MIDDLEBURG - After returning from my cycling trip to Jennings State Forest, I told my wife, “I think I know where Clay County got its name - the road to the entrance is made of clay!”

Without looking up from her Kindle, my wife replied, “You might want to do some research. It is probably named after a person.”

Alas, it is named after famous American statesman Henry Clay, but my enthusiasm for trail biking was not dampened.

Although the entrance at Live Oak Lane is sand and clay, it wasn’t too soft, so I had little difficulty traversing the first half mile. Then it became hard-packed clay and gravel, which is what the main trails I’ve ridden in northeast Florida forests comprise.

After I reached the end of the road, I returned to one of the side streets, Artesian Farms Road, a great area to see birds. I say that because it runs beneath power lines, and as bird watchers know, those areas attract hawks, falcons, and other raptors. I wasn’t disappointed because Cooper’s hawk landed roughly 100 yards before me about a half mile down the road. Then, as if to say, “I’m here too,” a wild turkey scooted in front of me a stone’s throw away.

The road became a little more difficult because of loose sand, and I also encountered the only real hill on my journey, requiring me to gear down two clicks on my bike. After breathing heavily, I turned onto Three Bridges Road, probably my favorite part of my outing.

Side trails can often be sandy and hard to traverse. Three Brides wasn’t. It was hard-packed with little loose sand, and most of it was as easy as cycling on clay. Jennings has 15 biological communities, and this area was mostly pine and completely shaded. When I turned down Skeleton Key Road, I was startled by several robins and a white-tailed deer. Seeing the deer so close confirmed what I already knew - you can get closer to wildlife on a bicycle because you don’t shake the ground like you do on foot.

If side trails don’t interest you, I suggest Bell Cemetery Road, which I took back to my car. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Rattlesnake Road loop. Like many city-dwellers, part of the appeal of a place like Jennings is seclusion, and it didn’t disappoint. This part of the forest was the first area I saw people, though I’m not sure they saw me.

Oh, well. Back to the city - and streets not made of clay.

When you go:

·         Make sure your bike tires are at least 28mm wide. Gravel riders prefer widths around 40mm or more for grip and stability on uneven surfaces.

·         If you have a Brazon (bike bottle holder), ensure it fits snugly because it might bounce out. I suggest using a metallic bottle because you’ll hear it if it does.

·         Print out a map of the trail. Although the roads and trails are marked, it’s a good idea.

For more information, visit: fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Jennings-State-Forest.