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Lakeland Carter Road Terrain: About nine miles of singletrack through woods and ridges near a phosphate mine. Intermediate skill. Races occasionally held here. Skill To Get There: Take I-4 to Lakeland and head south on Florida Avenue (SR-37). Turn left onto Carter Road, just after a large shopping center. If you reach Highway 60 you have gone too far. The park is about one-half mile on the south side of the road. Compared to many other established trails in Florida, Carter Road is a newcomer. The phosphate mine has shaped some of the trails. These trails are maintained by the Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Association. See the following map for a little taste of the trails.
The TOE Terrain: Only about 5 miles of very technical singletrack. Intermediate and Experts only. To Get There: Take I-4 to the Polk Parkway; get off at Exit 4 (Waring/Dranefield Exit); go one block south to Dranefield Rd; turn left (east) on Dranefield; go approx 1 mile to Marathon convenience store; turn right onto Pipkin Rd; gate will be directly on your left (this is where you'll need your TOE combo); follow road to gate on right hand side; take this double track to the parking area. From I-75 head east on US 60 to highway 98 in Bartow. Head north on 98 to the Polk Parkway; go west to Exit. This is a member's only trail and membership costs about $20. Check out www.ridgeriders.net for more information. The trails are tough with bridges, steep climbs and descents. Freeriders congregate here. Trails are maintained by the Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Association. |
