SECOND ANNUAL FLORIDA HIKE-N-HANG (planning)

**MAD777** · 03-02-2012, 09:58

Once again, Grinder is putting us all to shame!

**FLRider** · 03-02-2012, 12:32

So I'm pretty excited about this one. I've been refining my route on Google Maps (their bicycle directions tend to be...suboptimal...at first blush), and I'm pretty sure I've got a route hashed out that will work. There's either a sidewalk or a dedicated shoulder the whole way. It's a little less than a hundred miles, so I should be okay, if really tired, when I get in.

The only thing I'm worried about is the fire tower everyone is talking about for parking. I'm looking at the satellite imagery right now, and I'm having trouble localizing it at the address Mike gave. Is it the lot right across from the Florida Trail sign next to the Richloam Work Center sign?

Or is it elsewhere down that way?

Thanks!

**islander** · 03-02-2012, 12:37

Originally Posted by FLRider

So I'm pretty excited about this one. I've been refining my route on Google Maps (their bicycle directions tend to be...suboptimal...at first blush), and I'm pretty sure I've got a route hashed out that will work. There's either a sidewalk or a dedicated shoulder the whole way. It's a little less than a hundred miles, so I should be okay, if really tired, when I get in.

The only thing I'm worried about is the fire tower everyone is talking about for parking. I'm looking at the satellite imagery right now, and I'm having trouble localizing it at the address Mike gave. Is it the lot right across from the Florida Trail sign next to the Richloam Work Center sign?

Or is it elsewhere down that way?

Thanks!

Thats exactly where it is. Once you get onto the road to work center, you'll see it. Very tall tower.

**MAD777** · 03-02-2012, 12:39

The tower is in the work center lot, on the north side of the lot.
It is not used anymore and trees have nearly overgrown the tower such that you don't even notice it when you're standing in the lot.

**FLRider** · 03-02-2012, 12:44

Originally Posted by islander

Thats exactly where it is. Once you get onto the road to work center, you'll see it. Very tall tower.

Originally Posted by MAD777

The tower is in the work center lot, on the north side of the lot.
It is not used anymore and trees have nearly overgrown the tower such that you don't even notice it when you're standing in the lot.

Thanks, guys!

Which leads naturally into my next question; do you think there would be any issue with me locking my bike up there over Friday to Sunday? Or should I find a spot to stash it off of the trail? Or even drag it with?

**islander** · 03-02-2012, 12:47

Originally Posted by FLRider

Thanks, guys!

Which leads naturally into my next question; do you think there would be any issue with me locking my bike up there over Friday to Sunday? Or should I find a spot to stash it off of the trail? Or even drag it with?

I can't imagine there being a problem.
Worst case, I am parking my F-150 truck there Friday Evening - Sunday whenever we return. You're welcome to lock it in my truck-bed. Pad-eyes on each corner of bed.

**MAD777** · 03-02-2012, 12:47

If you wheel has a quick disconnect, you could probably stash it in one of our vehicles.

**FLRider** · 03-02-2012, 12:48

Originally Posted by islander

I can't imagine there being a problem.
Worst case, I am parking my F-150 truck there Friday Evening - Sunday whenever we return. You're welcome to lock it in my truck-bed. Pad-eyes on each corner of bed.

Thanks, Islander! I'll play it by ear from here; my work situation is still up in the air.

Still, I'm pretty excited!

**Flackfizer** · 03-02-2012, 19:38

Some images to help

1. Area map with SR 50 Cortez Rd marked from I75.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...&cutoffdate=-1

2. Map with trail head parking marked
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...&cutoffdate=-1

3. Photo of approach to Trail head parking at the Fire Tower. The turn for the lot is on the right, the trail head is just behind the brown and green signs on the left. You can just make out the little orange FT shield.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...&cutoffdate=-1

4. Photo of trail head showing the trail. We will up this trail on Friday night.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...&cutoffdate=-1

5. Photo of driveway to trail head/fire tower parking lot. Cars will be on the far side along that circular path near the fence. The signage in the right middle distance is the sign in box. The trail head is right opposite all of this across the road (behind the "photographer's" back).
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...&cutoffdate=-1

**Flackfizer** · 03-02-2012, 20:15

We will be there weds or thurs with an eye towards an extra 10 or more miles. We were quietly planning that all along. I was thinking of just doing a loop, but I am very interested to know if there is a logical remote site.

We

Originally Posted by Grinder

Remote parking.

Does anyone more familiar with the area know where I could park about 10 or 15 miles from the Friday assembly area in order to hike in a good distance on Friday afternoon.

I looked at the area map, but nothing jumped out at me. <G>

I'm training for an April AT section hike and need loaded miles.

TIA