I was in desperate need of some ‘me’ time today – it’s been a rough day.  So I managed to escape with my bike for an hour an enjoy this nice fall Florida day.

I hit the rural area behind my subdivision and just rode…and rode.  And I decided to go on my adventure through the woods.

I’m sure I’ve talked about this before, but in short, there is an area of woods far behind our home that is pretty dense. There is a path through it that leads to a lake, some walking paths to fishing spots I’m sure…and if you continue pushing, it kicks you out on a dirt/gravel road with some really big farm-type homes.  You would never expect to find this area around Orlando/UCF/Oviedo area.  It’s kind of hidden and I love it.

The long dirt road

With that said, it’s also kind of creepy.  I’ve often wondered if it’s totally stupid that I’m riding my bike alone in some woods.  But alas, I continue.  Until one point last year when someone posted a sign outside the entrance to the train that said “I’m watching you” and it had a picture of a camera.  It freaked me the hell out and I haven’t been back.  Until last weekend. I’m itching to go off-roading again and thought I would try my luck.  It was great fun – totally uneventful and the sign was down.  So I did it again today – and I saw things! Exciting things!

First, I was in the middle of the trail – a DEER jumped out at me!! Like right in front of me!! It quickly turned away from me and started running down the path, and I basically followed him until he ran back into the woods.  HOLY CRAP!! It scared me – but it was also awesome. And then I started thinking about all the crazy hunters that live back there and started getting worried for him.  OK – focus.  That was cool.

Then the trail spits you out on to the gravel road…and there was a GIANT turtle!  He was walking slow on the edge of the road.  I kind of took it as a sign that I could be the fast smooth deer – or the slow moving turtle on my bike.  Either way I’ll get there eventually so just so down and enjoy the journey.

Children & Pets at Play

What sort of adventures are you up to on this great weather weekend?