Ocala area

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 18, 2016 | 12:06 AM

MLZ

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 100

Likes: 2

From: Utah

Ocala area

There's about a fifty/fifty chance my wife and I will be moving to Ocala in the next few months, and I wanted to ask a few questions from riders from that part of the state.

I'll preface this with saying I know weather can't be predicted. I'm just looking for a norm. From the research I've done, I've gotten the impression that June through September is generally hot, muggy, and miserable, but that October through April and into May is fairly nice. Dry, not much rain, and moderate temperatures and humidity. Lows in January and December can get down into the forties and fifties, but highs often range into the upper sixties and low seventies.

So, what do you Marion County riders think? Am I anywhere close to the truth with these assumptions? I'll also add that one of the big draws to this move would be being able to ride year around. Thanks.

Sep 18, 2016 | 02:33 AM

PRrdglide

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,047

Likes: 55

From: Ft. Myers

If you are looking for the better riding north of Tampa. If you want better winter weather south of Tampa. . it seems like the fronts have stalled out around the Tampa area. Living in the Ft Myers area most my life. Just not that many country roads to choose from . During winter a lot of traffic.

Sep 18, 2016 | 05:44 AM

jamesroadking

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,328

Likes: 154

From: Lake City, Florida

I live in Lake City which is in North Central Florida, where I 10 and I 75 cross, about an hour north of Ocala. I mostly ride October through June here, sometimes in January and February it gets a little chilly, once or twice I even broke out my chaps. In the summers I head 4 hours north up I 75 and ride in the Smoky Mountains.

Last edited by jamesroadking; Sep 18, 2016 at 05:49 AM.

Sep 18, 2016 | 05:56 AM

Daytona Fat Boy

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 1,561

Likes: 187

From: Florida

You'll like that area of Florida. It has some of the better riding roads and its easy to get to the east coast or west coast. The summer temps don't bother me as much as the cold days that happen now and then during the winter. Good luck with your possible move.

Sep 18, 2016 | 06:24 AM

Larry Davis

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 326

Likes: 22

From: Panama City, FL

Summer heat affects folks differently. Some don't ride at all June thru September. I am one that loves the heat and hates the cold. I ride all year and break out the electrics (you can call me a *****) at the first cold spell. I rode all year when I lived in the Smoky Mountains. Just getting too old to handle cold weather. Would not live anywhere that I could not ride year 'round. I think you will see more bikes around Ocala in one week that you would see all year in Utah!

Sep 18, 2016 | 06:48 AM

uklauren

Florida Crew Moderator

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 11,396

Likes: 3,391

From: Port St Lucie Florida

I'm way further south but after a couple of years in Florida you will soon love to hate the cold (under 65 degrees lol) and not be too bothered by the heat riding, as long as you are moving!
You learn to do your yard work early in the day, park your car in shade and seek places with AC. You will become an expert weather radar reader but will still get it wrong and get soaked on a ride.

Sep 18, 2016 | 09:44 AM

themensh

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 5,331

Likes: 56

From: north of Daytona

I live near Daytona Beach and Ocala is a great area to ride. One thing, and I don't know why it is....but in the winter months, Ocala seems to be the
coldest area. Hope your plans work out where ever you go.

Chuck