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10 MILE RIDE 🚴 20 MILE RIDE 🚴 30 MILE RIDE 🚴 35 MILE RIDE 🚴 50 MILE RIDE 🚴 PAVEMENT 🚴 GRAVEL 🚴

CroomFest MTB Rides

Florida's Ultimate Weekend of Cycling Adventure Starts Here

Whether you're chasing technical singletrack, scenic pavement miles, or an unforgettable gravel adventure, CroomFest offers a ride for every type of cyclist. Explore one of Florida's most iconic trail systems, enjoy fully supported routes, connect with fellow riders, and celebrate an incredible weekend outdoors.

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Why Ride CroomFest?

Challenge yourself on the trails, ride through breathtaking landscapes, connect with fellow riders,
and experience everything that makes CroomFest one of Florida's favorite cycling events

Riders Benefits

Epic Trails

Ride one of the Southeast's largest and most challenging mountain bike trail systems.

Riders Benefits

Beautiful Tampa, Florida

Exclusive access to forests, rolling terrain, gravel roads and hidden gems

Riders Benefits

Fully Supported

SAG stops, volunteers, ride support and Celebration Station waiting at the finish.

Riders Benefits

Community

Ride with hundreds of cyclists who share your passion for adventure.

Riders Benefits

Ride, Eat, Celebrate

Meals, beverages, swag and a welcoming mountain biking community.

Riders Benefits

5-Day Weekend Experience

Camping, yoga, vendors, music, food and more.

Choose Your RIDING Adventure

Three unforgettable riding experiences. One incredible weekend.

From beginner-friendly routes to epic endurance adventures, discover the ride that fits your goals, your bike, and your sense of adventure.

OFF-ROAD EPIC RIDE

PAVEMENT SCENIC RIDE

35 or 50 Miles of Florida's Best Singletrack. Conquer the Trails That Define Croom. For riders seeking technical trails, climbs, and unforgettable challenge!

Ride Highlights

Saturday Event

⚡Difficulty⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

✅Distance Options: 35 or 50 Miles

✅Terrain: Off-Road

⚡Challenging climbs

⚡Fast Descents

✅ SAG Stops

✅ For Mountain bikes

 

Is This Ride Right for You?

The Challenger Personality

For riders who love singletrack, challenging terrain changes,

and the feeling of earning every mile.

☑️ Technical mountain biking

☑️ Long-distance endurance rides

☑️ Climbs and flowing descents

☑️ Pushing personal limits

☑️ Exploring beyond the road

👉 View Ride Details

Hosted by Bike Florida

Ride the beautiful Withlacoochee State Trail with experienced guides, scenic miles, and endless views! 

 

Ride Highlights

Saturday Event

⚡Difficulty⭐⭐⭐☆☆

✅Distance Options: 20, 35, or 50 Miles

✅Terrain: Pavement

🌳 Beautiful Withlacoochee State Trail

​📍 GPS navigation available

✅ SAG Stops

✅ For Road bikes

Is This Ride Right for You?

The Explorer Personality

Relaxed, scenic, and social. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and riding with friends at your own pace.

 

☑️ Road cyclists

​☑️ Recreational riders

☑️ New CroomFest participants

☑️ Riders who enjoy social group rides

☑️ Scenic Florida cycling

​👉 View Ride Details

GRAVEL EPIC RIDE

The Gravel Epic isn't just another ride. 

It's a journey through Florida's hidden history, and forgotten landscapes like Iron Bridge, Nobleton & Ridge Manor.


Ride Highlights

Sunday Event

⚡Difficulty⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

✅ Distance: Approximately 50 Miles

✅ Terrain: 70% Gravel & Unpaved.

⚡Challenging climbs: 1,500 ft. 

✅ SAG Stops

✅ For Gravel and/or Cross-Country Mountain Bikes

Is This Ride Right for You?​

The Adventurer Personality

Equal parts endurance, exploration, and history, designed for those who love discovering what's beyond the pavement.

☑️ Adventure seekers

☑️ Gravel enthusiasts

☑️ Riders who enjoy history

☑️ Scenic long-distance rides

☑️ Exploring beyond the trail

👉 View Ride Details

DON'T MISS A RIDE!

Two days. Two unforgettable rides. One incredible value.

Why choose just one adventure? Experience the best of CroomFest with our Weekend Package, combining Saturday's Epic Off-Road Ride with Sunday's unforgettable Gravel Ride. Enjoy two incredible days of riding, exclusive rider perks, and even greater value—all in one registration.

Saturday 35/50 + Sunday 50-mile Gravel Weekend Package

Members $85.00 Non-Members $110.00

Saturday 35 / 50 Mile Off-Road Ride

Saturday Full Nutrition: Breakfast, Lunch & Beverage Tickets

⭐Swag

⭐4 SAGS (Off-Road)

 

Sunday 50 Mile Gravel Epic Ride

Sunday: Lunch & Beverage Tickets

ℹ️ T-Shirts and hats sold separately ($25 each)

ℹ️Wristbands must be worn at all times

ℹ️ All riders must check back in after their ride

❌ Camping not included

When Registering, make sure you select The Weekend Package

NOT A MEMBER YET?

Become a SWAMP MEMBER Today!

Be part of something bigger than the ride. Be part of a family of passionate riders, and enjoy exclusive discounts on Swamp & CroomFest Merch, and events! 

THE CHALLENGER RIDER

Off-Road Epic Ride: 35 or 50 Miles of Florida's Best Singletrack

Conquer the Trails That Define Croom

The Croom Trail System is considered one of the most extensive and technically diverse mountain biking destinations in the Southeast in the premier annual SAG supported SWAMP MTB CroomFest 35/50 event!

 

Winding through Florida's rolling sandhills and pine forests, these trails combine fast-flowing singletrack, punchy climbs, technical features, sweeping descents, and enough variety to challenge riders of every skill level. Unlike many Florida trails, Croom rewards both endurance and bike handling. Every mile presents something new—tight turns beneath towering pines, exhilarating downhill sections, rocky technical features, and climbs that make every descent feel earned.

 

This isn't a race. It's your adventure. Enjoy the challenge of the 35-mile route, push yourself to conquer the full 50 miles, or take advantage of bailout options if you'd rather shorten your day. However you ride, you'll be surrounded by an incredible community of mountain bikers cheering each other on from start to finish. And when you've conquered the course, your reward awaits at the Celebration Station—cold drinks, swag bag, congratulations, and the satisfaction of completing one of Florida's signature mountain biking experiences!

When Registering, make sure you select The 35 or 50 Mile Off-Road Ride

Price & Inclusions

Members $65

⭐ Breakfast

⭐ Lunch & Beverage tickets

Swag

⭐ 4 SAG stops

 

Non-Members $75

✅ Breakfast

✅ Lunch & Beverage tickets

✅ 4 SAG stops

 

ℹ️ T-Shirts and hats sold separately ($25 each)

ℹ️Wristbands must be worn at all times

ℹ️ All riders must check back in after their ride

Camping not included

Event Schedule

📅 Friday Registration: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

📅 Saturday Pre-Ride Check-In: 7:00 am - 10:00 am (Pick up wristband).

📅 Saturday Breakfast: 7:00 am - 10:00 am

📅 Opening ceremony: 8:00 am

📅 Rider’s meeting: 8:15 am

📅 Roll-Out: 8:30 AM

​🚨Leave by 9:30AM or no guarantee for sag stops.

📅 After-Ride Safety Check: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm  (Pick up swag, lunch & beverage tickets, and shirt or cooler if purchased). All riders need to check back in.

ℹ️️Meet at the stage all Saturday events

ℹ️️Epic riders will receive wristbands & bike numbers at Check-In and will need to check back in after the ride to collect swag bags, food & beer tickets, and t-shirt. 

ℹ️️All rides begin and end at Silver Lake Campgrounds.

Rider's Checklist

 Helmet

✅ Bike inspected

✅ Tail light (Gravel)

✅ Download Trailforks

✅ GPX Route

✅ Wristband

✅ Hydration

✅ Sunscreen

✅ Flat repair kit

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THE EXPLORER RIDER

Saturday Pavement Adventure.
Scenic Miles. Great Company. Endless Views.

Not Every Adventure Happens on Dirt

If smooth pavement, beautiful scenery, and a social pace are more your style, the CroomFest Pavement Ride offers an unforgettable day on the Withlacoochee State Trail, one of Florida's most scenic paved cycling routes.

Hosted in partnership with Bike Florida, this guided ride begins at Silver Lake Campgrounds before heading north toward Inverness through peaceful forests, open landscapes, and charming Florida countryside.

Choose between 20, 35, or 50 miles, making this ride perfect for cyclists of varying abilities.

Experienced Bike Florida ride leaders will guide the group, while Halfway Point Rest Stops, clearly marked intersections, and GPS navigation make following the course simple and stress-free.

Whether you're chasing a personal milestone or simply enjoying the scenery with friends, this ride is about appreciating the journey just as much as the destination.

When Registering, make sure you select The 20,35 or 50 Mile Pavement Ride

Price & Inclusions

Members $70

⭐ Breakfast

⭐ Lunch & Beverage tickets

Swag

⭐ 3 SAG stops

 

Non-Members $75

❌ Not Available

 

ℹ️ T-Shirts and hats sold separately ($25 each)

ℹ️Wristbands must be worn at all times

ℹ️ All riders must check back in after their ride

Camping not included

Event Schedule

📅 Friday Registration: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

📅 Saturday Pre-ride Check-In: 7:00-10:00 am  (Pick up wristband).

📅 Roll-Out: 8:30 AM

​🚨Leave by 9:30AM or no guarantee for sag stops.

📅 Saturday Breakfast: 7:00 am - 10:00 am

📅 Opening ceremony: 8:00 am

📅 Rider’s meeting: 8:15 am

📅 After-Ride Safety Check: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm  (Pick up swag, lunch & beverage tickets, and shirt or cooler if purchased). All riders need to check back in.

ℹ️️Meet at the stage all Saturday events.

ℹ️️Epic riders will receive wristbands & bike numbers at Check-In and will need to check back in after the ride to collect swag bags, food & beer tickets, and t-shirt. 

ℹ️️All rides begin and end at Silver Lake Campgrounds.

Rider's Checklist

 Helmet

✅ Bike inspected

✅ Tail light (Gravel)

✅ Download Trailforks

✅ GPX Route

✅ Wristband

✅ Hydration

✅ Sunscreen

✅ Flat repair kit

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THE ADVENTURER RIDER

A 50-Mile Gravel journey through Florida's forgotten landscapes.

Not Every Adventure Happens on Dirt

Beginning at Silver Lake, this guided adventure follows approximately 50 miles of mixed terrain, weaving together gravel roads, forest trails, quiet country roads, paved bike paths, and sections of singletrack into one unforgettable experience.

Roughly 70% of the course is unpaved, creating a ride that constantly changes beneath your tires while revealing places most visitors never get to see.

But what truly makes this ride special is its history. Long before Croom became one of Florida's premier riding destinations, it was a thriving railroad and agricultural community. As you pedal through the forests and countryside, you'll pass the historic Iron Bridge, travel through Nobleton and Ridge Manor, and explore landscapes once connected by the railroads, sawmills, phosphate mines, and ferries that shaped this region.

It's equal parts cycling adventure and living history.

With approximately 1,500 feet of elevation gain, this guided ride offers enough climbing and variety to satisfy experienced cyclists while maintaining a welcoming pace with scheduled regrouping stops.

Bring your sense of adventure—you'll leave with stories worth telling.

Ride guide, Rob DeGraaf began biking Croom 30 years ago and is a Senior Environmental Scientist and past Author of Fat Tire Favorites, Guide to West-Central and South Florida Off-Road Bicycling books, and a past director of the Florida Off-Road Bicycling Association (FORBA).  

When Registering, make sure you select The 50-Mile Epic Gravel

Price & Inclusions

Members $50

⭐ Breakfast

⭐ Lunch & Beverage tickets

Swag

⭐ 3 SAG stops

 

Non-Members $65

✅ Breakfast

✅ Lunch & Beverage tickets

✅ 3 SAG stops

 

ℹ️ T-Shirts and hats sold separately ($25 each)

ℹ️Wristbands must be worn at all times

ℹ️ All riders must check back in after their ride

Camping, Event T-Shirts, or Soft Side Cooler are not included (must order separately).

Event Schedule

📅 Friday Registration: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

📅 Saturday Pre-ride Check-In: 7:00-10:00 am  (Pick up wristband).

📅 Roll-Out: 8:30 AM

​🚨Leave by 9:30AM or no guarantee for sag stops.

📅 Saturday Breakfast: 7:00 am - 10:00 am

📅 Opening ceremony: 8:00 am

📅 Rider’s meeting: 8:15 am

📅 After-Ride Safety Check: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm  (Pick up swag, lunch & beverage tickets, and shirt or cooler if purchased). All riders need to check back in.

ℹ️️Meet at the stage all Saturday events.

ℹ️️Epic riders will receive wristbands & bike numbers at Check-In and will need to check back in after the ride to collect swag bags, food & beer tickets, and t-shirt. 

ℹ️️All rides begin and end at Silver Lake Campgrounds.

Rider's Checklist

 Helmet

✅ Bike inspected

✅ Tail light (Gravel)

✅ Download Trailforks

✅ GPX Route

✅ Wristband

✅ Hydration

✅ Sunscreen

✅ Flat repair kit

✅ Snacks/Lunch

✅ Sunscreen

✅ Bug Spray

Riders should be self-supported and accustomed to long rides in remote areas.

Facilities are at the Spring Lake trailhead, and retail stores (bathrooms/ drinks/ food) at mile 24 & mile 33. 

BEFORE YOUR RIDE

Plan ahead so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the weekend.
New to CroomFest?

We encourage you to explore this guide before arriving. Whether you're joining us for a ride, camping for the weekend, volunteering, or simply enjoying the festivities, taking a few minutes to review the information ahead of time will help you make the most of your CroomFest experience.

Event
Overview

Welcome to Croomfest!

CroomFest is a five-day celebration of Nature and Sports, with activities such as Mountain Biking, Paddling, Yoga, Vendor's Town, Camping, Live Music, and community sharing.

 

Whether you're riding, camping, volunteering, visiting for the day, or supporting the event as a vendor or sponsor, we're excited to have you join us.

👉 Participate

👉 Volunteer

👉 Sponsor

👉 Exhibit

Event Dates & Location

CroomFest Festival Place & Time

📅 Event Dates

February 4-8, 2027

📍Event Location

Silver Lake Campgrounds, 31475 SILVER LAKE ROAD, BROOKSVILLE FLORIDA 34602. 

🚨Limited Cell Coverage

Cell service throughout the Day Use Area can be unreliable. Please download maps and important information before arriving.

If you're riding, we strongly recommend downloading Trailforks and any GPX files in advance.

In case of emergency, contact

James West (352) 843-1732, or

Pat Sanchez (813) 598-5709.

​👉 Strava Maps

​👉 Download Venue Map (GPX File)

​👉 Download Venue Map (JPEG File)

​👉 Download Trailforks App

Check Before
you Travel

Use as your Checklist

Before You Hit the Road

Please take a few minutes to prepare before arriving.

✅️ Review the Festival Schedule

✅️ Download Trailforks

✅️ Download GPX files (for MTB riders)

✅️ Complete required waivers (check below)

✅️ Reserve camping (if applicable)

✅️ Check your registration confirmation

 

What should you Bring?

✅️ If you need to layer your clothing, please pack a marked bag to leave at sag stop. You can pick up at registration per your return.

✅️ Wristbands must be worn at all times (Given at Check-In)

✅️ Cash for merchandise & Other Non-included activities

✅️ Suitable Gear for your sport / activity

✅️ Repair kit (riders)

✅️ Flashlight (campers)

✅️ Yoga Mat (for yoga participants)

✅️ Life jacket & Wistle (paddlers)

✅️ Water shoes (optional for paddlers)

Registration & Check-In

Know Your Check-In Time

Registration Hours

Thursday: 2:00-5:30 pm | Early campers

Friday: 12:00-5:30 pm | Campers & vendors

Saturday: 7:00 -10:00 am | Day-only events

Sunday: 7:00 am - 8:30 am | Day-only events


Registration is available throughout the weekend depending on your arrival day.

✅️ Once give your wristband, it must be worn at all times (Given at Check-In).

👉 View Full Registration Schedule

Parking: Visitors & Campers

Where can I park?

​Parking Information

✅️ Follow the parking pattern to the Day Use area, and park next to the last car on the right side of the road only. Do not park on the left.

 

✅️ If more than 2 vehicles are parked on a site, please do not obstruct traffic flow or safety. Do not obstruct the ability of parked cars to move.

Day Visitors

✅️ Parking attendants will direct traffic, and guide you between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on Saturday.

Campers

⚠️ If you are driving to the day use area from Cypress Glen or Crooked River, please find parking in Silver Lake campground. DO NOT park outside in the general area of the day use area.

​⚠️ Please note that Crooked River offers wilderness camping only, without RV access.

​⚠️ RV spots are limited, and demand for campsites is high.  

Campers'
Information

Welcome to Croomfest!

​All activities start and end at the Silver Lake Day Use area.

Check-in Hours 

Thursday 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Friday 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Check-out Hours​

Monday by 11:00 am

Campground rules

✅️ Gate code will be sent to all campers closer to the event.

✅️ Must have wristbands for Friday dinner.

✅️ Do not obstruct vehicle traffic flow.

✅️ Tent sites in Crooked River are festival camping.

⚠️ RV sites will not have tents on them unless otherwise arranged.

⚠️ Campfires are banned (2026 fire ban) unless they are gas. 

⚠️ Please dispose of your own trash and leave your campsite clean. 

⚠️ Animals must be kept on a lease at all times.  

👉 Familiarize yourself with the Florida Forestry campground rules

Please Contact

Pat Sanchez

Phone: (813) 598-5709

Email: pat.sanchez@swampmtbclub.com

to make arrangements.

Weather & Refund Policy

CroomFest is Rain or Shine Event

CroomFest is held rain or shine

Refunds are not available due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No refunds for any reason.

✅️ Please dress appropriately for changing weather conditions.

Riders

✅️ Should you find that you need to layer your clothing for any reason, please pack a marked bag to put them in if you will be leaving them at a sag stop. You can pick them up at registration when you get back to Silver Lake.

Required
Waivers

Help us keep everyone safe.

Complete Your Event Waivers Before You Arrive to CroomFest

To help speed up check-in and ensure everyone has a safe experience, all participants must complete the appropriate waiver(s) before taking part in rides or event activities.

Depending on your participation, you may need one or more of the following:

👉 General Participant Waiver

👉 Minor Waiver

👉 Pet Waiver

Completing your waiver before arriving will help make your registration experience quick and easy.

Information
to Read & Keep

Download before Arrival

Download these resources before arriving, as cell service around the event may be limited.

​👉  Trailforks App 

✅️  Trailforks App is also helpful when navigating Croom. 

✅️  Review and know how to use it prior to hitting the trails.

✅️  The courses are well marked with arrows for you to follow. 

⚠️ It will be helpful if you get lost or need to tell someone where you are located if you are unable to move.

​👉 Strava Maps

​👉 Download Venue Map (GPX File)

​👉 Download Venue Map (JPEG File)

​👉 Download Trailforks App

✅️  You can load the GPX into Trailforks or other mapping apps.

✅️  We would love for you to share your pictures & videos of CroomFest with us!

👉  Please share here

(Vertical videos only!)

⚠️Remember to check and sign required waivers (Please verify if any applies).

Emergency Contacts

Please keep these in hand always

In case of Emergency Please Contact

 

General Questions

Pat Sanchez

👉 Phone: (813) 598-5709

👉 Email: pat.sanchez@swampmtbclub.com

Emergency During Event

James West

👉 Phone: (352) 843-1732

Vendor Village Questions

Jason Robbins

👉 Email:  jrmrtr03@yahoo.com

​You may contact Jason with any questions in advance as needed.

Kayak Rentals

Make your own rental arrangements.

Amos (River Rats contact)

👉 Phone: (513) 967-7192

SAG STOPS

You can contact sag stops for assistance. 

⚠️ Please save these numbers in your phone for assistance: 

 

🛑 Sag 1: (813) 240 - 5475

🛑 Sag 2:(352) 428 - 8474

🛑 Sag 3:(352) 598 - 3154

⚠️ Cell coverage in the day use area is very limited. 

Emergency Protocol

Please keep these in hand always

✅️  Have personal emergency plans in place, and save all CroomFest Emergency Contacts on your phone before the event.

✅️  For medical emergencies, call 911.

Trailforks

👉 Download and be familiar with Trailforks App.

✅️ Learn how to use it.

✅️  Be familiar with how to instruct someone to track you via Trailforks App, should it be necessary. Know where you are if possible. 

✅️ This app will help 911 locate someone in distress. Trailforks has a GPS pin feature that can be used to get a person's last/long location. 

Withlacoochee Forestry Center Dispatch. 

✅️ This connects you directly to the regional office that handles forest ranger deployment

👉 Phone: (352) 797-4100

OUR SPONSORS

We are grateful to the businesses and organizations that help make CroomFest possible.

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