Bob Deakin Short Stories

A runner takes advantage of the Lake Fran Bike Trail. Photo by Bob Deakin

The Lake Fran Bike Trail is located in the Malibu Groves neighborhood in west Orlando and surrounded by Colonial Drive (S.R. 50) to the north, S. Kirkman Rd. to the west and I-4 to the east and south. To find it, even with a GPS, is like following foot prints on the beach. There is no “Lake Fran Park” by designation, and only a tiny map of the trail available after a deep search on the Internet thanks to David’s World Cycle franchise of Central Florida.

Lake Fran, of course, is the main attraction. It is a 70-acre man-made lake created for water quality treatment and flood control and bordered to the west by a thick cover of native trees and vegetation, while the east side encompasses a curiously long, concrete-covered utility easement. It is a stark contrast in scenery from one side to the other; one a rural setting and the other urban. The shorelines reflect the contrast with the east dotted with debris and the west virtually pristine.

The official address to the bike trail is 2274 Mantilla Ave., which is a path between two homes with concrete barriers, about a mile west of S. John Young Pkwy. There is no parking near the trail, requiring a hike or ride from one of the nearby parks or stores, which essentially makes it a bike-only destination except for residents of the neighborhood.

The trail itself spans only two miles but branches off in several directions toward nearby parks and schools. A proposed plan calls for it to eventually connect with a larger chain of parks and schools as part of the 33-mile Shingle Creek Trail from the West Orange Trail to Kissimmee. For now, cyclists must navigate through congested city streets to reach the Lake Fran Bike Trail, and the two-mile stretch of trail is barely a sneeze for most. For runners, cyclists or rollerbladers who live in the immediate area, the trail is convenient to get off the main roads and cut through to adjoining neighborhoods and parks.

Lake Fran Bike Trail is not a recommend destination for those who must travel to get there. The trail travels between residential homes from both ends to get to the lake, with many barking dogs along the way. On a recent visit, the music blaring from one of the homes could be heard from more than a half mile away. Although the benches and canopies are in good condition, beer cans and trash are visible throughout the trail, the path is filled with cracks and the eastern shore of the lake is lined with litter and dead fish.

On a positive note, the western end of the trail is unblemished, particularly the southwestern stretch toward Eagle’s Nest Elementary School. Lots of exotic birds can be seen in the tree-lined shores, and the park appears to be a very welcome respite from urban congestion for residents of the area. No signage indicates the presence of the trail and mileage markers painted on the path are the only indicators of distance traveled.

One pleasantly quirky aspect of the neighborhood is the street names. Most are named in honor of famous athletes from the mid-20th Century, particularly boxers and baseball players. Names found on the signs include Cassius, Patterson, Liston, Willie Mays, Roseboro, Cepeda, Owens and many more.

The Lake Fran Bike Trail, like so many others in and around the Greater Orlando area, is a small link in a much larger proposed chain. For those in the Malibu Groves neighborhood, it is a pleasant getaway and a convenient shortcut. For those outside the neighborhood, wait until the chain is complete.

Originally published on Examiner.com Orlando in 2010

Copyright 2010

The Cady Way Trail spans over 436 in Winter Park, FL toward Cady Way Park. Photo by Bob Deakin

Hidden away in the middle of congested Winter Park sprawls Cady Way Trail, a 6.5 mile, 12 foot-wide paved path for cyclists, in-line skaters, runners, wheelchairs and anyone on foot, whether they’re pushing a baby carriage or being pulled by an eager beagle.

The trail originates at Cady Way Park, less than a mile southwest of the intersection of Aloma Avenue (426) and Semoran Boulevard (436), and runs south to the Orlando Fashion Square Mall on Colonial Drive. It cuts through quiet residential neighborhoods past the Winter Pines Golf Course and the former Orlando Naval Training Center virtually uninterrupted. To the north it runs across 436 for several miles before ending in Oviedo.

The Cady Way Trail Bridge across 436 offers the most dramatic stretch. The thought of crossing the swarming six-lane boulevard at ground level seems nearly impossible to trail-goers leisurely making their way across the bridge high above it. The view, although not a natural wonder, is impressive for the relentless current of activity that flows beneath, and the secluded pleasure in knowing that one does not have to be a part of it. Bravo to the folks at Florida DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails for providing this landmark by-pass.

To the north, the Cady Way Trail ends at the intersection of Aloma Ave., Howell Branch and Hall Roads. It is a perilous junction, and trail-goers are advised to remember that what goes across, must come back. The Cross Seminole Trail begins at this point and ends, incomplete, a mere three miles beyond at the intersection of Aloma Ave. and Mitchell-Hammock Rd. The rest of the way is a peaceful ride though rife with residential and shopping development entrances and not currently rewarding enough to warrant the journey across Aloma and Howell Branch.

When completed, the Cross Seminole Trail will provide a vital link to the Seminole-Wekiva Trail, leading to the edge of Lake County. The grand scheme is to complete a 30-mile continuous trail from Sanford through Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park and Orlando. Cady Way Trail will also connect to the Little Econ Greenway, once that is completed, at Forsyth Road, providing a link from the University of Central Florida to the Cross Seminole Trail. 

The entire Cady Way Trail is clean, handicapped accessible and very sunny, so bring the sunblock. For trail-goers that plan to travel beyond Cady Way, a map is recommended as signs cannot be relied upon to designate the beginning and end of the trail. Forsyth Road, near the end of the trail to the north, is the only major thoroughfare that has to be crossed, which makes it a good turnaround point for those looking for a stress-free journey. 

Cady Way Park is the ideal place to start, with a large parking lot, rest rooms, water, phone and playing fields. On week nights and weekends, sports are usually being played at the park, providing a venue to sit, relax and enjoy after a long walk or ride. For trail-goers looking to stop for a bite to eat, the trail head to the south offers many options, from popular fast food restaurants to small delis and Hot Dog Heaven, a half-mile east on Colonial Drive, which offers outdoor dining in a casual, all-American setting with authentic Chicago hot dogs. It’s the perfect ending to a workout and a manageable 3-mile walk or ride back to the park.

Cady Way Trail is not for serious bicyclists looking to test their time and endurance. Six and a half-miles is short for the expert, and this trail will have far too many obstacles to avoid to ensure safety for all at a high rate of speed. For a leisurely ride it’s perfect, with lots of places to rest, eat and enjoy the weather. Leave the bike team at home and bring the family and dog, and get to know a quiet, interesting section of Winter Park that you might not have seen before. For maps, directions and a brochure of the trail, follow the links provided or visit the Web sites below.

For more info: 

Florida’s Greenways and Trails

Seminole County Trails and Greenways

Orange County Parks & Recreation

Rails to Trails Conservancy

Outdoor Travels

Copyright 2009

The West Orange Trail travels over a wooden bridge in Winter Garden. Photo by Bob Deakin

On the far west side of Orlando, the West Orange Trail (WOT) offers a paved path exclusively for recreational users, including bicyclists, runners and in-line skaters. The trail begins in Oakland and ends in Apopka. It is defined by rural settings and countryside, with minimal intersections with busy roads, making it a particularly good choice for bicyclists looking to “burn it” for long stretches. 

Along the first two-thirds of the 20-mile trail are three “Stations,” which provide water, restrooms, phones, maps, vending machines and in some cases air for tires and other walking, skating and bicycle supplies. Five “Outposts” along this stretch offer limited amenities, and water provided at various stops along the entire trail while you’re never more than a few minutes away from a road in the event of a breakdown or injury. 

The second seven miles of the trail begin at Chapin Station in Clarcona, defined by its quiet serenity. It is a good long stretch for bikers working on their speed, with very few roads to cross and obstacles to slow you down. The WOT runs perpendicular to Lake Apopka, and though some promotional literature mentions scenic views of the lake, at no point on the trail is it visible. 

This part of the WOT travels past the Forest Lake Golf Club in Ocoee and eventually splits near the McCormick Outpost on Clarcona Road in Clarcona, giving trail-goers the option of taking the brief trail to Clarcona Horseman’s Park to the northwest, or continuing on the long trail to Apopka. The equestrian trail that begins at the horse park parallels the WOT to the south for a few miles. 

The final seven miles of the WOT travels north, paralleling Clarcona Road (C.R. 435) into Apopka. For the first couple miles it winds through quiet, peaceful nature to the wooded areas of southern Apopka. As it approaches Orange Blossom Trail (Rte. 441), the scenery begins to deteriorate into a rural, unkempt suburb, with more debris and broken glass on the pavement than you would typically see on Central Florida’s well-kept trails. It is highly advisable not to travel this stretch alone, particularly on foot, and to pick up your pace. 

Once you reach OBT, a plethora of food options are available alongside the mammoth pedestrian/bike trail across the main road. From there it’s a winding trail covering approximately two miles before you arrive at the end of the West Orange Trail. The final two miles are marked by Kit Land Nelson Park, churches, schools and storefronts before traveling the final stretch of Rock Springs Road to the end, just past Publix. There are many intersections and business entrances to contend with here, making for the most arduous section of the WOT. 

If you want to get the rough stuff out of the way first, begin your ride at the Apopka end of the trail, although it is recommended to skip the final seven miles altogether, and park at the Clarcona Horseman’s Park for if you’re going to begin the trail from the north. 

An excellent place to park for a day on the WOT is Winter Garden Station. Plenty of parking is available as are a full compliment of facilities and close proximity to restaurants and the cobblestone streets of downtown Winter Garden. The trail goes right through the center of downtown past the water fountain and surrounded by restaurants and stores. Two bike shops are across the street from each other featuring a full compliment of sales, service and tips for your travels. 

For more info:  

Florida’s Greenways and Trails 

Orange County Parks and Recreation 

Outdoor Travels 

Rails-To-Trails Conservancy 

Copyright 2009