ACTIVITIES and EVENTS
 

Sun 11/2 8:30am, Gainesville Hawthorne Trail Bike Ride: Cancelled due to weather, but will be rescheduled at a later date. Come join us for a fun filled day riding the beautiful bike trails in Gainesville. We will meet at the McDonald's on US 17 across from the Dog Track in Orange Park. The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail stretches 16 miles from the city of Gainesville through the Paynes Prairie Preserve and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. This is a paved bike trail with hills and curves. We will ride about 8 miles of the trail and back.  We will begin our ride at the Gainesville/Boulware Springs Trailhead end. This end has rolling hills, the most shaded part of the trail, sink holes to explore, overlooks and boardwalks where we can get off our bikes and explore so bring a lock for your bike if you can. We will stop on the way back to walk out on the La Chua trail and see the alligators and other wildlife. We will leave McDonalds at 8:40 AM for the trip to the trail head. It is approx. a 1.5 hour drive. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, water and snacks for the ride. We will stop for lunch after the ride. Leader: Paula S. (c) 904-588-2707 More Info.

Sun 11/2, 10:00am, Hike at Dutton Island Preserve: Come join us for a fun morning hike in the Jacksonville area. Dutton Island is part of a Jacksonville Preservation Project discovery series. We will meet at 10:00am in the parking lot on the right just before you reach the island. It has the Dutton Island sign. We will hike onto the island and around it, then back. This is an easy hike on the nature trail for some fresh air and exercise. Dutton Island Park and Preserve is a pristine salt marsh ecosystem that offers visitors exceptional wildlife viewing and awesome outdoor water opportunities. Enjoy the marsh observation viewing deck and the scenic nature trail where sites may include wading birds and a variety of native reptiles, along with palmettos and marshland habitat.  The park is located off Atlantic Blvd. Take Mayport road north to Dutton Island Rd, turn west to Dutton Drive on right. This is the entrance to the park.  Bring water and dress for the weather. We might decide to enjoy lunch nearby afterwards if there is an interest.  Leader:- Paula S. 904-588-2707.

Fri 11/4, 6:00pm, Jacksonville Beach Evening Walk:  Come out for an evening hike of about 5 miles . We will meet and start at the Jacksonville Lifeguard Center, next to Joe's Crab Shack. There is plenty of parking near Carrabba's or public beach parking along 1st Street going toward Mango's.. This walk should take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.  Afterwards, we'll stop at a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat.  Please change your RSVP to No if you're not going (even for last minute cancellations) so the group is not waiting for someone needlessly. Event leader: Victor Corrales 904-517-2321, call or text, corralesvictor6969 'at' gmail.com

Wed 11/5, 6:30pm, Sidetrackers Outdoor Club for Singles will host a Meet & Greet at Seven Bridges Restaurant: Now is your chance to find out what the Sidetrackers are about or get reacquainted with old friends you have shared an event with.  The outdoor heated patio is where we will gather to share stories and enjoy ourselves. Dinner and drinks are optional. The restaurant is located at Tinsel town by the movie theater. The address is 9735 Gate Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32246. See website for directions, menu and prices. http://www.7bridgesgrille.com.

Fri 11/7, 6:15pm, Riverside to The Landing Evening Walk: Enjoy an evening walk from the Riverside to The Landing. We will meet at Riverside Park near the corner of Post and Margaret Road.  Riverside Park United Methodist Church is nearby and parking will be in this area or parallel parking adjacent to Riverside Park. If you go down Margaret St. to Park St., there is parking along side Riverside Park.  We will all congregate by the statue in front of Riverside Church.  The walk will be close to 5.4 miles to The Landing and back.  Afterwards we will have a bite to eat in the area.  This will be a warm-up to a longer walk of about 6.6 miles for a later date and hopefully a few walks at the beaches or Theodore Roosevelt Park.  Call or text leader Vic Corrales 904-517-2321 email corralesvictor6969’at’gmail.com.

Fri-Sun 11/7-9, Paddling & optional camping at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach:  Come join us for the weekend or the day: We will meet at 2:00pm at the McDonalds on 11/7, Friday at Old St. Augustine Road off I-95. Carpooling can be arranged at that time. Please make sure everyone has the same return schedule. The Tomoka Park is on the Halifax River, in Ormond Beach. Trails lead under the large Live Oak trees that have stood the test of time; where early Native Americans once lived off the fish-filled lagoons.  Visit the park museum or go fishing off the dock. Bring your kayak or canoe to explore the river and marshland beauty. Canoes or kayaks can be rented at the Camp Ground Store for 2 hour at $25. The Store’s phone is 386-673-0022. November will be cool so dress accordingly. There are campfire rings at each site to use to warm the chilly nights. Campers are responsible for their own food. Saturday night we will have a joint cook out over the fire. Bring something you want grilled and something to share. Three sites are reserved with electricity and water. They will accommodate 24 people if tents are shared.  Two large tents are recommended for each site.  It could be stretched to 4 tents if two are small tents.  Priced at 4 people per site, the cost is $13.50 per person for two nights and all day Sunday. That cost can be split between shared tent occupants.  Check in begins at 3:00pm. Park gated closes at sunset. For those coming after dark, you can still gain entry. The Ranger Station will stay open until 8:00pm to assist you. Or, notify the Sidetrackers leaders when you get to the park and they can get you in.  Check-out is Sunday by 1:00 pm. We have to be off the site, but we can stay to enjoy the park.  If this event is full you can still join us. You may reserve a site of your own and we may find someone who would like to share your site and cost.  To make reservations go here.  FYI: Driving time is approximately 90 minutes. Directions: Take 95 South and exit toward Old Dixie Hwy and turn left. Old Dixie Hwy will lead you straight to the park. It will be on your left.  A second carpool can be arranged for 6:30 pm if requested. For those wanting to come for the day, park entry fee is $4 for one person per car and $5 per car for 2 to 5 people. Leader: Vicki A. at 904-923-2335 Contact her for questions and to make arrangements for your stay and if you need a loaner camping tent. Tomoka State Park is located at: 2099 N Beach St Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Tue 11/11, 6:00pm, Jacksonville Beach Evening Walk:  Come out for an evening hike of about 5 miles. We will meet and start at the Jacksonville Lifeguard Center, next to Joe's Crab Shack. There is plenty of parking near Carrabba's or public beach parking along 1st Street going toward Mango's. Please have your waiver completed and signed if you are not a paid Sidetrackers member so we can get the walk started as soon as possible. This walk should take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, afterwards we'll stop at a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat. Please make sure to RSVP that you're not going if it's a last minute cancellation so the group is not waiting for someone needlessly. Event leader Victor Corrales 904-5172321 call or text, corralesvictor6969 ‘at’ gmail.com, FL 32256.

Sat 11/15, 9:00am Mountain Biking at Tillie Fowler Park: Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, 7000 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville. Meet between 9:00 - 9:15 am at the first parking area inside the entrance. Intermediate ride on the off road trails begins at 9:30 am. The south end of the park contains a small network of off road bike trails varying from beginner to advanced skill levels.  The main loop is Whistling Kitty Chaser aka WKC, this is the beginner trail that is just over 1.5 miles.  Branching off of WKC are the more advanced trails. These trails contain features from rollers and berms to steep ladder bridges.  All of the bike trails are signed to indicate the required skill levels, please do not ride over your limits. Bring sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of water for the ride.  Helmets are required. Ride at own risk. Link to WKC Trail Map. For those interested, we will have lunch afterwards at Trent's Seafood. Leader: Steve D. 561.602.8613 ste_dor 'at' bellsouth.net

Sun 11/16, 9:30am, Historic Riverside and Riverwalk Bicycle Ride:  We will meet at the corner of Oak and King Streets in Riverside at 9:30 AM. There should be ample parking near the corner. Bicycle riders need to be experienced city riders as about a third of the ride will be on city streets.  This ride will have plenty of scenic water views as well as a ride through the historic Riverside neighborhood.  The outgoing ride will snake along the St. John’s River and include riding on Riverside Drive, going over and back the Acosta Bridge and a large section of the Riverwalk, up to the Maxwell House coffee facility. The return journey will be on the Riverwalk as well as a ride on Forbes, Myra and Gilmore Streets through Riverside.  The total distance will be about 10 miles. There is a limit of 20 people, so please sign-up ONLY if you are planning to attend. Please update your RSVP if your plans change. Bring sunscreen and water for the ride. There are plenty of restaurant choices on King Street for those interested in sharing a meal afterwards. Considering that we will be going over the Acosta Bridge and the rail overpass on the River Walk this ride is most suitable for road, hybrid or mountain bikes, sorry but beach cruisers won’t work on this ride. Riders are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet.  Leader: Tom L. 772-224-7822.

Fri 11/21, 6:15pm, Riverside to The Landing Evening Walk: Enjoy an evening walk from the Riverside to The Landing. We will meet at Riverside Park near the corner of Post and Margaret Road.  Riverside Park United Methodist Church is nearby and parking will be in this area or parallel parking adjacent to Riverside Park. If you go down Margaret St. to Park St., there is parking along side Riverside Park.  We will all congregate by the statue in front of Riverside Church.  The walk will be close to 5.4 miles to The Landing and back.  Afterwards we will have a bite to eat in the area.  This will be a warm-up to a longer walk of about 6.6 miles for a later date and hopefully a few walks at the beaches or Theodore Roosevelt Park.  Call or text leader Vic Corrales 904-517-2321 or email corralesvictor6969’at’gmail.com.

Sat 11/22, 11:00am, Horseback riding at the new Skunkie Acres:  We will meet at 9:00am at McDonalds on I-95 & Old St. Augustine Road (Bartrum Park).  We will leave at 9:30am on the dot, so arrive early if you plan on having breakfast.  Skunkie Acres has moved.  The new location is 237 N. Frances Street, Interlachen, FL. It is about a 1 hour drive from Jacksonville and close to Palatka.  The cost is $25.00 for 1 hour. We will ride for 1 hour down shaded trails on 28 acres.  Skunkie Acres is also an exotic animal rescue farm.  They have several rare and unusual animals we can see.  Because there is a limit of 15 riders, this event is open to Sidetrackers’ members first.  If 15 people do not sign-up, I will open it to everyone.  Leader: Julie (904) 424-1548.  For photos and information, visit their website:  http://www.skunkieacres.com.   

Wed 12/3, 6:30 PM, Monthly Meeting and Planning Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256               

Fri 12/5, 6:30 pm, St. Augustine Art Walk and Christmas Lights: Come join us for a fun evening in beautiful downtown St. Augustine.  This is the monthly first Friday event where you stroll from gallery to gallery viewing art - the art varies so that there is always some for everyone's taste. During Nights of Lights, St. Augustine glows with holiday magic - from the ground to the rooftops. Selected by National Geographic in 2011 & 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights feature millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city. It is the perfect way to officially start the Holiday Season. The walk is from 5 to 9; however, to accommodate most work schedules, we will meet at the entrance to the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King St. at 6:30 p.m. After the walk we may grab a bite to eat at a local eatery. Event Host: Kathy D. 908.433.5974. For more information regarding the monthly art walk and winery, see: http://www.staaa.org/  and http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/.

Fri 12/12, 7:30pm - 10:00pm, Zombie Hunt at Paintball Adventures: An outbreak of zombies has been reported near the airport in North Jacksonville! Join the Zombie Eradication Team at Paintball Adventures to contain the outbreak before it spreads to nearby areas in this live-action zombie hunt set in a post-apocalyptic town. This is an interactive shooting gallery featuring live (undead) zombies & reactive targets, static targets, lighting and sound effects.  This is a scare attraction so be ready for anything.  No paintballs are shot at you. Only the zombies are hit with paintballs that you shoot.  No contact with the zombies or other actors is allowed.  Shooting gallery time is about 15 minutes.  Hunters may shoot as much as they want, no time limit, but subject to lines.  All equipment is supplied. No outside gear or paintballs allowed.  Pass is good for same day use only.  Participate at your own risk. Cost is $12 ($25 value) for one admission with 100 paintballs or $22 ($50 value) for two admissions with 200 paintballs.  Purchase additional paint balls: $3 for 50 paintballs, $5 for 100 paintballs, and $20 for 500 paintballs. Monday 10-27-2014 is the last day you can buy the deal. PBAXSports is located inside the Pecan Park Flea & Farmers Market (614 Pecan Park Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218; 904-645-7127).  Parking is free, follow lighted signs. Links for additional information: www.paintballadventures.com; www.pbaxsports.com; www.facebook.com/PBAJax; Brian Held mailto:brian@paintballadventures.com  Leader: Laura 904.349.3785.

Sat and/or Sun 12/13 and/or 12/14, 10:00am Cumberland Island Hike and Tour/campout: Come out for a day of hiking or a state park tour of the island, Plum Orchard Mansion and/or spend the night camping at the Sea Campsite near the beach. Our meeting place will be Hardee's 675 Nautical Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32218, and Riverside Mall by I-95 near Jacksonville Intl Airport. We will meet at Hardees, please park your cars in the big parking lot across from Hardees as not to take up their customers parking for the day. All non-members please have waivers completed as to expedite our departure and check in to Historic Cumberland Island at St. Marys, Georgia. I will be camping overnight at Sea Camp so if you wish to join me make your reservation ASAP. These sites go quickly. All reservations for ferry, camping, park fee or private Plum Orchard tour are made at these phone numbers, 912 882-4335 or 877-860-6787, call early, noon or around 3pm, it's $20 for ferry, $5 for park fee, $4 for camping and there is a private tour of whole island, Plum Orchard tour limited to 20 folks on a bus tour of the whole island but you would have to go on the 9 am ferry meaning be up and on the Road by 7:30 am plus this would be on your own unless I can get a member or board member to take charge of the private tour. If you're not doing the private tour, plan on hiking north toward Sea Camp then to Beach then south toward ruins. We will stop at place to be determined along the way to eat a packed light lunch, so don't forget to bring something to eat. The ferry leaves at 11:45 am arrives on island by 12:30 then leaves at 4:45 pm back to St. Marys.  Any questions, call, txt or email, especially those who plan to camp and have secured your camping spot corralesvictor6969 ‘at’ gmail.com, 904-517-2321 (Vic)  for more information. Destination is 45-60 minute drive from Jacksonville.

Wed 12/17, 6:30pm, Sidetrackers Annual Christmas Party: Come join us in the covered patio at the Black Finn Restaurant, 4840 Big Island Dr. #05 (Town Center), to mix and mingle with friends. The Club will be providing appetizers. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately.  For more information on the location: http://blackfinnameripub.com/jacksonville.This Holiday Party is for dues paying members of SIDETRACKERS ONLY . Please RSVP by phone or email before Dec 11, to Kathy D. at 908.433.5974 or kathydrunner@yahoo.com. RSVPs are limited to 45.

Additional information about these activities and events may be announced at monthly meetings and on our Meetup.com/Sidetrackers trip reservation pages.

2014 Monthly Meeting Schedule.  Locations Will Be Announced.
MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first non-holiday Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
and the location may vary.  Subscribers to our Meetup.com group receive an automatic reminder message in their email two days before the meeting.

The Sidetrackers Newsletter
Our newsletter is maintained by Chris who can be reached by email at newsletter 'at' sidetrackers.com.
If you have any comments about the newsletter, or if you have material to submit for inclusion in the
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To Become a Sidetrackers Member
Members pay a small annual fee to help share the annual cost of maintaining this web site and the small costs of running the club.  Members are not required to submit a Guest Waiver Form at each Sidetrackers trip, activity or event.  Membership applications are accepted throughout the year.  Please visit our Membership page, or send questions and comments to membership 'at' sidetrackers.com.

The Sidetrackers Web Site
Our web site is maintained by Frank who can be reached by email at webmaster 'at' sidetrackers.com.  Please contact Frank if you have any corrections, photos, or other items of interest from any current activities. We will be pleased to consider your suggestions concerning the web site content.

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