Florida visit- bring a bike?

[@AlafiaMTB_Trails]

The shells you noticed are from what we call “shell rock”. We buy it from a local distributor and it’s something that gets dredged up from the bay and local waterways. The shell rock mix packs really well and handles the rainy season better than most of the native soil at the park. Thanks for visiting!

[@CODE-BROWN]

Love you guys!

[@timgarland5949]

Also, every so often (geologically speaking) most of Florida, including the central part of the state, alternates between beach front property and what you see today. Sea level fluctuations vary considerably as the ice caps come and go. The whole peninsula is a carbonate platform that formed under shallow seas.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Way interesting, thanks for explaining! And thanks for being such a vital part of the FL community. Those trails are truly unique, and it was an honor to experience them!

[@timgarland5949]

@@JeffKendallWeed Actually, I am from Pennsyltucky but I taught geology for 35 years. I could bore you to tears about Pennsylvania geology on rides (and I do with my long-suffering riding buddies). I am heading back to Florida this winter to run those trails again! As I am 66 years old (and lazy), I really appreciate the lack of climbs there!

[@zacknagel827]

As a local Florida mountain biker. Totally worth it if you visit! Graham swamp, carter road, santos! The list goes on! Some very unique trails for North America.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note! I agree they are unique, and it was fun to experience them again. Next time I'll try Carter and Graham and Balm Boyette!

[@rodulfosuspensionworks]

So cool to watch you ride trails I'm familiar with... Thanks for showcasing FL!

[@JoshTaylor]

I just drove the family down to visit family north of Tampa and we brought our MTBs to hit up Alafia this Sunday. Cant wait!

[@jbjab99]

You should ride Balm Boyette also. It is 2 miles from Alafia and has great trails.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Have a great time!!! See some turtles for me!

[@zacknagel827]

Could I also mention carter road if you are in that area as well? 5 fingers Is quite literally insane but definitely worth checking out if y’all are experienced! If you drive down a road past a skate park and a state sharif’s house then you are on the right road lol.

[@chadbrochills]

Sweet video! My friends and I build/maintain the stuff in The Vortex. Cool to see you make it through the clay jumps! 🤘🏼

[@jaymarley8385]

I've mountain biked everywhere worthwhile in FL., and here's the score: #1. Alafia #2. Markham Park #3. Virginia Key #4. Loyce Harpe (Carter Rd.) #5. Mount Dora #6. Balm Boyette #7. Santos #8. Quiet Waters #9. Jonathan Dickenson #10. Amelia Earhart #11. Graham Swamp #12. Grapefruit Trails (not ranked higher due to lack of trail diversity) Honorable mentions: Croom, San Felasco, Caloosahatchie, Oletta I bet Jeff would have WAY more fun at Loyce Harpe than the endless cross-country at Santos... next time!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Wow Jay, that’s a great list! Thanks!!! When I head back, I’ll certainly consider Carter rd, Virginia Key, and Markham!

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

You didn’t mention anything in Tallahassee. Plenty of trails up there.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

That’s where Ricky Tarmichael is from!

[@jaymarley8385]

​@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 I said Florida, not Alabama 😅

[@Jon-f3w]

Great list. From the videos I’ve been watching in preparation of a Fla trip, your Top 3 are definitely the 3 I want to ride.

[@karlnurmi3530]

Merry Christmas, Jeff Kendall-Weed! Thanks for your channel. Never boring and I LOVE watching you ride. You have so much fun it always makes me happy. 👍👍

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Karl!!! Merry X mas to you too!

[@Ride_dont_slide1]

Love to see you make it down to Florida again, and I'm glad to see these trails get some recognition like they used to. I definitely think you should come back and make it to the fat tire festival at Santos, you'd probably enjoy it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you! Was fun to be back! I don’t think I’ll be attending any events, next trip we do will be MX or HI or possibly PR!

[@tagzedawg]

Snorkeling (and SCUBA) in Bonaire is fabulous! There a lots of spots that are accessible from shore, and many more from a short boat ride. Visibility is good, variety of flora and fauna is good, water is warm, the diving is easy. If you have any interest in getting SCUBA certified, this would be the place to do it. Do you classroom/pool sessions close to home and open water in Bonaire.

[@dennisrod5808]

I’m from Miami Florida and we do appreciate what we have. It’s no bike park or true mountain riding but we love it. Now, once I got to ride bike park a few years ago, I loved the sport even more. We try to hit about 5 bike parks a year throughout the US. Next time drive a few hours south and come ride Markham park. We have some nice features here too. Love your videos. Cheers.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Markham! I’ll hafta add it to the list! Glad you’ve found the sport, and hope you’re loving it!!!

[@ericfroehlich976]

Welcome down to the swamp. Alifia has done a ton of work over the past few years and is a great spot

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah the trails were riding really well!

[@ericfroehlich976]

@ I just moved up to northern Michigan this year. I'm a crab fisherman so I've been going back down to Florida to work and I bring my bike with me just because of Alifia.

[@terryontwowheels]

Also mt Dora trail system is quite amazing as well !

[@troyesch6203]

Love snorkeling! Keep it up and you’ll be getting your scuba certification. The best is Roatan, Belize and Hawaii. Anything better will be 10 hour + flight

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Troy! I’ll google Roatan in a minute. Belize sounds sweet- any MtB down there? I’m not that into scuba, just seems like too much faff, where as I love the simplicity of snorkeling.

[@troyesch6203]

ya I don’t scuba either although I want to. I love Roatan. An awesome little island off of Honduras. Lots of great snorkeling and a lot of great restaurants. I assume no mountain biking but who knows. I didn’t even check

[@mellissanash7517]

Catalina Island has great snorkeling and some great trails to ride your Stooge on; but, one need a permit to ride some of the trails there, which is easy to get.

[@xxxxxxxx.3991]

Shell is purposely dropped in to the trails at Alafia to make them more rideable otherwise they turn in to sand traps and yes Balm is definitely worth it specially if Ridgeline is open.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for that, X, I had no idea! Is it something the trail builders have to go out and buy? Or is it easily donated? And is there a certain “technique” or strategy about where to use it? That’s super interesting! No one uses shells for trails here in Washington! Way cool!!!!

[@terryontwowheels]

Holy shit insane ! I live right in the villages ! Well lady lake but the villages has taken over everywhere , I work for a moving company locally in the villages everyday haha ! Awesome video

[@netposerx]

Vortex is on an old limestone quarry. It was there to help build the bridge that would go over the cross FL canal. They abounded it in the 1970s but there are bridge supports (massive) next to the trailhead at Santos.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the info! I googled it and phosphate mine came up… is phosphate the same as limestone?

[@bassw1758]

Amelia Earhart is a nice ride, with little razorback a Little double Black diamond in the back. There are a couple good rides in Florida, different kind of riding, a lot more pedaling

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Totally a different beast in FL!

[@Nine-gf2hd]

The best jump trails in Florida are definitely at Grapefruit trails, they have some huge drops too, I would highly recommend going there.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Perhaps I'll try those next trip! And Carter rd.

[@mikeyp3694]

PNW resident here visiting Mom in Ocala at the moment and in the car I was like "hey kids... look.... mountain bikes!"... pleased to see some racked to cars on the highway.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh yeah! There are indeed some bikes around town!

[@MW-ud8zp]

Seths Bike Hacks taught me that you dont need much terrain to absolutely shred.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Seth always shreds!

[@Kristian_Saile]

Snorkeling is rad, I do it a bunch in Lake Superior in the summer, great after riding. Marquette has great riding and cool rock/sea caves to snorkel amongst.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the tip, Kris! Ive always wanted to ride the UP!!! Maybe a MI trip in 2025 is in the cards?

[@damarapoledna3636]

I remember when Santos first hit the scene and always wanted to try it. Finally got to ride it last year.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

What did you think?

[@damarapoledna3636]

@JeffKendallWeed loved it😀

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on, Damara!

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Go to Guam, it’s awesome snorkeling and beaches, but not many people. The biking there isn’t great but they have lots of people riding…few trails. Hot and sweaty, even compared to Florida’s it’s muggy. Or make your way to the Philippines, it’s the king of beaches, snorkeling and diving. As far as Florida you should also travel up to Tallahassee, cooler weather and some great trails there too.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you! Would love to visit Guam one day!

[@brannonmartin9198]

Nice riding with you for a bit at Alafia. This is Brannon. That drop is definitely bigger than it looks in the video, haha.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Brannon, nice to meet you! Thanks again for filming that clip! Hope your move up to Virginia has been going well, and that the rest of your visit went smooth!

[@petermc7780]

If you like snorkeling, and are in FL, you have to visit the FL keys. Try booking a boat tour from John Pennekamp or even drive down to Bahia Honda and snorkel Looe Key.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Everyone is raving about Pennekamp! I heard it's better to fly down to the keys, as apparently the drive is kinda miserable? Thanks Peter!

[@petermc7780]

@JeffKendallWeed Pennekamp is good but Looe Key is the hidden gem. Driving can suck in the Keys but if you do it during the week or in the off season early in the morning it can be ok. Good luck!

[@David_Dcal]

Emtbs are more fitting for FL really since you need to keep your speed up. Lots of the trails at Alafia are built around having an etmb now.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah, that makes sense. I wouldn't mind a Class III for those trails, seems like to hit the jumps you'd wanna be going faster than 20!

[@David_Dcal]

@JeffKendallWeed would be nice!

[@philiphopkins3176]

Did you ever manage to hit the grapefruit trails? Small area but super fun.

[@fairlyfunctional2236]

hey Jeff, great video bro! i live 1 1/2 hrs from Santos and i usually go to the Vortex to play. When I'm there i ride my dirt jump bike or my Polygon D7 when my body feels its age(57yrs). gives me an excuse to actually trail ride, also. but i never do, lol. love your channel man, i enjoy watching you shred those beautiful mtb trails on actual mountains.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Fairly! Man, it’s great to ride trails out your way, and have a better idea of what biking is for so many folks! Have a great new years!!!

[@scottolivier8636]

Jeff def go snarkel the natural springs. They are everywhere in florida. Ocala has a bunch and they are close to santos trails

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I swam in some of those as a kid- it was fun until I looked over and saw a SNAKE swimming next to me! I was outta there faster than you can say "nope rope" lol!!! Thanks Scott!

[@andrewrivera4029]

Bomboyet is ok you might have liked as it’s XC having said that I like the Florida trails as a change from the Rockies, the NE, the desert, and the south east.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Andrew.

[@chehogg]

I plan my vacations based on MTB, yachting, and snorkeling! My favorite snorkeling spots in the US are in Hawaii, Shark’s Cove, North Shore Oahu and Hanalei Bay on Kauai! Belize is one of the greatest in other countries. Snorkeling is so much fun!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Che!!! I don’t know the north shore has good snorkeling. Seemed too wavy! Kauai would be sweet!!!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Belize would be a fun visit too. Do you keep a MTB on your boat? How’s the Belize MtB?

[@chehogg]

@@JeffKendallWeed May through September, The North Shore in Oahu has less waves and is great for snorkeling. You have to time it in Kauai too.

[@chehogg]

@@JeffKendallWeed I have never MTB’d in Belize but the snorkeling is amazing. I charter the boats, and rent MTB bikes or do tours. I do carry my folding Brompton bike, for transportation when we dock.

[@chehogg]

@@JeffKendallWeed one of my favorite trips is the fly to Cappadocia, rent an MTB, then fly to Bodrum, Charter a Turkish Gulet yacht, go snorkeling and ride MTB in Kos, Greece!

[@atlmtnbiker]

I ride in the North Georgia mountains and Western North Carolina, world class mountain biking, and I can tell you tons of people from around here roll down to Ocala to ride these spots, especially in the winter. I really feel like your video had more of a negative slant than positive on these places, and that's unfortunate. I get it, not your style. But these places are fantastic. As far as being overbiked, that's a personal opinion. I've ridden my 180/170 Knolly delirium there and had a fantastic time.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey ATL biker, thanks for the note, I tried to be respectful, but I also wanted to be honest. While the FL is good for what it is, it's also not my favorite spot. If you're having fun in FL on a 180 travel Knolly, we clearly have different tastes, and that's ok!

[@atlmtnbiker]

@JeffKendallWeed to be fair, I've also ridden my fixed gear mtn bike on the Santos xc trails. I just have fun in the saddle wherever I'm riding and don't typically default to ripping places apart. But...I get it - You have a following that relies on you for input and I'm anything but an influencer lol. No worries. Ride on...

[@_drawkward_]

Snorkeling - Vieques is the best I have found. Rent a little 4x4 and find your own private beach to snorkel from. I have been mainlining the grapefruit salt flavor of LMNT for a while now; I like the other flavors, but that one has stuck with me.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the Vieques tip! I just googled it- Puerto Rico!!! That looks awesome! I did a video about Cabo Rojo in PR back in 2019, need to return one day again! Thank you!

[@jf8534]

Puerto Morelos for snorkeling. You not only have great beach snorkeling with coral, they have a lagoon.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

That area near Cancun sounds great for it, thanks J!

[@Dabbill]

You need to check out Grapefruit trails in FL. It's in Palm Bay, FL. Bunch of jump lines. :)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh sweet!!! Sounds like DJ bike territory?

[@Dabbill]

@@JeffKendallWeed BMX, DJ, Hard Tail, Full Squish. In the center of the trails is a BMX park with really steep and tight jumps. Then out on the far west end, is bigger jump lines for full squish and smaller.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice! That sounds fun!

[@Ericrutledgebetter]

Have an almost identical experience when on my honeymoon with snorkeling. Never knew I would like it so much, my wife and I spent most mornings just driving around Vieques jumping in the water in similar fashion. Mexico has the best snorkeling literally in the world.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Vieques sounds great! You’re the second person to recommend it this far! Yeah the low barrier to entry is really special too. Congrats on your marriage!

[@rafaelalbertotorres8070]

@@JeffKendallWeed Vieques and Culebra, both off Puerto Rico have excellent snorkeling spots right off the beach. At Tamarindo Beach in Culebra, your daughter can swim with the resident turtles less than 50yards off the beach in water clearer than most pools. PR mainland also has some mtb trails.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5_ZqIaDpMd5pMU&ab_channel=JeffKendall-Weed

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I'd love to make it back to PR! Thanks for the note about Culebra, and Vieques has been recommended by a few folks!

[@leog2055]

Not sure if you are still around but I believe for your style of riding, you’ll also enjoy Loyce E. Harpe Park (better known as Carter Rd mtb trail). Yes there’s pedaling to gain momentum just like Alafia in most parts (welcome to Fl lol) but lots of things to hop on and off. Some nice features and a good chance of gator spotting. Enjoy FL 🤙🏻

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the suggestion, Leo! I’m not still in the area (this trip was about 4 weeks ago) but if there is a future visit I will check out Carter Rd!

[@Adventuregirl96]

I was stationed in Miami when I first met my husband, and he took me bike riding. Little did I know he meant MTB riding and took me to Virgina Key to rid the trails there. I grew up as a beach girl, so I love to enjoy all the water sports in south Florida. I also drink LMNT and like most of the flavors and I am currently drinking the Citrus flavor.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note! I’ll have to google Virginia Key riding, but isn’t that where all the good snorkeling is?

[@Adventuregirl96]

@@JeffKendallWeed Virgina Key is not actually one of the keys. I think it is an artificial island made from dredging the Port of Miami. You can snorkel there but beware of all the boats with drunk people trying to party.

[@inbermswetrust]

I hope you brought the correct loofa(s)!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha I’m still trying to get clean 😂 🧼 🧽

[@markarcher7341]

Coming to Bellingham two summers ago, was very unsure about the speed for the giant hip on Mohawk! It was really dry so nobody else was riding it… eventually figured it out. Looking forward to moving there this May from Pennsylvania and riding it not so dry!! Pretty sure I met you when you were doing a tour with fox at seven springs bike park about ten years ago.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note Mark! That hip on Mohawk is rad!!! Likely spooky to send all alone, but you can go pretty much unlimited speed as long as you pull back hard enough! Boooooost! I’ve ridden seven springs once- the collegiate national champs in 2004. I got 3rd that day! I rode Pittsburgh in 2019, that was neat- frick park and some Allison park area trails.

[@markarcher7341]

Ahh got ya, all I remember was the guy manualing everything haha! Guess it was another guy!

[@jacobjackson950]

Next time you come to Oahu hit me up! I’ll show you some trails and good places to snorkel. Summers better for both of those things, but you can find trails and fish most of the time.

[@cadelangston6370]

Trails in Hawaii? 👀 (Edit: headed to Oahu in two weeks and had no idea there was a MTB scene)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Jacob, it would be great to make another Hi visit, but it’s challenging with the rain. We were told the trails were two wet for three days, then on the fourth day, folks said “trails are too dry to ride…” 😂 😂 😂

[@Wes-o9t]

Omg I miss snorkeling. Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Truckee River, Cozumel Mexico.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cozumel and Cancun look great! I hadn’t thought of Tahoe area, but if I race the Donnor Hard Enduro in 2025, I’ll certainly drive down and will have the snorkel in the van. Thanks Wes!!!

[@Wes-o9t]

@@JeffKendallWeed I grew up in the Tahoe area so that's why I mentioned it. I dont think the Truckee River would be something you would go out of your way for but it was a 100 yards from my house.

[@maxwelllong3308]

Unpopular opinion but in my experience, emtb’s make flatter/undulating trails way more fun since you can keep the speeds higher and potentially carry momentum throughout the ride. Way more fun. Makes flatter trails feel like a hare scramble type of ride or something to that effect. Emtb’s aren’t just for the mountains. In the past I’ve ridden CX bikes and hardtails and they can both be fun on these types of trails depending on what experience you’re looking to have. Realistically a fast XC bike is the right pedal bike for the job, but you start to sacrifice capability for riding those optional lines that you may really want to prioritize. When the trails leave something to be desired (aka elevation), the optional side hits and jumps really make up for it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Max, I don’t think you’re wrong! Would have been fun to rent one! But I do feel a Class III would be better, as it seems much of Alafia would be right at the 20 mph speed limit?

[@maxwelllong3308]

Where I’m at in the Midwest, I don’t have too much trouble on singletrack riding above the 20mph cut off on a class 1 emtb. Only time it’s an issue for me is pedaling into jumps on some of our gravity trails where I quickly feel the motor shut off. I don’t disagree though, a class 3 would be great if you can carry that much speed! With your skills I’m sure you could!

[@hendersoncrook3908]

There’s shells because Florida used to be under water, Alafia is my local and I’ve found shark teeth before! Super cool place!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice, trail side shark teeth is wild!!!

[@marcoantonioalmazanfranco3819]

Shells comes from the dredge projects.

[@TRG36]

Alafia has kind of become known as the ebike park.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ah gotcha! Would be great on a 28mph class III!

[@b1taylor]

LMNT is awesome, love the grapefruit flavor. Was looking for something that isn't overbearingly sweet or chemical-tasting and they've been great for me

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the feedback, Taylor! Most folks seem to agree, and I enjoy it too. They’ve been a great supporter of the channel over the past few years; so I feel good about them and their products.

[@drumerboy456sx]

As soon as you said “despite” I knew a joke ( the truth) was coming lol

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I want to respect FL for what it is, but I'm indeed grateful to call a mountainous region home. No hate for anyone that lives in FL, but it's not for me.

[@letour32rr]

I think you hit the nail on the head about being overbiked here and wanting to try the trails on a hardtail. Truth is, so many trails in the US have trail systems that do their best with what’s available. But the industry focuses on the types of trails you normally ride in the PNW, Cali, or the Rocky Mountains. Or the Alps in Europe. Long-low-slack aren’t the best on these tight pedally trails. I’m in the Atlanta area and unless I go up to the Chattanooga area, 120mm trail bike is really the best fit as a do-it-all bike in the Southeast.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah there is certainly some market for a bike like the Pivot Trail 429!!! Older gen Ripley and Norco Optic would be great, too.

[@Jon-f3w]

@@JeffKendallWeed If I was coming down - and I sure hope to - I’d think my SB120 would absolutely be perfect. But there’s also a part of me that thinks my ARC with 2.6 tires (my winter ride) would be the best fit and most fun on those trails.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Tough call... depends on personal preference!

[@sawyermarch]

Love the fit checks 👌

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I went to goodwill and spent $12 prepping for this trip!

[@CODE-BROWN]

I was going to tell you to hit up Balm Boyette instead of Alafia next time. I enjoy it more but it's similar terrain. I've experienced more nature at Balm. Also, riding in the winter is MUCH better than the summer. As for the sea shells, it seems that they keep the sand packed better than just sand alone.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Code! Yeah I was considering Balm Boyette and literally forgot to ride there that day! But with how bonked I was with that 90 degree heat, not sure if I could have handled two spots!

[@ItsMeHammie]

Started my MTB experience at Alafia. Seen many over shoot and fall in to the swamp 🐊

[@JeffKendallWeed]

That swamp jump looked sweet! Too bad it's so fallen apart.

[@Kipricoffical]

Dude, I am having the exact same debate where my mom! She says I should take my bike on our fl Trip tomorrow but I say no, gonna watch this then decide!

[@inbermswetrust]

There are 3 trail systems around Alafia, less than 10 mins away is Balm Boyette, and north of Tampa is Carter Road. All former mines, but very different.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I mean, depends what you wanna do! It’s not epic, but it’s neat! You can always rent a bike at Alafia, that’s a nice solution!

[@Kipricoffical]

@@JeffKendallWeed Ill definitely bring some of the family bikes when we leave in a couple hours, great vid!

[@SpencerBaum]

Since you like snorkeling, you should try freediving and maybe spear fishing! Last time I was in Hawaii I took a spearfishing and freediving class and it was super fun! It really showed me what the human body is really capable of!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

A free diving class would be great. I get really nervous about it since I don’t know what I’m doing, and it does feel more dangerous than even scuba. But just put putting around the surface has been so cool that I keep trying to do more of it!

[@SpencerBaum]

@JeffKendallWeed it's actually way more safe than scuba because you don't have to worry about decompression sickness or anything like that! You should totally do it if you get the chance

[@JoshTaylor]

Now that I've seen your video in full, I'm wondering if I should abandon this weekend's Alafia plan to check out Santos instead!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I dunno, both are fun, and distinctly different! Santos has nice rocks. Alafia has fun steep hills! And vortex has jumps.

[@ObsessedGarage]

Heck yeah! It's super cool seeing you shredding my local trails. I live in The Villages. If you're still in town I'd love to collaborate.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Obsessed! This trip was about 4 weeks ago, so I’ve been back in the rain and snow for a bit now!

[@chrisashton1082]

If only a Villages existed where MTB parks took the place of golf courses.

[@abelaruca3951]

The snorkeling is better at John Pennycamp in the keys. It’s a state park.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Pennekamp comes highly recommended! Thanks Abe!

[@bmx672]

Great Vid! I live between the two parks. I'm a Carter Rd trail local, but I hit Alafia weekly and Vortex every few months:)

[@zeusandbob]

Are you a part of the Carter Road "swim club"? 😏

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note! Sounds like Carter is a must ride!

[@bmx672]

@@JeffKendallWeed Carter is awesome! It has a great variety of technical trails. Each of the three parks are a little different in their own ways. Carter being the techy one. Not a lot of jumping etc, but really fun challenging blacks. Like the finger trails etc. Lots of areas to go into the water. Most of the black trails are surrounded by water.

[@lifeofbrian896]

​​@@JeffKendallWeedCarter is the best trail system in Florida. Your hamster-wheel analogy is accurate, but Carter is the solution to alleviate the boredom. That place puts a smile on my face every time.

[@bmx672]

@@lifeofbrian896 I'd have to agree...

[@glynnb6572]

*i had to summon my inner influencer to really wanna send it* 😂 Made me think of Paul the punter, did that!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Haha Peter the Punter reference 💯

[@taxhay00]

There is another trail park called balm boyette it is like 10-15 from alafia, it is smaller than alafia but still pretty good also pretty flow trail!!!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah I saw that on the map, and a friend told me about it too! Too much to ride, and not enuf time!

[@XX-vs4ze]

Balm Boyette is awesome. Great flow and tech all in one. Santos and Vortex also great...but in the same system (Cross Florida Greenway) there is so much more. You can easily do a 50-mile day. Ern & Burn and Nayles are my favorites. Good distances and good combination of flow and tech. Spider Kingdom for all out speed and flow. Florida is pedal pedal pedal pedal... what we lack for in hills we make up for in constant pedaling and oppressive heat. Nice video.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for watching, XX!

[@brucehumphries6889]

Your comments about the new Ripley are why many of us on the East Coast were sad to see the changes.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's a SICK bike, and could be awesome for the FL riding, but my choice of beefy DH level tires and flat pedals was the wrong choice.

[@brucehumphries6889]

@ The V4 would be closer don’t you think?

[@mossyhelmet]

8:11 Yep, that's a Cow Killer also known as a Red Velvet Ant which is actually a wasp.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

So try not to get stung?

[@mossyhelmet]

@JeffKendallWeed This is from a Google search -""cow killer" sting, is often described as extremely painful, feeling like a hot burning sensation, similar to hot oil spilling on your hand, and can last for a significant period of time; it's considered one of the most painful insect stings you can experience. "

[@mossyhelmet]

I heard it's excruciatingly painful and the pain lasts a long time.

[@tomassanesson902]

Nice bike awsome video

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Tomas!

[@mitchelllawver6097]

Snorkeling- John Pennekamp off Key Largo. Nearly any Caribbean island. Cenotes in the Yucatán

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Family was RAVING about Pennekamp! I’ll Google Cenotes, that’s closer to me!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Wow, Cancun looks rad! Only $500 round trip airfare, too, and that’s with bougie Alaska airplanes!

[@mitchelllawver6097]

@@JeffKendallWeedyou can take the bus directly down to Tulum from the Cancun airport. Tulum ruins are also worth checking out. Head a little further south and you can catch the water taxi from Chetumal to the Belize Cayes.

[@KiwiInGermanyMTB]

If you can get to the Pacific Islands ( Fiji, Vanuatu, Rarotonga etc) Amazing Snorkling life

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh man, that has gotta be neat! That's a loooong ways from home tho!

[@Henry_Faulkner]

Would you recommend bringing an Exie to Alafia? Or any 120mm - 100mm travel bike? Thanks and great vid.

[@JoshTaylor]

@Henry_Faulkner For what it's worth, I rode it last year on a fat bike and had a blast. I thought my Stumpjumper Evo would be overkill so I brought my Spur this time.

[@Henry_Faulkner]

@ Hey, thanks Josh thanks for the response. I appreciate it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah an Exie would rip at Alafia! Short travel would be awesome. Enjoy your trip, Henry!

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

Heck yeah you do 🔥🔥🔥

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cheers Thomas!

[@abbo1431]

😎🙌

[@10_TOESDOWN]

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving suggestion, you say. Philippines💯🤙🔥

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks 10 Toes!

[@samharris82]

If you’re over-biked and especially over-tired on flat trails you’re missing out on the fun.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah smaller tires would have helped a bunch!

[@briantodd1833]

Come to New England! Great Riding in NH and Surrounding States. Don't bother with your snorkel gear though.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha but snorkeling is fun! I’ve been meaning to get to New Hampshire and Vermont, but it’s faaaaaar!

[@adamswanson6449]

I love how people call riding on 2 x 4's mountain biking, lol. Let's build a road so we can ride the trail.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

The owner of rays bike park in Ohio built a lot of the lumber stuff at Vortex. Not my favorite, but a lot clearly do enjoy it!

[@enzochoi923]

is florida a perfect place for something like your neoklunker?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha that bike is perfect for just about anywhere! It seriously rips so hard! I was just thinking that I need to get the stupid gravel grinder set up off that thing, and get it back into trail mode! We’ve got a ton of rain recently , and the stooge is ideal for that! I actually assembled the Saguaro again for this trip, but it didn’t feel dialed on the test ride so I erred on the side of “known shreddable” over “maybe shreddable”

[@abelaruca3951]

Come ride Virginia key beach north trails in Miami. Cannabis is not illegal you need a prescription.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

A few folks have been suggesting those trails!

[@abelaruca3951]

@ The winter is the only time to ride Florida. The weather has cooled down 19 degrees.

[@abrand305]

Coming down to Miami ? Visit Virginia Key Trails

[@JeffKendallWeed]

A few folks have mentioned those! One day!

[@built2jzlexus496]

Come ride Bogue Chitto in Louisiana

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Gonna hafta google that one! Is that where Pinkbike KZbinr Christina is from?

[@built2jzlexus496]

@ yes I believe so.

[@jbjab99]

Jeff what did you like better Alafia or Santos?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I dunno. I had fun playing on the rocks at Santos, the jumps at Vortex, and the weird steep hills at Alafia. Each one is distinct. Not sure I have a favorite.

[@jbjab99]

@@JeffKendallWeed both seem fun in their own way.

[@campbikerepeat3862]

Florida is great if it’s freezing by everywhere else. Otherwise I’d rather ride anywhere else. 😂

[@Jimbocalypse]

Actually a fashion vlog.

[@netposerx]

Next time grab an ebike and Alafia becomes more of a dowhnhill-ish park.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah that might make a lotta sense!!!

[@netposerx]

@@JeffKendallWeed I want to say a majority of bikes I see on the trails there are ebikes.

[@choose6174]

People in the Facebook groups here get so made when you tell them a full sus enduro bike isn’t necessary here. I swear by my “aggressive” hard tail and have had way more fun on it at Santos and Alafia

[@JeffKendallWeed]

LOL yeah I absolutely don't think a full squish enduro rig is necessary- let alone fun- at most of these spots. I'd rather be underbiked than overbiked.

[@TheLoamMountaineer]

The corrosion in florida is real. Lots of salt in that sand

[@TheLoamMountaineer]

Its BS Florida makes you pay for a state park😊

[@FPSTinter]

Snorkel North Shore Hawaii

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Would love to!

[@nizzurtmontalgizzert6462]

Velvet ant

[@JeffKendallWeed]

“Velvet-I-Don’t-Want-None,” you mean!

[@davidbeauvais1364]

Terrible state period