http://www.swampmtbclub.com
Trail Crew pages for Current Trail Systems
Croom
https://www.facebook.com/croomtrailcrew
Boyette
https://www.facebook.com/balmboyettescrubpreserve
Wilderness/Flatwoods
https://www.facebook.com/WildernessTrailCrew
Starkey Wilderness Park
https://www.facebook.com/StarkeyTrailCrew
Mountain Bike Trails in Florida! We build and maintain over 100 miles of single track within central Florida. GROUP AND GUIDED RIDES
The SWAMP club has built five trail systems, and currently maintains four of those. Two are primarily entry level trails, two are mostly intermediate trails and one has some of the most technical features in Florida. Our easiest trails are Starkey Park and Wilderness Park, both featuring approximately twenty miles of single track on level ground. Bathroom and picnic pavilions are available, making each perfect for family outings. For more experienced riders we have Boyette and Croom. With 20 and 50 miles of trails respectively, these systems also have a bathroom, and picnic pavilions. Boyette has a dozen miles of easy, flat trail. The remainder is built in an abandoned phosphate quarry and has some rather steep climbs and descents similar to what a rider could encounter while riding in the mountains. These sections are specifically designed to be technically challenging and require intermediate to advanced skills. Croom is mostly easy rolling hills that add up to over 3000' of climbing over the 50 miles. There are numerous entry points that can be accessed to create shorter loops. For the more technically advanced intermediate level rider, there are several abandoned lime rock quarries similar to Boyette. Croom is great training for cross country riders, and to prepare for trips to the mountains. Alafia is another phosphate quarry, but these trails are designed to emulate a BMX park for mountain bikes. What little entry level trail available is used as a warmup for the tougher trails. The intermediate trails are almost always going up and down, are narrow and twisty. The most difficult sections feature gap jumps, drops and quick transitions, very much like a BMX park. Not for the faint of heart, Alafia has wooden features where skilled riders can session and send it. Alafia River is a full feature State Park with camping, and hiking trails. All the above trails are open to the public daily. To determine where club members may be meeting to ride, check the calendar for location and time. SOCIAL RIDES
SWAMP hosts an urban ride in St Pete on the second Thursday, and Tampa on the fourth Thursday of most months. These gatherings typically start from a pub or restaurant, cruise through scenic parts of town, then adjourn for food and drinks. These rides are all about meeting new people and socializing during and after the ride. Although not on singletrack, off-road bikes are suggested because the tour may include parks with dirt paths, a beach, or optional features such as stairs. These rides start after work and may continue past sunset, so a bike light may be required. To determine where club members will be meeting to ride, visit our calendar for location and time. TRIPS
SWAMP hosts several out of state, week long vacation trips spread out across the year. Typically, the spring and fall trips are within a days drive. The summer trip is to a cooler location, often requiring a flight to a mountainous region out west or someplace in the northeast. The club will secure lodging large enough for the group to have a meeting place to socialize and plan the next days ride. Once that location is fully occupied, the trip leader can suggest additional lodging opportunities if requested. If the trip leader has personal experience for the location, they can make ride and dining suggestions, but those choices are ultimately yours. If the trip involves flying, bikes are typically rented from a local bike shop. Transportation will be the responsibility of the individual. Check our calendar for destination of future trips.
