Topic: Where to ride? Where to get a rental MTB?

[Bonk]

Hello everyone,

I'm a MTBiker from Brazil and will be in tampa for the next 2 weeks.
This means that I'll have a weekend here and would like to ride some of the trails here.

From what I've searched it seems that Alafia would be the most technical terrain, am I right?

Also, where could I rent a decent MTB?

Thanks!
Marcelo

[Darrinw2001]

alafia is great and so is Balm-Boyette preserve not far away.. rent a bike from http://ajsbikesandboards.com/

[ProEdgeBiker.com]

Welcome to our trails Marcelo!

[Singletrack Samurai]

Go to santos and rent from greenway cycles across the street. Worth the drive for sure.

[Dan]

Welcome to the Tampa Bay are Marcelo.

Alafia is hands down the more technically demanding trails of our three Tampa Bay are trail systems, with Gator Back and Moonscape requiring the most skill.  There is also a pretty tough section on Rock Garden as well. Roller Coaster is labeled a black diamond, but just has a few bigger drops than the intermediate trails. Alafia has a great set up, with a very nice restrooms, bike wash, vending machines and the trail head is centrally located to all the trails there.

Balm Boyette's trails are more geared toward speed, with great flowing hill sections in both North and South Abyss, and in my opinion, nothing beats Ridgeline for fast, flowing fun. The intermediate trails also flow great, especially Spiderberm  heading out - and the faster you go, the more fun it is. Drawback to these trails is really no amenities, (just a port o let) and the 2 mile double track out and back is a turn off to some. If you do go, a map is highly recommended. Maps can be downloaded to all three Swamp parks here on Swamp Club.

Wilderness Trail System in north Tampa has a lot of different trails and the loop through out is about 15-16 miles of single track. Great amenities at the trail head here as well, but the trails do not offer much challenges, with no climbs or drops of any size to speak of. If you want to get miles in with a lot of roots, this is your place.

Santos is an awesome trail system, just about an hour and a half drive north of Tampa.

Hope you enjoy your riding here!

[Dan]

P.S.

AJ's is highly recommended - the folks there are avid MTBikers who love the sport and it shows. If you go to alafia or Boyette, you can't go wrong renting a bike from AJ's. Phone is 813 685 2453

[Bonk]

Hello everyone, thanks for all the replies.
Didn't have time to check this thread before because I've been really busy with work here.
I will try to head out to Alafia (technical is good  ) this weekend and will give that shop a call to check out the rental options.

If anyone ever goes over to Brazil, you can drop me a message and I will hook you up with some tips from there.

Thanks!

[Bonk]

Thanks everyone for the replies.
I got a nice bike (specialized camber) from AJs and spent the afternoon at Alafia.
Very nice trails that you guys have there, and great infrastructure.
The rain in the beginning just made things better!