Let me start by saying that I am an absolute beginner. That being said I don't have a lot of experience with MTB trails. I think once I'd ridden on a trail and it was an awful experience I wasn't in a hurry to repeat. My poor old bike has been used for hauling children these last 5 years so taking it out on actual single dirt trails was intimidating. Luckily I found a great group of lady riders who encouraged me to get out there. I soon found out that mountain bike riders, in general, are fun and supportive of one another and the trails they ride.
This 2.5 mile trail is in Mount Dora near the dog park and is built and well maintained by OMBA. The beginning section has a "Skills Park" where wooden obstacles have been built to test and perfect your riding. There are a handful of obstacles I would ride (most I was too chicken to try!) but I did spend some time watching others ride and was impressed. The trail itself is mostly yellow (easiest) with some blue and a few red. OMBA thoughtfully placed benches here and there along the trail and a bike maintenance station at the skills park. My first time riding the trail and I was hooked. I came back both with others and without and had a blast. The hills and descents are just enough to test your cardio and skills, a combo I love. The trails are very shaded, I didn't even need my sunglasses. There is very little sugar sand and some fun obstacles even a newbie like me can manage. I even tried, and succeeded, in attempting my first blue section, Little Dipper. Bring bug spray! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous even if the trail isn't too long. It's an easy loop so if you want to ride longer just make another loop. After only a few rides I'm already wanting a new bike! read more