​​​CROOMFEST GRAVEL RIDE

Cost:

• Members $50.00  - Non-Members $65.00

• Included: lunch, beverage ticket, swag

• Not included: Camping, event shirts or soft side cooler - order sparately

• Weekend package available for Saturday and Sunday rides

• Members $85.00 - Non-Members $110.00

• Includes Saturday 35/50 and Sunday 47/50 gravel. Saturday breakfast, lunch, beverage ticket, swag, 4 sag stops, Sunday lunch and beverage ticket

• Not included: Camping registration or event shirts.. Order separately

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​​​Description:

47 - 50-mile mixed surfaces Guided Ride. Gravel bikes recommended or XC Mountain Bikes. Moderate pace with stops. 

Croom isn’t just a place we ride our bikes.  It is also a ghost town dating back to the late 1800s, at the west side of the Withlacoochee River near Croom-Rital Road.  Croom allegedly replaced the ghost town east of the river, Pemberton Ferry, after the Withlacoochee Depot closed and Pemberton started to take on more of a “wild west” personality.  Pemberton, formerly known as Phelps Ferry, had provided a crossing over the river since the 1850s.  A historic Iron Bridge for the railroad was constructed near the ferry.  Croom and Pemberton were known for agriculture, turpentine, sawmills, sugar mills, and phosphate mining.  Brooksville residents sometimes rode the train to Croom and swam in the river under the Iron Bridge.  What are the chances that adventurous folks may have ridden their bikes from Brooksville to Croom?  The chain driven “safety bicycle” was invented in 1879, so perhaps a few thrill seekers made the arduous 10-mile journey from town.  By definition, were these the first gravel bikes?  Some of these bikes even had suspension! 

 

This mixed surfaces ride will include gravel roads, paved trails (sections of WST and GNT), paved roads shared with vehicles, and single-track.  The route is appx 70% unpaved and is hilly by Florida standards, with appx. 1,500 ft of elevation change.  There are several good-sized climbs and fast downhills. If you are uncomfortable sharing the road with vehicles, this is not a good ride for you.  Tail lights are required for safety.  The route will take us through portions of Croom, Nobleton, Ridge Manor, past historic Iron Bridge Park, and will cross the river twice.  Riders should be self-supported and accustomed to long rides in remote areas.  Facilities are at the Spring Lake trailhead, and retail stores (bathrooms/ drinks/ food) at mile 24 & mile 33.  Bring tail lights, hydration, snacks/ lunch, sun screen, bug spray, tools, tubes and other flat repair. 

 

Ride guide, Rob DeGraaf began biking Croom 30 years ago and is a Senior Environmental Scientist and past Author of Fat Tire Favorites, Guide to West-Central and South Florida Off-Road Bicycling books, and a past director of the Florida Off-Road Bicycling Association (FORBA).  

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Legacy Paddle: $30.00

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Time: 9:00 am meet at the boat ramp.

Bring your own kayaks or rentals are available

Make your own rental arrangements. River Rats contact Amos 513-967-7192.

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In loving memory of Brian Boyle, who dedicated approximately 7 years as the Wilderness Park Trail boss. Brian passed away on August 10, 2023, following his battle with cancer.

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"The inaugural Croom paddle, initiated by Brian, was a memorable experience shared between just the two of us, Brian and me, David Karlen. It occurred on a rainy Sunday morning after the 35/50 ride - perhaps in 2019 or 2020? After taking shelter under the I-75 bridge for half an hour, we paddled downstream to Nobelton, where we enjoyed lunch at a riverside restaurant. Adjacent was a canoe rental facility, and we arranged for transportation back to Silver Lake. I am determined to uphold this tradition as a tribute to Brian."

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Please join David Karlen and Swamp on this paddle as we honor Brian's memory. Proceeds collected will contribute to the Brian Boyle Scholarship fund for NICA.

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The paddle will be 3 hours, approximately 5 miles leisurely paddle and appropriate for all skill levels. Folks will need to bring their own watercraft or make arrangements to rent one and will need required safety gear (life jacket and whistle). We will head out at 9 am, meet at the boat ramp, paddle upriver for about an hour and 15 minutes or so, stop for a break and turn around to be back by noon.​​​​​

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Raffle Prizes:

Curious about who won the raffle prizes? Stay tuned after the guided ride to find out!  Feeling lucky? Grab your drawing tickets here. Need not be present to win but if you are, we will see you at the stage to announce the lucky winners

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Conclusion - Our Love Note: Swamp Mountain Bike Club, Adventure Florida and Florida Forestry and Bike Florida extend heartfelt wishes for cherished memories from this experience. We eagerly anticipate more wonderful times together throughout the year and look forward to another great CroomFest in 2027 tentatively set for February 3-8.

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What's Included:

• Good times

• Fun rides

• Snacks

• Photos