Bike Camping at Ichetucknee Springs

[FLRider]

I ride with a small backpack(32l) and with a max weight including food etc. around 20 pounds. But i also use a mountainbike with front suspension and a rock hard narrow saddle(been using that ever since i was competitive as a youngster, it works the best for me).

I still find it amazing that you're able to pull those distances with that gear! Respect!

Thanks! My pack is only about 30 liters internal volume, as well. I usually run about twenty to twenty-five pounds when I'm hiking, all told. However, the rack attached to the seat post (you can see it best in the first porch mode photo) holds up to another twenty pounds or so.

I stuff everything into an extra-large dry bag from Wallyworld and clip that to the seat post and tie it down to the rack with the mason's line that I'm using as a stabilization tie-out on the bike in that photo. That's where the majority of my weight goes: I usually don't exceed about thirty pounds when I'm riding, so only about ten pounds actually goes on my back for most trips.

It's the difference between hiking and bike camping; the latter is more of an intermediate state for me between hiking and car camping. I carry less food, eat at restaurants more (since I'm on the road, it's convenient), and tend to splurge on things like carrying my netbook with me to work on my other hobbies.

Beautifully clean trail and a nice bike,,,,thanks.

Thanks! The trail keepers up that way must work really hard; the park sees a lot of traffic during the summer months. Though, I suppose, less of it is on the trail than one might think.

[MAD777]

Ahhh, this brings back memories. I used to go tubing in Ichetucknee Springs 40 years ago when I was at the Univ of Florida in Gainesville. My only ride back then was a bike. (Betcha I couldn't do 40 miles today!). Nice looking trail there these days. Thanks for the pictures!

[FLRider]

Ahhh, this brings back memories. I used to go tubing in Ichetucknee Springs 40 years ago when I was at the Univ of Florida in Gainesville. My only ride back then was a bike. (Betcha I couldn't do 40 miles today!). Nice looking trail there these days. Thanks for the pictures!

It's awfully pretty, that's for sure. Gainesville (and the surrounding area) is remarkably bike-friendly. There're only two or three major streets in the area that I wouldn't want to take a bike down, and they all have easy alternate routes. I haven't had to own a car since I moved here. I do now, but that's only because my wife works twenty-plus miles outside of town.

I'd wager you (and most folks, for that matter) could probably do 40 miles with a little training, MAD777. Give it a try sometime if you want; it just takes a few weeks to get used to the bike again.

[JaxHiker]

40 miles on a beach cruiser. You sir, are a better man than I.

Amen to that! Nice trip! Haven't been there in at least 15 years and I need to get back.

[Raskusdrotti]

That place looks great and I'm really impressed with your bike...

thanks for sharing

[Pipsissewa]

Nice report and beautiful trail. BTW, that looks like poison ivy growing up the tree coming out of the steam shovel basket! Maybe that's why the trail crew left the basket! Thanks for sharing.

[FLRider]

Amen to that! Nice trip! Haven't been there in at least 15 years and I need to get back.

Thanks! Please, let me know if you do; I'd be perfectly willing to meet up at the campsite for a Sunday-Monday some time.

That place looks great and I'm really impressed with your bike...

thanks for sharing

Thanks! The park is really beautiful.

Nice report and beautiful trail. BTW, that looks like poison ivy growing up the tree coming out of the steam shovel basket! Maybe that's why the trail crew left the basket! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! It's possible that it's ivy, that's for sure. I've never had a reaction to poison ivy, but my rule of thumb is always look before you touch. Too many tiny things in the woods don't like humans much.

[Riverpirate]

40 miles on a beach cruiser. You sir, are a better man than I.

My thoughts exactly.

[FLRider]

My thoughts exactly.

It's really not that hard. I'm not in particularly good shape (or bad shape, really; I figure that I'm about average) for a twenty-mumble guy. Still, thanks to all of you for your enthusiasm. I do appreciate it.

I think the regional-specific saying is something along the lines of, "Aw, shucks, folks..."