Scratch Ankle 2024

Get ready for the ultimate endurance challenge with Scratch Ankle XL! This epic event is an ultra-distance gravel ride that traverses the stunning landscapes of the Blackwater River State Forest, one of the largest State Forests in Florida. Named after the Blackwater River, which originates in Alabama and winds approximately 30 miles southwestward through the forest into Blackwater Bay near Milton, Florida, this forest boasts a unique ecosystem that remains largely in its natural state.

Covering a 200-mile loop that starts and finishes at Bear Lake in Milton, Florida, Scratch Ankle XL offers cyclists an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse terrain and natural beauty of the area. The Blackwater River State Forest is renowned for its longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem, forming the largest contiguous ecological community of its kind globally when combined with the Conecuh National Forest to the north and Eglin Air Force Base to the south. Once covering over 60 million acres in the Southeastern Coastal Plains of the United States, the longleaf pine communities are now a rare sight, making up less than 5 percent of their original acreage. Despite this decline, the forest remains rich in plant and animal life, with many species classified as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

The topography of the Blackwater River State Forest is gently rolling, with various natural communities represented, including longleaf pine/scrub oak, slash pine, swamp hardwood, loblolly pine/hardwood, and Atlantic white cedar. Streams such as the Blackwater River, Juniper Creek, Coldwater Creek, and Sweetwater Creek meander through the forest, providing picturesque waterways for activities such as canoeing.

During the Scratch Ankle XL ride, cyclists will encounter diverse terrain, from low rolling hills to winding watercourses and broad floodplains. As riders pedal through this breathtaking landscape, they will pass through different forest ranges, each with its own unique flora and fauna. Pitcher plant bogs, containing a variety of carnivorous plants such as sundews, butterworts, bladderworts, and pitcher plants, add to the forest’s ecological diversity, providing cyclists with a glimpse into the unique natural features of the area.

Registration for Scratch Ankle XL directly supports local mountain bike community organizations such as Pensacola Off-Road Cyclists and Gulf Coast Youth Mountain Bike Association. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable gravel cycling experience – join us for Scratch Ankle XL and embark on an epic journey through the heart of the Blackwater River State Forest’s pristine wilderness!