Piggy's Revenge 2013 What Happened?

Wow, what a day! We had 62 riders this year which is almost triple the amount compared to last year. Everyone found their way back and the weather was perfect. Steve defended his tittle and finished the 60 miler in first place for the second year in a row. Can he do it a third time? Scott gave him a run for his money this year but Steve held on. For all you 20 mile loop riders, 11 year old Spencer finished the 40 right in the middle of the pack. Way to go Spencer!!
The new way of marking the loops with spray paint worked out great. The terrain was challenging in places but everyone seemed to have had a good time. The homemade bratwurst, pulled pork (thanks Darrin), roasted potatoes (thanks Rich) and pasta salad (thanks Randy) were enjoyed by all. Also, thanks to our cycling musicians for handing out water mid-ride. The turnout showed  the land managers that there is a great demand for off road riding in our area.
SCORR (Sarasota County Offroad Riders) will help me organize Piggy's Revenge next year. We have great expectations for a larger turn out, better riding areas and more awesome sausages.

If you haven't already, please join SCORR by liking us @ Scorr Rider on Facebook. That will be the source of information regarding our progress in improving the riding, weekly rides, volunteering opportunities, etc...
There you will find some pictures taken by the volunteers and even a link to a video posted by one of the riders. Thank you to everyone who showed up and a huge thank you to the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Preserve for supporting Piggy's Revenge.  Thanks, Eric

Ok everyone, I have the whole ride marked.What a big job and a big thanks to Rick who helped me out greatly. I was out on the trails today and the conditions are great, no sand, very little pig damage, nice hard rolling surfaces. While marking the trails, I saw 2 HUGE alligators, lots of deer butts (they were running away), a coyote, a cow pig, a dead pygmy rattler and a hawk was squawking at me from his perch. It should be a great day out there tomorrow. If you are gps'ing the parking use Mabry Carlton  Preserve or Border Road in Venice. We are at the east end of Border road just look for the park signs. I'm boiling the brats in beer and onions as we speak.  I hope to see you all tomorrow - - Eric

What to expect on January 6th

It is looking like the weather is forecasted to be near perfect for the ride.  We might even get a little rain earlier in the week which will help firm up the trails. The gates to the preserve open at 7:30 AM. The parking lot has about 30 spots so when it gets full, you will have to park on the right side of the shell road. Please allow enough room for others to get by you. There could be some horse trailers using that road as well. The park will be open to the public, hikers and equestrians so please show them respect on and off the trail since you are ambassadors for the cycling community. I will collect your names and phone numbers before the start so I can keep track of who’s checked back in at the end of the ride. Depending on how fast all this goes we should have the start around 8:30 am and I will have a quick riders meeting at that time. Don’t get there 5 minutes before and expect everyone to wait for you.

I will lead out a neutralized mass start for the first mile (blue trail) then all bets are off when we hit the red trail. All three rides do the same route for the first 17 miles. I will have signs at the critical turns so make sure you look up and read the signs. The rest of the trails will be marked with spray paint before and after each turn but it’s real easy to get disoriented at the Carlton. A few common sense rules: if you get to an intersection without any paint , a wire fence, a locked gate, a river or a highway you made a wrong turn go back to the last known turn. You will cross through several gates and most have a bypass along the side of them or they will be held shut with a chain so please close the gates behind you. On the 60 mile loop, you might meet some cattle in a pasture so make sure all gates remain closed.

The idea of this ride is to challenge yourself and there will be difficult parts that will take you out of your comfort zone so press on regardless and enjoy the sights. You can’t let the pigs have their revenge. If you yell at the pigs they will run away (I like to bark at them). If you’re lucky enough to experience it, the deer like to run along with you. Look out for gators along the side of the trail especially along the power line sections. BIG Al, a very large gator, likes to hang out near the bridge you cross on the 60 loop.

At mile 29, you have to decide between doing the 40 or 60 mile loop so know your limitations. The hardest part of the ride will be behind you, the rest of the loop will be faster and smoother. Another bail out point will be at mile 44 where you can cut out 5 miles at that point if you find yourself moving really slowly and want to cut your ride short.

The park gates close at 6:00 pm and your car will be locked in. You should have a fully charged cell phone with you. Maybe turn it off for most of the ride. I will not go and look for you. You are on your own. But I might call you if I don’t have you checked off at the end of the day. I will give you my cell number the morning of the ride.

You must be self reliant. Look at the maps posted earlier and get familiar with them. Bring enough tools etc. to make it home. It could be a long walk.

We will provide some water around the 29 mile mark. Keep in mind its heavy and we will have to bike it in, so supplies will be limited. Bring enough water to ride 50 miles. Bring all necessary food with you. We made some homemade bratwurst (Pigs contribution to the fun) that I will be grilling at the finish. I should also have some foamy beverages on hand. If you have something you want to throw on the grill or have a special drink, please bring it.  No glass containers or pets are allowed in the park, sorry. I hope you can hang out a while after the ride, I want to hear all the tall tales from your experience.

Remember we put on this free event for the fun of it and constructive criticism might be accepted.

We hope you come back next year and bring a friend.

We’ll see you Sunday… have a great time.

Eric and The Crew

Sorry Had to change the routes !

We have to modify the routes .After riding the course I have had to make some changes .The routes are shorter but we avoid the really rough or disked areas .The new design will be easier to ride .
 Please delete the old files and replace them with the new improved routes.
The new links for the GPX files are :
The 20 mile loop:
 https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6enGcobXtImVEN0MVlncVlaOFU
the 40 mile loop:
 https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6enGcobXtImN3dGb3h6TDZGTlE
the 60 miler:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6enGcobXtImSHM3a3hob3d0YkE

If you just want to look at the new routes in Connect Garmin here are the links to the pages:
20 miles: http://connect.garmin.com/course/2523021
40 miles: http://connect.garmin.com/course/2523211
60 miles: http://connect.garmin.com/course/2476714

Hopefully this will be the last of the changes .The forestry service is planning control burns near parts of the loop.We might still have to change things as we get closer to January 6th.
Eric

The routes are here !

Here are the links to the GPX files for the 3 loops. If you use a GPS you know what to do.
First the 20 mile loop:
 https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6enGcobXtImVVNPMnR2NFhqRWc

The 40 mile loop:
 https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6enGcobXtImalZLNUh1N0R1Qkk

and finally the 60 miler:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6enGcobXtImYUNxXzhXMDdjM2s

If you don't have a GPS and are curious about the routes you can view them on Garmin Connect at the following links:

the 20 : http://connect.garmin.com/course/2523021
the 40 : http://connect.garmin.com/course/2523211
the 60 : http://connect.garmin.com/course/2476714

In Garmin connect, you can switch to satellite view (upper left corner), zoom in and out with the + -, add the mile markers to figure out the direction of travel, click and drag to move it around.

The loops will be marked with spray paint at the turns. You will get a copy of the route on a map. You are responsible for yourself, so bring a compass, gps & extra maps if necessary. You are on your own.
Make sure your phone has enough battery for whole ride.You must have enough tools and parts to get out of trouble. Plan on enough water for at least 40 miles (you may be out there for 4-5 hours or more depending on your speed). There will be some water available around mile 36.
The 20 is a good introductory loop it's mostly hard packed trails, shell roads with a few challenging spots. The other two loops will be a mix of fast smooth shell roads, dirt double tracks, some grassy trails and naturally some pig damage. The hardest part will be between mile 17 and 36. I have avoided the really sandy or bumpy areas.Warning: the pigs do their own thing so they will get their revenge....
If you use a cross bike you will be very fast on the smooth areas but challenged on rough sections. If you ride a mountain bike you will feel slow in smooth sections (hard to push those big tires) but happier on the rough sections. Pick you weapon wisely.
Either way, you will experience Florida at it's best: riding in beautiful areas and mixing it up with the wildlife.
Remember you are on your own!

PS: Big Al says Hi
Eric

COW PIG

Are rare sighting. It's COW PIG!!!

I barely had the the time to get my camera .He is so elusive.There will be a reward for any picture of COW PIG taken during the ride.Happy hunting.

This was fast and smooth section of trail .As you can see the loop will be very remote .I will plan on having a water drop around the 36th mile.There will be no other resupply options .Plan your water and food accordingly.the ride is now associated with SCORR (Sarasota County Of Road Riders) a newly formed club .Look for the event on their Facebook page @ SCORR RIDER.

If you are going to do the ride .Please sign up by sending me a e-mail .I need a head count for planning purposes .

Thanks .Eric 

Guess what we saw on our last recon ride? How would you deal with this?

The piggy loop is starting to take shape. I am seeing a big loop with mostly gravel roads, some single track and very little asphalt. The windy days have dramatically dried up most of the trails. I think I might have to provide a water stop somewhere around the halfway point. You will be in the middle of nowhere most of the time so you will have to rely on yourself and maybe the help of others if the need should arise.  

It should be a lot of fun; a true wilderness experience. You and your bike versus the trails, the weather, the pigs, the deer and the alligators. Mostly you versus your desire to quit. So if you think you have what it takes, send me an e-mail. Forget endurance, work on your mental game.

Eric