Ask Bill Boyett about his favorite route and he'll tell you, "The best ride is a new road," he just loves running a highlighter over a map, filling in the routes he's never ridden before. But if he had to pick the ride he'd do over and over again, it would be a 38-mile loop that leaves southwest Gainesville and travels through McIntosh, Evinston and Micanopy.
Take Williston Road (State Road 121) south out of Gainesville to County Road 320 and turn left. Follow that into McIntosh, then turn north (left) on U.S. 441 for about one mile. At the sign that says "Boardman" turn right and then take an immediate left onto County Road 225 to Evinston. That road ends at County Road 346. Turn left and follow it to U.S. 441 and turn right (north).
Boyett suggests taking a loop through downtown Micanopy and then continue north on U.S. 441 about two miles and then left onto Wacahoota Road. Follow it until it joins Williston Road and turn right and follow it back into Gainesville.
What makes it so special?
** County Road 320 going into McIntosh gives riders a view of millions of dollars of beautiful horses and horse farms.
** The little grocery in McIntosh may be the only sag stop in North Central Florida offering authentic Greek baklava as a snack option.
** Roll through Evinston and look out over the pasture into the big oaks and see Orange Lake out on the horizon. Riders can take in a panorama that alone makes the ride worth doing.
** Wacahoota Road is a quiet country road with nice scenery and few cars, and most of the motor vehicles you do encounter have bike-friendly drivers.
(Editors note: we hope to make "A Route to Recommend" and a look at the club's different ride groups a regular newsletter feature.)