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Biking Scenic Florida Byways: Nature, History and Heritage

Program Number: 20735RJ
Start and End Dates:
1/20/2013 - 1/25/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: DeLand, Florida
Price starting at: $799.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Bicycling Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Come see why the Florida Bicycle Association chose DeLand as its new state headquarters as you ride along the city’s scenic trails and through surrounding small towns steeped in history. Meet local historians, professors and political officials to get a comprehensive view of local history and a myriad of ways to access it via bicycle. Ride to Blue Springs State Park, follow the Ormond Scenic Loop through Tomoka State Park and along the Atlantic Ocean, bike through DeLand’s mural and sculpture walks and much more.




Highlights

• Meet a local government official to discuss bicycle trail development and study the physiology of the cyclist with an exercise and physiology professor.
• Get a taste of life in rural Florida in the bygone days of the late 19th and early 20th centuries at the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts.
• Encounter the flora and fauna of a flourishing but fragile river ecosystem during a study cruise on the St. Johns River.



Activity Particulars

Bike 25-30 miles, 4-6 hours per day at speed of 7-8 miles per hour on paved country roads. Group bicycling with pacesetter.




Date Specific Information

1-20-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Stetson University.




DeLand

DeLand is within easy reach of Disney World, the Daytona International Speedway, Sea World and Universal Studios. The town itself, known as the “Athens of Florida,” is surrounded by spring-fed lakes and acres of orange groves. The nearby Blue Spring State Park is home to manatees.
Accommodations
Inn across the street from Stetson University. Meals in university cafeteria.
Meals and Lodgings
   University Inn
  Deland, FL 5 nights
 University Inn
Type: Motel
  Description: Located across the street from the university.
  Contact info: 644 N. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, FL 32720 USA
phone: 386-734-5711
web: www.universityinndeland.com
  Room amenities: Coffee maker, microwave, fridge.
  Facility amenities: Pool, fitness room, free local calls.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $59-89. Ask for Road Scholar rate.
  Check in time: 3:30 PM
  Additional nights after: $59-89. Ask for Road Scholar rate.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 PM You will be staying at University Inn that night.
  End of Program:
1:00 PM You will be staying at University Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Please have all health information turned in before the start of the program
  Parking availability:
Parking available at hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Deland, FL
  Nearest city or town:  Orlando and Daytona Beach
  Nearest highway: Highway 17/92., I-4, and I-95
  Nearest airport:  Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) and Orlando Int'l (MCO)
  From End of Program
  Location: Deland, FL
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

University Inn - DeLand

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
American Taxi
phone: 386-255-0000

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$45.00 1-4 passengers
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

www.americantaxidaytona.com This price is from the Daytona Beach International Airport ONLY! All prices are subject to change without notice. Other options may be available. You are responsible for all travel arrangements.
 

University Inn - DeLand

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
DeLand Express
phone: 386-747-6579

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

1-2 persons $45 from Daytona Beach International Airport
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

25 mins 
 

Distance:

 

25 miles
   

www.delandexpress.com This is from the Daytona Beach International Airport ONLY All prices are subject to change without notice. Other options may be available. You are responsible for all travel arrangements.
 

University Inn - DeLand

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
DeLand Taxi
phone: 386-734-8484

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

varies
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

20 miles
   

Use DeLand taxi in association with DOTS Transportation. All prices are subject to change without notice. Other options may be available. You are responsible for all travel arrangements.
 
Driving Directions
  To DeLand From Orlando/Tampa (Interstate 4, eastbound) -- Take the first DeLand exit (Exit 114) and turn left on State Road 472. Travel approximately three miles and veer right onto Highway 17/92, which later becomes Woodland Boulevard. Travel through downtown DeLand (5 miles) and you'll see the university's main gates at East Minnesota Avenue. From Jacksonville (Interstate 95, southbound) -- Take the International Speedway Boulevard (U.S. 92) exit (Exit 261B) and head west approximately 20 miles into DeLand. Turn left at 17/92 (Woodland Boulevard). Travel south through two traffic lights before entering the Stetson campus area at the main gates at East Minnesota Avenue. From Miami (Interstate 95, northbound) -- Take Exit 249 and head west on State Road 44 approximately 20 miles into DeLand. S.R. 44 will become New York Avenue as you approach DeLand. Turn right on Amelia Avenue and the Stetson campus area will begin after the traffic light. Turn left onto East Michigan Avenue and right at Woodland Boulevard. The main gates will be at East Minnesota Avenue. From Ocala (I-75) -- Take Exit 358 and head east on State Road 326. Travel approximately 15 miles and turn left on State Road 40. Travel approximately 45 miles and turn right on U.S. Highway 17. Travel about 15 miles into DeLand. U.S. 17 will become Woodland Boulevard as you approach the university. You'll arrive at the Stetson campus area when you see the brick entry at East Minnesota Avenue.
Equipment Requirements: Road Style Bicycle, Helmet, Proper Biking Attire
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Hotel Check-In, Program Registration and Orientation
(Sunday, January 20)
   
 Arrive To: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Available from 3:30pm.
 Afternoon: PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to meet the hosts and members of the staff.

Once everyone has arrived, we will embark on a pleasant campus walk to become familiar with the facilities.

 Dinner: Enjoy an opening dinner in a private dining area with fellow biking enthusiasts. While most meals will give you the opportunity interact with the university student population, our first meal together is in a more intimate setting to allow you to get to know other members of the group.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: You will receive your program packet containing your name tag, the up-to-date daily schedule, and other information such as free time opportunities. We will review the schedule thoroughly, highlighting departure times, trip details, and locations of presentations, as well as covering responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. (If you arrive late, please pick up your packet at the hotel front desk.)

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding!

Following orientation, enjoy an entertaining get-acquainted session to learn more about your fellow participants. The remainder of the evening is your time to finish settling in and relax before beginning a week of biking along picturesque trails.
   
Accommodations: University Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Professional Bike Fitting, Safety Orientation, Bike Through Historic Downtown DeLand
(Monday, January 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Stetson Commons is available from 7:00am. Enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold breakfast selections, including made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, and more.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Bike Evaluations & Safety Orientation. Staff of the Florida Bicycle Association will provide an expert evaluation of the fit of each rider's bicycle, followed by a safety orientation session centered around the roadways and trails that will be used throughout the week. The Group Leader will also cover rules of the road/trail and guidelines for biking in a group.

Founded in 1997 as a non-profit educational organization, the Florida Bicycle Association inspires and supports people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-being through bicycling. The FBA envisions a state where people of all ages see bicycling as an enjoyable, practical, and safe recreational activity and transportation option.

 Lunch: Lunch in the Stetson Commons. Choose from a wide variety of entrees and sides; main entrée selections change daily. You may also select items from the grill area, hand-tossed pizza, salad bar, or a made-to-order deli sandwich.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Biking Through Historic Downtown DeLand. This award-winning "Main Street" community -- as designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation -- reflects what is special about the past and present while planning and moving ahead. During our guided biking field trip, you'll see the Mural Walk, Sculpture Walk, and learn about initiatives such as New Urbanism, a movement to connect mixed residential and commercial land use so people can walk to work, dine, and relax in the neighborhoods where they live.
 Dinner: Dinner in the Stetson Commons. Choose from the great array and variety of good food you've already come to anticipate: numerous entrees, salad bar, and freshly made desserts.
 Evening: EXTRACURRICULAR: Stetson University is a cultural hub within the surrounding city and county. Enjoy an event such as a concert, lecture, or sporting event selected from available offerings.
   
Accommodations: University Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Biking Field Trip to/from Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts
(Tuesday, January 22)

Note: 30 total miles of biking.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Stetson Commons is available from 7:00am. Enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold breakfast selections, including made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, and more.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: The day begins with an invigorating ride through scenic rural country roads to the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts. This historical village is nestled within a charming, moss-draped oak hammock in western Volusia County. We'll have a guided journey through the structures within the extensive campus that illustrates life in rural Florida in bygone days of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch at the Settlement.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: After visiting the old Country Store, we begin the return trip to DeLand, biking by way of the oak-hammock covered roads of Glenwood and historic homes along the route. Our total biking distance for the day is more than 30 miles.
 Dinner: Dinner in the Stetson Commons. Choose from the great array and variety of good food you've already come to anticipate: numerous entrees, salad bar, and freshly made desserts.
 Evening: EXTRACURRICULAR: Stetson University is a cultural hub within the surrounding city and county. Enjoy an event such as a concert, lecture, or sporting event selected from available offerings.
   
Accommodations: University Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Spring-to-Spring Trail, Blue Spring State Park, Manatees, St. John's River Study Cruise
(Wednesday, January 23)

Note: 20 total miles of biking along river roads and through quiet city neighborhoods.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Stetson Commons is available from 7:00am. Enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold breakfast selections, including made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, and more.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Spring-to-Spring Trail. We'll bike a portion of the trail that stretches from Gemini Springs Park to DeLeon Springs State Park. The trail is designed to accommodate walkers, joggers, inline skaters, bicyclists and people with disabilities. Our ride will bring us to Blue Spring State Park, a designated manatee refuge and safe haven for the West Indian manatee.

We'll park our bikes and stroll down the boardwalks of Blue Spring State Park to enjoy the beauty of the flora surrounding the natural spring run, and the variety of fauna including close-up views of manatees (depending on seasonal cycles).

 Lunch: Picnic Lunch at Blue Spring State Park
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: St. John's River Nature Study Cruise. The vessel we will board is specially designed to ply the shallow backwaters of the historic St. Johns River. With an average cruising speed of 6 MPH, its quiet, smooth operation allows you to hear and see everything nature offers. There will be frequent stops along the way to learn about this most fragile ecosystem as well as photo opportunities.

Returning to DeLand, we will bike along more of the Spring-to-Spring Trail, concluding with the newly completed Alabama Avenue Greenway, a paved shared use path that connects the city's Earl Brown Park with Stetson University.

 Dinner: Dinner in the Stetson Commons. Choose from the great array and variety of good food you've already come to anticipate: numerous entrees, salad bar, and freshly made desserts.
 Evening: EXTRACURRICULAR: Stetson University is a cultural hub within the surrounding city and county. Enjoy an event such as a concert, lecture, or sporting event selected from available offerings.
   
Accommodations: University Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ormond Scenic Loop
(Thursday, January 24)

Note: 33 total miles of biking through state park lands and along scenic Atlantic Ocean landscapes.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Stetson Commons is available from 7:00am. Enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold breakfast selections, including made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, and more.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: We begin with a motorcoach transfer to a starting point of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, part of the larger, 260-Mile St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. (Our equipment will be conveyed separately by trailer.).

The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail is an easily navigated loop of roadways traversing some of the most beautiful and diverse natural scenery remaining in all of Florida. The loop includes four state and six local public parks, as well as ten miles of gorgeous Florida beachfront.

 Lunch: Picnic Lunch on the Loop
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: We continue the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail journey. You'll observe varied plant and animal species along the beach, such as the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and nesting sea turtles. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might spy dolphins as well. During migration seasons, you might even spot Northern Right Whales and humpback whales offshore.

We'll return to town via our motorcoach and pass through the Volusia Conservation Corridor, affectionately known as the "Palmetto Curtain." The corridor is the wild heart of Volusia and Flagler counties.

 Dinner: Dinner in the Stetson Commons. Choose from the great array and variety of good food you've already come to anticipate: numerous entrees, salad bar, and freshly made desserts.
 Evening: EXTRACURRICULAR: Stetson University is a cultural hub within the surrounding city and county. Enjoy an event such as a concert, lecture, or sporting event selected from available offerings.
   
Accommodations: University Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Growth of Cycling as Tourism and Successful Lobbying of Bicycle Legislation
(Friday, January 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Stetson Commons is available from 7:00am. Enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold breakfast selections, including made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, and more.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Growth of Bicycle Tourism. Florida Bicycle Association representatives will discuss the growing appeal of bicycle tourism and its benefits for individuals as well as communities. We will also learn how you can influence bicycle-related legislation with a "An Insider's Guide to Successful Lobbying for Bicyclist Rights." Learn from local officials how you can help bring about positive changes in your city or county, and the development of shared use trails and "greenways" in your community.
 Lunch: Share your favorite memories with new-found friends. The program concludes with this closing lunch in a private area.

We trust you have enjoyed this new biking adventure and will return for other rewarding Road Scholar programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Deland, FL DeLand area guide
A visitor guide/things to do around DeLand, FL www.deland.com For additional information, visit www.delandchamber.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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