TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
March 18-24, 2006
This year's event is a week-long fully-supported bicycle and tent camping tour pedaling approximately 343 miles in the beautiful North East Florida area. The ride will start and end in Palatka, Florida and cyclists will ride 40-70 miles daily. The tour will again feature two layover days: in St. Augustine on March 20th and in Gainesville March 23rd allowing you to explore the towns and their surrounding areas on your own. Cyclists will have the opportunity to visit award-winning Florida state parks, historic sites, and world-famous attractions. You will ride along the St. John’s River, the Atlantic coast, and roads lined with beautiful oak trees covered with hanging Spanish moss. This is the season when the beautiful dogwoods and azaleas will be in full bloom displaying an array of colors!
Photo by John Moran/www.johnmoranphoto.com
DAY 0: FRIDAY, MARCH 17 TH, 2006 EARLY REGISTRATION DAY, PALATKA, FLORIDA
Registration at Beasley Middle School (located at 1100 South 18th St., Palatka, FL 32177) between 6:00-8:00pm. Camping available outside only. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by going to the festival downtown on and on the waterfront in the evening.
LARIMER ARTS CENTER (gallery open 1:00-5:00pm Thu and Fri and 10:00am-2:00pm on Sat., 260 Reid St., call 386-328-8998). The center (circa 1930) is home of Arts Council of Greater Palatka and the Council's Gallery Monthly Exhibits).
HISTORIC TILGHMAN HOUSE (open Fri-Sat 12:00pm-4:00pm; located at 324 River St., call 386-325-8750). You can enjoy the arts and craftsmanship of local artists at this historic home (circa 1884).
FLORIDA SCHOOL OF THE ARTS GALLERIES (open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm, located at 5001 St. Johns Ave, call 386-328-1571).
WELAKA NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY AND AQUARIUM (open 7 days a week, 7:00am-4:00pm; located at 726 County Rd 309, Welaka, FL 32193). Visit www.fws.gov/southeast/welaka/ or www.fws.gov/southeast/pubs/facts/welcon.pdf for more information. The site has a visitor center, aquarium and offers self-guided tours. You will learn more about native and exotic fish and wildlife. There in an observation tower and interpretive information on birds that can be spotted.
DAY 1: SATURDAY, MARCH 18 TH, 2006
PALATKA, FLORIDA
REGISTRATION, LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT & RIVERFRONT RIDES (UP TO 30 MILES)
When you arrive, you can register, set up your campsite and then take a tour of Palatka by bike or on foot, to the downtown historic district, the riverfront parks, and surrounding neighborhoods or enjoy the blooming azaleas at Ravine Gardens Tour. Our first overnight stay will be at Beasley Middle School, in Palatka.
DAVID BROWNING RAILROAD MUSEUM (open 3rd Saturday of each month from 1:00-4:00pm; located at 11th and Reid St.). The museum displays historic photos, documents, railroad memorabilia, and an operating model train. Call 386-328-0305 for additional information.
 
DAY 2: SUNDAY, MARCH 19 TH
PALATKA TO ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH (47 MILES)
DESTINATION: ANASTASIA STATE PARK, AMPHITHEATRE AND ELKS LODGE
Our overnight location is Anastasia State Park (1340-A A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080) and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (at Highway A1A South) Enjoy historic St. Augustine, its numerous attractions and sites, and the beautiful beaches within a few miles of our campsite. (www.visitoldcity.com).
ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM
Climb the 219 steps to the top of the 165-foot working lighthouse and view a breathtaking panorama (http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/). Admission fee required.
PONCE DE LEON’S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
North America ’s first historical site. Here, Ponce DeLeon came ashore to landmark and record for all time the first moment of our nation’s history - the Discovery of North America. Visit http://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/ for more details. Admission fee required.
ALLIGATOR FARM ZOOLOGICAL PARK
See crocodiles, rare snow white alligators, tropical birds, monkeys, giant tortoises and other exotic animals and enjoy alligator, reptile and bird shows. Visit (http://www.visitoldcity.com/interests/nature/festival/alligator_05.php#top) for details. Admission fee required.
ANASTASIA STATE RECREATION AREA
Located on the north end of Anastasia Island, this beach park has plenty to offer (http://floridastateparks.org/anastasia/default.cfm). Relax on the golden beaches or rent beach equipment such as sailboards or paddle boats.
DAY 3: MONDAY, MARCH 20 TH (LAYOVER DAY)
REST, SIGHTSEE, OR RIDE THE BEACH LOOP (A1A\ ST. AUGUSTINE TO FLAGLER BEACH - 52 MILES ROUNDTRIP)
A morning ride down along AIA and some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, will take you to Washington Oaks State Gardens (rest stop) and then down to Flagler beach and Gamble Rogers memorial recreation area on the beach. Turn around and return for shower and tour of the city. There’s plenty to see and do in our nation’s oldest city. You can ride your bike or take the shuttle trolleys into the old town. Visit http://www.historictours.com/staugustine/default.htm and http://www.redtrains.com for more details on the tour trolleys.
FT. MATANZAS NATIONAL MONUMENT
The monument (http://www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm) is an optional scenic stop that takes you off your bike onto a ferry to this historic park and visitor’s center. Get an offshore view of the magnificent coastline and wildlife. This Spanish fort was built in 1742 to protect St. Augustine. The ferry will bring approximately 75 visitors per hour to the monument on Rattlesnake Island. The ferry leaves the Visitor Center dock between 9:30am and 4:30pm on the half-past the hour. The tours will take approximately 45 minutes.
WASHINGTON OAKS STATE GARDEN
A rest stop will take us through t he gardens (http://www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks/default.cfm). The site offers 400-acres of Florida’s original coastal scenery. Waves have washed the sand away, creating a picturesque coquina boulder-strewn beach.
FLAGLER BEACH
Flagler Beach is known for its many miles of wide and smooth sandy beaches. There are no crowds and no traffic jams, just natural beauty. Flagler Beach is what every beach should be: serene and natural without a crowd in site. Since no construction is permitted on the beach or sand, the shores are lined with sea oats, scattered boardwalks and bike paths along the scenic highway that’s known as A1A. Visit http://www.flaglercounty.com/fbcc/ for more information on the area.
LIGHTNER MUSEUM
Henry Flagler’s former Alcazar Hotel holds an extensive collection of cut crystal and Tiffany glass as well as natural history, art and musical instrument exhibits. Admission fee required. Visit http://www.lightnermuseum.org/ for more details.
CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Built in 1672 of coquina, a local shell-rock formation, this fort served the Spanish Empire by guarding St. Augustine and protecting the sea routes for treasure ships returning to Spain. This historic landmark is also listed in the National Directory of Haunted Places. For more information visit http://www.visitoldcity.com/moreinfo.php?ZID23=3749&ListingFormat=attr&ClassID=3 Admission fee required.
SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY
The winery is one of the premier Florida wineries. Enjoy a complimentary tour and wine tasting of a variety of wines. For hours and more information visit http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/.
DAY 4: TUESDAY, MARCH 21 ST
ST. AUGUSTINE TO PALATKA VIA GREEN COVE SPRINGS (41 MILES TO GREEN COVE SPRINGS, 72 MILES TOTAL, CENTURY OPTION)
Our overnight stay will be at Beasley Middle School, in Palatka.
Featuring the St. Johns River Ramble, the Bridge of Lions (Old St. Augustine), and a picnic at Spring Park at Green Cove Springs. You will have the option to do the Century loop to Orange Park, and in the afternoon, enjoy Ravine Gardens State Park with azaleas in full bloom (www.floridastateparks.org/ravinegardens/default.cfm. Ravine Gardens are open from 8:00am until sunset and are located at 1600 Twigg St, Palatka.
BRONSON-MULLHOLLAND HOUSE (open Sun -Thu 2:00-5:00pm; located at 100 Madison St., call 386-329-0140). Tours are conducted in this Greek Revival Plantation home (circa 1884), which has funishings dating from 1857.
PUTNAM HISTORIC MUSEUM (open Tue, Thu and Sun 2:00-5:00pm; located at 100 Madison St., call 386-325-9825). Museum is operated by The Putnam County Historical Society. The museum's old maps, photographs, postcards, exhibits, and books illustrate the history of this area.
  
DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 ND
PALATKA TO GAINESVILLE (54 MILES)
Our overnight location for two nights is the Martin Luther King Center located at 1024 NE 14th Street, Gainesville, FL 32602 (near NE 8th Ave. and Waldo Rd).
WILLIAM BARTRAM’S TRAIL
“Ride” in the footsteps of William Bartram who visited this area in 1774. For more information go to www.bartramtrail.org/pages/Bartram_Trail/frame7.html
CROSS FLORIDA GREENWAY
This is Florida’s premier greenway, which crosses the state from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. The trail is 110 miles long and traverses a wide variety of natural habitats. You might cross path with wildlife such as gopher tortoises, whitetail deer, shore birds, alligators and even manatees. For more information go to www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/cfg/default.htm
GAINESVILLE/HAWTHORNE TRAIL
The trail stretches 16 miles between Gainesville and the town of Hawthorne, through Paynes Prairie Preserve State park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. In Gainesville, the trail head is the city’s old waterworks at Boulware Springs. The old rail bed is paved and transformed into a multi-purpose trail (walking, cycling, and horseback riding). Please visit www.floridastateparks.org/gainesville-hawthorne/default.cfm for more information.
GAINESVILLE - WALDO ROAD GREENWAY
The paved trail stretches 2.6 miles through residential and industrial parts of Southwest Gainesville. The trail is a part of a growing network that will link to the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail State Park via the Gainesville-Downtown Connector.
KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS
The gardens cover a 62 acre area operated by the North Florida Botanical Society. The garden has the name of the nearby Lake Kanapaha. The word "Kanapaha" is derived from the Timucua Indian words "palmetto leaf" and "house". Both of these words refer to the thatched dwellings of the Timucua village residents on the western shore of Lake Kanapaha. The garden has the largest in the state display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. The garden recently renovated its Hummingbird Garden and the Butterfly Garden, both of which overflow with lushness and beautiful colors. Please visit www.kanapaha.org for more information. Their hours are: M-W & Fri 9am-5pm; Th-closed; Sat-Sun 9am till dusk.
HIPPODROME STATE THEATRE (downtown at Sun Center)
Gainesville is the home of this premier professional theatre, which is housed at the historic federal building listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. For more information on the main stage and cinema schedule visit www.thehipp.org
Visit downtown and the Historic District, complete with Union Street Farmers' Market (from 4:00pm-7:00pm) and restaurant “hopping” in downtown. Meet the major supporters for this “ Bicycle Friendly City” with a night on the Plaza (at the Downtown Community Plaza at 111 E. University Ave.) Shuttle service from the campsite will be provided.
 
DAY 6: THURSDAY, MARCH 23 RD
LAYOVER DAY OR GAINESVILLE-HIGH SPRINGS-POE SPRINGS (52 MILES)
RIDER TALENT SHOW AT CITIZEN'S FIELD {from 7:30-9:00pm with skits, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, jokes or storytelling (family-oriented and tasteful), 3 minutes maximum per person}.
Gainesville, Florida is the home of the UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
A variety of rides are available, such as a Tour of campus, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park/Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, and breathtaking natural springs at the Poe Springs county park in historic High Springs. Please visit www.ufl.edu, www.floridastateparks.org/sanfelascohammock/default.cfm, www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/default.cfm, http://www.visitgainesville.net, http://www.gainesvillechamber.com
SAMUEL P. HARN MUSEUM OF ART (located at the UF's Cultural Plaza)
In October 2005 the museum unveiled a new wing with dedicated space for exhibition of contemporary art. The wing now has a courtyard garden and a cafe. The museum has long-term exhibits of Asian, African, Pre-Clumbian art. The Modern Art Collection contains paintings by the French impressionist Claude Monet. The museum is proud of its permanent oil on canvas by Monet Champ d'Avoine. Please visit www.harn.ufl.edu for details. The hours are: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm; Thursday nights 5-10pm; Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm.
FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (located at the UF's Cultural Plaza)
You can visit the museum's web site at www.flmnh.ufl.edu. The museum is 104 years old, however it was charted in 1917 by the Florida Legislature as the state's official natural history museum. Throughout its existence it has grown to provide scientific research, develop collections and exhibitions, and provide interpretive programs to the public. It is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. The museum has premier archaeological, fossils, and natural sciences collections. It also attracts premier exhibits such as from the Smithsonian Institution. The hours are: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm and Thursday nights 5-10pm. The newest addition to the museum is the
MCGUIRE CENTER FOR LEPIDOPTERA & BIODIVERSITY, housing the BUTTERFLY RAINFOREST, which can be visited at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies. It is an exotic and vibrant display of butterflies. The screened vivarium is home to about 65 different species and hundreds of butterflies as well as tropical and subtropical trees and plants. The hours are the same as the natural history museum.
CURTIS M. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (located at the UF's Cultural Plaza)
To obtain information about performances at the center and other venues visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu. The 2005-2006 provides an excellent variety of performances in different art forms and world renowned performers such as soprano
Renée Fleming, violinist Joshua Bell, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and many others.
DAY 7: FRIDAY, MARCH 24 TH
GAINESVILLE TO PALATKA (58 MILES)
The final day’s ride takes us east on the Gainesville/Hawthorne trail to the sleepy town of Windsor, then through the countryside to Melrose with a stop at the MELROSE ARTISAN’S GUILD.
The final leg of the ride brings us past the ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT headquarters for a TOUR AND RECEPTION and END OF THE RIDE CELEBRATION just a few miles before we reach our final destination of Palatka, and say “farewell” for another year.
Please note that the activities and schedules are subject to change.
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