Sand Was Expected: Loose Conditions in this part of Florida

sandy roads in florida
Rolling out, Route Werks bag on board

Welcome to Dunnellon, Florida, a city located in Marion County, better known for nearby Ocala, Florida. “Dunnellon was founded in 1887 two years before the 1889 discovery of phosphate in the area. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1891. The subsequent mining boom, the first of its kind in Florida, lasted until the early 1910s.” – Wikpedia

gravel cycling in citrus county
A prelude of things to come?

“The original mining took place in and around the Rainbow River (then called Blue Run,) using the river’s natural flow to transport phosphates. One of the original mining pits is now called the ‘Blue Cove’ subdivision. Phosphate industry operations began to shift south to the Polk County area, and by the 1960s, Dunnellon’s last mine closed.”

Enjoy – JOM, Founder of Gravel Cyclist

Sand Was Expected: Loose Conditions in this part of Florida Video

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription

This ride experience began and ended near Dunnellon, Florida. This route is of my own design, utilizing my “How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!” video. Going into this ride, I expected there may be some sandy conditions, and this route did not disappoint. Nobody like sandy roads, but such is the price of exploring, getting lost, and getting found again.

gravel cycling in citrus county
Fantastic weather during this December 2024 ride

Reminder: ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.

Additional Photos

gravel cycling in citrus county
Aboard the Stinner Carrizo Select
gravel cycling in citrus county
Dead End? Or Not?
sandy roads in florida
Official welcome to Dunnellon
sandy roads in florida
Crossing the Withlacoochee River
sandy roads in florida
Quiet paved roads, rolling hills
sandy roads in florida
Things are about to get sandy
sandy roads in florida
This powerline access road, a bit of a mess
sandy roads in florida
UPS drives these crazy roads, making deliveries
gravel cycling in citrus county
Withlacoochee Rail Trail
gravel cycling in citrus county
Dunnellon Trail Placard
gravel cycling in citrus county
Withlacoochee River Watershed
gravel cycling in citrus county
Hello
gravel cycling in citrus county
The final sand purgatory of this ride
sandy roads in florida
The setting sun…

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