Stark Tract Off-Road Bicycle Trails (Blue Springs)???

[Bonsai-CP]

Stark Tract Off-Road Bicycle Trails (Blue Springs Sate Park)......

Does anyone know if these trails exist and are ride able? Are they across from the Blue Springs State Park or are they in the Park?

Thanks in advance!

I will be in this area this weekend, and wanted to know if they actually exist and ride able.

-CP

[jaydee1445]

looks like it was scheduled to open the 1st 5 miles of trail in February.
Manatees and Mountain Bikes! | International Mountain Bicycling Association

[salpic]

Found this and this. Looks like they planned a Summer 2011 opening for the first section. I haven't heard much about it otherwise. On the article jaydee posted there was a comment from one of the volunteers and I emailed him. I'll keep you all posted on the results.

[GatorB]

I worked on this for awhile chilli but some infighting and lack of direction killed it. Last I heard the project was abandoned do to sand. I guess they did not know how to deal with sand. Sucks because there is some good elevation change out there. One section had a drop in elevation of 80 feet over a 1200 yard run. Could have been a fun little pseudo down hill section.

Sent from my X10a

[GatorB]

I should add that was before the IMBA class and work day back in December.

[Bonsai-CP]

Gator, that's what I figured, especially since I heard nothing else with any progress or up to date status on it. I figured it would be a collapsing kinda of deal. It was just too good to be true....LOL.

Thank you gator and all the others for your valuable input. Maybe one day the OMP will open it's doors to non-OMBA members, or there will be another trail built or brought into proposal. We really need some more trails to ride, they are scattered here in my neck of the woods, though we do have one the best ones here locally, but just a short one.

[salpic]

Results of my conversation with one of the volunteers last week:

Re: the trails

PHASE 1
As mentioned yesterday, we are within just a few weeks of opening Phase 1.
Pretty much all of the Phase 1 trail construction "heavy lifting" work has been completed, we are now in the process of putting finishing touches on parts of it over the next several weekends.
After the official map has been created we will compile a post and sign needs list, get materials ordered and installed.
Park staff is working to complete the trail head.
The Park may use mechanical equipment to cut +/- 2 miles of trail in the Scrub Jay Hill area that would become part of Phase 1.
Scrub Jay Hill is essentially an area clear cut for the benefit of the endangered Scrub Jay.
Due to the lack of shade, trails in the Scrub Jay Hill area may be most useful during cooler weather, and maybe early morning and late afternoon during warmer weather.
If volunteers can be found that don't mind working in direct and constant sunlight, the Park would prefer to have the Scrub Jay Hill trails cut by hand.
Currently Phase 1 includes roughly 3 miles of on the ground single track trail.
Due to the several intentional access points and connectors, pathway selection options can lead to many different combinations and distances which will help keep a visitors experience fresh from visit to visit.

Re: volunteering

VOLUNTEERING ON STATE PARK PROPERTY
As you probably know, folks wishing to volunteer must first submit an application and await approval which usually only takes a couple of days.
An approved volunteer is essentially an unpaid State of Florida employee.
Workman Comp insurance is in effect while working on Park property under the direction of Park staff … and so on.
A Volunteer Manual contains all the details.
The volunteer coordinator at the Park is Laura Kruger, Park Services Specialist, "Laura.Kruger@dep.state.fl.us".
Also, Lynne Flannery is the Assistant Park Manager, can be contacted with questions or for additional Park information, and can be reached at "Lynne.Flannery@dep.state.fl.us".

If anyone wishes to hear more, PM me and I can forward you the entire email with information on phases 2 and 3, volunteer form, and maps.

[GatorB]

Thats good to hear its still moving forward. The xc crowed is going to really like it. Some really good climbing in the scrub cut area. Im interested to see the finished trail. I only saw it rough cut before Mark quit.

Sent from my X10a

[salpic]

It's such a nice park anyway. Any trails, even if they're not terribly difficult, would make for a really nice trip.