We had a beautiful, clear, warm fall day here in Ocala for OMBA’s
inaugural T.K.M.B.D.. Local bike shops, fitness centers, an
elementary school, and two newspapers listed our event. Santos Bike
Shop supported our efforts by meeting us at the trailhead with a
mechanic (and little helpers), a cooler of PowerAde, and a big tray
of Power Bars and Gels. The owner of Ocala’s newest shop, Ocala
Bicycle Center, was there with her three kids ready to ride. Valerie
Naylor from the Office of Greenways and Trails was on hand to help
us stay together on the ride.
Our mission- to introduce kids (and their parents) in a fun way to
our wonderfully revamped Santos trails. Our club has been diligently
following IMBA’s Trail Solutions plan the past year. We now have
clearly marked “loops” that are easy to follow and enjoy. Our route-
the newest “Yellow” around the John Brown limerock pit. We stopped
at the pit and hiked down to the swamp. Climbing out was fun too.
The kids were friendly and held up really well. Little Megan on her
“single speed” didn’t let her bigger brothers Cody and Ryan get away
for long! Nicholas came all the way from Daytona with his dad. His
concerns of being the “only kid there” quickly vanished. He was
spotted later in the day venturing towards Vortex! Colby had already
put in some miles before hooking up with us, but I think he was
motivated by being with riders his own size (sorry Mom & Dad!).
We’ll see him at the races.
When we got back to the pavilion, those PowerBars and PowerAde
tasted fantastic!
Everyone enjoyed the tour and some of us have vowed to make it
bigger (could it possibly be better?) next year!
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