Author Topic: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time  (Read 496 times)

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Offline webbie

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Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« on: November 03, 2010, 07:25:10 PM »
Hi there! I'll be in the Tampa area over the weekend and want to ride Croom Saturday morning. I haven't been out there before, so tips would be appreciated (safest parking spot, trail conditions, etc) and a riding partner would be even more welcome.  ;D


I ride a single speed niner and I used to race, in solid "B" shape now.  :)



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Thanks!


John Webb, Tallahassee

Offline Garry

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2010, 08:13:36 PM »
1st time?  You can get lost.  Download a map from the map section and maybe have a compass.  Bring plenty of water and a snack.  There might be rain out there by Saturday so that will be great.  In the dry season Croom is a tough animal, unless you don't mind the occasional sandy sections.  Lots of miles of trails.  I think it's hunting season too, but that's mostly in the early morning.  Rest rooms at Trailhead #3 and $2 parking there.  Trailhead #1 there is no pay for parking.  Enjoy!  It would be better if you line up some riding partners.G

Offline Slowjenfizz

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2010, 08:25:51 PM »
Occasional sandy spot?

  How about ...prepare for lots of sand, but think of it as a leg building exercise......(?)

Offline rob_squared

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #3 on: November 04, 2010, 09:41:29 AM »
should be in good shape after the rain. more expected tonight.

parking lot 1 at fire tower/Tucker Hill has best facilities. it can seem like a loooong way between trails and trail markers out there.... just keep going till you get to an intersection. There are signs with "you are here" maps at major intersections. Blue and Yellow are the main loops. Red connects the loops together. Green is a short cut. there are also signs for hard and easy options on some stuff. they always bring you back to the same trail however. Blue north of Croom Ridal road is a little overgrown right now.

The only place i ever get confused is the clay pit area shortly into the Yellow loop heading south from parking lot 1. on the opossite side of the pit from where you enter, the trail can be a little difficult to see.... the rest of the place (to me) is easy to follow.

enjoy.

Offline webbie

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #4 on: November 04, 2010, 03:12:55 PM »
Thanks folks! Sounds a lot like the Munson Hills trails we have here in Tally: Pine forest sugar sand. A good rain definitely makes a difference.


No takers for a ride?  :o

Offline Paintboy

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2010, 03:19:18 PM »
I will be out there sunday with the misses..  Should be good after rain..

Offline Redriderpro

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2010, 03:24:33 PM »
John,
 
I and two or three others may go Sat, Will call you late Friday to confirm, we will park at parking#3 Firetower location, will probably do 24-30 miles.
 
That is if I can convince the others to go when there are people out there hunting rabbits with 30-30's.
( As I've seen in the past)
 
Frank
 
PS. If I was visiting Tampa, i'd do Alafia Trails and in the afternoon do Flatwoods for some spin time
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Offline Scott

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2010, 06:13:53 PM »
I am thinking about riding Croom Saturday too, thinking mid morning to let the chill escape :)

Offline psychlyst

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2010, 10:26:08 AM »
planning on trying to get there myself in afternoon w/ temps in 60's,gonna b chilly as hell in AM...my question is hunting season open for sure? someone had a link to website w/ hunting seasons...any links? I'll wear my orange vest just in case...

Offline webbie

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2010, 12:54:50 PM »
Frank and Scott,


Saturday mid-late morning sounds great!


Feel free to give me a call - I put my cell phone number - in "longhand" - in my first post.


- John

Offline Scott

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2010, 12:57:12 PM »
Frank and Scott,


Saturday mid-late morning sounds great!


Feel free to give me a call - I put my cell phone number - in "longhand" - in my first post.


- John
I will give you a call this afternoon :)

Offline psychlyst

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #11 on: November 05, 2010, 05:28:26 PM »
looks like it's archery only right now at least thru 11/12...then small game with the guns...

Offline Darrinw2001

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #12 on: November 05, 2010, 05:55:58 PM »

General Gun:
November 13-December 5 << Deer Season
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Offline webbie

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #13 on: November 07, 2010, 06:28:50 PM »
Scott - Thanks for the ride on Saturday! Great workout. Went to Felasco today and didn't have much left in the legs.  :o


I'll be back down in the Tampa area over Christmas. I'll give you a call.


- John

Offline Scott

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Re: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time
« Reply #14 on: November 07, 2010, 07:00:29 PM »
Scott - Thanks for the ride on Saturday! Great workout. Went to Felasco today and didn't have much left in the legs.  :o


I'll be back down in the Tampa area over Christmas. I'll give you a call.


- John
It was a pleasure John, see ya in December :)