October marks the start of a motorcycle season in the Sunshine State. With cooler temperatures and an end to the rainy season, Florida offers many scenic roads unknown to everyone but local residents. Suffice it to say the state is more than just Disney World, Miami, and I-4.
There's a great little ride that takes you along the eastern coast near Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach. If you've never seen the Atlantic in the fall, this would be a great ride. The coast quiets down drastically after the Labor Day holiday, allowing you to enjoy the area without having to fight summer crowds. And the weather is still warm enough to ride without a jacket.
Riding the Route
You can cover this route from north to south or vice versa. We've chosen to start in Deltona so that as we travel along the coast the ocean is to the right. You can start anywhere in Deltona; we have chosen Lakeshore Dr. at the intersection of Main St.
Travel east on Lakeshore; it becomes Enterprise Osteen Rd. after passing Green Springs Park. You will continue south and southeast until you reach Lake Bethel on your right-hand side. About halfway down the lake, the road forks off to the left; take that fork, passing Lake Hutchinson and Little Lake on the way. The road will end at Rt. 415.
Turn left on 415 and then make a quick right on Railroad Ave. Take Railroad Ave. to Oak St., turn left, and then turn right on Maytown Rd. This will take you all the way to the Turnbull Hammock conservation area. Once you cross Route 95, Maytown Rd. continues northward until making a sharp right turn; stay on it until you reach Beacon Light Rd., where you'll turn left. Make a left on Volco Rd., a right on Cow Creek Rd., a right on 442 and a left on to old Mission Rd.
The last leg of the journey requires you to veer left onto Mission Drive in New Smyrna Beach; it ends with a left-hand turn on to Enterprise Rd. (CR 4118). CR 4118 takes you to Rt. 44 and on into Deland.
This might sound complicated, but it's really not. Just look it up on a map before you head out. Once you visualize where you're going it's actually quite easy. As an aside, you can avoid all the turns between Turnbull Hammock and New Smyrna Beach by traveling up Rt. 1. You'll see that on the map when you look over the ride.
Scenery and Road Conditions
These weekly posts are about scenic bike routes, right? This run definitely qualifies as scenic. You will see Florida in a whole new light when you take this trip. Some of the roads are straight and flat, others have plenty of twists and turns. Along the way, you'll see everything from oak groves to cow pastures to palm-lined coastline. And you'll see it all in the brilliant Florida sunshine.
Road conditions are very good most of the way. If you run into any problems at all, it might be just a matter of gravel or debris around the area of Turnbull Hammock. Other than that, you should be free and clear.
Be sure to gas up before leaving Deltona, as there are only a few stations located along the 65-mile route. Also, be aware there aren't a whole lot of places to stop and eat until you get to new Smyrna Beach. Leaving at midmorning should put you in New Smyrna Beach about lunchtime.
Enjoy the ride!
