“It’s in the middle of nowhere and they ride around on motorcycles” – Phill Loney
But it was so much more.
Phill comes home all the time with events he’s heard about and is interested in. Usually, the event is brought up in the most random fashion where he envisions me being able to read his mind about said event. FTR was no different.
He gave me a couple of details about Florida Trail Riders but overall was pretty vague because… it’s Phill. He also mentioned that it was in the forest and might give me an opportunity to play around with my new camera. I agreed to go, and I am 100%, so glad I did.
The Florida Trail Riders is a registered non-profit Florida corporation. It has been in operation for over 42 years and currently has over 2,500 members. They work with landowners and land management agencies to hold monitored off-road motorcycle events across Florida. On this particular day and race, there were a total of 192 riders. Not to mention the other 400 plus spectators.
Everyone starts standing across from their bike. There’s a countdown from 30 seconds and then the whistle blows! Riders race to their bikes, jump on, and take off! Riders have one and a half hours to complete the most amount of laps in the least amount of time. One single lap can range anywhere from 5-16 miles depending on the course. This particular course contained dirt roads, snaking trails through the woods, jumps, and open fields. This was also a technical course with tight turns and narrow pathways.
My favorite part of this whole experience was being able to walk around. When you pull onto the lot and pay the $20 entry fee, you also sign a waiver releasing FTR from any responsibility. Phill mentioned we could walk anywhere and we absolutely did. The course is marked throughout and some areas are taped off so spectators can stand behind. I wanted to get as close as I possibly could, especially near the jumps and turns. Luckily, I had Phill watching my back for oncoming bikes. ?
This doesn’t mean this event isn’t child-friendly, in fact, there were tons of families 
there. This event happens over the course of a weekend and you are allowed to camp on the property! For real! There were RVs, Vans, Tents, and everything in between. I believe we even saw an entire family of four riding together on one bike. It was heartwarming. There were also vendors for food, gear, and pictures.
The Florida Trail Riders members include a group of amateur motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy the thrilling sport of off-road motorcycling. Their website mentions that its members are families, professionals, technicians, and laborers from all walks of life.
The energy at this event was exhilarating. Beginning at the start the of the race and feeling the tension as the riders prepared to take their bikes. Then being able to roam freely throughout the course. And ending as each rider finished their last lap.
These events take place on the weekends from August to May across the entire state. You can find their schedule here.
We will certainly be attending more of these in the future. Potentially, even having Phill as a rider. Which means, I would get to hold the bike a the beginning! Woohoo!