Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve Trail (South of Brandon)
Trail Work Day: Second Saturday of the month, 9:00 am
Boyette Trail Boss: Garry Rosseter e-mail RSVP to: trails at SWAMPClub dot org
Guided rides: 9:00 am on the second Sunday of most months. See the ride calendar for details.
Entrance Map: Park entrance map (Use this link to get driving directions)
Trail Map: Bike Trail Map found on the SWAMP message forums
Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve has about 25 miles of single-track, including about 10 miles of double-track that has become single-track with usage. The sweet single track starts about 2 miles in from the parking area. Boyette is situated on 4,900 acres of upland scrub, located just south of Brandon. About a dozen lakes populate rolling grasslands at the far eastern end of the property, with the remainder being heavily covered with scrub-oak and pine. From beginner to advanced rider, Boyette has something for everyone.
The Ridgeline Trail, completed in December of 2008, is unlike any trail in our system. The climbs are challenging, but within one’s reach. The descents are definitely steep enough to cause a moment of hesitation, but the smooth run-out at the bottom puts each drop within your grasp. The trail is wide, with few turns; all designed to allow the rider to build and maintain speed. This trail is all about going downhill really fast...
Ridgeline is literally on an island. Yes, surrounded by water on all four sides. Causeways have been built to allow access. With waist deep fern, huge oak trees, and unbelievably high ridges groomed to perfection, is our club’s Fantasy Island.
Ridgeline is 2.0 miles of smooth, rolling fun. To up the thrill factor, there are 4 optional side loops that have considerably steeper drops. Nothing suicidal, but distinctly different, and definitely an attention getter. Plus there are some practice Switch-backs here too.
Located east of Boyette Road, there are 12 miles of beginner's level two-track circling the dozen or so lakes. Several intermediate level single-track loops branch off this main two-track. These loops are cut through the woods and along the lakes, and consists of moderately strenuous, more technically difficult trails. There are some open sections where a rider can gain speed, but for the most part, the trail is tight, twisty and tough. Oh yeah, it's also great fun.
All trails have been marked, cut, and groomed by SWAMP members and public volunteers.
Please note: With so many trails in Boyette and so much overgrowth, we can use your help maintaining and repairing the trails. We ride some, work a little, play a lot, then ride some more. Trail work is more fun than you expect, and very rewarding. Call to find out how you can help or send e-mail to Trails at SWAMPClub dot org.
Trail Work Day: SWAMP hosts Boyette work days on the second Saturday of most months at 9:00 am.
For info contact the Boyette Trail Boss: Garry Rosseter at: trails at SWAMPClub dot org
- Boyette Photo Album: Back to Boyette event in 2004, shows some trail sections
- Wes Eubank's photo gallery
- Corkscrew section of Ridgeline trail photos and Corkscrew trail video by Wes Eubank.
View the Ridgeline Trail First Ride video.
Members of SWAMP, in association with the National Mountain Bike Patrol, have created a Yahoo! Group for the Boyette Bike Patrol. Please see below if you wish to be part of this e-mail trail conditions and reporting system.
SWAMP Hotline - 813-689-5109
Enter your e-mail address in the box to the left and click the Join Now button to join the Balm Boyette Bike Patrol group to receive ride and trail condition reports. Patrollers who also report trail conditions and incidents receive volunteer hours for the patrol group.
