Best two hours spent watching your video, well done! What an amazing adventure you had and I was happy to be part of it. Thank you so much for all the kind words you said about me, I really appreciate it. It was rainy first day ride together but the great one. Glad that you chose to take the Green Swamp route instead of 50. I definitely need to check that one out myself. I watched the video and didn't even notice how time passed. You surely know how to keep your audience captivated. Take care and talk to you soon, we definitely need to plan a ride together again.😊👍
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this ride with you. We live not far from Richloam and are familiar with the area. Good choice as opposed to the other routes. We regularly bike into Winter Garden for lunch from Clermont. We particularly enjoy your style of "entertainment". Other bike packing channels can be long videos of mindless miles of trail. You add so much to the experience. I also appreciate your video editing skills. Having documented on RU-vid a western trip one year I have come to appreciate the hours of effort on the keyboard. New subscriber here. Why you don't have 20K subscribers is beyond me.
Thanks so much for the kind words. It’s a great hobby. Keeps the creative juices flowing. Richloam is incredible beautiful. That was a highlight of 2023 for me. Thanks for watching and, again, I appreciate the encouragement.
I found this video while researching hiking trips in Florida. I was looking for a coast to coast hike. Instead I am glad I spent two hours watching, not just a video, but an entertaining show that contained scenery, philosophy, history, and jokes. Thank you for this video and I look forward to watching more of your videos.
You have an original documentary style which is refreshing. This is my first watch. I’m retired here on the southern end of the Green Swamp. I’m 70 in a few months and currently outfitting my old commuter bike for some local touring. Thanks for sharing and mentioning Marjory and her home- and my favorite respite as it is like my first childhood home in a grove. Namaste.
Welcome, Rick. Green Swamp is an area I really want to explore more--you live in a beautiful area. I like Marjorie's writing style. She must have been an exceptional person but I guess it's easy to share such amazing stories when the characters are so interesting as well. Enjoy the bike touring, my friend, and thanks for watching.
Enjoyed watching the video...live in Florida(St Pete) and plan to make that ride for myself now due to this video...your friend who met you in Dunedin took you on a very scenic route South to Treasure Island (I live 5 miles from there)...however...another option could be for those who watched your video is...to stay on the Pinellas Trail from Tarpon...instead of getting off the trail to go to Clearwater Beach...stay on the trail...it will lead you to Downtown St Pete...or all the way down to the Sunshine Bridge which is the mouth of Tampa Bay...I will plan to watch more of your videos as I plan trips for myself...thank you!
Thanks so much for this inspiration.. Definitely putting this one on my list, thanks to you! I see that Amtrak just added Florida on to their routes - the Floridian! Really excited for Amtrak + Bicycle travel on paths just like this one in my future.... It's great to see what the path looks like first hand so having your channel to binge on is something I am just so grateful for... and sorry about the chamois cream + sunscreen swap!, dolp!
@@RideAlongAdventures - also keep in mind that Amtrak has a Car Train that runs from Lorton VA to Sanford FL. You can get a decent night's rest on the train and not have to fight I-95 traffic the whole way down, plus you still have your car with you when you get there.
lol! you got it. I was totally off when I was guessing. I still can't get my head wrapped around those distances. I read recently that a few billion years from now, the Milky Way will collide with the Andromeda galaxy but there's so many space in the mix that there will be few direct hits in reality. Yeah, the rain was actually really pleasant because the temps were fairly high. I've ridden in rain in the 40s and it's no fun. thanks for watching!
Absolutely love your videos...great addition from story telling to history facts. Your such a true POSITIVE inspiration to many! Please share the stays that you did during your rides, including this one. Like in the list you've provided, it would be very helpful! Thanks again! Also how many miles per day in case we choose to do less or more, than we'll have to compile the stay logistics. Thanks again!
Thanks so much. I appreciate the kind words and feedback. I’m going to keep adding details like what you mentioned. I’ve also thought about putting simple one page itineraries on my website. The only hesitancy I have is that I tend to go for budget motels that might “shock” some people. 😂 anyway, please let me know if you get a chance to watch any more recent videos as to whether I’m hitting the points you want to hear. Thanks for watching!
Wow, really appreciate your effort to capture as much of the scenic shots of this trail. While this is my native state, I only get back to visit family. The first days weather may not seem nice to many, but I definitely would have enjoyed the cloud cover and tail winds as you did. The history lessons were interesting, especially about Disney. Definitely agree his main passion was Epcot. Visited back in the 80's and it was amazing for that time. Really enjoy the reality you shared of this adventure, aka the few 'extra detours'. lol In reference to the segment about greeting others we encounter in life - whether I'm in the states or not nearly everyone feels a connection and just plain happy when we greet each other. I have found most of those who don't are usually listen to earbuds we can't see at a quick glance. I refuse to let it bother me and just chalk it up to they had more on their mind and I did my part.
Glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate the thoughts on “non greeters”. Yeah, I think some riders are also deep in thought and not totally aware of others. Florida has a lot of offer in terms of cycling. So many trails and cool places to experience. Thanks again for watching.
The Yearling with illustrations by NC Wyeth. That's a pretty good pick of artists. Ever been to the Wyeth Museum in Brandywine Valley. Beautiful area not to far from Delaware as I recall. Good stuff on the video! Paved trails, omg. Thats a dreamy.
The trail along Starkey Blvd is just 2.1 miles from my house. I've ridden to the south terminus at Demming's Landing (53 miles one way) in St Pete and north as far as 98 (51 miles). Watching your video, I am as motivated as ever to complete the C2C.
That was a wonderful video, my friend. It was brilliant. Would enjoy a ride with you up in the Northeast if you’re ever up that way. Vermont has some great bike trails, the causeway is a must do. Safe travels and look forward to more of your adventures. Roger.
@rogerwoods7362 I will be in Vermont for a month or two this summer and would like to know more about Vermont bike trails. In my research they seem few and far between
Cool video, one question/comment? At one point, you talked about how well you sleep touring. Do you sleep as well in a tent on the ground as you do in a hotel or Air b-n-b in a bed? Did I miss it, or did you do no camping on this Florida trip? You must be pretty well off to afford hotel rooms on most nights. I'm sure you worked very hard for it. You're a smart guy and retired early. I don't always sleep well in a tent, regardless of how tired I am. I think it's because I'm a side sleeper.
lol…I think it’s just the fatigue factor. After a long day on the saddle, I just crash out. Bed or ground. Yeah, in Florida I did mostly airbnbs. Florida wildlife freaks me out. I’m in Virginia right now. Camped last night and slept like a baby. So peaceful outdoors.
Just found your channel! Like you experienced, some of the connector trails are so new that Google Maps does not know they exist and will try routing you somewhere else. I'm sure it will keep happening until the whole system is finished. Random ramblings: Instead of saying hi to everyone in the opposite direction of travel, I use my hand and wave to passing trail users...it forces them to see my initiation way before I get within talking distance. I will still say hi to those in the same direction of travel, since the speed differential is usually so much less that talking is easier. The end of the Pinellas Trail in St. Pete is definitely frustrating with a crossing every couple hundred feet for a large portion (I don't see any solution to easily fix it). I wish there was maybe a bit more of the CTC Trail that does not run parallel with a major highway because the car noise gets annoying, but that's the reality with old rails to trails that often shoulder highways/roadways; I suspect this is also how much of the unconnected portions of CTC Trail will eventually connect once the government imminent domains more road shoulders as it's the easiest way. There's also a master plan to connect Bradenton all the way down to Ft Myers/Naples; if there was a Skyway Bridge shuttle you could conceivably go farther South on this trip.
Thanks for the “ramblings”. It would be extremely cool to keep going south. I understand the roads heading to Ft Myers are super busy. Even with the gaps, the CTC is a fantastic route. This trip was one of my favorites. The interior of Florida was a real surprise for someone like me who has stuck to the beaches. (And Disney). Thanks for watching!
Great video. Really loved the commentary. I live one mile from the Seminole Wekiva Trail so I ride many of these trails every week. You are correct in your assessment of drivers in Central Florida as well as the timing of lights and other non-car infrastructure (I was even hit by a car while riding my bike on the sidewalk). Florida is a very car-brained place but it is getting better each year with the help of a lot of local advocates. In the future I would not rely on Google for the gaps. It tends to send you down car heavy routes even though you select bike. Hit up some of our local groups and we would be glad to give you some tips. Thanks again for an amazing video.
Thanks, Scott. It's a great trail. I felt bad afterwards even bringing up drivers because it was such a small part of the overall ride. I've had bad experiences but they are few. However, I guess it only takes one bad experience to drastically change your life so... Sorry to hear of your accident. yikes. Long story made short: I was given a warning by a police officer for riding on a sidewalk during super busy traffic. Then he got madder when I laughed because cars were almost hitting US while we were on the sidewalk--he kept telling me to back away from the edge of the sidewalk!! Nothing against police intended...seems like a disconnect with regards to law. So long as drivers view cyclists as a nuisance rather than just another vehicle, we're going to have issues. Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely seek out local groups in the future.
@@RideAlongAdventures Where was the police warning? AFAIK it is legal to ride on the sidewalk everywhere in Florida unless otherwise posted. Either way, great video. I love all the positive vibes. I also say hi to everyone I see on the trail. Keep up the great work.
I just completed the C2C trail on Tuesday of this week. I want to thank you for your videos. I made a wrong turn or two during the trip which is normal for me. This trail has everything from urban to rural and in between. The green swamp was very scenic and the sugar sand wasn't too bad. I went straight through to Trilby. Maybe, next time I will go visit the Richloam store.
that's awesome! good for you. Glad you got to see the swamp area as well. I really loved that part. Yeah, a few people told me that I should have kept going at the general store and I would have avoided the construction prior to Trilby. In my humble opinion, "a wrong turn or two" is what makes bike adventures memorable. :) Again, congrats on the ride.
HI! It's me again. I'm enjoying the ride in Florida. I didn't skip anything! I'm at Chapter 21 and will pick it up on my next ride. Sure was fun. The chamois butter/sunscreen mishap was pretty funny. I did laugh out loud! I rode for an hour and the trainer said I did 12.5 miles, which is my average so that's nice. Still waiting for better weather where I live. We're having a bit of winter again. I don't want to take my road bike off the trainer until the weather stays nice so it will probably be another month. That's ok. I have your videos to watch while I ride. Thanks again!
Great video, well shot, well produced and somewhat informative :). The videos and information inspires me to get on that trail. As a fellow solo touring cyclist, the one thing I always look for during planning is the logistics of non-cycle travel. Where id you park a vehicle during the week and how did you get back to it? If you are ever in Middle Tennessee or plan on riding the Natchez Trace Parkway (not a trail but federal parkway friendly to cyclists), reach out. Thanks again and happy riding.
Thank you, Tim. I took a rental from Delaware to Titusville, then Amtrak from Tampa back home. I’m currently down in the Everglades on my way to Key West. Awesome adventure so far. And I may be riding the Natchez Trace in the fall! Thanks for watching. 🙏
Just found your channel, new subscriber! This is the video that is letting me look at the C2C more seriously with new eyes. Green Swamp 52:15-1:05. That's what I needed to see! Thank You! 👍
had to go back and watch this one along with the newest one. I was wanting to come down and hit shark valley loop, and i still may, but Nice guy kevin commented on one of my posts and suggested hitting the C2C trail. I'm thinking January or February and then I wouldn't have such a long winter gap
Fun fact - despite the name - the Sunshine state is only the 10th sunniest state in the country. My current state of Colorado actually gets more sunny days than Florida. Before Colorado, I lived in Florida for about 15 years - about 3 years in Jacksonville and 12 years in Orlando. While I enjoyed my time there, the relentless muggy heat eventually got to us and the only time I really liked in Orlando was the winter - which I would rather be skiing. I have been on the West Orange trail several times but never completed it - mainly because I always had family with me and they aren't up for more than a few miles at a time. I also lived about 45 minutes from the trail, so it was hard to get over there. I did a local trail called the Florida Trail which is about 10 miles from Kissimmee to St Cloud. Now that I live in Colorado Springs, I've already put on way more miles in just 1 year than all 12 years in Orlando. It helps that I live only blocks from a connector trail that takes me to the Cottonwood Creek trail that also connects to the Pikes Peak Greenway - awesome trials - especially heading west.
Colorado is a great state. I used to travel there really frequently for business (HP) and always enjoyed the incredible scenery and just how much there was to see. I’d really like to explore it more by bike so I appreciate your recommendations. I feel like I only really discovered Florida last winter during these bike trips. Before then it was just Disney and beaches. It, too, has so many interesting places to take in (Everglades, swamps, lakes, the Keys, etc). Thanks for watching and responding. I enjoy the comments immensely.
Great video. I just moved to Daytona and I’ve ridden from the Edgewater (NSB) trailhead and about halfway to Titusville. What route did you take from Sanford to the West Orange Trail? I’ve ridden many miles on the WOT, from Apopka to Groveland, but never found a good route to Sanford.
Yeah, that’s a gap that I don’t really understand. Doesn’t seem like there are any natural areas to expand the trail. And the roads were pretty busy. But all in all, it’s short relative to the rest of the trail.
@@RideAlongAdventures I live, and start my rides, in that gap. I was happy to see that you didn't skip over it! Clarcona-Ocoee Rd. (where you acknowledge the gap and let us know you're putting it in the video) is an ok choice once the bike lane starts, but it's mostly sidewalks for safety around that area! Thanks for the video!
Hey Bryan ... "I see you. I acknowledge you. We belong "together." :) I just finished watching this two-hour video of your recent Florida C2C adventure. I live on the Space Coast just 20 miles south of Titusville where you began your trip. I really enjoyed all the trivia aspects you incorporated ... no small effort to edit and compile. Thanks for sharing this with us. I just 'subscribed' and look forward to viewing some of your past and future tours. Blessings!
Schwinns were the total bomb back in the day. I remember there was a dealership in my neighborhood’s “Main Street” and I still remember the shining bikes lined up inside.
@@RideAlongAdventuresI don't generally burn but the two times I remember happened in Florida. Stay safe out there and Im looking forward to Mickelson ride! Been a good while since I've seen Hot Springs. More than 15 years. The indoor mammoth dig, sandstone architecture and the 84 degree stream running along main street still stand out in my memory. Quite a site in winter as the steam from the warm water would raise up the huge hillside and freeze to the bare branches. Gorgeous.
I did some car site seeing after the ride. I thought the Mammoth site was absolutely incredible. I kept thinking it was fake. I also loved the Badlands park. And the Missile silo. And Wall Drug. Such a great area. 😂
Thanks. I actually drove a rental to Titusville (there’s an AVIS location less than a mile from the start), then did Amtrak from Tampa back to my home in Delaware. Thanks for watching. 🙏
Enjoyed your video, it was great seeing trails I have spent many miles cycling. Don’t feel too bad about people looking through you when you say good morning. Not sure where the latest crop of newcomers came from, but I have noticed this becoming more common in the past few years as more of them arrive. Apparently, good manners was not part of their upbringing.
These are such over the top videos !! 100 % retention. Thank you for taking us along. we can not wait to experience this ride. So many great clips and narrating to touch on it was all just great !!!
You are too kind. I think you two would love this trail. It’s got “Dave and Heidi” written all over it. Hope you’re well and surviving winter thus far. Side note: Heidi, I spent the morning watching my son run a marathon and I felt that inner urge to think about training again. Don’t know if my body can handle it but I *might* try.
@RideAlongAdventures , this is quite an informative video, and I appreciate all pointers you're sharing! Quick question about the Hover X1 drone - does it allow you to transfer your videos/photos directly onto your laptop, via SD card/USB, or any other way, besides uploading them directly into the cloud/the web??
@@ok9999ra wow...would you believe I was sitting here this morning working on my Hover X1 review??? :) So, your specific question: this is a weakness in my opinion. You have to transfer them to your smartphone, then transfer from there to a laptop. And yes, that's a pain in the butt (imho). It does not have a removable card. It's clear the company doesn't want you seeing the firmware on the unit so the cable itself is only for charging. I'm on the fence about this thing overall. It's small and portable and takes up very little space but it's just not at a pro level like a GoPro and most certainly not like a standard drone (DJI). And yet, I keep using it. :) One final thing: there is a manual mode that I have yet to truly explore and a few other youtubers have commented that this mode is extremely cool and allows for more creativity and flexibility. Sorry...probably more than you wanted.
@RideAlongAdventures, yes I understand that limitation, yet I like the fact is superhighway and it takes quality videos. I'm curious, how many minutes/hours of video does it take to fill the 32 gigs of the installed memory? And how long does it take you to transfer those 32 gigs from the Hover to you phone? Thank you so much for the answers!
@@ok9999ragood questions. Two things: the 32G of onboard memory ends up being about 24G after the firmware. Second, the bigger constraint is battery, not memory. I took a 20 min video one time and it consumed all three batteries and like 5 or 6 gigs. I generally transfer everything at the end of each day. So…be sure to buy the additional batteries in the combo pack. I really wonder what the next gen version will change. I’d imagine a removable card has to be part of it.
Great video buddy. I too am enamored with the cosmic scale. The cosmic web. How our observable universe of 93 billion lightyears could in fact be just a fraction of what really out there. There could be upwards of 20 quintuillion stars. And you mentioned just the closest to us. (I live in orlando and ride my rockhopper expert out here)
FINALLY!!!!! Someone who appreciates the size of the universe. :) It's really mind-blowing just how vast it all is. I don't know if you are a fan of the channel "Cool Worlds" but there are some amazing videos about distance, time, expansion, etc. David K. has that whole presentation voice that Sagan made famous. So, even if there is life out there, we are basically configured to be unable to have contact. With current technologies. Anyway...you made my day.
So enjoyed the video Bryan, the trail looks like a ‘must do’ for sure. So many funny moments & one very unexpected chart! 😳 The most hilarious, by far was your confusion with chamois butter vs. sunblock! LMAO! A close second was your flow chart outlining your storytelling skills😂 I definitely agree with your comment about the ‘marching band explains a lot’ … it surely does. Been there, done that, can relate!!! And the most unexpected moment, I have watched 100’s of cycling videos… never have I been presented with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. 🙃.. you always keep us guessing!! Thanks so much for sharing your adventure.
Thanks. That storytelling chart was made for me, I think. 😂 it’s a really great trail. Lots of amazing scenery. Cycling should appear on Maslow’s hierarchy.
Yeah, I rode a part of this trail. I live in Orlando so I did the opposite. I rode the Seminole to the coastal coast to the east west to ride from Orlando down the Titusville last Labor Day. When I did it, I underestimated how hot it was going to be and by the time I reached titusville I was getting crazy muscle spasms from dehydration
Is it feasible to navigate the Richloam Wildlife Management Area on a road bike equipped with 28" tires? While it might not be the ideal choice, is it technically possible to traverse the area with this setup?
In my (limited) opinion, I think it depends on recent rainfall. I found most of it was packed down but there are a few mushy sections, especially on the eastern side right after the Van Fleet Trail. That could slow you down and you might have to do a bit of walking. Otherwise, I saw someone on 30s and they seem to be just fine.
@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks for taking the time to respond, I guess there is only one way to find out for sure...I'll update this and let you know how it goes.
Another good one! I appreciate how you're riding and interjecting additional, interesting subject matter. I feel like im just riding along having a conversation with you. Except, you do all the talking. 😂
Hello, how are you? I was the 260 to give you thumps up. Your video showed everything I love. I do a bit of biking myself, love science and history and love riding on the Amtrak. I have been biking since 4th grade, I am now going on 62 in a couple of months and my family can't believe that I am still riding a Bike. I have biked in Queens NY, over seas in Holland, Florida, North Dakota, did a lot of biking in Boise Idaho, San Diego CA and now at Billings Montana. I will be retiring soon and I dream of finding a place where I can ride all year long or at least almost all year. I would love to go bike in VT someday, many beautiful bike paths in the North East from what I have seen on YT. This was my first time in seeing your video. I am looking forward to seeing more. I am planning on riding the Amtrak and head east to NY, than hopefully visit VT and go riding. My bike still rides good, but it is time for a new bike with all latest technology. What were the longest miles you did on this ride, and what was your miles per hour? It seemed like you were doing a lot of miles daily and riding pretty fast.
Greetings! Thanks for the feedback. I’d like to explore VT more. I’ve only driven through on business and it is beautiful! I usually shoot for around 50 miles a day (average) and on a good day, I’m doing 13-14 mph. But I’m learning to slow down and enjoy the journey more. I like the 10-12 mph pace but I start riding and before I know it, I’m back up to 14 or so.
Looking for another adventure that I can ride with you virtually. As always I really enjoy the history and don't have to wait until it's on the history channel.
Hey, my pleasure. Always. What a great state. I've always wondered why Florida is the butt of so many jokes when it is so damn beautiful and then it hit me as jealousy. :) (perhaps I feel the same about Ohio, by the way). Anyway...with so many trails down there, I have a feeling I'm going back often.
I don't suppose you have an actual detailed route as I have been trying to piece this trail together so my wife and I can do it. We live about 100 miles south of Titusville.
Hi, John. Let me refer you to two different detailed routes: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/240aa2b64192472da9ffb371a986d3bd www.bikeflorida.org/florida-bike-trail/florida-coast-to-coast-trail/ The second link has a RideWithGPS link that you can download.
What a spectacular video Bryan, was looking forward to this one, and it was so good. Your production quality is amazing. Looking forward to next years videos, and meeting up on some trail.
I’m wondering how you planed your itinerary I don’t know how to find hotels along the path to plan my trip I want to do it in 4-5 days. Can you give me e tips for that and anything else you may think of?
Sure. I did a combo of hotels and airbnbs. I use hotels.com to find and book places along the route as well as the airbnb app. There is a fairly decent gap between groveland and brooksville in terms of lodging so beware. Other than that, it’s pretty easy to find inexpensive places. If you want to camp, there are a number of good camping apps as well: hipcamp, iOverlander, etc. enjoy! It’s an awesome route.
Just finished the video. Enjoyed it very much. My planned route is slightly different through the swamp. Instead of turning north and heading to that store, I'm heading straight for a town named Triby. I'm not sure if this is better or worse but it completely avoids hwy 50. You have made me rethink riding on the beach side on the gulf coast. That looks like the scenic way to go for sure. My ride will end at Clearwater Beach. That's my current plan anyway. I may extend that after watching your video. Thanks for the video. I always enjoy them.
Thanks for watching, Tony! Yeah, I found 50 to be pretty stressful, even for just a few miles at the beginning and end. When the powers that be finalize the C2C route, I hope they go south. It is wonderfully scenic. With regards to heading to Trilby, big thumbs up (!) because you can also catch the Withlacoochie Trail there if you're headed to Brooksville. I accidentally rode that way (all the way down to Owensboro) and I had to look at the maps if you can get there via backroads. You can (as you know). By the way, Google needs to be updated because the Good Neighbor Trail connects to the Withlachoochie in Croom. Safe riding!
just started watching. looks like its gonna be another great video! I did click through your (thanks) gear list and had a great chuckle at the 3D padded shorts Amazon video. Have you watched it? Yeah, I'll be you modeled it! Have a great day!
lol. Ya know…I’m not sure I’ve ever watched an Amazon video but that was is pretty hilarious. He’s so fascinated with the elastic waist! Wow. Yeah, that was definitely me. 30+ years ago. Sike.
Yeah, it’s true. I was rereading that article recently and again the crazy part is how our mind naturally responds. We are sort of programmed chemically for connection (kindness). We are social creatures at the core.
@@RideAlongAdventures some how, the human has managed to remove humanity from within itself, to a degree. It’s pretty crazy! My grandad would take me on walks, on a Sunday, in the Lake District of northwest England. He would say hello to everyone he came across, and would have conversation with many. Many, who he’d never met before. Yet somehow, related to them as a brother. So, guess what? That’s how I behave. What’s super weird, is that my ex wife, has tried her best, to remove the humanity out of relationship, even though we have two kids together, and need to discuss matters. It was through these interactions with her, that I became super alert, that humanity is slowly losing its connection to everything. By removing the human part of the experience. To me, it is super bizarre.
@@RideAlongAdventures anyhow… Thank you for your movie. I’ll be heading down that way in December, over the winter break, from Colorado, to ride from Clearwater to the east coast and back again. Around 500 miles I’m thinking. I have 15 days. Might make it up to Jacksonville also. I’ll be camping and using the wonderful Warm Showers App. Technology is pretty amazing for that. To create connection, if used correctly.
Being A long time traveler of the state and as communications expert. Two things ... there are a lot of old people in the state and a lot cant even hear you ask. How are doing? Also asking someone how they are doing when you are passing them for split second. They do not have enough time to answer you. Just say Hi and you will get more responses. It is more sincere also. they have time to give you A quick Hi! So how was your car there for you on the other coast?
lol...i left that detail out, huh. :) So, i used a rental car to get to Titusville and then caught Amtrak in Tampa back to Delaware. It was incredibly easy. The rental drop off in Titusville was less than a mile from the start. A friend drove me to the train station in Tampa but I believe it would be a pretty decent bike ride.
I don't know how I've commented on this...did I miss this great opener? Was I working on not paying attention (probably) gonna need to know how you did this opening lol@@RideAlongAdventures
Absolutely. There are towns along the route on a regular basis. The only segment that is remote is the section between Groveland and Brooksville and if you choose to stay on 50, there are towns on the highway. The option through the wetlands is more remote and there’s not a lot for like 20 miles or so. This trail is undergoing a lot of upgrades with bathrooms and bike stations popping up all over.
OK, maybe you can answer a question or some other people can cause I don’t understand this, so once you got into the heart of Orlando, you were riding literally past my apartment complex and like you said some of the sections, there is no true bikepath and I see tourers do this all the time, they’re on the road when there’s no shoulder, when there’s a sidewalk right there. just right on the sidewalk. I mean that’s better than getting hit by a car??
It’s a good question and I’ll just answer for myself. First of all, I do…especially when traffic is really heavy. But, second, laws vary from state to state but riding on sidewalks is illegal in many states. I’ve been stopped by police on three separate occasions (not Florida) to get off the sidewalk because “pedestrians are at risk”. I’ve yet to be ticketed but was given warnings. To complicate it further, local ordinances can differ from state law. So, for me, I try to use good judgement for the situation. If there are no pedestrians and heavy traffic, I’m on the sidewalks for sure. And often I’m walking my bike rather than riding it. I won’t go down the rabbit hole of bikes on the road in general. I think it’s a rock and a hard place problem. We are considered vehicles but not always respected as such. Add to that the ridiculous amount of debris in many bike lanes and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. My question is when there’s a bike path but riders are still in the road. That’s a bigger head scratcher for me.
Fantastic Stuff 🙂.. I enjoyed the beginning very much.. I biked C2C 2 years ago.. Phenomenal Time.. in 10 days we are biking from Winter Garden to St Pete.. but first we bike Lake Apopka 🚴♂️😎 December bike riding in Florida 🌞.. Got to Love It 🙂
Billy--may I call you Billy?--thank you. Yeah, I get the snowbird effect after being down there. I returned to freezing temps, drizzle and all around just "get in your basement and get used to your trainer" weather. There are so many other trails in Florida--where does one begin?? Enjoy your trip. I really liked visiting Winter Garden. I want to go back there some day.
@@RideAlongAdventures Yes.. I’m originally from Boston.. I live in NC now.. I noticed that Florida is loaded with trails.. but summer is too brutal to ride.. in NC we’re close to a lot.. I was in Lewes, Delaware in July.. I was impressed with the area.. I hope to make it back 🚴♂️😎
Thanks for the Iowa shout-out! I grew up in Des Moines and lived a lot of my adult life in rural Iowa where everyone gives an Iowa wave or at least a nod. We both retired in June, and we moved to SW Florida. I have noticed that many cyclists I encounter do not say "hi" or even let you know they're going to blow by you on your left side. I also am a fan of @FollowThomas and his Amtrak adventures. I also hope to ride the C2C Trail(s) someday.
Really enjoyed the video. This trail was already on my radar, but is now on my bucket list as a result of watching. Question (and sorry if I missed it): Where did you park, how did you get back to your car, and would you recommend what you did to others looking to ride this trail/route?
Thanks and, first of all, I totally dig your channel. You've got great videos! I took a rental car from my home in DE to Titusville. The AVIS drop off was less than a mile from the start of the trail. Then, I took Amtrak from Tampa back home. As has been my experience with trains, it was super convenient. Smooth sailing (a totally unnecessary mixture of metaphors). In terms of other recommendations, the only BIG question mark is how to navigate the gap in the middle of the trail between Groveland and Brooksville. I'm actually working on a video right now on the three options. I totally loved the more remote route through the swampland but I know some people might get nervous being out in that sort of wilderness. There's maybe one other question on where to end your trip. I was told that I sort of "cheated" myself out of enjoying more of St Petersburg (I ended on the coast in Treasure Island). To each his own I guess. I also deviated off of the Pinellas Trail to ride down the coastline but another person asked me why I didn't just dip my tires in the Gulf at Tarpon Springs. So...who knows what to think? :) All in all, a really superb trail that I would readily go back and do again. Enjoy! Any rides on your own calendar for 2024?
@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks for the detailed reply and thanks for the kudos. I generally start actively ride planning in January. My year will include a mix of various Kentucky rides (I've got a long term goal of riding at least 1 mile in all 120 Kentucky Counties and am about 2/3 of the way to that goal.) I also try to build in some longer rides. Ohio to Erie is high on the list and your recent GAP video has me interested in bikepacking it, from Cumberland to Pittsburg as the last time we rode it was back in 2019 as a light-credit card tour, in the other direction. FYI, I hope to retire from my full-time gig and dial up the bike tours in the summer of 2025 so I'm a few years behind you in that regard.
Just watched the entire video. You did an amazing job. The Withlacoochee Trail is our home trail in Citrus County. 30 more shifts till retirement for me. Can't wait.
Really enjoyed your two hour video, I’ve ridden many of those beautiful trails. I enjoyed your commentary and suggest you point the camera forward so we can see where we’re going. I hate sitting in a train with my back facing the front of the train! I’m Bryan too, from Iowa and have ridden a dozen RAGBRAI, starting with V.
lol…now THAT’S a scary thought. 😂 Seriously, i appreciate the kind words. Especially from you cuz your vids are awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed the Torrence/bloody T story, by the way.
Thanks Bryan. Always great videos and entertainment and meaningful messages. I only wish these were broken up into day segments. Each day I had my own comments and reflections. And now I've forgotten what I wanted to share earlier because I just wasn't able to sit down and view it all in one sitting. From a production point of view, these are very entertaining and meaningful videos you are producing. I loved seeing the scenery in central interior Florida and what these trails looked liked. I used to live in Florida for several years on the west coast. And once you got inland a few miles it becomes mostly wetlands and Florida scrub. These trails are much better than what I expected. Some of the trails showed the tropical wetlands and scrub but they also showed the cool little outposts and towns in the interior. There was a nice mixture of farmlands, citrus groves, town and country riding, as well as wetlands and backcountry tropical vegetation. I really enjoyed this years tour that you did. You might want to plan another trip to Florida this year and ride some of the less known trails. You buddy, Thomas, who you met up with and rode a day together... seems to have the scoop on all that. Thanks again for all the effort you put into these. You channel will no doubt grow because of your excellence.🙂 Gord
Thank you, Gordon. Yes, I’d really like to return to Florida and see more. Such a beautiful state. The Richloam/Green Swamp area has been the subject of nearly constant daydreams since I got back. As always, thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it.
@@RideAlongAdventures Bryan, Thanks Bryan... What were your impressions of the Richloam/Green Swamp? What did you like about it? What eyes were you seeing it through? Gord
awesome videos, I'm more of a mountain biker but we are moving to Florida, St Augustine area and looking forward to exploring Florida on 2 wheels. I'll probably get a touring bike and start hititng the road more. Thanks for sharing your journey, it does matter and helps other to learn routes to explore.
Thanks, man. I appreciate the comments. I watched your high desert video this morning--wow. I'm hoping to get out to AZ this year and see more of the southwest. That's the one part of the country I really haven't explored at all so thanks for your vids. Looks like I may need to bring my fat bike along for those trails. With regards to Florida, there's just so much to explore--one website I visited said there are over 9,000 miles of trails available! So, I feel like I've barely scratched the surface. If you're interested, my buddy, "FollowThomas" has a great channel with rides from all over the state.
This is a video I've been waiting for! I'm going to do this trail in December and I know you'll do an extensive documentary. I wanna see if you head through the swamp or take the north detour. I won't be able to watch until tomorrow. So, I'm really looking forward to it .
There are a few good gravel/dirt routes through Green Swamp that we do on the Huracan and various other rides. Super beautiful and chill riding through there!
Great video. We are planning the ride early next year. What size and type of tires are you riding? The small portion of the green swamp I have seen is ALOT of sand? How tough is it? Again thanks for the comprehensive honest video
I have tubeless, gravel 43s. They were overkill for that trail. Yes there was about 2-3 miles of sort of a sandy-dirt mix. I stayed in the center of the road where it was really packed down. It had rained a lot so it was mushy on the sides. Not really a problem. Have fun-it’s a great ride!
We need to connect at some time. I live in DE and in central FL during the winter. I rode my bike from DE to FL seven years ago and plan to do the first half your ride. I did the second half plenty of times since my daughter used to live in St. Petersburg and I used to ride to her house from Leesburg. Do you have the route saved on RideWithGPS or some other service? I know the gaps in the trail can be challenging and I won't to make it a fund adventure?
Wow. Small world. Yeah, let’s meet up some time. I’d love to hear about your ride to Florida. I had planned on that this past summer but the hurricane canceled our summer vacation. Serious bummer. I don’t use ridewithGPS personally but I could send you some google map files. The only confusing part is the gap between Winter Garden and Brooksville. Let me dig it up and send it to you.
Here is the main route I would recommend. It avoids 50 and connects with other bike trails: www.google.com/maps/dir/Winter+Garden,+FL/Brooksville,+FL+34601/@28.5257563,-81.986755,8z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m2!1m1!1s0x88e7837293f8c4ad:0x1ac778dc28a29702!1m2!1m1!1s0x88e80f370ecdec97:0x16bce6e824d229ec!3e1
Yes but 1) I haven't found a comprehensive guide anywhere and 2) there are sections where camping is probably not close to the trail. I know its not terribly helpful but I think you just have to plot your route and google stopover points for campgrounds. I had a hard time finding nearby spots so i went with airbnbs and hotels.com.
@@RideAlongAdventures hey it wasn’t known in the video but did you do an “out and back” ? How did you get back to your vehicle? I would probably just turn around and ride back.
@@kameokid528 Yeah, that confused a lot of people so, sorry. I took a rental car to Titusville from my home in Delaware and dropped it off at the start of the trail. Then I took Amtrak from Tampa back home after the ride.
@@RideAlongAdventures I’m in N.E. Ohio and recently retired also. I watch your videos looking for my next ride. I was on the Suncoast about a month before you. I may have to try that ride this winter.
Hello from Tarpon Springs, FL, just found your channel researching bike touring/bike packing. Got to say your different from all the videos I watched but I like your style and banter. I’ve got thousands of miles on some of those trails you were on in this trip. Just bought a gravel bike after many years biking on a road bike. Plan to do the GAP/C&O, and the Ohio to Erie next year. Just subscribed and will check out your other projects. To add to your little survey, Since I have been a road biker all my life I will say that road bikers are the rudest exercisers (although they just may be indifferent rather than rude) on the planet. (Gym rats are a distant 2nd). I walk, bike, hike, run, and go to the gym. Very few road bikers I have found will acknowledge a hello or a wave, especially if they have serious equipment, clip in shoes, and have their hands down on their drop bars. Fast riders, forget it, no chance. If I happen to see you out there somewhere we will increase the percentages! Anyway, thank you for sharing and I look forward to your other videos.
Greetings. Thanks for the feedback. First of all, you live in a beautiful area. (Jealous) secondly, it’s just sort of sad to me. That’s all. As someone else wrote in the comments, it takes such little energy to be kind. Well…I’ll keep saying hello regardless and I’ll look for you as well. 😊 Hope you get a chance to enjoy the GAP/C&O and Erie Canal. Both are just fantastic.
I saw that you were riding across Florida in the middle of Florida near Orlando I am here with my Family in Coronado Springs Resort for 8 days and heading back to Cold Iowa pretty soon . I wished that I could have met and Visited with you while in Disney World but I would still rather be back in Iowa riding my E-Bike every day that I can even though this is a very Immense and Diverse and Amazing place to see and Visit but It is kind of scary being around that many People for 8 days especially in warm Sunshine but we have only had days of light rain in 50 , 60, and 74 degrees . I really liked your latest Video in Florida and enjoyed it in the Hotel Tue night . Thanks again for your Awesome Videos and Philosophy and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year . God Bless you and your Family !
What a fun way to spend an evening, we really enjoying "riding" along with you. Thanks. I was honored and humored that you mentioned my comment at 1:12:53. Please remember that it wasn't intended to be anything but lighthearted. Use it all you want... Keep on riding Bryan, we'll keep on enjoying your content, I hope to meet you out there in 2024. Cheers! 🍺
Absolutely. I found your comment incredibly funny and appropriate! :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It was a great ride. I just can't believe how 2023 turned out. I started the year with a lot of apprehension. I'm ending it feeling amazingly satisfied and ready for a new year! Yeah, it would be great to meet up. Let's see if we can make that happen in 2024.
Could you share the route that goes thru Richloam Wildlife Management Area.. I will be starting in Winter Garden and Ending in Brooksville want to avoid Route 50 as long as possible.. Thank You..
So, based on my experience and what I've heard and learned since returning, I'd suggest two routes: 1) this avoids almost all bigger roads and makes more use of the Withlacoochie Trail. www.google.com/maps/dir/Winter+Garden,+FL/Brooksville,+FL+34601/@28.5603473,-82.3163999,10z/data=!4m24!4m23!1m15!1m1!1s0x88e7837293f8c4ad:0x1ac778dc28a29702!2m2!1d-81.5861847!2d28.5652787!3m4!1m2!1d-81.9081956!2d28.4637177!3s0x88e7f5085a3eda7d:0x13089d7157cd13fa!3m4!1m2!1d-82.0455427!2d28.4584711!3s0x88e7f81e3b70a311:0x8fcabbbd1235f2da!1m5!1m1!1s0x88e80f370ecdec97:0x16bce6e824d229ec!2m2!1d-82.3878709!2d28.5552719!3e1?entry=ttu 2) if you still want to visit the Richloam General Store, which is a fun stopover, this would be plan B. www.google.com/maps/dir/Winter+Garden,+FL/Brooksville,+FL+34601/@28.4895779,-82.1892193,13.15z/data=!4m29!4m28!1m20!1m1!1s0x88e7837293f8c4ad:0x1ac778dc28a29702!2m2!1d-81.5861847!2d28.5652787!3m4!1m2!1d-81.9081956!2d28.4637177!3s0x88e7f5085a3eda7d:0x13089d7157cd13fa!3m4!1m2!1d-82.0455427!2d28.4584711!3s0x88e7f81e3b70a311:0x8fcabbbd1235f2da!3m4!1m2!1d-82.113055!2d28.501215!3s0x88e7f92488323213:0x704f6023f50aee96!1m5!1m1!1s0x88e80f370ecdec97:0x16bce6e824d229ec!2m2!1d-82.3878709!2d28.5552719!3e1?entry=ttu I don't know what 50 will be like post construction (near Ridge Manor). Maybe it will be better in which case you could use the second route to go more directly to the Withlacoochie Trail. Hope this helps.
I think the good morning thing is a culture deal. Some trails everyone says it. Other trails people don't communicate. As a wise friend once told me. "It costs nothing to be friendly"
Wise friend, indeed. I think you're right. I lived on both coasts and definitely saw that. It just felt so odd in Florida...i mean it was a beautiful day, sun shining, low-70s, the weekend, etc. and some people just rode right past.
Around here (Ohio) 95% of the riders will wave or say hello. As I ride in other places, some are "friendly" some are not. I just don't get it, as your friend said, it costs nothing to acknowledge someone else. It's difficult for me to imagine what makes someone not want to respond to a simple hello.
Excellent video Bryan, thank you for sharing. I am glad you took the southern option to cross the 20 mile central gap in the C2C. For a time, I had to make a weekly, then monthly trip to my employer's main office in Groveland, and I used those opportunities to scout out a route. As you were informed, the northern county roads lack shoulders and folks like to drive fast down here. Route 50 is often used by mining and logging trucks, and had no shoulders in many areas, so the less said the better. As long as your bicycle can handle a few bumps when loaded, the crushed limestone & gravel roads thru the Green Swamp & Richloam force drivers to reduce speed, and sections are very scenic. It's probably the best way to go, and there is the added bonus of seeing that old general store, which has an interesting history. Also I hope you appreciate irony, because the thing about last week's rain is that we haven't seen any for weeks and weeks. It only got here when you did, lol.
lol--yeah, I heard about the weather issue. That's amazing. With regards to routes through the south-of-50 area...do you have other recommendations? I almost feel like someone needs to do a longer video on options there. A few websites, including the state website, had options but I think people might want to SEE what they are getting into. The route I took was just beautiful but I know there are other roads and maybe some that are a little more "established". Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
@@RideAlongAdventures I can ride that route again, and create a map of it easily enough, with photographs from on my DLSR, but I lack the skills and equipment to produce a video. On the other hand, Ride with GPS has a heatmap showing a Southern route across the C2C gap through Green Swamp. If I understand what a heatmap is, this is the preferred route, at least on their site.
Congratulations on your ride and the creation of another great video! Atricity ✅ Turtles! ✅ Riding buddies ✅ Unintended “bonus” miles ✅ After watching the video, I still have two burning questions… 1. How did you get back to your car? 2. Under what circumstances did you discover you’d been swapping the sunscreen and chamois cream? (Kudos for being brave enough to memorialize that nugget in a video, by the way 🤣)
ok...since they are "burning", I had better answer asap. I took a rental to Titusville and then Amtrak from Tampa to Delaware. Only 24 hrs up the coast. :) Honestly, I'm becoming a major fan of Amtrak--it's so convenient. Ok, so...I bought big tubes of sunscreen and chamois cream and I put them in little bottles from Walgreens. They even had different colored caps which I promptly forgot the association with the color. I think I got in my head that the BLUE cap meant blue skies which should have been sunscreen but somehow I put chamois cream in that one which I sort of remember thinking, "oh yeah, my padded shorts are blue". Ultimately, I thought I would know by the smell. but the chamois cream smells more like sunscreen than the sunscreen. Anyway, I was running out of sunscreen so I bought a little tube to put into the bottle but when I sniffed them, i realized I had it screwed up. for months. I don't know--it's all funky chemicals anyway so maybe it wasn't a big deal. My face didn't chafe and my butt didn't sunburn so it all worked out in the end. :)
@@RideAlongAdventures Hey! Thanks for the quick reply! I really like Amtrak with my bike! For the past several Decembers, I’ve taken Amtrak from Toledo to Tampa to ride across central Florida (through Sebring, where my Aunt lives for a short visit), then up to Orlando to catch Amtrak back to Toledo. It’s not a cheap mode of transportation, but it’s a lot less stressful than driving (unless you get to your Washington DC layover, and the guy in the baggage car says there’s no bike in the car 😳 Luckily, that was a false alarm, but I was seconds away from needing a defibrillator, let me tell ya!). The biggest drawback with Amtrak is there’s no consistency in how the bike is stored in transit. It all depends on the route and the equipment on that route. I can’t wait to hear about your 2024 cycling plans. I’ll be spending the cold months of January and February devising my own set of plans for the new year. Actually, the planning is half the fun! Take care!
@@RideAlongAdventures Oh, and I forgot to suggest you consider switching to solid sunscreen. It comes in a stick (like antiperspirant) that you just glide on and rub in. As an added bonus, it’s a lot harder to confuse with chamois cream 🤣
lol. understood...not sure what got into me other than intermittent amazement with astronomy. Don't let the video dissuade you from C2C :) It's a great trail. I really enjoyed it.
Great video - thanks for the efforts. Loved the opening. As you reflect on the trail, would road tires, gravel tires or mtb tires make the most sense? Happy Trails.
Glad you enjoyed it. :) That's a good question: I keep thinking I need to switch to road tires because I think they may last longer but then I went through that swamp area and was glad I had gravel tires. So, it's less than 20% of the trail overall and unless there is rain, I think road tires might still work.
Oh, I definitely burned a few times. I also had an unexplainable acne breakout. The sunscreen had lanolin and aloe vera so I guess that helped in the chafing department. The thing that should have made it all apparent was how the chamois cream would not rub into my skin. It just sat there on my arms and I could see it would drip off with sweat. When I would burn, I just put it on more thick so I guess it created SOME defense against the sun. Anyway, the bottles are now marked. I should have never left it up to memory in the first place.
