The Pedal/Paddle Route will test participants’ bike handling skills and endurance on trails through swamp land, sandy uplands and hills. Participants will face all of the challenges that North Florida riders have come to expect from Florida trails. Participants should be prepared for swamps, sand, and upstream paddling. Bail-out points will be available throughout the Pedal/Paddle route. Participants who want shorter ride and paddle options are encouraged to follow the family fun routes. Participants will ride trails and experience areas of the park and preserve only open to bicycling for this event.

Registration costs $35 per adult (age 18 and over), $65 per couple, $15 per youth (age 5 to 17), no charge if less than 5 years old. Registration fee includes: map, event t-shirt, sag stops at strategic locations and a post pedal paddle dinner and entertainment at the staging site. Proceeds from the event will support the Friends of O'Leno CSO's efforts to improve the trail system and establish a nature center at O'Leno. Proceeds will also benefit the High Springs Main Street Program and their bikeability projects.

Event Location: The main event location will be the River Rise Resort, just north of the Santa Fe River on the east side of U.S. 441. This beautiful 50-acre woodland site has a clear swimming lake and docks, shady RV and tent campground, various trails and two river access points. Event registration (on Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday morning), all ride and paddle starts, evening entertainment and post ride dinner will all occur at the resort.

Overnight Lodging: Camping (both RV and tent) is available on the event site. RV sites (including electric and water hook-ups are $20 per night with $5 extra if over 5 people in RV). On-site tent camping is primitive with only on-site shower and restroom, but the beautiful clear lake is available for swimming, cost $5 per night. Other local lodging options: (**click for other options**)

Equipment Needed: Canoe and Kayak Rentals: it is strongly recommended that all participants bring their own boats and personal flotation devices, as most local liveries will be taxed by the larger event going on during the same weekend. If you need to rent a boat, here are your local boat rental options: (**click for other options**)

All participants will be required to wear bicycle helmets while riding. Camelbacks or bicycle-mounted waterbottles are strongly recommended, as is insect repellent. A more complete list of equipment needed will be furnished upon completion of registration.

Event Activities: The full Pedal Paddle Challenge option will have a mass start at 8:30am on October 2nd at River Rise Resort. Participants will follow marked trails (approximately a 20 to 25 mile route) through O'Leno and River Rise State Preserve, which eventually loops back to the resort. The transition area from bike to boat will also be staged at the resort at the western-most river access. Secure parking areas for both bikes and boats will be organized and supervised at the transition area.

Family Fun Option: a shorter, less challenging route and paddle trip will be marked and available for family participation.

Evening Entertainment: Friday evening a movie and bonfire will be staged at the resort. Saturday evening will offer dinner, the awards drawing and live entertainment on the shore of the lake.

Saturday Afternoon: After all participants have returned from the main event, a series of afternoon activities include: tube race on the Santa Fe River (tubes provided free to registrants), a special canoe and kayak tour of the Santa Fe River downstream from the resort to explore springs and rises, and a turtle trek will be held by the local turtle biologist. In addition, River Fest activities will be ongoing in downtown High Springs.

*Deadline for registration is September 25, 2010. Entries must be received by this date or postmarked by September 22nd to guarantee the event t-shirt. A very limited number of day-of-event registrations will be accepted, the first 25 to register (no t-shirt guarantee).

*Cancellation – No refunds after September 25, 2010, as funds will be expended on event costs and services.

*The event will proceed rain or shine, except in the event of a hurricane. There will be no rain date.

*There are two ways to register for the Pedal & Padel Challenge. By mail or online.

By Mail: print registration form and complete. (**click to print application**) Mail the registration form and a check to: River Rise Pedal Paddle Challenge c/o Yellow Bellied Sliders Bicycling Society 2760 NE 80th AVe High Springs, FL. 32643

(Make check payable to the Yellow Bellied Sliders Bicycling Society, Inc.)

Online: Registration is available at Active.com (**click to go to Active.com**)