 08:44:39 PM New Facebook page is up for information, pictures, updates and events! We are going to be having some volunteer days as well. Help trim and clean up the trail for a few hours on a Saturday and receive Friday and Saturday night camping for free, as well as a free riding pass for Saturday and Sunday! Call the Ranger Station and ask for Rosie at 352-625-2520 for more information. I'll put dates up for the Centennial, as well as the North Trails, as soon as the flyers are up!
https://www.facebook.com/CentennialOHVONF (https://www.facebook.com/CentennialOHVONF) -Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: patches206 on January 26, 2014, 09:35:59 PM WOW you were MIA for sometime. Glad to see your back.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on January 28, 2014, 10:10:23 PM Man, I don't think there is a good definition in the dictionary for the type of busy I have been. Throw in a newborn and I officially have NO free time! I'm trying to get back into the trail hot and heavy though. The volunteers are doing a great job!!!
-Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: SMP63 on January 29, 2014, 08:15:35 AM Congrat's on the new born Kris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: patches206 on January 29, 2014, 07:48:18 PM Congrat's on the new born Kris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ThumbsUp.gif :ThumbsUp.gif :ThumbsUp.gif Steve when we going riding, where you been? :dunno.gif Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: SMP63 on January 29, 2014, 09:51:19 PM Money has been tight lately TJ. Been hidin in the bucklebrush!!!! LOL!!!
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: patches206 on January 29, 2014, 09:56:47 PM Money has been tight lately TJ. Been hidin in the bucklebrush!!!! LOL!!! Sorry to here we still need to ride. :) Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on March 17, 2014, 10:03:31 AM Just an update to all,
The trail is looking great. The volunteers have been doing an outstanding job of keeping the tread groomed nice and smooth. One set of volunteers have finished up and left for the season, but trimming was completed all the way around the Scrubjay Loop! Of course mother nature likes to grow quick around here, so always be looking for brush, sticks, snags and so on that could hamper your day! We had our first Centennial Volunteer Day on the 8th. It was productive, we trimmed about 3/4 of a mile, and cleared out a few blind corners! The only downpoint was that only one volunteer was able to make it out from the public...and he did a great job! We could definitely use more on our next volunteer day! Remember if you come out and volunteer that Saturday for a few hours with me, we can let you camp Saturday night at Big Scrub for free, as well as ride the trails Saturday and Sunday for free! (Friday night doesn't count, so if you show up Friday night to camp you are required to pay for that night, same if you ride that evening before sundown! NEXT CENTENNIAL DATE IS APRIL 26TH! CALL 352-625-2520 and ask for Rosie to RSVP! (ALSO NORTH END TRAILS ON MARCH 22ND AND APRIL 12TH, SAME DEAL!) -Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: sugarsand007 on March 18, 2014, 12:09:08 PM WOW... Your overwhelming generosity might explain the turn out.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: AintSkeered on March 18, 2014, 08:36:08 PM And, WOW, you love paying those taxes that support our public lands, now don't you?
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on March 18, 2014, 11:23:04 PM WOW... Your overwhelming generosity might explain the turn out. That's exactly what I was thinking !!! Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: K_Man on March 24, 2014, 04:17:38 PM Kris,
I would like to thank you for setting up the Centennial Volunteer Days. I hope to be there on April 26th. K_Man Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on March 31, 2014, 02:00:09 PM USDA Forest Service invites you to celebrate the opening of the new Centennial Off-Highway Vehicle Trailhead.
Saturday, April 12th, 2014 - Ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 11:00am Following the ceremony, trail rider user groups and local power sport retailers will be on hand providing tips and techniques about trail riding for the public. Forest Service personnel will be answering questions about the trail system and recretion areas on the Ocala National Forest. Hope you can come out, should be a great time! You can even camp at nearby Big Scrub Campground and gain entry onto the Centennial Trail System from there for a $10 per operator fee payable by cash, check, or money order at the OHV Fee Kiosk in the campground! Same OHV Fee Kiosk is located at the new trailhead! For more information contact the Lake George District Ranger Office at 352-625-2520. You can also get more information by emailing kdclere@fs.fed.us There is a FLYER attached below! Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on March 31, 2014, 02:01:34 PM Thanks K_Man! I have a confirmation email for 4 others so far and look to recruit more from the Grand Opening event as well as I will have some FS Volunteers there! Should be fun!
-Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on May 17, 2014, 12:42:48 PM Just as an update:
I rode the Scrub Jay loop with a new volunteer on Wednesday (5/14) and made sure it was completely clear of down trees. It could use a couple new signs at the northeast turn onto the Scrub Jay from FR14-9.8, so I'll get those up soon as well. The new volunteers will begin riding the trails frequently to let me know of down trees, they will do some more trimming, and periodically I'll get tread work complete! The trails should stay enjoyable throughout the Summer and we hope you come out. Blue Sink; The US Probation Team came out last monday and sifted the ebach for us at Blue Sink and removed A LOT of broken glass! They did an outstanding job! We have just a few more tasks to finish there and then we will reopen the area to the public. There are some "eye-sores" with down vegetation and trees to promote growth on the erosion control barriers, but with time it will go away and become natural looking again! The water is still nice and blue and feels great! Once it is open, we ask that you do your part to keep it clean and open for generations to come. It almost was scrapped and then would have been closed to the public permanently, so we won a small battle, but need to keep it looking great and the new way in and out used correctly...meaning NO horseplay or donuts messing up the road and such! Hope to see everyone out on the Centennial and at Big Scrub soon, (there are two hosts there for the Summer)! -Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: zephyr on May 19, 2014, 09:01:29 AM rode centennial on Sunday had some atv problems but a big thanks to the campground host all work out great KUDOs to i think his name is John for the help.trails looked good the part i got to ride
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on May 23, 2014, 06:16:47 PM I got to ride today the first time in quite a while. I rode the Centennial Trail. The trails were in good shape nothing blocking them. Lots of corners are a lot better with the brush trimmed. Good work guys. There are still plenty of blind spots so remember these are two way trails . You never know what's coming around the next turn. It's getting hot so pack lots of water. But most of all have fun.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Starbuc71 on June 07, 2014, 11:05:22 PM I finally after about a year and a half got back to Ocala to ride. Had great time even when the weather turned horrible at the half way point of the loop. Luckily we were right at FR 13 and hauled straight back to the TH on 40. We got absolutely drenched. The trails were good. No dust and only two trees down on the east part of the loop that took a little bit to get around. The corners are very over grown from last time. I wish I lived closer to help work on clearing them.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on June 09, 2014, 12:47:49 PM Glad you got back out Starbuc71! Yeah, unfortunately only the bottom loop has corners that are trimmed down significantly. Next on the agenda is the upper loop to the 40 TH, (the west side of trail from Big Scrub to TH). Glad there weren't that many trees down, I was off at training this past weekend and will get down there shortly to clear the trail again! Hope to see you back more often...in somewhat dryer weather!
-Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Dier hunter on August 05, 2014, 03:10:53 PM can anyone direct me in the right direction to register my quad to be able to ride in the forest?
I found i little bit of info on the fwc site but it had a link to the Florida dmv where I could figure out anything. Thank you in advance Brent Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: AintSkeered on August 05, 2014, 05:59:08 PM Any tag agency can help you. Give them a call.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on September 20, 2014, 01:13:04 PM Rode the Scrubjay loop yesterday and cleared it of any down trees. Trail is in pretty good condition, save for a few spots that need the whoops smoothed out and some trimming needed in the northeast corner of the loop. Volunteers start showing up in the next couple weeks and we will all hit the ground running!!!
I hope everyone is able to come out and enjoy the Centennial Trail as we continue to improve it. Also BLUE SINK is OPEN!!! -KRIS Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Starbuc71 on September 21, 2014, 09:35:22 PM Hey all, it's been a while since I've been to Ocala. Good news, I just bought a 2013 Polaris RZR. I pretty much only ride the cenntenial trail. How tight is it it for a UTV? Some told me that there are a few tight spots but overall not bad. I even bought a new Small chainsaw to mount to the back to take care of down trees
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: K_Man on September 22, 2014, 07:33:31 AM I ride my Can-Am Commander out there pretty often and don't have any problems with the trees but there are several areas where the brush is rubbing both sides of my Toy at the same time. The mesh door nets work real well keeping the brush out of the cab.
K_Man Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on September 23, 2014, 09:48:44 AM Hey all, it's been a while since I've been to Ocala. Good news, I just bought a 2013 Polaris RZR. I pretty much only ride the cenntenial trail. How tight is it it for a UTV? Some told me that there are a few tight spots but overall not bad. I even bought a new Small chainsaw to mount to the back to take care of down trees The Northeast part of the trail, (upper Centennial) is the tightest area for brush. It will get some trimming work done on it this Fall/Winter, but until then you will be tight for brush in that area. Also a little bit on the very northeast part of the Scrub Jay loop where it meets Forest Road 14-9.8 (the road running north and south from Blue Sink to Farles Prairie. As for trees being down and some being tight. The wider you UTV is at the top of the machine is where you may find yourself coming close or even scraping trees...mainly in turns because of the lean your encounter with some berms. Please just be careful. When trees look tight, assume they are and slow down to maneuver past them. I am working on riding the entire trail in a new Kawasaki Teryx that has a wide top dimension. I have already marked some trees that are tight and will be working to remove them. -Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: Starbuc71 on September 23, 2014, 11:59:13 PM Your the best Kris. I hope I can meet and help you on the trail someday
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on November 18, 2014, 04:02:47 PM We have a LOT of reservations (most I've ever seen) and expect a good amount of riders over the next two weekends to include the Thanksgiving holiday. The volunteers have been out grooming the trail and the campground hosts have been working hard in the campground as well! Come out and visit with us and have a great ride!!!
Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: K_Man on November 18, 2014, 07:21:24 PM I'll be there Thanksgiving weekend. Not sure what days yet? When is anyone else riding there?
K_Man Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: speedman8903 on November 19, 2014, 06:58:05 PM I'm going dec 11-14th
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: WonkyThumb on November 22, 2014, 08:21:19 PM New to Florida. Have a TRX400EX and was looking for a place to ride. Stopped out to Big Scrub and met John. Super nice guy with a lot of information. I am really looking forward to riding there. I'm not a throttle junkie, so I think this trail is just what I am looking for. Looking forward to meeting some of you folks there as well.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on December 02, 2014, 07:49:48 PM Does anyone know if the welcome center in Silver Springs is open ? Last time I went by it looked like it was shut down.
Or is there a way to get a yearly pass thru the mail or on line ? Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: K_Man on December 02, 2014, 09:29:55 PM My wife and I got a pair of year long passes yesterday at the Ranger Station near Forest Corners on Highway 40. Bring cash because the machine isn't taking credit cards at this time.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on December 03, 2014, 04:45:44 PM Thanks do you know if they are open on Saturdays ?
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: K_Man on December 03, 2014, 09:27:06 PM No Saturdays. Monday thru Friday close at 4:00 pm.
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on December 05, 2014, 09:26:32 AM Yes, something isn't working right on the machine. It is picking and choosing when to accept a credit card. The Pittman Visitor Center is open on Saturdays and Sundays down on HWY 19 and will sell annual passes too, but again bring cash. Hope they have the machine problem ironed out soon, as it is an unfortunate inconvenience. Happy riding!
Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on December 06, 2014, 08:47:07 PM Thanks K_man and Kris.
Hey Kris any chance of getting renewal permits by mail in the future ? I's a 2 hr. drive one way for me. I call Pittman to find out what time they open. Now all I got to do is find some riders. I heard there's a couple that hang out on this site. The search is on. Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on December 08, 2014, 03:37:52 PM There's a very good possibility 1Scorpion, its something we have already begun working on.
Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on December 08, 2014, 03:53:27 PM Kris, I know the north trails at Salt Springs are not your responsibility, but why are there never any trail maps at the th's up there? June and I don't need them but we are always running in to new riders who do need them. Larry
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: 1Scorpion on December 08, 2014, 04:08:27 PM There's a very good possibility 1Scorpion, its something we have already begun working on. That would be GREAT !!!!!! Keep us posted. And Thanks. ;DKris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: kdclere on December 15, 2014, 02:21:50 PM New Maps have been on order and will be larger when folded out and have all trail on the forest included. The "tie-up" is somewhere between printer and payment, but they have been ordered...awhile ago. Hopefully they get here soon, I helped design them and they should be great! Sorry for the issues.
Kris Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: little blue 300 on December 15, 2014, 02:57:47 PM Thanks Kris for the update on the maps. Larry
Title: Re: 2013 Centennial Trail - Ocala National Forest Post by: K_Man on December 15, 2014, 04:41:32 PM Kris,
Will you let us know when we will be able to download the new trail maps from the Ocala National Forest website? http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ocala/recreation/ohv/?recid=32295&actid=93 (http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ocala/recreation/ohv/?recid=32295&actid=93) K_Man |