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Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail
Explore old-Florida charm along the 47-mile, well-kept, multi-use, paved Withlacoochee State Trail.
ABOUT US
Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail are a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) dedicated to promoting, supporting and helping to maintain and make improvements for the Withlacoochee State Trail. They accomplish these things by providing public education and outreach programs, holding fundraising events, sale of merchandise and by donating their time and talents to make sure that visitors to the Withlacoochee State Trail have a great experience. Meeting dates are the second Thursday of February, April, September and November.
The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 47-mile long, 12-foot wide, paved multi-use rail trail, which opened for use in 1992. The trail is currently one of the longest Rail Trail in the State of Florida. Horseback riding is available adjacent to the paved trail. The trail extends from just south of Dunnellon, FL at the Hwy. 41 underpass to its southern end at Owensboro Junction Trailhead, which is 6 miles north of Dade City, FL on Hwy. 301. The Withlacoochee State Trail meanders through small towns and through the beautiful Withlacoochee State Forest.
CSO CODE OF ETHICS
THE ANNUAL BIKE RIDE IS BACK AFTER A FOUR YEAR HIATUS AND WITH A NEW NAME
SUNDAY
OCTOBER 8, 2023
Please join us on Sunday, October 8, 2023 ride kicks off at 7AM - 9AM. Rain or Shine. No Mass Start. Continental Breakfast for all Entrants! Day of ride registration, check-in, and packet pick-up: 6:30AM - 9:00AM at The Depot, 218 N. Apopka Ave.
Our trail is one of the longest paved trails in Florida and listed in National Geographic's Traveler Magazine as one of the top 20 trails in the United States. The World Wildlife Fund says our trail is "One of the coolest places you've NEVER seen".
The Bike ride begins at the Depot with additional SAG stops at Ridge Manor, Nobleton, and Citrus Springs areas. The 47 mile long Withlacoochee State Trail is paved and meanders through Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties in West Central Florida.
Participants choose the distance they want to ride. For those who want to do 100 miles on the Trail you will need to choose where to make up the additional 6 miles.
Century and Metric Challenge
Riders who complete The Metric Century (62.13K) or The 100 Mile Century will receive a commemorative finisher award.
Helmets are required.
ENTRY FEE: NO REFUNDS, TRANSFERS, OR CREDITS
Early Bird: $50 (by July 30)
Pre-Reg: $55 (by August 27)
Late: $60 (by September 24)
Day of Ride Registration: $70 (September 25-Day of Ride)
Youth: (12 and under) $25.00 (July thru September 25)
RIDE WILL OCCUR RAIN OR SHINE
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
WHAT YOU GET:
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Super Cool Event Shirt
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Refreshing Continental Breakfast
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Warm fuzzy feeling from knowing your entry proceeds go to Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail who help to support, maintain, and promote the Trail.
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Food Truck luncheon at the Depot from 11AM-2PM
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6 SAG Stops along the course for Cycle La Coochee Riders Only
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Hydration & Food at 4 SAG Stops
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Hydration at 2 SAG Stops
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TO REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW
The Third Annual Cake by the Lake 5K and One Mile Cakewalk will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024 on the Withlacoochee State Trail! Both events start at Liberty Park in Inverness. 5K Runners will take off as the sun rises over the lake, and 1-mile walkers will start moments later. Both routes travel along the beautiful shores of the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes. As all participants return to Liberty Park, they’ll get their finisher’s medals, and enjoy music and festivities, and of course, eat delicious cake by the lake, along with ice cream! Unique cake plate age-level awards will be three-deep in five-year age increments for the 5K. This event does NOT have T-shirts, but you'll be delighted with your race swag! Free photos will be available online.
This is a flat, straight course destined to help you set a new PR!
EARLY BIRD PRICING: SIGN UP BEFORE MIDNIGHT AUGUST 6 FOR JUST $20 ADULTS!
This year, we're offering $10 registration for kids up to 12 years old, and $15 registration for teens 13-17. Those 18 and older are considered adults. 17 and under will receive different swag than adults, but it will still be good swag and you'll still get a heavy 3" full-color medal, and be eligible to win our special cake plate age group awards, as well as engraved server overall awards.
See updates and sneak peeks on our Facebook page! To register click button below.
TRAIL MANAGEMENT
Chris Raby - Manager (352) 726-0315
Email: christopher.raby@FloridaDEP.gov
Darby White - PSS (352) 726-0315
Email: darby.w.white@FloridaDEP.gov
Mailing address:
3100 S. Old Floral City Road
Inverness, FL 34450
TRAIL'S VOLUNTEER GROUP
FRIENDS OF THE WITHLACOOCHEE STATE TRAIL
Email: fotwst2@gmail.com
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 807
Inverness, FL 34451-0807
Contact Information
