James Van Fleet Trail from Polk City FL to Mabel FL - Worth a Detour to Do?
07-02-19, 05:34 AM
#1
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James Van Fleet Trail from Polk City FL to Mabel FL - Worth a Detour to Do?
I'm planning a ride in January from Venice FL to Jacksonville, mostly following the ACA route in central FL and credit card style touring - won't be carrying cooking or sleeping stuff.
One of the days is looking like Auburndale to Mt. Dora and I noticed that if I detoured a bit I could ride on the 29 mile James Van Fleet trail, which seems like a nice isolated paved stretch to mix in.
Any opinions from cyclists in the area? I think it would turn a 65 mile day into a 75 - 80 mile day - worth the extra pedaling?
Thanks, John P.
One of the days is looking like Auburndale to Mt. Dora and I noticed that if I detoured a bit I could ride on the 29 mile James Van Fleet trail, which seems like a nice isolated paved stretch to mix in.
Any opinions from cyclists in the area? I think it would turn a 65 mile day into a 75 - 80 mile day - worth the extra pedaling?
Thanks, John P.
07-05-19, 10:35 PM
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Better Idea.
Might I suggest the Withalacochee State Trail. It’s very close to the I75 and SR 50. It’s great.
07-05-19, 10:41 PM
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My bad. Did not read closely enough. The Withalacochee is a good 15-20 miles west of the van fleet. Awesome for you and good on ya no matter what way you go.
07-05-19, 10:42 PM
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My bad. Did not read closely enough. The Withalacochee is a good 15-20 miles west of the van fleet. Awesome for you and good on ya no matter what way you go.
07-08-19, 04:19 AM
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Wow, that does look like an awesome trail but would take me too far to the west to make it to Jacksonville in time. I'll file that one away for another ride!
Last edited by jpescatore; 07-08-19 at 05:31 AM.
07-08-19, 08:33 AM
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It is a nice trail. I've been on part of it. Pretty flat and easy to ride. Mostly rural and peaceful, but does go through some small FL towns. I suppose that is up to you if it is worth the detour.
Last edited by bikecrate; 07-23-19 at 11:52 AM.
07-08-19, 11:34 AM
#7
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The Van Fleet is just about as flat and straight as a bike path could possibly be. There is never a huge amount of traffic on it, and during the week you may not see another person on the trail. If it has been stormy recently, there will be debris to dodge.
07-11-19, 11:39 AM
#8
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