Topic: Trails hours and rules regarding night rides?

[bjdraw]

Just did a few searches and was surprised I couldn't find any information on which trails are available to ride after at nigth, and what the rules or consideration were? Things like, which are strictly closed at sunset, vs you have to arrive before sunset and can't park all night, etc. Obviously the Swamp organized night rides follow the rules, just wasn't sure if the trails were open specifically for these arranged events, or that they are open most of the time.

Thanks
Ben

[ProEdgeBiker]

night rides are bad arse!

[Murf]

The local parks close at sunset except croom its open 24/7 .Santos is open but depending on where you live its a bit of a drive.

[Darrinw2001]

Loyce Harpe Park in Lakeland is open until 10pm and I think they have a wednesday night group ride... the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month are supposed to be group night rides at Boyette. Wilderness parks has had them on and off but they depend on rider turnout to stay going. And as Murf said, Croom is open for night riding but beware hunting season there..

[Peresite70]

 Almost everytime I ride at Boyette I'm ending it with a night ride... And once the time changes I'll be starting it with a night ride... Just gotta make sure you have plenty of light, because if you ran out it's darker then a mofo out there without any!! 

[bjdraw]

Great, thanks for the responses. Here is summary from everyone's post.

Assume parks are closed at sunset unless otherwise noted.
Loyce Harpe Park: Closes at 10PM
Croom: Open 24x7 (watch for hunters during season)
Santos: Open 24x7
Boyette: Open 24x7

[Scott]

Pretty sure Boyette closes at dusk too

[Pariah]

Renegade hours so some would say....

[Darrinw2001]

boyette only has 2 night rides per month, Full moon friday and 3rd friday

[bjdraw]

Oh, so Boyette is like Flatwood, only open to the organized Swamp Club night rides?

[Darrinw2001]

Oh, so Boyette is like Flatwood, only open to the organized Swamp Club night rides?

yes, all other times the cops will be called by the guy who is the care taker...

[Garry]

Just some info on the Boyette night rides:

Boyette has two Show-N-Go night rides per month.  Yes, they were organized and approved through SWAMP Club and the Land Managers over the years so people can have multiple riding opportunities.

Boyette enjoys the "Third Friday Night Ride" and the "Boyette Full Moon Sasquatch Friday Night Ride" (Friday closest to the full moon); both running from 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.  These rides are open and welcome to members and non-members alike.

If you choose to access the place after dark on other nights that is your call and your issue to deal with.  I would offer that since they are pretty liberal with us as far as using a Nature Preserve mostly as we see fit, and allowing us to build awesome trails we abide by their rules.

Did anyone make last Fridays night ride?  I worked too late to make it down there.

[bjdraw]

Thanks for the clarification Garry. You also exposed the reason I was originally asking. I also have a hard time making the scheduled times. For me, it is that I live and work near downtown Tampa and getting to Boyette etc by 6:30pm during rush hour is a tall order. Looks like I'm just going to have to just arrange to leave work early.

[AlwaysGoForward]

Alafia trail head parking is only open 8am to dusk. The rangers send out search party for any car parked after dusk.
 
But, you may ride the trails all night if you are camping.

[Garry]

Thanks for the clarification Garry. You also exposed the reason I was originally asking. I also have a hard time making the scheduled times. For me, it is that I live and work near downtown Tampa and getting to Boyette etc by 6:30pm during rush hour is a tall order. Looks like I'm just going to have to just arrange to leave work early.

I'm sure there are others who miss the 6:30 start time.  Wilderness Trails is worse at 6:00 p.m.!  But since you don't have to be out until 9:45 at Boyette you can always start with friends at 7:00/7:30? and get a solid 2/2.5 hours of riding  ;-)