...born in a log cabin...on the side of a hill...raised thru puberty by wolves, six, sexy, hardy, adventure seeking, adaptable, remnants of the original nine Natchez Trace Explorers avoided the predicted floods of Mississippi and instead fled to the wilds of central Florida to conquer three Rails to Trails...the Withlacoochie, Van Fleet, and Pinellas. We overcame excellent weather, tropical swimming pools, frequent food stops, gentle grades, comfortable plush beds, copious showers, and gourmet hardy food in Tarpon Springs.
Covering the hop-skip-and jump from trail to trail, the vigilant six reveled in the beautiful rural scenery. Friendly "natives" kept them well informed and told of romantic full-moon evening rides, whetting the appetite for a return trip. No moon-lit ride did the Withlacoochie bring to lead these noble riders to the trails end. The Fair Maidens understanding the need for planned cooling showers, convinced the Macho Men that directions must be followed. "Oh Fair Maiden, where dost thou go?" they shouted down the road. "Around the corner the Van awaits to port us to the cool waters." The "sensitive" Macho Men pondered whether to follow Fair Maiden or brazen their way further. Coyly fair Linda McM. thought, "Look, you dumb S___ H____, take your choice .... one half mile around the corner or seven miles the other way!!"
Day two brought us to the Van Fleet Trailhead at Mabel after a "Waffling" breakfast. Marty T., with skillful navigating skills, led the group to the elusive trailhead only to discover it could only be ridden by Rob W. on his trusty Proflex steed. Marty, not to be deterred, led us on through orange grove winding roads around Lake Louise. Canteens were refilled at the Red Cypress Post store, which had opened the day before in anticipation of our coming. Back for a swim at the tea water shores of Lake Louise, Mary Lou and Jim M. led the warm and weary bikers in soothing Tai Chi exercises. Their controlled, bird-like waving motions attracted many gaping mouthed watchers. "I didn't know you had to do that to ride a bike" one small urchin exclaimed.
Caravaning the wastelands of Central Florida to the charming seaside Greek village of Tarpon Springs, the hunt was on for an authentic local eatery. Recommended to, and now by, the six was the Golden Docks Seafood Restaurant. Over a carafe of wine and calamari appetizer, they watched the golden sunset through the fishing boat masts. Marty T. had visions of the local Greeks sitting at the next table doing the bottle dance for us, but alas, they were deeply engrossed in a spirited debate in Greek and paid them no heed. The next agenda item was to barge-in on Diane D.'s Mom for "Highballs." After making contact we learned that "Mom" had already had her two beer limit and was decommissioned for the night so opted to meet for breakfast instead.
Beginning at the northern end of the Pinellas Trail on Day Three, the Six began munching their way (like a swarm of locusts) down to Clearwater. Enjoying such sights as the Flora and Fauna of Florida seen from the railroad backyard advantage, it was encouraging to see how people so accepted the biking, skating, and walking activities that they have added welcoming signs, gardens, and many small businesses (Ice Cream Shops..Yummmm) to cater to the trail users. Everything was going so well. A general sense of camaraderie prevailed. Tempers were held in check and personalities stimulated many interesting conversations between the six. Adding to the merriment, Diane asked Rob to "Let be see your bullfrog!" and Jim, never to let such an opportunity pass, prodded "Yes, Rob, show her your bullfrog."
In retrospect, the CBSB Tours, INK, founders agree that the wonderful memories of Photo Ops at "Gator Rd" and "Our Kids Rd" intersections; the super quick turn into the "El Cheepo" gas station; the waiting for red flashing lights to turn green; the "Trust me, I know the way" and "Are we there yet?" exclamations; and the root beer floats, ice cream cones, and water bottle fillups at Hernando's Hideaway were a packed, jammed, crammed, squeezed, FUN, three days of cycling togetherness.
P.S. And would you believe, all of this and the cost for each was ONLY $42 for rooms (each with his/her own queensize bed) and $8 for gas for a total of $50 each plus food. Wow!!!