For Beginners
TMBA’s Essential Guide for Beginner Mountain Bikers!
Beginner mountain biking 101
No gear too low or speed too slow
- This ride is off-road – be sure your bike is suitable, and the tires have tread.
- Make sure the tires are inflated, chain is lubed, and bike is the appropriate size.
- You will ride with a group and be able to learn from others that have the same passion.
- The ride leader will guide the group and a sweep will make sure no one is “dropped” e.g., left behind!
- You will have fun, learn new trails, and meeting others that enjoy riding mountain bikes!
- The ride is open to all; however, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Riders understand that mountain biking comes with some risk – it isn’t a matter of “if” you fall, but “when,” no matter how experienced you are!
- Don’t ride beyond your ability. If you don’t feel confident about a section of trail, dismount your bike and walk past it.
- Knowing what your limits are is the best way to improve as a rider.
Ride Cancelations
Ride Calendar and Cancelations
Weekly beginner rides are on Sundays and rotate among the local trails. Check the TMBA Facebook page for upcoming ride events.
Where to meet/gather for rides
Fern Trail/Tom Brown
Where to go: Located on Weems Rd behind the National Guard Armory.
- Take Capitol Circle NE and turn onto Easter wood Drive like you’re going to Tom Brown Park (just south of the Capitol Circle/Mahan intersection).
- At the roundabout turn left onto Weems Rd and park on the road to the left just BEFORE the train tracks. This road is also named Weems Rd. but there is no street sign.
- Or you can park in the parking lot of the public safety building at roundabout and just ride down the hill.
Miccosukee Greenway
- Located where Edenfield Rd. ends at Miccosukee Rd.
Piney Z/Loblolly/Cadillac
Where to go: Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, 4900 Heritage Park Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311
- This is at the end of Heritage Park Blvd off of Conner Blvd
- Heading east on Park Ave, it turns into Conner Blvd after Capitol Circle NE
- Turn left into Heritage Park Blvd and go straight at the roundabout.
- The road will dead end into the park. We meet next to the bike skills area.
Apalachicola National Forest (ANF)
- Navigate to 1810 Rivers Road, Tallahassee, FL 32310 behind Freebird’s. ANF is directly across the street.
Forest Meadows Park, Lake Overstreet Trails
*bring $2.00 or pay online to ride in the state park
Where to go: 4732 North Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312
- Located north on Meridian Rd. park at Forest Meadows.
- Meet next to the tennis courts to the left of the building.
Piney Z/J.R. Alford Greenway
Where to go: Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, 4900 Heritage Park Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32311
- This is at the end of Heritage Park Blvd off of Conner Blvd
- Heading east on Park Ave, it turns into Conner Blvd after Capitol Circle NE
- Turn left into Heritage Park Blvd and go straight at the roundabout.
- The road will dead end into the park. We meet next to the bike skills area.
Munson Sandhills
Where to go: Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic State Trailhead, 5140 Woodville Hwy, Tallahassee, FL 32305
- Heading south on Monroe Street to Woodville Hwy.
- Large parking lot on the right after the Capital Circle intersection.