Outdoors & Nature Insider

Here's something that might surprise you. The trails at Santos are not just a hot spot  for Florida mountain bikers, they are also a major destination for riders all over the country. When I talk to mountain bikers from outside the state, I use Santos as a point of reference for where I live in Florida. It's really easy to say, "I live about 45 minutes southwest of Santos." It works pretty well.

So, what's the big deal? The fact is -- everything at Santos is pretty much a big deal. Freeride, cross-country, downhill, pump tracks and skill-building areas make this a full-service bike park. Combine this with a strong IMBA-affiliated club with a great working relationship with the Office of Greenways and Trails, and you've got a really amazing place to ride. The Ocala Mountain Bike Association does a fantastic job of building and maintaining the trail system, and offers riders of varying skill levels and disciplines a trail to enjoy.

Check out this video from the Vortex section of the Santos trail system. These guys have been riding for quite a while and have properly built up their skills, so think twice before riding up on your Huffy and attempting anything you see here! I've got clips from other cross-country trails in Santos, I'll share those later. Adios!