Thanks for participating

Twenty three riders decided to try their luck at Piggy's Revenge .

I was perfect weather ,the trail were a little dry so the sand became a factor.

Also the Forestry department decided to plow up sections of the trail .

This made the first 8 miles challenging.Only two finished the whole distance .

Steve a Over the hill old fart and Donna Open female .I was very impressed .Congratulations !!The other riders tried their best but Piggy's got the best of them .

Maybe next year......

Eric .

Last minute details

The big event is this Saturday .I just want to give you some helpfull info.

The Exit off 75 is #193 Jacaranda BLvd or Venice-Englewood. As you get off the exit

you want to turn away from the gas stations or North .Follow Jacaranda Blvd to Border road.

Take a right and go to the end of Border Road .There you'll take a left into Carlton Preserve.

Follow the signs to the park entrance.

We will park in the Horse trailer parking .Try and keep the cars close to one side so we don't take too much space away from the horse people.

There are restrooms neaby ,the water there is not the greatest tasting stuff.

Bring some as you'll need a refill.The park has a no glass bottle policy.

The 42 miles loop has water and food available at mile 15.

Next stop is your car .Then the 20 miler doesn't really have anything available .

I might have some water at the start.You are on your own!I will not go out and bail you out.

So bring anything you might need to get out of trouble (tubes,pump tools etc..).

Some parts of the trail are very remote.Help one another if needed .

At the finish I will have homemade Piggy's Revenge Sausage on the grill

and some fixin's.

Maybe a cold one or two.

There are some hotels at exit #193, #205 I think the cheapest is probably the Motel 6 in

Venice Florida on hwy 41.I will be at the start at 700 am ,sign in at 715 am

a rider meeting will be at 800 am then we start the 62 miler .

The start for the 20 will follow.

OH did I forget ?We also have a theme song thanks to Tom.

Eric

Getting close !! Trails to be marked!!

After some debate, I've decided that I will mark the whole loop (I know what I will be doing on Friday the 24th ). Riders will have a directional marker at the intersections, a set of paper directions and most likely a map. This magical combination should keep most of you on track, although there is always that direction challenged rider. Remember you are on your own and responsible for your own hide. I will not be out there looking for you. The trails are getting a little dry but rain is in the forecast and more rain = better trails. The pigs are as active as ever and you will get to meet some of them on the ride. I am thinking of making some homemade Piggy's Revenge sausage for the finishers. If you are thinking of participating, send me an e-mail so I can plan this better. Right now the head count is approaching 30. I am not counting all of you that mentioned to me personally that you were coming. A lot of wildlife, some very remote areas, meat in tube form and a bunch of like minded people. It's going to be GREAT fun and hard to beat.

Eric

January updates

The route has been finalized.I am working on a few loose ends but the main scope of the route has been identified.The directions will be available on paper only .
The format will fit a sandwich size Ziploc baggie.Here is a link to a map holder that would be very helpful:
http://www.oklahomabicyclesociety.com/hintstips/mapholder/mapholder.htm

A cut off will be enforced between the two loops.If you can't get to the check in area by 2:00 pm you will not get the second set of directions.You will have to take a picture at a certain landmark (specified the day of the event)to prove that you did go to the farthest point(phone pic.is fine).The start will be right after the riders meeting at 8:00 AM .We will have sign in starting at 7:15 AM.

The start will be at the Carlton reserve:1800 Mabry Carlton Pkwy, Venice, FL 34292-1837.
The only variable now is the weather . the best case scenario is some rain in the day preceding the event.This would create fast trails.
Spread the word .
Eric

End of year adjustements

The sign up deadline has been extended to February 5Th .We are also working on having a Piggy present at the finish line .Probably smoky and well done.He or she is still running out there .Final recon is up next. The direction for the loops might be available in digital (GPS)or paper format.Trails are great ,pretty dry and fast.This is not a technical ride,it's going to be on gravel ,jeep trails and minimal asphalt.No elevation change ,some fence jumping, some sugar sand and naturally pig ruts .Lots of wild critters and great old Florida wilderness .
Eric

New distance options 20,45and 65+

After some feedback ,I decided to add two shorter options to the ride a 20 and 45 mile loop.These will for those wanting to ride a shorter distance .The trials are in great shape.Things are drying up nicely.We mapped the 20 mile loop last week-end.The trails are pretty fast right now ,the amount of pig damage is the only unknown.More recon is in my future.Eric

December update

Update on the event.
I have done several rides on the trails and things are looking good. The final loop will be a big figure eight with a crossover at around 45 miles where you will have access to your car and the final loop will be about 15 miles in length. We will have a cut off time you will have to beat in order to continue with the ride. It is one thing to get lost but getting lost in the dark is another challenge. The first loop will pass right by the concession stand at the Myakka River State Park. It has hot food, beer, a convenience store and bathrooms. This is a good place to put a foot down, get your head back on straight and refuel.
If you are interested please e-mail me so I can continue planning the event .Final recon is next .
Eric