The Editor’s Desk

Greenway Days

By Dean Blinkhorn dean@ocalasgoodlife.com

Two-wheeled fun: The group of us kicked out from the Santos Trailhead. The apex of the summer sun was still hours away as we zipped and twisted through the forest on the recently paved trail that winds through this particular canopy of oaks and pines, a beautiful latticework of intertwining trunks and leaves that is both magnificent and practical.

The beauty is obvious. One glance in any direction and you’re easily transported back to a time when Central Florida was a much different place. Sans the 12 gears and the ribbon of asphalt, it’s not hard to imagine that thousands of ancient visitors and creatures at one point probably felt the same thing.

The practicality is less obvious. That magnificent canopy acts as nature’s parasol on the hottest days and as a thermal blanket on the coldest ones. The result is that most of the Santos Trail’s 30 paved out-and-back miles are as comfortable as it gets while riding an ultralight road bike upwards of 20 mph on the flattest stretches.

On this particular day, we found our groove early, that sweet spot between exertion and cadence. Sometimes an occasional squirrel would dart past and an out-of-sight hawk would pierce the peacefulness while looking for a little breakfast, acting as subtle reminders that this wasn’t some indoor velodrome. We made good time, slowing at the crossings and pausing for a moment at the Land Bridge over I-75 for a quick gulp of Cytomax before cruising to its natural end—for now—near SR200 west of town. A short snack and a little conversation and we were back in the saddle for the return trip to our cars before heading home for a well-deserved lunch and a shower.

Two-footed fun: On another day, this one cooler and more casually paced, my friend JoAnn and I trekked out from the 49th Avenue Trailhead for an extended hike on a beautiful winter day. The skies were stark blue, clear, with only a few streaks of white chalk marking the expanse.

She’s an expert hiker, especially in this section of the Greenway, so I knew I was in good hands. We had light jackets, durable shoes, and plenty of water, so today’s plan was to go as far as our legs—and our schedules—would allow. I’d hiked with her before, but I could tell this was her special place because she pointed out objects and regaled me with stories like a veteran tour guide. Despite being tucked in and around the expanse of homes that is the northern edge of Marion Oaks, this section of the Greenway is unspoiled and quiet. While I often enjoy wearing earbuds for such walks, I didn’t today, mostly because JoAnn would certainly not approve. Instead, I let the ambient sounds serve as my playlist and we alternated between easy conversation and long silences, with neither ever feeling forced or awkward.

She rightfully explained the significance of the Greenway and the beauty of this gift to Ocala and the surrounding communities. It was hard to imagine that this could have been a barge canal in another lifetime. Our hike went by way too fast.

I know I’ll be back soon.

Everyone who knows me well is aware that I love music of all kinds, so...

What’s Dean Playing?

Elton John, “Jewel Box”—This massive box set from late 2021 is a treasure trove for completists. B-sides “A Little Peace,” “The Retreat,” and “Peter’s Song” are classic Elton John and deserved a better fate.

Charley Pride, “The Essential Charley Pride”—The smooth ‘70s country singer recently passed away from COVID-19. This compilation is an excellent compendium of his best-known hits, including “It’s Gonna Take A Little Bit Longer” and “”Kiss An Angel Good Morning,” his signature song.

Celeste, “Not Your Muse”—This UK singer’s debut is a wonderful mix of Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Billie Holiday. Her smoky vintage rasp simply glows on “Strange,” “Stop This Flame,” and “Love Is Back.”