Adventure Series: Jennings State Forest (Part 1)

If you do not have a motorcycle capable of operating off road, take caution if you choose to attempt this ride.

Jennings State Forest is a little strange, but it is also one of my favorite places to ride. Looking at Jennings on a map, one notices how large it is and that there are two clear(ish) sections of trails within it. These sections are separated by Yellow Water Creek. Logic would say that they would still be connected by a small bridge or something, right? Wrong! The trails in the west side of Jennings are isolated from the east side. There's no easy way to get from one to the other even though the closest trails for each respective section are separated by what I estimate to be approximately less than 1,000 ft. Logistically speaking, creating a path that brings the two together would make a lot of sense even for the Forestry Service. There are trails that look like they would be good paths to get from one side to the other, but you'll get stopped by gates in the process and it can be rather frustrating since it prevents one from making a nice loop when trying to organize a ride.

But I digress. While the trail arrangement may be a little less than ideal, there's still plenty to be happy about with these areas. Since I've visited the west section of Jennings the most, I'll start with that as a Part 1.

Adventure bikes and street bikes can do most of West Jennings if you're careful!

The ride to the start of this track is really quite pleasant itself depending on which direction you choose to come from. There are some sections of 103rd Street and Normandy Blvd that may make one feel a little uneasy due to the local crowd being a bit rough around the edges, but things clear up five to ten minutes down the road where the trees take over. A left on to McClelland, then another on Long Branch will send you on your way to the entrance and info board for the forest. The pavement will have ended before getting to Long Branch, so make sure to stop and get your ride set up for dirt riding if you have that capability. Initially, the road is pretty well packed and graded with patches of gravel here and there, but it gives way to loose sand the closer you get to the entrance. Practice good technique on the way in so you don't end your fun before it even gets started.

Once you get to the sign, you have the option to continue going straight or hang a right through a gate that may or may not be open. Even though I've been past that gate more than a few times, I'm not even sure if you're really allowed to take vehicles back there, so we're just going to omit that section altogether for now. Going straight leads you deeper into the forest. It's very quiet back there and with any luck, you might be able to see deer or wild turkeys along the road. There have been a few times where it seems as though the turkeys would rather try to race me rather than fly away and it makes for a giggle inducing encounter. If you take the right indicated on the map to stay on Long Branch, you'll be in for an interesting trail that will eventually dead-end in rather sudden fashion. If you do decide to go that way and you think to yourself "things are getting tight. Should I turn around now?" you probably should.

This .GPX track will take you past that right and continue on past Nolan Ridge Baptist Church. The first time I saw this tiny place I thought it was rather peculiar with it being so off the beaten path. I've also seen enough scary movies to know to keep my distance. Not long after the church is a water crossing that can vary from shallow to somewhat deep depending on the amount of rain in the area. I'm not sure if it's the locals or the Forestry service, but someone keeps dumping gravel to fill it in, but it keeps coming back, thankfully. If you get muddy on the trails past it, it serves as an excellent bike wash on the way out. Keeping right at what can best be described as a roundabout tree will take you to some small primitive camp sites, a picnic area, and rudimentary facilities. We're going to keep left.

This is the main water crossing leading to the rest of the trails. It varies in depth but the crossing is easy.

Some trails are used less than others. Be prepared for varied terrain.

The road here varies from soft sand to gravel to clay. Depending on how soon you decide to visit after a rain will determine if you have great fun or a difficult time. Larger 4-wheeled vehicles can cut some pretty deep ruts (between 6 inches to a foot and a half plus the depth from road surface to the surface of the water) that can turn into small ponds that are always difficult to see the bottom of. Couple that with slick, muddy surfaces and you have yourself a time that could be considered less than boring. I've done these sections many times by myself and I wished I would have brought a friend along to help when I'm in a tight spot, but those are slim pickings these days.

Following the .GPX on the main track will take you to a yet another dead end (shocker) but there are some smaller trails that are marked as "Closed to Vehicles" but are still clearly being used. Use these at your own risk. I was in search of a pass through to the eastern section of Jennings at the time I made this track, so that's why I decided to take them. There aren't any, in case you're wondering.

Altogether, Jennings is a great place to ride and relax. The area is subject to controlled burns from time to time so it may be closed during particular times of the year. Wildlife is abundant, including bears. I haven't seen one out there yet, but make sure you have or are educated in the the necessary measures to deal with one should that situation arise. The picnic area and restrooms at the end of Long Branch are a nice perk that you don't usually find so I use them whenever I get the chance. Those picnic tables are pretty comfy for a quick nap.

Jennings State Forest (Part 2) will be pushed next week and cover the southern (and superior?) section.

Happy riding!

- For more information on Jennings State Forest, please visit this website.

- To download the .GPX file for this ride from dualsportmaps.com, click here.

NE FL ADV and Motorcycle Tours: What we're all about.

It started out as a simple idea created during a conversation with my wife while we were walking the dogs one evening.

We've been doing all of this exploring, mapping, and tracking of Jacksonville and it's surrounding areas and we usually prefer to eat at local establishments rather than big chain restaurants, so why not show people around in person but do it in a way that we love; on a motorcycle. Jacksonville goes by many monikers, but "The Bold New City of the South" is one that immediately comes to mind. It's growing faster than it can handle, but with that growth comes new and interesting thing. As with any city, there are things that you can get here that you can get anywhere else and it's vistas are just about as diverse as the people that live here. What we'd like to try and do is help make Jacksonville a city that people don't just pass through, but rather stay and explore.

This especially goes for the motorcycle scene. I can't tell you how often I see groups of riders from elsewhere just passing through town on their way south to Daytona or Orlando, all the while missing what Jacksonville has to offer. It can be more than a little upsetting because there is actually a lot to do here. You just have to know where to look.

So my wife and I took our idea and are now taking steps to make this into something that we both (and hopefully you, too) think can turn into something quite successful. It's going to take some work, but we hope to broaden the market when it comes to motorcycle tourism here in Jacksonville. So without further ado, I present to you Northeast Florida ADV and Motorcycle tours! Please take a moment to visit our website. Click, share, spread the word, and follow us on Instagram @nefl_adv_and_motorcycle_tours! Thanks!

THE BIG PICTURE

Northeast Florida Adventure and Motorcycle Tours is the first of its kind in the region. Our adventure tours showcase the beautiful forested areas of northeast Florida and our street tours highlight both the new and the old of Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Both types of tour include a food or coffee stop with an emphasis on local fare as Jacksonville is one of the fastest growing cities in the southeast and has much to offer. Tours are all inclusive (excluding fuel and alcohol purchases) so you can relax and let our guides show you the way to a good time.

HOW IT WORKS

First, you will need these items in order to go on one of our tours.

1. A valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
2. Proof of insurance (if applicable)
3. Your signed liability release waiver (this will be emailed to you)
4. Your motorcycle
5. Proper gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and pants. NO EXCEPTIONS!)

Choose the type of tour you would like, the date you would like to take it, and how many people will be in your party (6 motorcycles maximum). Please refer to the “Upcoming Tours” link to view availability.

Once we have this information, we take care of the rest! Before your tour, we will ask you what kind of food or drink you are in the mood for that day so our guides know where to take you. Depending on the size of the group we may call ahead to where you are going, so please refrain from changing your mind during your tour. Everywhere we go is excellent so no need to worry! All tours are led by guides that are Jacksonville natives and are well traveled in the areas you will be visiting. Guides will also be following pre-loaded GPS routes to make things easier (especially for the adventure rides) but since Jacksonville is a living, breathing city, a detour may be necessary here and there. Tours are all inclusive, just follow your guide and enjoy your time on your motorcycle!

OUR GOAL

Jacksonville is a very big place and we would like to try to expose you to just a small piece of what it has to offer. What better way to experience something like that than from behind the controls of a motorcycle! Adventure tours will highlight the dense, protected forest areas that pepper the area that make for some great off road riding suitable for all skill levels. The main idea of these rides is to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy it, not destroy it. Sustainability is key if more people are to enjoy these areas. Street rides will take you through some of the most scenic roads of Jacksonville and surrounding areas, giving you an idea of the diversity this great city has to offer. Since we are strong supporters of local fare, we will do our best to make sure you enjoy some of the best food and drink Jacksonville has to offer. With all that said, we mostly just want you to have fun!

We would greatly appreciate any an all help or feedback concerning our endeavor. If you're up for booking a trip, all tours are 50% off if you book before the end of March! Use the promo code GRANDOPENING at checkout.

Gear Reviews: Bell MX-9 Adventure Helmet

Since all my previous riding experiences were street based, I had no idea how important it would be to have a helmet suitable for taking things off road. The first time I did my first off road trek was shortly after I got my GS and I still had not purchased anything that was even remotely "adventure" oriented aside from the bike itself. The helmet was a Shoei RF1200, the gloves were gauntlet style, and my boots were some variation of a Dianese street boot. I had done some Googling and found some trails in Cary State Forest not too far from where I lived, so I donned all my street gear and off I went thinking I was going to be alright.

Being as wet behind the ears as I was, I had no idea what I was about to get in to. It had to be around August, which is right smack in the middle of one of Florida's rainy seasons, and it must have rained quite a bit a few days prior with the state of things. There were mud pits and water holes abound upon my arrival. But not to fear! I was on an adventure bike, right!? Many lessons were learned that day like "just because you have an adventure bike doesn't mean bomb into a water crossing when you really don't know how to do it yet" and "if you try to wear a RF1200 on an adventure ride into the woods in Florida in August, you just might suffocate and die." Don't get me wrong, the RF1200 is probably one of the best helmets I've ever had, but it's most certainly meant to be worn when you're moving at a good clip; not when your stopped trying to get your new-to-you heavy bike out of the mud and you have to keep the visor closed so your eyes don't get attacked by mosquitoes.

I met my wife for coffee afterwards and regaled her with the fun I did actually have, but I needed a new lid to better facilitate adventuring that wasn't going to break the bank. A little bit of research and a visit to good old Revzilla and I found the Bell MX-9 Adventure.

The MX-9 has been my adventure helmet for about 2 years now.

I was overwhelmed at first because I had never even though about looking for an adventure helmet and had no idea what to look for in one. The price point also had me on edge because the only real adventure helmets I had ever seen were either Shoei or Arai and I certainly didn't have the money to shell out for one of those. Luckily, the adventure market is booming and manufacturers are jumping all over it providing a multitude of options for buyers to choose from. 

So why the MX-9 Adventure?

I'll admit, one of the first things I was looking at was the price. At $200, there weren't many helmets that had decent reviews that could beat it. Coupled with my ZillaCash and an additional dark tinted visor, my bottom line at checkout was something like $230-$240. Compared to the hefty price tags of the Shoei and Arai lids, regardless of how bad I wanted one, the Bell was looking pretty attractive.

As far as fit and finish go, I chose this helmet because I tried on the regular MX-9 (not the adventure trim) at my local Cycle Gear and it fit my head like a glove. I would probably be considered long oval and large is usually the size that I go for. As far as the Cycle Gear guy was concerned, the adventure was exactly the same as the one I had on, it just had a visor. A lot of the reviews mentioned it and the salesperson confirmed it as well, but even with the visor on the adventure model, a decent set of goggles could be worn. White was one of the solid color options that kept my overall price down (I think the other was gray), but there were a few other liveries available that will add a few extra dollars if you choose to go with those.

When I got my Shoei, I was amazed at the increase in peripheral vision compared to my previous helmets. You can imagine my attitude toward experiencing the view from an adventure helmet. With the chin bar so far away from your face and a visor that can pretty much flip up and almost completely out of the way, the view port is massive. Ventilation wise, it's pretty open to the elements. The only vent that can actually close is the main chin bar vent, but I really only open that on the hottest of days or if I'm off road.

While it does check the boxes for most of my requirements, I did have to sacrifice some things for the sake of price. For starters this IS NOT a quiet helmet by any means. The shape is only so aerodynamic, even with the peak in the "low" position, so ear plugs are a must for longer rides. While the visor and visibility are huge, the top of the visor does not sit against the seal of the helmet, allowing water to drop into the helmet from your forehead. This leads to small pools of water collecting in the little pooches Bell had to implement at the bottom of the visor to correct for optics. In Florida this can be quite bothersome since it rains more often than not. There are other visor options out there, including one made for snowmobiles that equates to a non-removable PinLock system to prevent fogging. Something to consider if you live in northern climates.

There is room enough for a communications system if you have one. I was able to fit my dinosaur of a Sena SMH-5 system into the helmet in about 15 minutes, taking my time. My Sony ActionCam mounts fit well to, although my favorite helmet view is right on the peak. If you have any other dongles or accessories, I'm sure there's plenty of real estate on the MX-9 to add them. There's plenty of room for stickers, too so you can easily add horsepower to your ride with minimal effort.

Even though this helmet has served me very well over the past two years, I'm in the market for something a little higher tier. It's not that I don't like it anymore, but I'm looking for something a tad quieter, has a better seal on the visor, and perhaps has a modular element. Alas, the MX-9 has been wonderful up to this point and doesn't show any signs of giving in anytime soon. If you have the coin to splurge on an Arai, Shoei, or even a Schuberth, go right ahead. But if you're looking to get something entry level that can get the job done, the Bell MX-9 is my recommendation to you.

If you're interested in looking into the specs directly from Bell click here.