1/8/2022

Tour De Felasco

50 Mile Mountain Bike Ride

Gainesville, Florida

Ken Frankenbery

Finish Time:  5:20:00

Race Review By Ken Frankenbery:

This is one of Florida’s most popular rides. It’s a fun 50-mile ride (not a race-but with Strava becomes one for many) held at a 7000 + acre park just North of Gainesville Florida.

I rode with 2 friends from Florida. We started early to beat congestion on the trail by 8 am. Weather was challenging, sunny but temps at 8am were under 50 so had to add layers.  By 10 am sun was out and warming and by finish in the 70’s.  I was able to drop off layers at lunch stop. The trail was tougher than past years with more single track, hiking trails, and tough roots everywhere.  There were no real hold ups as we did ride with some larger groups but eventually lost them at rest stops when we made quicker stops.  Others liked to hang around the stops and enjoy the treats. The rest stops were well manned and stocked.  As usual it seemed like many people dropped out after lunch break and the last 16 miles we saw only a few riders.

I Finished in 5 hours 20 minutes ( 9 MPH average speed which I think was off as it seemed faster)

The food trucks at the finish were awesome and they also had snacks and pizza delivered.  All of the volunteers were great.  The trail was well marked.  The ride was brutal but a great event.