Rivs of Orange Blossom Gravel '25

[Brian Turner]

I had the pleasure of attending the Orange Blossom Gravel event (previously the "Orange Blossom Special") in Avon Park, FL this past weekend. I did the inaugural ride last year on my 26" Toyo Atlantis, and out of 50 riders mine was the only Rivendell in attendance.

I was happy to see several other Rivs there this year, and the participation expanded to more than x2 what it was last year. Here's a few samples:

This Roadini belongs to Steven, the creator and organizer of the event. I believe this was on a route-scouting mission for this year's event.

This well-equipped Ana purple Platy belonged to a fine fellow named Brian, whom I met and rode with for almost half the route I chose. Perhaps he's a member of this group?

Here's Andrew S. (of Party Size Cycling) and Miggy D. who did the 90 mi. route on Andrew's Hubbuh. These two cruised in after dark, and secured the coveted DFL spot. This photo was taken by Josh Bowser of Tampa, FL.

I brought my Crust Bombora this year, but here's a shot of my Atlantis from last year's ride (shortly before my rear XT derailleur got gunked up with peanut butter mud and broke).  I think it looks particularly striking against the Martian-like landscape of the gravel roads that criss-cross the orange groves in this area, and are a huge part of what draws folks to this event.

I heard there were possibly 2-3 more Rivs on this ride this year, but I did not get a chance to see them or meet the owners. If you were there this year, and I somehow missed you, please feel free to chime in!

Brian

Lexington KY

[Tim Burke]

Hey Brian,

I was down there too! Wish I had a chance to run into you. I caught a ride down with Andrew / Party Size from Philly and there were 3 rivs on our car - his hubbahubba, my sam, and Miggy's stripped and intentionally rusted Gus (he was on the rear of the tandem so this didn't see much action).  Apart from our crew, there are a few Rivs on your list that I didn't see and there are a few others that I did see that weren't on the list. 

I did 50 of the 90 miler on my Sam before picking up a stick coming out of the sandy single track section of Arbuckle and 86-ing my rear derailleur. I also rode most of it with my new pal Jim from Asheville, NC who rode it on their Apaloosa. 

I was able to ride Thursday-Saturday so I made the most of the trip, but was bummed I had to end my day early and miss out on Sunday. Great riding down there. I think I'm going to plan a tour in Florida for next winter. 

r

Tim in Philly.

@cleanupyouract

[Brian Turner]

Sorry I missed you at the ride, Tim! I was seeing photos of a double TT Sam in several Instagram posts… I assume that is yours?

I ended up doing the 36 mi route because an injury has kept me from my usual riding shape this past year. I stuck around the hotel until about 5pm, so I missed Andrew and Miggy rolling in after dark.

Brian
Lexington KY

[Josh C]

Cool pics, thanks for sharing Brian.