Description for Alafia River IMBA Epic
The growing Alafia River State Park trail network features 17 miles of trails winding through the Florida forest about 30 minutes southeast of Tampa. The park includes rolling terrain, riverside routes, and several miles of technical quarry riding. With close to a dozen creek crossings and bridges, this is not your typical Florida landscape. Nearby Boyette Park adds another 15 miles of connected trail.
The IMBA-affiliated Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers (SWAMP) has been instrumental in developing the Alafia trails. The non-profit group has donated more than 4,000 hours of volunteer trailwork during the past two years and built more than 15 miles of new trails with help from the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew. The Florida State Park System has supported the work with tools and materials.
Location: Brandon, Florida.
Epic Ride Length: 12 miles.
Elevation Range: Sea level to 50 feet.
Description: Singletrack varies from easy to very technical with rock ledges and drop-offs.
Season: Year-round.
Weather: Bring sunscreen.
Lodging:
Brandon - Best Western, Comfort Suites and LaQuinta
Sun City - Holiday Inn Express
Camping: Alafia River State Park
Club: Southwest Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers (SWAMP)
Shop: Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater.
Beer: Ybor Gold
Other: Ybor City, historic district of Tampa. Beaches galore.
Local Events: Alafia Fat Tire Festival, Croom-35 Endurance Challenge
What our riders say:
We loved this area. We learned to love mtn biking in Fruita Colorado and never thought Florida would have a trail that would be so wonderful to ride on. It is perfect and a great experience. There is something for everyone. They charge a five dollar state parks fee but that is cheap for the first class clean park that it is. Clean bathrooms, concrete parking area and fun groomed trails from beginning/family to difficult. The trails were all Florida with some twists. Go there soon. I've ridden this park several times since it opened. It's worth the trip. The expert trails are a blast. Don't be afraid of heights
Comments/Reviews for Alafia River IMBA Epic
1. Alafia
by KevinU, Monday, June 21, 2010 8:01 PM
| Overall Review: | 5 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 4 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 4 of 5 |
The Alafia River State Park trail is one of the most favored off-road biking choices in Florida. Skilled riders are traveling from all over the state to ride this collection of scary drops, off-camber hillside ledges, high speed banked turns and intimidating ridge top trails. This single-track is built on the rugged terrain of a previously mined area. Currently there are about 20 miles of trails at Alafia.
The easiest (Green) loop is called Sand Pine and can be ridden as an out-and-back three mile ride or as a two mile loop riding back on the levee. The other Green trail is the River Loop, and is for experienced beginners. Although only three miles long (with bailouts at one-mile intervals), it feels longer because the trail has technical sections where roots or tight turns slow the pace and challenge the rider.
The intermediate (Blue) sections, Bridges, North Creek (new) and Rock Garden, are really fun with lots of medium-sized hills, some short and steep, with others more gradual for a speedy downhill. There are several very challenging sections along the blue trail (even for experienced riders) and the sudden drops, climbs, twists and turns are just plain fun to ride.
The Rollercoaster and Moonscape trails (Black) form a 4-mile advanced loop which MUST be ridden one-way. Gatorback and Rabbit Ears are very difficult shorter loops off Bridges and Sand Pine, respectively. These sections all include steep roller coaster dips, technical rocky sections and very difficult climbs and drops. Many of these have a steep, straight line descents followed by a short valley before the trail climbs rapidly up the opposite side. It is a roller coaster sensation that takes your breath away and gives extra "G" forces as your swoop suddenly transitions from a dive into a climb. Not all of these are a straight line down and up. Some drops have relatively sudden turns. Knowing what to expect and controlling your speed accordingly is necessary here.
Several of the trail des
2. posted from iPhone
by CtheProducer, Thursday, December 09, 2010 5:37 AM
| Overall Review: | 5 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
Really great trail system here. If it has not been raining much the trails are usually packed down pretty good. Go after a good rain and it turns into a whole other technical beast.
Best part is the parking lot right by the trailhead, good bathrooms, and bike wash
3. posted from iPhone
by rodkowski, Friday, January 21, 2011 1:54 AM
| Overall Review: | 5 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
No review
4. posted from iPhone
by Michael, Wednesday, April 20, 2011 7:53 PM
| Overall Review: | 5 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
The trail was great; beyond my expectations. It's nice not to have to travel to another state to ride such challenging trails. Rangers and staff was courteous and helpful. Parking was great and grounds were clean. Eventhough I had a bad spill, I had a great time and I'll be back for more.
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