Dog Days 2001 Road Ride Description and Conditions
Rides and conditions subject to change. Rides with distances of ...and or... will depend on amount of qualified volunteer staff. The shorter distance will be available only if staff is available for pick up at halfway point.
Falmouth Springs Loop 8 mile loop
This is a sweet little ride through the farm roads and forest. The major point of interest is Falmouth Spring. A mere 0.1 mile on the south side of Hwy. 90 is a large steep-walled, limestone sink surrounded by dense forest. There is also a 400 foot run and then the river disappears underground to then drain to the Suwannee River. This occurrence is called a karst window. It is also known as the shortest river in the world. Falmouth Crossing is located on this loop on Hwy. 90. They are open Friday and Saturday, but not Sunday. A great place to eat lunch!
Madison Blue Springs 12.8 and or 25.6 miles
This ride goes north of the park to Madison Blue Springs in the western part of Madison County on the Withlacoochee River. Madison Blue is a first magnitude spring with a 50 yard spring run into the river. It has a great limestone wall and tower for jumping into the clear, cool water. There is an entry fee of 5.00, even if you are just going in to look around.
This ride contains a limerock road approximately 1.2 miles long. It is hard packed at this time. It contains many little potholes. You can either ride a hybrid bike or take your chances with a road bike. You can always walk the rougher sections. I personally would ride a road bike. There are no convenience stores along this route.
Suwannee Springs 14.3 and or 28.6
This ride goes east from the park on State Rd. 132. This route is also known as Stage Road, a historic route between Ellaville and the springs. The route is mostly straight, but its undulating hills make for an interesting ride through farmland and countryside with wonderful vistas. The main spring is contained in an old limestone flood wall. Within a thirty yard area four other, smaller vent springs also flow from the bedrock into the Suwannee River.
Dowling Park Pedal 28.4 mile loop
From the state park, this ride goes south through the small community of Dowling Park using moderately travelled byways paralleling the Suwannee River. Dowling Park is noted for the Christian Advent Village retirement community. The ride winds through this beautiful village and contains the sag stop with restrooms. Convenience stores are also located along this route. Almost back to the park and you will come to Falmouth Springs. A mere 0.1 mile on the south side of Hwy. 90 is a large steep-walled, limestone sink surrounded by dense forest. There is also a 400 foot run and then the river disappears underground to then drain to the Suwannee River. This occurrence is called a karst window. It is also known as the shortest river in the world. Falmouth Crossing is located on your return on Hwy. 90. They are open Friday and Saturday, but not Sunday. A great place to eat lunch!
