Daytona Ride – The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway

Don’t waste another Bike Week in the bars and taverns of Daytona’s Main Street. The true motorcyclist wants to get out and see the real Florida. The only way to do that is get on the bike and ride. There is a world class ride that begins just a stone’s throw from Daytona that will get you into the Florida that Ponce de Leon discovered some 500 years ago.

The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, a National Scenic Byway begins just North of Daytona at Ormond Beach and follows State Road 40 east to Silver Springs. The North/South portion begins at Umatilla and follows State Road 19 North to Palatka. There are a couple of loops and side routs within this main corridor.  In all about 140 miles of picturesque roads through the Ocala National Forest.

 World Class Ride, The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway

From Daytona go North to Ormond Beach and head west on SR 40 to US 17, head north to Crescent City, then east on 308/309 to the Ft. Gates Ferry. The ferry operates daily except Tuesday ($5.00 motorcycle). It is a 10 minute boat ride across a pristine remote section of the St. Johns River into the Ocala National Forest. You’re following a route taken by travelers for over 150 years. The ferry consists of a small barge pushed by a small tug boat. It is the oldest continuously operated ferry in the state. Once you make the crossing we separate the men from the boys with 7 miles of dirt and gravel road on Forest Road 29/62 into Salt Springs on State Road 19. There you are on the main North/ South Corridor and you have your choice of scenic rides, lakes and springs, camping, canoeing, hunting, fishing. You can learn more about all the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway has to offer through the following links:

Fort Gates Ferry, Crossing the St. Johns River,
The Old Time Way

Tom Rose’s article in October 2010 Rider Magazine: http://www.ridermagazine.com/travel-features/florida-black-bear-scenic-byway-motorcycle-ride.htm

Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway: ttp://floridablackbearscenicbyway.org/welcome/

Don’t leave Florida with nothing to show for it but an empty wallet and a hangover, take a REAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE through the REAL FLORIDA!