Withlacoochee State Trail Annual Ride

Withlacoochee State Trail Annual Ride Race Information

<h6 style="line-height:1.2"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>28<span style="font-size:10pt">th</span> Withlacoochee State Trail Annual Ride <br /><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">              Presented by <br /><span style="font-size:18pt">The Lowman Law Firm</span><br /></span></strong></span></h6> <h5 style="line-height:1.2"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Ride event by The Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail<br /></strong></span><span style="color:rgb( 132 , 63 , 161 )"><strong>#2 BEST Outdoor Recreational Trail in the USA </strong><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">(USA Today 2025-6)<br /><br /><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>FREE Ride registration closes September 14 at Midnight. Don’t miss this once in a Century Event! Registration the day of the event is $50.00. Sign up on site at the Inverness Trailhead only. 6:30 am to 9 am. Limited quantity of tee shirts will be available at registration.</strong></span><br /></span></span></h5> <p><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><strong>Century Riders ! See our new course</strong> that takes you North past the former WST terminus Gulf Junction, through the US 41 bicycle underpass into the Dunnellon Blue Run Park. You&#39;ll ride over the Withlacoochee River, on the Dunnellon Bridge, along the beautiful Rainbow River and to the end of the paved trail at the Bridges Trailhead where you return to Inverness to complete the Century course. See the Map:  <a href="https://www.fotwst.org/copy-of-about-us-4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.fotwst.org/copy-of-about-us-4</a></span></p> <h5><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><strong>We are proud to announce a once in a Century event!<br /></strong></span><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )">In honor of The Centenary of the Withlacoochee State Trail Caboose (1925 - 2025) <br /></span><span style="color:rgb( 0 , 0 , 0 )"><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>Our 28th Annual Ride will be FREE to all registrants!  </strong></span>Thanks to <strong>LOWMAN Law Firm</strong>,  <strong><span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 )">Citrus Dental of Inverness, <span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )">The City of Inverness</span></span></strong>, and our generous <span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Inverness businesses</strong></span>.<br /></span></h5> <p><span style="font-size:14pt">Please have a look at our Annual Ride Sponsors in the Sponsor section of Bike Sign Up. The Stores, Restaurants, Nightclubs and Bars in our <em><span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )"><strong>&#39;Small Town Done Right&#39;</strong></span></em> are top shelf. That&#39;s why Inverness was voted <em><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>#3 Best Small Town in the South</strong></span></em>!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt">Registrants are welcome to register for any distance of the WST they choose, <strong>The Century, <span style="color:rgb( 132 , 63 , 161 )">The Metric Century</span></strong>, <span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>The 48 Mile Ride</strong></span>, <span style="color:rgb( 53 , 152 , 219 )"><strong>The 24 Mile Ride</strong></span>, and the enjoyable, leisurely, popular <span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>Floral City Ride</strong></span>, for a Roundtrip of your own design. </span></p> <p>*Our Commemorative T-Shirt is available for $15.00, available until Sept 14. The a limited quantity of event shirts will be on sale at registration for $20.00 each. Our T-Shirt this year is made from a UV blocking/Performance fabric. True to size for the life of the shirt (doesn’t shrink like regular t- shirt fabric).</p> <p>There are other wonderful Inverness restaurants open on Sunday: Cattle Dogs Coffee Roasters will have their brand new food truck for those paying for a meal, as well as Main Street Deli. Both will carry a limited menu of their specialty items. Cattle Dogs downtown Inverness restaurant with full menu is open Sunday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, InVibe Nutrition open Sunday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Mama’s Kuntry Kafe open Sunday from 7:00 am - 2:00 pm, Joe’s Family Restaurant open Sunday 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, The Hen House open Sunday 6:00 am - 2:00 pm, and more.</p> <p>The Train Station Restaurant -  Our Lunch Sponsor, located on the WST in the old train station, at the Inverness Trailhead nearby the registration area, will be open all day Sunday from: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for the first 500 participants registered. Your voucher will be included in your Ride Packet.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:14pt">Continental Breakfast will NOT be available this year. Downtown restaurants open for breakfast are: <span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters, InVibe, Hometown Deli, Hen House, and Mama&#39;s Kuntry Kafe</strong>.</span> Only a short walk from the Inverness Trailhead.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 132 , 63 , 161 )"><strong>The Law Firm of Melissa Militello, P. A.</strong></span> Our Support &amp; Gear (SAG) Sponsor brings back our famous SAG Stop cookies and snacks, available at 4 of our 6 SAG stops.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><strong><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><span style="color:rgb( 53 , 152 , 219 )">Mike Scott Plumbing</span>, </span></strong>our Hydration Sponsor will be providing fresh water at all 6 SAG stops.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt">We encourage you to make your visit to Inverness, <br /></span><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 )"><strong>#3 BEST Small Town in the South</strong></span> (<em>USA Today</em> 2025-26)</span><br /><span style="font-size:14pt">Make your visit a memorable stay by spending <strong>One More Day</strong> in our walkable/bikeable <span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )"><strong><em>Small Down Done Right</em></strong></span>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Woodspring Suites </strong></span>the only Extended Stay Hotel in Citrus County, a short walk from the WST Inverness Trailhead.  The brand new hotel (rooms with a kitchen) is in the Downtown Business District.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 )"><strong>www.NatureCoaster.com</strong></span> Our Online Media Sponsor has a great website for <strong>Things to do all around Florida’s Nature Coast</strong>.</span>  <span style="font-size:14pt">Check out the events in the area at their online blog.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )"><strong>The City of Inverness</strong></span> is our Host Sponsor. The Parks &amp; Recreation Department plays a big part in putting together our Big Celebration.</span></p> <p><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt">The <strong>Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail</strong> will be entertaining spectators &amp; riders throughout the day with <span style="color:rgb( 186 , 55 , 42 )"><strong>Hourly Speakers</strong></span> on topics like: </span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )">         • 12 pm - Meet the Trail - An Introduction to the Walking, Horseback Riding, and Bicycling</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )">                    • Random Door Prizes</span></span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )">         • 1 pm   - The History of Inverness &amp; the Rails to Trails WST</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )">                    • Random Door Prizes</span></span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 );font-size:14pt">         • 2 pm  - Bike Safety Presentation - Random Door Prizes</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt">                    <span style="color:rgb( 53 , 152 , 219 )">• Drawing of Chance for a $250 Gift Card - (must be present to win)</span><br /></span><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )">        • 3 pm - History of our 1925 wooden Caboose, Discussion of caboose restoration plans </span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 )">                   How to help by becoming a member, becoming a volunteer, or making a donation.</span></span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt">                   <span style="color:rgb( 53 , 152 , 219 )">• Drawing of Chance for a FREE TREK Verve 2 Bicycle - (must be present to win)</span><br /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt">WST Bike Jerseys will be sold at the event or available on <span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>fotwst.org/shop</strong></span> to purchase in advance of the event as soon as we receive the fill in sizes for stock. All proceeds go to work on the trail and  work around the Fort Cooper State Park. Donating your time or money to the WST can give you a <span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )"><strong>Warm Fuzzy Feeling From Knowing Your Entry Proceeds Go to the Florida State Park Citizen’s Support Organization</strong></span> - <span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail</strong></span> who volunteer to support, maintain, and promote the Trail.</span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 );font-size:14pt"></span><br /><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 );font-size:18pt"><strong>RIDE INFORMATION </strong></span></p> <ul><li style="font-size:14pt"><span style="font-size:14pt"><strong>Packet pickup</strong> for all distance events and Day of Ride registration<span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )">*</span> is available from <strong>6:30AM - 9:00AM<br /></strong></span></li><li style="font-size:14pt"><span style="font-size:14pt">Address of RIDE Headquarters and Main Ride Start: Depot Pavilion, 218 N Apopka Ave., Inverness FL 34450</span></li><li style="font-size:14pt"><span style="font-size:14pt">Participants also have the option to pick up their packet at <strong>Ridge Manor Trailhead starting at 7:00 a.m.</strong> Select your location when registering. (Please let us know by Wednesday 10/1/25 if you will pickup in Ridge Manor)<br /></span><span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )">*</span>Day of Ride - Lunch voucher not available. Commemorative Tee shirt not available. Registration on the day of the event is for the ride only.</li><li style="font-size:14pt">Entry to win a <span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>FREE TREK BIKE</strong></span> Drawing of Chance Sponsored by <strong><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )">TREK</span></strong>, a <span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>$250 Gift Card</strong></span> from <span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>PRIMAL Wear</strong></span> online store at 2:30 pm under the Water Tower at the Depot, Courtesy of from <span style="color:rgb( 35 , 111 , 161 )"><strong>PRIMAL Wear</strong></span> online store, and door prize Drawings of Chance throughout the day are applicable. Go to <strong>TREK</strong> Inverness Trailhead store location to register for the drawing of chance and door prize qualification to receive your chance. No purchase or Ride registration necessary. Must be present to win.<br /><br /></li><li style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt">Named 2025-6 “<strong>#2 BEST Outdoor Recreational Trail in the USA</strong>” in a reader Poll by USA Today</span></li><li style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt">National Geographic&#39;s Traveler -  “<strong>One of the longest paved trails in Florida</strong>”</span></li><li style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt">The <strong>47 mile long Withlacoochee State Trail</strong> is paved and meanders through Pasco, Hernando and Citrus County.</span></li><li style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 );font-size:14pt">The World Wildlife Fund says our trail is &#34;<strong>One of the coolest places you&#39;ve NEVER seen</strong>&#34;.</span><br /><br /></li><li style="font-size:14pt"><span style="font-size:14pt">The <strong>Century, Metric Century, 48 Mile, and 24 Mile Rides</strong> begin with a soft start between <strong>7 am - 9 am</strong> at the Inverness Trailhead Depot Pavilion area. Registration to start the race at Ridge Manor Trailhead is available. Please notify in advance to have your Ride Packet pickup at Ridge Manor. Those who want to do 100 miles on the Trail, see our new course that takes you all the way North to the Dunnellon Blue Run Park, over the Withlacoochee River on the Dunnellon Bridge and to the end of the trail at the Bridges Trailhead where you return to Inverness to complete the Century course. Riders who complete The 100 Mile Century or The Metric Century (62.13 Miles) will receive a Century Ride Finisher 2025 medal.</span><span style="font-size:14pt"></span></li><li style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>Floral City Ride</strong></span> entrants have a <strong>soft start also from 8 am - 9:30 am </strong>at the Inverness Trailhead Depot Pavilion area. Registration to start the race at Ridge Manor Trailhead is available. Please notify in advance to have your Ride Packet pickup at Ridge Manor.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )">*</span><strong>Lunch</strong> Sponsor <span style="color:rgb( 186 , 55 , 42 )"><strong>The Train Station</strong></span>, located on the Trail next to the Depot Pavilion</span><span style="font-size:14pt"> is a full service restaurant, that will be open only for Annual Ride participants, with a bar and duck pin bowling for your entertainment. </span><span style="font-size:14pt"> <br />Alternatively:<strong>There are many excellent restaurants in the Downtown Inverness area nearby.</strong> <span style="color:rgb( 22 , 145 , 121 )"><strong>(See our Downtown Business Sponsors Board at Registration/Check-in/Packet Pick-up)</strong></span></span></li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><strong>5 SAG Stops Along the Course Are Dedicated For WST Registrants Only*<br /></strong>Support &amp; Gear Sponsor: <strong>The Law Office of Melissa Militello, P.A.</strong>, 4 SAG Stops</span><br /><span style="font-size:14pt">Hydration Sponsor: <strong>Mike Scott Plumbing</strong>, H<span style="font-size:10pt">2</span>O at ALL SAG Stops</span><br /><span style="font-size:14pt"> *Children must be accompanied by an adult.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><strong>SAG Stops - Parking and restrooms are available at all SAG Stops.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 45 , 194 , 107 )"><strong>SAG Stop 1</strong></span> - FULL: Inverness Trailhead RIDE Headquarters, including H<span style="font-size:10pt">2</span>0 and a &#34;Sweet &amp; Salty&#34; variety of snacks and cookies. See map at registration for nearby restaurants, gift, and retail shops in Inverness.<br /><strong><span style="color:rgb( 230 , 126 , 35 )">Inverness #3 BEST Small Town in the South</span></strong> 2025, voted by a people’s poll by USA Today.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 45 , 194 , 107 )"><strong>SAG Stop 2</strong></span> - H<span style="font-size:10pt">2</span>O: Floral City - 7 Miles South: Heading South from the Trailhead enjoy a scenic ride to Historic Floral City that hosts a Hydration Only SAG stop and bathrooms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 45 , 194 , 107 )"><strong>SAG Stop 3</strong></span> - FULL: Nobleton/Istachatta- 14 Miles South of the Inverness Apopka Trailhead. Enjoy a fully supported SAG stop at the small town of Nobleton including H<span style="font-size:10pt">2</span>0 and a &#34;Sweet &amp; Salty&#34; variety of snacks and cookies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 45 , 194 , 107 )"><strong>SAG Stop 4</strong></span> - FULL: Ridge Manor- 24 Miles south of the Inverness Apopka Trailhead. This is our most popular distance and the SAG stop is located at Ridge Manor Trailhead with plenty of food and beverage support and bathrooms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><strong><span style="color:rgb( 45 , 194 , 107 )">Owensboro Trailhead</span></strong> - 30 Miles South of the Inverness Apopka Trailhead. Heading South on the Trailhead you&#39;ll find the turnaround point for those doing the Century or Metric Century distance. This is not a SAG stop.</span></p> <p><span style="color:rgb( 52 , 73 , 94 );font-size:14pt"><strong>SAG Stop North of Inverness Apopka Trailhead</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><span style="color:rgb( 45 , 194 , 107 )"><strong>SAG Stop 5</strong></span> - FULL: Gulf Junction Trailhead- 17 Miles North of the Inverness Apopka Trailhead. Enjoy a fully supported SAG stop including H<span style="font-size:10pt">2</span>0 and a &#34;Sweet &amp; Salty&#34; variety of snacks and cookies. Note to Century riders: There are restrooms at The Bridges Trailhead, the turn around point, in the Dunnellon Blue Run Park.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14pt"><strong>For those completing the Century Ride</strong>: For your Commemorative Century Finisher Medal: Starting at the Inverness Trailhead Ride Start, ride the trail South to Owensboro Trail end, then return North, and again pass through the Inverness Trailhead North past the Gulf Junction Trailhead (former WST northern trail terminus) through the Dunnellon Greenway Trailhead underpass (New) which crosses US 41 to the Dunnellon Trail, and continue North to the Dunnellon Blue Run Park Bridges Trailhead returning to Inverness Trailhead to complete the 100 Mile Century. <br /><br />The new section of The Withlacoochee State Trail extends the length of the WST an extra mile to 47 miles through an underpass, constructed by FDOT and the DEP, under US 41 to the Dunnellon Blue Run Park southern trailhead and parking area. The additional 4.6 mile roundtrip in Blue Run Park is an enjoyable route through wooded areas along the Rainbow River and over the Withlacoochee River to the end of the Bridges Trailhead, the turn-around point for Century riders. <br /><br /></span></p>