Category: Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail

I have to start off with a disclaimer: I did not shoot that picture and it was not taken at Lake Okeechobee. It was photographed by David Haworth and I swiped it from his site, which contains some spectacular astronomical photos and some hints on how to take them. David was kind enough to allow me to use it.

What’s a Full Moon Ride?

Just like the picture, I ripped off the idea. Regis Hampton, a bike shop owner in Floral City, has been sponsoring Full Moon Rides on the Withlachoochee Trail for years.

After doing a couple of rides with Regis, I discovered the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) and decided that Lake O is closer to West Palm Beach than Floral City and that it’s the same moon in both places. Besides, the view is a lot clearer without trees in the way.

The main difference is that I’m not as well organized as Regis. My approach is to throw out the question, “Anybody want to ride Lake O in the light of the moon?” and see who responds.

Depending on who wants to ride, how far they want to ride and what time they can make it, we come up with a schedule that is heavy on “ish,” as in, “I’ll be at Port Mayaca at 3ish and will ride north to Taylor Creek for a pizza, then back to Port Mayaca by around 7ish to ride north again to Chancy (7 miles) or Henry Creek (14 miles) and back.

The only promise I make is that nobody will be abandoned on the dike.

LOST weather conditions

The timing isn’t the best in the world this month. Moonrise is going to be 4:12 in the afternoon, so we’ll miss spectacular glow as it breaks above the horizon. One night I thought a sugar mill had caught fire until I realized that it was the moon coming up.

It’ll still be bright enough to ride without headlights unless it’s overcast. Flashers and headlights are still a good idea so that we can find each other and if we go off the trail to get something to eat. Helmets are encouraged.

The sun sets at 6:28. Temperature at 2P.M. is forecast to be 77 and 70 at 8 P.M., so it’ll be a little chilly, but not bad. Winds will be 7 miles per hour out of the SE at 2 P.M., changing to 6 mph our of the ESE at 8 P.M. Since we’ll be starting at Port Mayaca, well have a slight tailwind northbound and a slight cross headwind on the way back.

Port Mayaca is the starting point

Port Mayaca starting point

Port Mayaca has good, safe (so far) parking and is easy to find,  so that’ll be the starting point. If you are interested in riding Sunday, leave a message or a comment and I’ll let everyone know what’s happening. I have one rider lined up at this time. Our tentative plan is to get to Port Mayaca 3 or 4ish to get in some daytime riding, then be back at locks by 6ish to ride north under the moon. You’re welcome to hook up at either time.

If you’re with me, plan on a slow ride with stops to take pictures of wildlife along the way. On the other hand, if you are a speed demon, you’ll love the LOST because there’s no stop signs, no motorized traffic and very few other riders to slow you down.

Here’s a link that will show the access points along the northeast corner of the LOST.

Bring bug spray

Mosquitoes can be miserable for about 45 minutes around dusk. When gnats are heavy, I ride with a bandanna over my mouth and nose to keep from sucking them in. Glasses are advisable to keep them out of your eyes.

Bring along leg warmers, arm warmers or something to cover yourself if you’re on the chilly side. Extra clothing can also help keep the bugs off if you have to stop to change a flat. I’ll have a pump, but a spare tube is a good idea.

There is no drinking water nor restrooms on the LOST.

Don’t forget to leave a message or comment if you want to ride.

The Withlachoochee Ride if you are in Central FL

If the weather permits there will be a moon light ride this Saturday night, March 7, starting at 7:00, starting at Hampton’s Edge Bicycles located in downtown Floral City 8294 E Orange Ave., Floral City, 34436.

We’ll be going to Anthony’s Pizza Cafe’ in Hernando about 12  miles North on the Withlacoochee Trail. Parking in Floral City is behind the Veterinarian’s office and bagel shop accessed from US 41 just North  of SR 48. It’s the lot you can see from the gazebo to the west. There is also parking in the Capital City Bank lot next door. Helmets, lights and flashers please

One of my favorite riding places in South Florida is the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, better known as the LOST.

If you haven’t done it because you didn’t want to be out there alone, with no bathrooms and no refreshments, March 28 would be a great time to get your initiation.  The local Rotary Club is sponsoring its 6th Annual Bike Ride that Saturday.

The ride starts and ends at the Scott Driver Boat Ramp on Highway 78, west of Okeechobee and on east side of the Kissimmee River. They are featuring 12, 20, 40 and 54 mile round trip courses. 54 miles will take you from the north end of the lake down to Port Mayaca and back. Since there is only one trail, it’s impossible to get lost on the LOST.

There is nothing magic about those distances, either. Just ride until you are half as tired as you want to be at the end, then turn around.

Be VERY aware of wind direction when you’re calculating that. You’re perched about 30 feet above the surrounding terrain with nothing to block the wind. That’s good if you have a tailwind. That’s really bad if you have a headwind, particularly on the way back.

Here’s the registration form

Registration form for 6th Annual LOST ride

Starts and ends at Scott Driver Boat Ramp

Scott Driver Boat Ramp on Highway 78

There’s an interesting mix of riders

You’ll rub elbows with serious road riders with expensive bikes and locals on beaters who are puffing cigarettes as they cruise along. I’ve seen kids who couldn’t have been more than seven years old lead their parents on the way out and were in better shape than their parents on their way back.

The LOST was Mary’s first ride

Mary Garita, a coworker for more than 20 years, showed up for the ride, not knowing what to expect.

She liked it well enough that we became regular riding partners. For awhile, we were riding the LOST a couple of times a month including an unsupported century on the south end of the LOST in November of 2006.

A month later, she crashed on the LOST, fractured her skull in five places and hasn’t been able to work or bike since. There’s a reason for that helmet requirement for that ride. Trust me.

The local support folks are great

The local folks who man (person) the rest stops are friendly and interested in learning about cycling. I’ll never forget the first year when we were explaining why all that funny clothing makes riding more comfortable. When I explained that the jersey is made of material that wicks the sweat away to keep you cooler and that the tail is cut long to hide biker butt, he noticed the rear pockets and exclaimed, “That’d be great for fishing.”

I wish I had been carrying a spare jersey with me; I’d have given it to him.

What to take with you on the LOST

It’s a supported ride, but it’s always better to be prepared, I learned in Boy Scouts. Here’s what I carry, supported of not:

• Suncreen. There is NO shade up on the dike.
• Spare tube and a way to inflate it.
• Plenty of water; there are no facilities to buy any on the dike (although it will be provided at the rest areas)
• A cell phone, just in case.
• Emergency contact information (remember Mary?)
• Mosquito repellent. Not necessary in the daytime, but bugs are brutal for about 45 minutes right at dusk.
• A bandanna to cover my mouth and nose when riding at dusk (bugs are protein, but not my chosen type. Note to self: remove before walking into convenience store)
• A camera; not absolutely necessary, but I guarantee that you’ll spot something along the trail you wish you could document.

I picked up a flyer for what is billed as “An epic ride you don’t want to miss! The Big “O” Nov. 8-9.”

The ride is sponsored by the Florida Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts (F.O.R.C.E.) The phone number is 561-684-8444. tom@thebicyclery.com is listed as the email contact.

I’ve been LOST for five years

I’ve been riding the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) for going on five years now. It’s one of my favorite places. I have to confess, though, that I stay on the paved path on the top of the dike or drop down to the highways. Even though I have 32mm tires, I don’t think I want to ride the ruts and shell rock on the top of the dike.

Flyer makes it sound like fun

Come and join in on the fun! We start at the Army Corps of Engineers in Clewiston at 9 A.M. where there is safe parking. There are rest stops along the way where you will find shade, shelter and some food and drink. The rest stops are about 15-20 miles apart.

The west side of the lake is unpaved, so you will need at least a hybrid style of bike with 32mm wide tires. Most people ride mountain bikes, but it is doable on a hybrid.

The first day we go clockwise from Clewiston. We have pavement for 15 miles, then 35 miles of dirt. After about 45 miles, the Pier II resort will be a great sight. Hot showers, a pool and cold beer will be your reward. Phone number 800-874-3744. There will be a special FORCE rate of $69 for a double. Reserve your room and tell them it’s for the Big O Levee Challenge. There are resturants within walking distance from the hotel.

The second day is nearly all smooth pavement all the way with a tailwind (hopefully). Rest stops again, so enjoy.

Trailheads

You can find aerial maps with trailheads marked on them here. They won’t match up exactly with the Big O map, so you should use their map for this ride.

You’ll see plenty of wildlife.

I’ve seen gators every time I’ve been on the LOST.

The Look, Don’t Touch Rule is very much in effect.

Since I’m a road biker, like I said before, I take 78 along the west side of the lake between Moore Haven and Okeetanta. It’s been paved within the last couple of years, has wide shoulders and low traffic. It’s also not exposed to the wind like riding on the dike if you hit a killer headwind. You’re also not the highest thing around if lightning is in the area.

Matt, my son, and I rode 98 between Port Mayaca and Pahokee at the end of last year. The road was under construction then, but it wasn’t as bad as we had feared. It may be finished by now. If it is, it’ll have good shoulders. The dike was undergoing construction between that area, so I don’t know if it’ll be open even for the Big O ride.

Have fun. (I’ve passed on all the info I have about the Big O ride. If you want more detail, contact The Bicyclery.