Located at the alongside the Southeastern border of the National Park, this trail takes around two hours to accomplish its 50 miles. It is flat and rough but at some points it has some challenging spots. There is also a small hill that might be challenging if this is your first ride. Furthermore, iguanas, snakes and birds give to this trail an amazing landscape. You also can ride this trail for cardio work while your body get used to an extra physical activity.
2. Bird Basing Park:
This place has different trails you can find in no particular order but there is a lake that is surrounded by other trails. The trails are mostly flat so this is perfect for you to start your training. You must pay attention to the trail you chose since there are also “four wheels” more technical trails. With 25miles of length, it is divided into the different trails so there is not a specific length of time, it depends on the number of trails you ride.
3. Beard Island Trail System:
Its 25 miles are not as spectacular trails as the previous ones but it is possible to see some parts of the Big Cypress Nation Preserve are not visible from your car. It is especially flat with old mining and oil/gas roads. It has camping areas, and variety of wading birds watching is possible there. Before riding, check the open status of primary and secondary trails.
4. Vista View Park:
If you want to combine a family or friend picnic, or camping and also train a little bit, within this place you can do both things. It is also funny because of this little loops that are not that common in Florida where the downhill sections will make you have a good time. As it is only one mile length, this place is also chosen by runners who share the trail with mountain bike riders. This is specially recommended for those ones who want to improve their lungs and legs performance.
5. Okeeheelee Park:
This single tight trail is recommendable to be ridden after light rains because of its sugar sand. This 3 mile trail is closed to an intermediate mountain bike trail and offers you an excellent opportunity to work out and start sharping up your technical skills. Roots you find on the road will challenge you but this trail is a fast one so you can move on very quickly.
1. Mountain bike:
Have incorporated features such as suspension, handlebar, reinforced frame, hydraulic disc brakes and lower ratio gears, aimed to increase durability and improve performance.
2. Clothing:
Protection is important and in this item gloves and shoes are taken into account. Gloves must be made of heavier construction, are essential to cover your hands and fingers. Shoes are supposed to have gripping soles, be more flexible than usual bike shoes and in some cases, they are compatible with clipless pedal systems. Clothe in general is recommendable to be comfortable with durable materials and construction.
3. Glasses:
Are very similar from those used in other cycling sport
4. Hydration system:
Camelbacks are the best option in this case because it avoids you to stop your riding or lose control while riding.
5. Bike tools:
As last but not least, carrying on extra bike tubes is very important because mountain bikers have to face mechanical problems far from help so they have to handle this problems themselves. For mountain biking at night, take high-power lights.
Finally, take with you a map or a GPS device if you chose difficult trails. Make your first rides with someone who has already made that trail or has experience in mountain bike riding, remember as an amateur you are more prone to accidents. Cheers!