OCALA TRAIL SYSTEM and OPINIONS

[Eworm]

Does anyone know what is going to happen with the rest of the forest as far as riding goes? The forest is huge and it is going to be difficult to just let it sit there. Especially if sport bikes are not able to ride at a fast, safe pace.

Please provide opinions!!

[PHN]

Does anyone know what is going to happen with the rest of the forest as far as riding goes? The forest is huge and it is going to be difficult to just let it sit there. Especially if sport bikes are not able to ride at a fast, safe pace.

Please provide opinions!!

What is going to happen...that depends on how many people feel like you that "it will be difficult to just let it sit there", because as soon as quads (sport or util) start doing what they please, and go where they aren't supposed to...then they can just shut down the whole forest to us all....

This is already government owned land...they only need an excuse to ban us completely....and trust me, the envinronmentalist can put way more pressure on them than we ever will....

[apkkfx400]

A group of us have been riding out at the beginning of 573 and riding the marked trails and having a lot of fun.  Riding in fifth gear on a majority of trails.  In my opinion, there are a lot less blind corners/turns on this trail system than in Croom.  I would like to say thanks to all who are able to spend time and energy on helping the ONF and bringing a good trail system to Central FL.

I prefer a one-way trail system but I'm definitely happy with what we've got at ONF.  The old saying-beggers can't be choosers-comes to mind.

 

[Eworm]

A group of us have been riding out at the beginning of 573 and riding the marked trails and having a lot of fun.  Riding in fifth gear on a majority of trails.  In my opinion, there are a lot less blind corners/turns on this trail system than in Croom.  I would like to say thanks to all who are able to spend time and energy on helping the ONF and bringing a good trail system to Central FL.

I prefer a one-way trail system but I'm definitely happy with what we've got at ONF.  The old saying-beggers can't be choosers-comes to mind.

 

I have also been on the new trail system (parts of it). The trails are awesome IMO. I never questioned that. My only concern is the "two way" trail system idealogy.

[jwscroll]

I have to say that the trails I was on that were marked were in the process of being manicured and they were wider than 60 inches which was nice. My only complaint is that there are not really any destinations on the system. All the pits have no atv signs around them, and some of the best sites are off limits. Now I agree that rampant use of sand pits can be a problem, but what about at least one per trail system. Or make a technical riding destination for the guys that want to test or hone their skills and maybe a racing style trail for those that want to haul. You could use the diamond system that skiers use to guage the difficulty of downhills, 4 quads = a difficult trail one with technical obstacles and fast straightaways, 1 quad = a smooth easy ride thru the forest.

[Eworm]

I have to say that the trails I was on that were marked were in the process of being manicured and they were wider than 60 inches which was nice. My only complaint is that there are not really any destinations on the system. All the pits have no atv signs around them, and some of the best sites are off limits. Now I agree that rampant use of sand pits can be a problem, but what about at least one per trail system. Or make a technical riding destination for the guys that want to test or hone their skills and maybe a racing style trail for those that want to haul. You could use the diamond system that skiers use to guage the difficulty of downhills, 4 quads = a difficult trail one with technical obstacles and fast straightaways, 1 quad = a smooth easy ride thru the forest.

Looks like everyone has the same feeling here Grizz........
Great post JW!!!

[4fittyr]

is there a trail system out of big scrub campground now?? last time i was there  we rode where we wanted but not on dirt roads

[UncleRico]

This is already government owned land...they only need an excuse to ban us completely....and trust me, the envinronmentalist can put way more pressure on them than we ever will....

The government doesn't own the land, the people do, technically.  Government is merely a representation of the people in a democratic system, or at least it's suppose to be.  In reality, however, in today's ever increasing beuaracracy, it does seem that the government OWNS the property of the people while maintaining control over it, turning a deaf ear to the voices of the masses, and paying close attention to those specific interest groups who complain the loudest.

That being said, one would think that the forest is big enough to accomodate the different groups of people and their different desires. Surely, one would think a trail system for ATV's, seperate from that of hiking, horseback riding, and mountian biking could be accomodated.  Certainly, the forest is large enough to accomadate hunters, campers, and day trippers...why not set aside some sections for ATV only, maybe even provide a seperate area for those who ride sport bikes, so as not to get in the way of the Utes. 

It would be nice if everyone could compromise, and accomodate each other's recreational habits.

But that's just my opinion.

Peace out,
Uncle Rico

[GrizzlyBear]

What we are trying to do with the ONFA is just this.  I am appealing to to all kinds of groups to come on board and work together.  So far the board of directors includes : a moderator from this forum, a horse enthurist, a master gardner, a hunter, 2 residents of the forest, a bank president, and myself.

[GrizzlyBear]

A trail system for the southern part of the forest (Big Scrub area) is what we are working on for phase II.

[odie]

the new maps are nice! so is the trails from 316 south to 40 open or closed to ATV`s

[GrizzlyBear]

As of yet, no decision..  That portion is in Phase II

[Eworm]

the new maps are nice! so is the trails from 316 south to 40 open or closed to ATV`s

They are open

[JR]

I had an opportunity, with a group of eight quads, to ride the longleaf trail, the delancy loops, and part of the Hog Valley trail on Sunday.  While it was very warm, the ride was enjoyable and much progress has been made on the trail system.  There are still some issues, but for the most part, this makes the trails more user friendly for riders less familiar with the forest.

We did however come upon a group of riders who were totally lost and going in the wrong direction trying to get back to Rodman.  We were able to turn them around and direct them back using the trail system.

[Eworm]

gps

[GrizzlyBear]

Many of the sign posts at the intersections of Roads and Trails now have GPS coordinates on them.  They are working on more, and when a final map is approved, we are going to have them on the map.

Eworm,  are you coming for the ride on Sept 30th,  Chillinthemost will be leading a group of sport quads on a seperate ride.

[Eworm]

Many of the sign posts at the intersections of Roads and Trails now have GPS coordinates on them.  They are working on more, and when a final map is approved, we are going to have them on the map.

Eworm,  are you coming for the ride on Sept 30th,  Chillinthemost will be leading a group of sport quads on a seperate ride.

I will be there, right behind Matt

[stacktester]

We rode the Delancey trails today. I parked at the campground and rode out with my uncle and another friend. I thought the trails were just as good as the ones by Big Scrub. It would be nice if there was free parking but 6 bucks to ride is cheap. We went over to Rodman Pit and talked to some riders at the end of the asphalt road. If it stays like this I don't mind riding there. I have heard that eventually the Delancey trail will go south and some loops to Big Scrub will be made. Tunnel under 40 is what I heard too. Who knows. We're going back Sept. 16th. Look forward to having fun again.

[honda guy250]

I have only ridden at big scrub and rodman and see no problem with a designated trail system, one or two way....but i spoke with a ranger this weekend at big scrub and he said they are trying to close all the trails down there and only riding along the powerlines will be permitted. he also said the only trail systems to remain would be paisly trail area(alexander springs), delancey, and rodman. i dont know how true this is but that is my only concern against the new trail system.

[Ida_Mann]

I rode the Wandering Wiregrass Trail today.

Everyone knows I can't stand whoops which is why I mostly ride by my neighborhood in Salt Springs.  I was riding my 400EX with Elka shocks set up for trail riding on the front and a very soft rear shock as well,,,,and I STILL had quite a rough ride in some sections.  I think that the sections without the whoops were very nice and it was overall an interesting ride.

I would say that if the whoops were gone it would have been a VERY nice ride.

I'm with JWS on this one, give it some destinations kinda like the prarie area I went by on the trail,,,,make a picnic area possibly there??

Id@