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 Cross Seminole pedestrian bridge over I-4 in Lake Mary

The Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail in Lake Mary is currently one of the missing links within the chain of contiguous Seminole County Trails & Greenways from Sanford to Oviedo. This trail connects with the Seminole Wekiva Trail in Heathrow and ends near Lake Mary High School, covering approximately seven miles. It will eventually extend east to the Orange County line at Howell Branch Road in Winter Park and become the Cross Seminole Trail.

The trail is another of the 12 foot-wide two-lane paved paths that travel through urban settings throughout the greater Orlando area as part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of Greenways & Trails program. The Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail begins on Rinehart Road in Lake Mary then splits to the south toward Longwood and north toward Sanford, where it ends approximately a mile away. The trail is connected to the Seminole Wekiva Trail via the pedestrian suspension bridge over I-4 , which continues between office buildings to International Parkway in Heathrow.

The initial stretch of the trail is rife with busy intersections across and along heavily-traveled Rinehart Road. About two miles south and it’s across the massive pedestrian bridge over Lake Mary Blvd. at Greenwood Blvd. At that point the traffic thins out and it cuts through residential areas to Greenway Blvd. From here the trail travels east past the public library and the Greenwood Lakes Middle School to Greenwood Lakes Park, which serves as an appropriate spot for a break with rest rooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, parking and even a roller hockey rink. From there the trail continues east and ends at Lake Mary High School on Longwood Lake Mary Rd.

The next stretch of the trail has yet to be completed, although there is a wide sidewalk all the way to Ronald Reagan Blvd. The path, however, is not as wide as the previous stretches and is covered with cracks and occasional debris. The only remaining indication that the trail exists from this point southeast is a sign identifying the trail at the intersection of Longwood Lake Mary Rd. and Ronald Reagan Blvd.

It is only advisable to continue the trail on bicycle any further than Lake Mary High School if one doesn’t mind riding in the road. Once at Ronald Reagan Blvd. take a left then a quick right where the paved trail begins once again on General Hutchinson Pkwy as the Cross Seminole Trail.

For those crossing the pedestrian bridge over I-4 and traveling north on Rinehart Road, the trail ends approximately a mile away at H. E. Thomas Jr. Pkwy, with many business entrances along the way, making for an arduous journey. This stretch will eventually connect with U.S. Highway 17-92 along Lake Monroe in Sanford, and portions of the trail have been paved and marked intermittently.

One thing to keep in mind is the big picture: The Cross Seminole Trail, as with many others in the DEP’s trails program, is a work in progress. While some stretches are seemingly short and difficult to navigate, the paths and signage will eventually be improved, with additional facilities such as rest areas and welcome kiosks added. The state and local municipalities have accomplished an amazing task to date, undertaking what often seems to be impossible projects over major highways and through intensely congested urban and residential areas.

Along the Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail are a number of interesting features such as the two bridges, and the tunnel under Greenwood Blvd. Near the Lake Mary Blvd. bridge (the bridge has no official name) are a host of eateries, shops, and every conceivable fast-food restaurant and large retail outlet. Underneath the bridge is Smitty’s Chicago Style, serving Chicago Hot Dogs, ice cream and other treats with public rest rooms and a picnic area.

It was here that this reporter’s bicycle suffered a blowout and got to test the emergency flat repair canister: Grade F. Did not work on the thin tires of the road bike but fortunately the car was parked on the other side of the bridge.

All in all, the journey of the incomplete Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail was interesting if not exhilarating. It is not a scenic trail other than the trip across the bridge over I-4 (built in 2003), which is spectacular for the sheer architectural marvel. Running or biking the trail is worth the effort if it’s an investigative effort one desires. If it’s a good workout or a scenic journey near Orlando that one is after however, make another choice such as the West Orange Trail or the lower half of the Seminole Wekiva Trail.

Map of the entire proposed Cross Seminole Trail.

Originally published on Examiner.com Orlando in 2010

Copyright 2010

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