It was so nice this afternoon I decided to ride some back roads in Marion, Levy and Alachua Counties. I've done some research on this area and at one time some of these were considered the "bloodiest roads in Florida". They connected a series of forts during the second Indian Wars in the 1830s and 1840s. Just absolutely beautiful on a warm winter's day. Spanish moss hanging from ancient live oaks, old homes and homesteads, some restored and some in various stages of decay. I rode through the old towns of McIntosh, Evinston, Micanopy and Wacahoota. This is horse and cattle country. It's a special treat to ride through this land alone and reflect on those who came before and braved so much hardship and triumph. Fortunately the Road King and I made the journey with no ambushes.

 

Sounds like a great ride! I love that area up there. Such a nice day....life is good!

 

Over the past several years the Florida Crew has gathered at the Days Inn on SR 40 in early November for our Annual Florida Crew Ocala Rally. We spend several days riding the Ocala National Forest and west into what we call Horse country. We are fortunate enough to have several local folks up that way that show us around.

Yes, it is beautiful country. Ridden it many times.

 

I tried to make the Ocala Rally last year but things just did not cooperate for me to do so. Maybe this year will be different.