florida escapade
From Daytona Bike Week, to Sandy Woods, to Bears!
A Dual Sport Adventure Through Central Florida
Always a good time when your riding!
Here’s the epic rundown of our dual sport escapade through Central Florida, where every twist and turn was an adventure in itself!
Route and Itinerary:
Picture this: we revved up our KTM 690 Enduro Rs in Greenville, SC, with Daytona Bike Week as our ultimate destination. Three days of Daytona delight later, we pointed our bikes towards the wild expanse of Ocala National Forest, relying on our trusty OnX Offroad maps to navigate the feral terrain. Our home for the night? Salt Springs Campground, a gem nestled in the heart of nature where even the bears wanted to join in on the fun (literally, one bumped into Kari’s hammock!)—talk about a memorable wake-up call!
The next day, we braved the sandy onslaught of Ocala’s trails once again, feeling like off-road champions as we conquered the dunes and jungles. But the adventure didn’t stop there! We ventured north to Belmore State Forest, enjoying a more laid-back ride through the woods and even paying homage to Hollywood history at Camp Blanding, the backdrop for “G.I. Jane”. And let’s not forget our trial run with military rations—turns out MREs aren’t half bad! We are planning on packing these for our Trans America Trail (TAT) escapade in July!
After a pit stop for cocktails in Stark, Florida, and a disappointment with a KOA campground that wasn’t hammock-friendly (lame!), we found ourselves settling in for the night at Lake City Campground—sans bears, thankfully! (Just a heads up: this campsite wasn’t exactly top-notch; we’d recommend seeking out alternative options or sticking with a tent at the Stark KOA!)
Before heading back home, we ventured north to Augusta for a night’s rest prior to tackling SCAR Segment 2. Augusta, however, proved to be a tad rough around the edges, prompting us to heed advice and stick to Washington Street for safety. Our refuge for the night was the Sheraton—a much-needed oasis after a grueling day on the road and the less-than-stellar showers at Lake City.
– Daytona Bike Week!
Bike Details:
Ah, our trusty steeds, the KTM 690 Enduro Rs! Decked out with all the essentials (minus the bark busters and frame guards—those were optional, right? We will have these on the bikes for the TAT), these beasts were our faithful companions through sand, mud, and everything in between. Sure, we may have cursed those stock tires a time or two, but hey, they kept us on our toes! – We will be switching it up to Motoz Tractionator Ralls and Desert H/T for the TAT, should stop me – Kari from complaining so much!
Terrain and Riding Conditions:
Ocala National Forest—a name that strikes fear into the hearts of sand-phobes everywhere! But for us, it was the ultimate playground, a sandy wonderland where every twist of the throttle was a test of skill and courage. Our trusty KTM 690s tackled the challenge with grace, proving that even big bikes can conquer the gnarliest of terrains. However, if you’re not a fan of sand, you might want to think twice before venturing into this forest! Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of sand-related grievances in the past, but this time, I embraced the challenge and powered through. And let me tell you, the forest was absolutely stunning, like riding through a lush jungle!
Belmore Forest, on the other hand, offered a much more relaxed experience with its easy-flowing double track trails and a few log crossings.
Now, Osceola National Forest—well, let’s just say it was more swamp than trail! If you’re not keen on getting your boots (or tires) muddy, you might want to give this one a pass.
And finally, SCAR Segment 2 was a breeze compared to our sandy escapades, with smooth gravel and dirt roads winding through picturesque countryside. Ah, the joys of dual sport riding!
– Ocala National Forest, Florida
Camping and Accommodations:
Salt Springs Campground was our slice of paradise in the wilderness—a haven of tranquility where the only interruptions came from curious bears and the occasional rustle of leaves. As for Lake City Campground? Let’s just say it lacked a certain “je ne sais quoi” compared to our previous digs, but hey, at least we didn’t wake up with any uninvited guests!
Sights and Attractions:
From the adrenaline rush of Daytona Bike Week to the serene beauty of Salt Springs Campground, our journey through Central Florida was dotted with unforgettable sights and experiences.
In Daytona Beach, we soaked up the vibrant atmosphere of Bike Week, indulging in epic people-watching sessions and sampling some of the most impressive street food offerings we’ve ever encountered—though the price of a corndog nearly knocked us off our bikes! ($20)
But it wasn’t all about the hustle and bustle of the city. In Ocala National Forest, we were treated to awe-inspiring vistas and challenging terrain that tested our skills and endurance. From the sandy trails that made our hearts race (probably from a lack of fitness) to the lush greenery that surrounded us at every turn, it was a feast for the senses.
And let’s not forget Belmore State Forest, where the scenery was as breathtaking as the riding was exhilarating. From the flowy double track trails to the pleasant log crossings that added a touch of adventure to our journey, it was a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
– Salt Springs, Florida
Safety and Preparation:
With our trusty Garmin XT2 and OnX Offroad maps in hand, we navigated the wilds of Central Florida with confidence and ease. And as for advice to fellow adventurers? Don’t be afraid to embrace the unknown, and always pack a healthy dose of curiosity along for the ride!
Memorable Moments:
From bear encounters to impromptu cocktail hours in small-town Florida, our trip was filled with moments we’ll cherish for years to come. But if we had to pick just one? It would be Ocala Forest! I guess it’s the dirt biker in me, I like challenging riding, I like working hard for my reward, and it was slower pace then regular dual sporting!
Future Plans:
As for what lies ahead? Well, let’s just say this trip was just the beginning of our off-road odyssey. With the Trans America Trail beckoning and countless adventures waiting to be had, the road ahead is wide open—and we can’t wait to see where it leads us next!
So there you have it, folks—a whirlwind tour of our dual sport escapade through Central Florida. From sandy trails to starlit campsites, it was a journey we won’t soon forget. Until next time, keep the rubber side down and the throttle wide open! 🏍💨
