Ride Ends At WEC - Make Your Own Way Home - For Partial Return Option See Route Info
ABOUT
For my February ride I'm going replace the slow riverside & farm stretches of the January ride with a bit of horse country. Otherwise it will include a similar mix of scenery, roads, riding styles. Our lunch destination this month will be the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala. WEC is a very large and beautiful operation with a variety of lunch options. You will also want to stop by the main arena and watch a bit of jumping while you are there. It's the makings of another great day of riding.
WHERE
We will be starting the ride at the Green Cove Springs RaceTrac, 3106 Hwy 17, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Participants should arrive early enough to empty out and fill up for a 9:00am departure.
RESTAURANT
There are a variety of eating establishments located at the World Equestrian Center. Choices include Pizza, Burgers, Mexican, and more. Below is a link to which provides information and menus for several choices.
https://worldequestriancenter.com/ocala-fl/visit/dining/
ROUTE
The ride consists of 2.5 legs so you may want to manage your coffee intake before the ride. The first leg will take us 80% of the way to our lunch destination where we will make OUR ONLY GAS STOP.
The second leg will then be a short hop to the Equestrian Center.
The third 1/2 leg is optional. I will be riding back to Ormond Beach via a route which will cross multiple roads leading north (27, 441, 301, 315 & 19). All are welcome to follow me to the best turnoff for their ride home. However, I will be turning south on 19 in Salt Springs.
Once we arrive at World Equestrian Center the route takes you to 3 parking options based on your restaurant choice. This is a large complex and the walk can be extensive. GPX files for the route are available for download by using the links below.
Legs 1&2 GPX (one file):
World Equestrian Legs1&2 GPX
Leg 3 (Optional):
World Equestrian Leg 3 GPX
Leg 1 (74 mi - 1hr 43min) takes us west through Penny Farms. Once we arrive at SR-21 we turn south. A few miles later we will cut over onto twisting country roads which will carry us south - then southwest - to our short stretch/gas/bathroom break in Reddick.
Leg 2 (18mi - 30min) takes us to the west side of I-75, then immediately south past some of Ocala's most beautiful horse farms. While the road is "Florida Straight", the farms can be quite beautiful. Before long we will arrive at our destination - The World Equestrian Center where you will find a variety of lunch options to choose from. There will likely be jumping competitions taking place which you can watch during lunch.
Leg 3 (47mi - 1hr -To Salt Springs) sees us backtrack north to 316 before turning east. I will continue east on 316 until it connects with 19 in Salt Springs, where I will turn south. Those whose homes are better reached from cross-roads along the way are welcome to give a wave and peal off. The north-bound roads crossed will include (27, 441, 301, 315 & 19).
I hope you'll join us.