The Dirty Pecan is an annual gravel event which launches from Monticello, Florida. Most folks not from Florida don’t even know where Pensacola is and actually the size of Florida. It’s just over 3 hours to get to Monticello from Pepsi Cola. You can also see how close we are to Georgia. My friend Anne just got back from a ski trip in Georgia so I was anxious to see how big these mountains might be as our route takes us there.
I camped near the start at a University of Florida extension service area.
Love the old circa 1970’s work truck!
On site observatory!
I set up camp then had a nice dinner and prepped for tomorrow’s ride.
There were several route options for tomorrow and I selected the 80 mile route. I will be meeting up with my fellow Blackwater Gravel Grinders in the morning. Most of them are doing the 100 miler and I figured I would be dropped at some point in the ride and could cut off a few clicks since I will likely be solo. Notice the route quickly crosses into Georgia? You can’t see any ski mountains from this part of Florida. This ride is supposed to be very beautiful, can’t wait to check it out!
davefaitlemonde.com 