OMBA, the Ocala Mountain Bike Association, which is largely responsible for the world class trail network in central Florida known as Santos Trails, has issued an alert to help save the trails.  I’ve ridden these trails numerous times and there’s a reason why they’re an IMBA Epic…they rock.  Here’s the Call to Action:
“A proposed budget cut in Tallahassee will essentially eliminate the Office of Greenways and Trails as we know it, and give the land to the state parks department. It will give the parks more land, while eliminating over 100 of their positions at the same time.
Why do we need to act?
OGT has been the land manager of Santos since the beginning of our bike trails and OMBA. We have spent years establishing a relationship with the office in Ocala and Tallahassee to ensure the best trails possible could be a reality. Ironically, Florida was just awarded “Best Trails State” at the biannual National Trails Symposium this fall.
Here are a few things worth fighting for (even if you don’t love them all, think of your two wheeled friends too):
- Recreational opportunities with nature conservation- bike trails!
- Free access. (even though I think most of us wouldn’t mind paying for parking!)
- The proposed trail expansion westward that has already been written up as a huge grant proposal, soil samples taken, and professional preliminary flagging. Phase 1 is 484 to 200, Phase 2 is 200 to Pruitt. 20 miles of amazing terrain (through the canal diggings) trails, a loop configuration to extend Nayls and provide connectivity across the state!
- Freeriding in the Vortex. Period.
- Racing permits.
- The Fat Tire Festival.
Hit “more” for contact info for the right people to call or email…
OGT’s mission and approach to trails is a philosophy that has benefitted us over the years. IMBA and others are amazed and impressed with the relationship and privileges we have with OGT. We need to show our appreciation for what we have by fighting for them in Tallahassee. Contact your representative, senator, and Governor Crist at www.myflorida.com.
Governor Charlie Crist, charlie.crist@myflorida.com
Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Jeff.Kottkamp@MyFlorida.com
Secretary Michael Sole, FDEP, Michael.Sole@dep.state.fl.us
Kelly Laymen, Gov. Chief of Staff, Kelly.Layman@myflorida.com
Senator Carey Baker, Appropriations, baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov
If you want to contact your Congress people, FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:
http://www.house.gov/htbin/zipfind
Thank you! Let’s get this done before next Tuesday, April 2nd- the Florida Bike Summit at the capitol.
