riding in Bell, FL??

[Teej]

I heard that there is a state area in Bell, FL (NW of Gainesville) that is currently designated for pedestrians and horses. If I was told correct it must not be a maintained or monitored area as whenever the person who told me, goes to this place, there are never horse riders, but people are riding ATV there. [i assume illigally]

This person, who lives in Bell, said that this area is being considered to be designated as an ATV riding area.

Anyone else heard of this or live in the area that can check it out?

Thanks, Teej

[yunt2ride]

I live in Chiefland and have not heard of anywhere around there.

[americanhighlander]

I'm about 20miles nw of bell
and i'm only 13 half miles north of branford.Well
I know areas that have alot back dirtroads you can
 ride on  i have seen people ride on them once every month here in mcalpin.
Plus alot dirtroads connect to other spring parks on back dirt roads.
Plus you have find them on map in the right areas..

I guess the area you live near by
he must be local redneck rider they must know alot sercet riding areas
out in middle nowhere. 

Oh If you live in bell go north on main hwy before
crosses stante fe river their is place called windmill ranch
auction they sell everthing even farm animals.I have been there back
in 2001 long time ago.So if looking for farm animals to buy or sell thats
very good place to go there.I know alot more in that area you to find them
in swapper paper classfield.


Maybe one theses days we can meet here at my house or
meet me  in northwest florida area when
i have chance getting 20 or 40 acres or more in the near future .
But I'm planning buy used atv sometime during end this year
or next year during 2007 season.
I don't know whats going happen this year.

Thanks,
amhighlander 

[Teej]

I'll try to get a name or location of the area in question, later this week when I see the person that told me all of this.

Teej

[GSPKurt]

I live in the next town south of Bell, and I have heard about a riding area, but have not been there. I also have not heard about it being designated for ATVs.

Teej, if you find out where it is, I'll go up there with you and look it over, if you like.

[Teej]

I checked further and it appears that I got excited about a possible new riding spot and misunderstood. Just the opposite, this will probably end ATV riding in the area.

The state has been buying/acquiring property in this area for this park. It does not have a name at this time. This area park is on the Santa Fe' river in Bell. I was told that some out buildings were just completed. Rest rooms are quite a way from the river. The guess is that the park may be a couple hundred acres.

It is located past something called "Ira Beau Oasis" (sp). It is at the end of 130th st. [this may be incorrect, but it is in the area of 130th]

Apparently the locals  have been ATV riding in this area previously through woods trails and down to the river before the state acquired the property. ATV's are still using the area without being stopped.

It is my guess that the state is making this into a river park with hiking and horse trails. I am also guessing that sooner or later they will ban ATV's from this area.

Teej

[americanhighlander]

Thats bad news for those riders.
I hope somebody makes atv park up here soon.Or those redneck riders
might know another riding area out in middle nowhere.
I know back dirtroads is good chance to plan your routes or in another area.

[Teej]

There are a lot of decent trails under and along the larger power line towers but they are always fenced off at the roads. There is one large one that I have seen a large group of horses and riders trailer in for I assume a trail ride. I don't know how you'd get permission to ride there. Some of the old rail road berms would be great, but most of them are grown over and owned by the power companies and they post them. I have about a 3 mile stretch of old rail road berm cleared and trailed. It is off the state easment but I suppose someone could enforce the old broken down, over grown with ground cover tresspass signs. But the FLHP won't stop us for being on the state right of way when we ride. It is tough having to trailer everywhere you want to go for a ride.