A tour through the picturesque horse farms of northern Marion county.

The century will start at 8:30 am at the First Magnitude Brewery. Hundreds of charging cyclists will take to the streets. Expect cohesive packs in to the first rest stop in Flemington.

The rides proceed through the north Marion County horse farms, past miles of wooden fences surrounding manicured pastures, many with prancing thoroughbreds who will occasionally race you along the fence. Early riders may catch a jockey working out the next triple crown winner on one of the practice race tracks along the route.

Near the end of the ride, you’ll pass through Paynes Prairie State Park, crossing over the prairie, a wild expanse that hosts wild buffalos and horses.

Bagels and muffins will be available at the start, and pizza at the finish. The century uses two loops south from Flemington, where we will have snacks and sandwiches available. (You can do a shorter 77/78 mile ride by leaving off one of the south loops.)

The Horse Farm Tours start in Flemington on CR 329 (Interstate 75 CR 318 exit). Registration will be open till 9 am. If you want to start with a group, we’ll send you off at 8:30 am. Otherwise, you can start whenever you wish.

With 23, 24, and 47 mile routes to choose from, there should be a distance to satisfy everyone in the family. The terrain that you will encounter as you wind through the horse farms is rolling. If you are from the coast, it will be a different challenge than just riding over the odd canal bridge. But many of you will want to make frequent stops to take in the scenery, and perhaps have a conversation with a horse.

Bagels and muffins will be available at the start, and hot dogs at the finish.

Back in the early 90’s all of our Horse Farm rides started in Gainesville. But we noticed that a significant group of riders would register, get in their cars, and drive twenty five miles into the ride, and only do the middle part. They were smart, because that is the most scenic part! Those riding shorter rides from Gainesville don’t see any horses. So several years ago we set up a registration table at the first rest stop, so now you don’t have to go to Gainesville at all if you are riding one of these leisurely tours!

There are two loops to choose from. Ride both to get the longer distance.

If you are in a rush, the 54 mile RUSH will get you out fast with the century pack (but few horses). This ride starts at the First Magnitude Brewery, with the Horse Farm Hundred, but just as you get to the horse farms it returns to Gainesville. The ride is designed for local Gainesville riders and others who want the experience of heading south in the large century pack, but don’t want to do the full century.

As with the century, there will be bagels and muffins available before the start, and pizza at the finish, along with the rest stop at the half way point.

Gravel enthusiasts have the opportunity to embark on a thrilling “Gravel Meander” with three distinct route options. Riders can choose between 33, 46, or 60-mile journeys, each offering a unique adventure across mixed surfaces. These routes feature unpaved roads shaded by majestic oak canopies, grassy trails, and low-volume paved country roads. As participants pedal through the picturesque “Horse Country,” they will pass through charming farms and historic small towns, encountering some challenging hills and breathtaking views of Orange Lake.

To ensure riders stay energized, there is one official rest stop available early in the ride. Additionally, cyclists can take a break and refuel at one of the excellent local restaurants in the historic town of Micanopy.

Please note that the gravel routes are not marked. Riders will need to rely on the RWGPS app for navigation to enjoy these scenic and exhilarating paths safely.