Join the St Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance as we celebrate the latest Loop completion with the DeBary Ribbon Cutting Ride. On January 21 at 11:00 AM Volusia County, the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails, and the city of DeBary will commemorate the completion of the section between Dirksen Dr and W Highbanks Road.

Riders will check in at Gemini Springs Volusia County Park at 9:30 and ride to the Ribbon Cutting ceremony on West Highbanks Road, then continue north on the Loop to Blue Spring State Park to view the manatees.  The guided ride ends at Blue Spring State Park. Riders may return to Gemini Springs or continue on their own to trail destinations or rest stops at commercial establishments along the trail like the Central 28 Beer Company.

The round trip distance between Gemini and Blue Spring is 20 miles, but riders may opt for longer trail rides that include Lake Beresford Park, DeBary Hall Trail Welcome Center, Lake Monroe Park, Sanford and other inviting destinations.

This ribbon cutting marks the third major trail completion in eight months. Completed sections at Gobblers Lodge and DeLeon Springs were celebrated in May. This new connection allows trail users to go from Lake Beresford Park in DeLand to Edgewater, Titusville, Sanford and beyond all on paved trail.  According to Maggie Ardito, President of the St Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance, “A multiday cycling tour that includes DeLand, Edgewater and Titusville would cover 152 miles on the River-to-Sea Loop,” she said. “That’s at least a 3-day excursion and there are options for more towns, water sports and other attractions to extend the adventure to a week or more.”

There is no charge, but advance registration is required and attendance is limited. Registration and information is available at River2SeaLoop.com or by email to info@river2sealoop.org.