I don't know any of the trail names, we just got out there and rode. We had to stick to the Blue and Yellow trails with an occassional foray into the Red (accidentally on purpose). Like I said, I had a newbie with me! We found the pits with the awesome jumps and drops. I have to say that some of the drops looked very inviting with my 12 years of motocross background. Unfortunately, my bike is a Giant NRS 2 and I would have broken it in half doing some of the drops. I weigh in at 230 lbs. I need a stronger bike and some body protection before I do the sick drops. I did get to ride down some of the steep stuff, did some of the BC tree plank riding, teeter totters (a first) and some of the elevated plank riding. Got some good pictures. I saw some of the pits with the old cars in them. Basically, the trails are great. Next time I'm gonna ride some of the Red trails and see how much better it gets. These trails would be very dangerous night riding if you don't know them. Can you picture yourself riding along and dropping off one of the 20' drops. Ouch! But, other than that, a good place to night ride.

You can take a beginner to these trails as well as a very experienced rider. Just remember Red, Blue, and Yellow trail markers.

This year's rainy season has taken a toll on the trails. Many trails have been impacted. Some fun hills have been turned into giant ruts. Overgrowth is everywhere - so thick I've been pulled off my bike by branches over the trails or crashed on rocks I couldn't see from having my vision blocked by growth. Big loose rocks are everywhere making downhills tricky and climbs harder. Many trails have clay mixed in and with the rains have been slick for months (when will the Vortex ever dry out completely?) - expect alot of spinning back tires on the slick hills and rocks.

I recently renewed my OMBA membership (Ocala Mountain Bike Association) and placed myself on the trail maintanence list. I encourage other locals to do the same. Hopefully we can remedy some of the negatives of this first class mountain bike park.

“Bunny Trail” connects to the second pit (which is the 25th Street parking lot during construction). The second pit rocks. A bike playground of see-saws are in front of a red section with log bridges, whoops and “The Wall”. To the left of the main pit is another smaller pit with a huge drop (which can be ridden both ways, 25mph going up) to the side is a chasm with rusted cars in it. It braches off to trails and a rock garden with a huge boulder climb.

Enter the big pit and head up to the red trails around the rim. Best bet is the quick climb on the left side that ends at the rusted out Pinto then work the trails to the right. Outside the pit and inner ring of red trails is a dirt road of sorts. The outside edge of the road has blue trails and the entrance to the “Spider Kingdom” trail that rolls on past I-75 (20 miles?)

I have never had a bad day at Santos. I’ve broken bikes, watches, knees, chains, spokes, wheels, helmets at Santos during Summer, Winter.. sand, mud, rain and rocks. I’ve shed my share of blood on its phosphate (makes for beautiful scars). Every time I go there I find one more challenge I thought I couldn’t do on the last trip… I see someone do something I though couldn’t be done the time before.

It’s very hard to get lost. This place is something for everyone – you choose the color. If you find something you like circle back on it and do it again. Santos doesn’t make you follow a set trail but do notice a few red trails have arrows that mark entrance or exits for your safety. If you fall, get up quick in case you land in an ant bed. Watch for snakes after heavy rains.

To reach this parking area, keep traveling west on 80th Street until you reach 25th, and turn left onto 25th. For those of you used to riding your bike from the Santos side, to “the Other Side” trails, 25th Street is the road that you cross between those 2 trail systems.
The trailhead on S.E. 25th Street will serve as the temporary parking area.

The gate will be open, and you may park your vehicle on either side of the road leading into the gravel pit area. Please don’t block the roadway leading into this area.

________________________________________

Please be aware that, beginning June 11th, the Santos trailhead will be closed to parking due to construction.

Construction is expected to take 3-4 months to complete. There will be 80 paved parking spots centered around the large oak tree in the middle of the existing trailhead, 3 picnic pavilions – 3 with water, and 15 to 20 campsites. The parking area will be completed first, with the camping sites being done last.

Please contact John Brigan if you have any questions

jbrigan@omba.org

You may see me there with my little australian shepherd running behind me.

These trails rock...... you can ride fast & steady on the yellows & blues then head for the reds and be prepared to get your butt off the back of the seat cuz there are some steep sections.

You can head to the land bridge that crosses I-75 (from the parking lot on 80th it is just under 25 miles round trip) Great for training or just relaxing.

I love riding there... just fabulous series of trails.

Head towards magic mountain and then hit the rock pit nearby. If you want to hit the big drops go across the street to the other side for the wall and a small bike play ground.

Whether you're already on US441/27 or US 301 from the Turnpike, TAKE US 441/27 north out of Belleview (head toward Ocala). Shortly after you leave the city limits of Belleview, the median of US441/27 will split and go around a sh*tload of trees in the center median. There's a Sherriff's Station located at the northern end of this wooded median (you'll see a sign that says Santos with an arrow pointed east or to the right -the direction you DONT want to go) Take a left at the Sherriff's office (SE 80th Street) and then look for the sign on the left just a few hundred feet from US441/27. Then go past the sh*thouse and park in the back field.

There's something out there for every skill level/ preference. I liked the Dr Ruth, then to what I call "the first sandpit" then a red to the bottom and out the far side. Then hook-up to the right with Twisty and/or Snake The names aren't marked, so it really doesn't matter what they're called, unless you want to impress the babes -plus you're goin so f***king fast all ya have time to look for is a blue or red post! I loved these cuz I love to turn corners with only a tap of the brake. Past moto-x experience really pays off here.

Chances are, you'll end-up over at SE 25th Street, where you cross and go along a gravel road. Look for the big ant pile on the left (25 ft?), with a couple of tabletops on one side and steep downhill on the other. Kick-ass no matter what direction you're headed and then just maintain once you're up there.
Then head toward the pit by taking a left onto a blue which takes you to the tops of some reds on the far side. Lots of rocks...seems the trick is to figure out which ones move/roll and which ones don't. Some of the red uphills are easier than they look. Just do em' early in the day and know when to quit or bail.

Santos really turns me on, and there were lots of babes out there too. I've ridden everything in Tallahassee over the past 6 years and know it like the back of my hand, but to have such varying conditions all this in one place is unique.

Bottom Line...These trails are worth your time and effort to reach them. Many thanks to the members of OMBA who maintain the trails; Excellent job. Got any Bacitracin?