A 6 day 300 mile bike packing (camping) tour of central Florida. Starting near Inverness we will loop over to the Seminole Forest and back. The surfaces are bike path, road, sand road, single track, double track and forest roads that will require a wide tire for many sections of the route.
NEW for 2026: We will have a SAG vehicle to carry 20 L of your gear as well as provide any support services required by the participants. We have added this support to make this a more approachable event.
What bike do I need. Previous participants agreed on a tire width recommendation: 45 mm is minimum and will require solid skills, wider is always better. I will be riding my 2.6 Mezcal shod adventure bike again (which is overkill, but plush)
The outline below will be expanded on in the information session as well as a participant guide that contains a route map and additional details on the event.
Day 1 – Holder Mine Camp to Santos Camp and Trailhead (50 miles)
The State park campground is near mile 50 from our start location at the Holder Mine SP camp. There are multiple Mtn bike trails here so it is called “Mtn. Bike Heaven”.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/santos-trailhead-campground
Day 2 – Santos to Volusia (54 miles)
We will stop at multiple natural springs, traverse the Ocala National Forest then continue on to Volusia.
Our campsite for day 2 is just beyond Volusia at River Road Campground in the St. George forest.
Day 3 – Volusia to Seminole Forest (41 miles)
This is a short day, but lots of beautiful riding that is highlighted with a swim in the Ponce DeLeon Springs.
Our campsite for day 3 is Seminole Wind Horse camp – showers, restroom and pavilion. https://seminolewindhorsecamp.com/
Day 4 - Seminole Winds to Lake Apopka (51 miles)
Our campsite for day 4 is a Hip camp just off the route half way around Lake Apopka. Planned stop at mile 16 to take a dip in Rock Springs/Kelly Park. This days campsite is more primitive, but it is a perfect way point and takes all riders around Lake Apopka to view the gators and wildlife.
Day 5 – Lake Apopa to Ridge Manor RV Park (64 miles)
This is the longest day, but includes the rest of Lake Apopka and the bike path around Lake Minneola. Ridge Manor RV park has offered an open area for us to camp and access to showers and shelter. https://www.ridgemanorcampground.com
Day 6 – Ridge Manor to Finish location (45 miles)
This is a shortened day with the finish is the start location at Holder Mine SP campsites outside of Inverness. The route winds through the Withlacoochee State Forest and the Citrus WMA for some great back country adventure.