Topic: Riding Croom on Saturday for the 1st time

[webbie]

Hi there! I'll be in the Tampa area over the weekend and want to ride Croom Saturday morning. I haven't been out there before, so tips would be appreciated (safest parking spot, trail conditions, etc) and a riding partner would be even more welcome. 


I ride a single speed niner and I used to race, in solid "B" shape now. 



Easiest way to get in touch is thru digits: eight five oh, three three nine, nine six four four


Thanks!


John Webb, Tallahassee

[Garry]

1st time?  You can get lost.  Download a map from the map section and maybe have a compass.  Bring plenty of water and a snack.  There might be rain out there by Saturday so that will be great.  In the dry season Croom is a tough animal, unless you don't mind the occasional sandy sections.  Lots of miles of trails.  I think it's hunting season too, but that's mostly in the early morning.  Rest rooms at Trailhead #3 and $2 parking there.  Trailhead #1 there is no pay for parking.  Enjoy!  It would be better if you line up some riding partners.G

[Slowjenfizz]

Occasional sandy spot?

  How about ...prepare for lots of sand, but think of it as a leg building exercise......(?)

[rob_squared]

should be in good shape after the rain. more expected tonight.

parking lot 1 at fire tower/Tucker Hill has best facilities. it can seem like a loooong way between trails and trail markers out there.... just keep going till you get to an intersection. There are signs with "you are here" maps at major intersections. Blue and Yellow are the main loops. Red connects the loops together. Green is a short cut. there are also signs for hard and easy options on some stuff. they always bring you back to the same trail however. Blue north of Croom Ridal road is a little overgrown right now.

The only place i ever get confused is the clay pit area shortly into the Yellow loop heading south from parking lot 1. on the opossite side of the pit from where you enter, the trail can be a little difficult to see.... the rest of the place (to me) is easy to follow.

enjoy.

[webbie]

Thanks folks! Sounds a lot like the Munson Hills trails we have here in Tally: Pine forest sugar sand. A good rain definitely makes a difference.


No takers for a ride? 

[Paintboy]

I will be out there sunday with the misses..  Should be good after rain..

[Redriderpro]

John,
 
I and two or three others may go Sat, Will call you late Friday to confirm, we will park at parking#3 Firetower location, will probably do 24-30 miles.
 
That is if I can convince the others to go when there are people out there hunting rabbits with 30-30's.
( As I've seen in the past)
 
Frank
 
PS. If I was visiting Tampa, i'd do Alafia Trails and in the afternoon do Flatwoods for some spin time

[Scott]

I am thinking about riding Croom Saturday too, thinking mid morning to let the chill escape

[psychlyst]

planning on trying to get there myself in afternoon w/ temps in 60's,gonna b chilly as hell in AM...my question is hunting season open for sure? someone had a link to website w/ hunting seasons...any links? I'll wear my orange vest just in case...

[webbie]

Frank and Scott,


Saturday mid-late morning sounds great!


Feel free to give me a call - I put my cell phone number - in "longhand" - in my first post.


- John

[Scott]

Frank and Scott,


Saturday mid-late morning sounds great!


Feel free to give me a call - I put my cell phone number - in "longhand" - in my first post.


- John

I will give you a call this afternoon

[psychlyst]

looks like it's archery only right now at least thru 11/12...then small game with the guns...

[Darrinw2001]

General Gun:
November 13-December 5 << Deer Season

[webbie]

Scott - Thanks for the ride on Saturday! Great workout. Went to Felasco today and didn't have much left in the legs. 


I'll be back down in the Tampa area over Christmas. I'll give you a call.


- John

[Scott]

Scott - Thanks for the ride on Saturday! Great workout. Went to Felasco today and didn't have much left in the legs. 


I'll be back down in the Tampa area over Christmas. I'll give you a call.


- John

It was a pleasure John, see ya in December