Rancho

[shogun323]

Apparently the police are really cracking down at Rancho. This is from last weekend. :iroc-cop:

Several cars with deputies, helicopter and the game warden was there and you should know the rest of the story


The game warden told one of my friends, that was already back there, that last weekend some guys come in there and beat up some other guys and stole there 4 wheelers

I will stick with good ole Croom.

[Thunderdually]

Yup That's why I don't ride in places like Rancho. It's just not worth taking the chance that some one will steal something or the police will ticket me or and haul away my quad and truck.

I'm with you Wade I'll stick with Croom.

[Knine]

:blahblah: :blahblah: :blahblah: :blahblah:

[Anderthal]

We were headed out there sunday. The police were at the entrance. We were told somebody cut the fence on somebody's property that connect to the trails. So they called the cops. They came and ran everyone off. I have been out there several times and never had any problems with my stuff. Everyone was pretty friendly a we watch out for each other. The way it is sopposed to be. But it take one persons or a couple of people in this case, To screw it up for everybody.

[TRXasaurus]

Yup That's why I don't ride in places like Rancho. It's just not worth taking the chance that some one will steal something or the police will ticket me or and haul away my quad and truck.

I'm with you Wade I'll stick with Croom.

croom for me, ive had enough trouble with cops in my life

[Vader]

croom for me, ive had enough trouble with cops in my life

+ eleventy million

[predator trailrider]

anyone been out here lately? last time i was there is when cops were at front on sunday with the game wardens in the back, my friend is the one they told him people had got beat up and there 4 wheeler stolen. havent been back since been busy and having problems with my 4 wheeler right now just wondering if there has been any more problems out there

[gel1197]

Does anyone really want to hear the truth about Rancho Bonito from one of "the cops" that works the area? I am one of the few who ride out there, I mostly go to Crooms with my son's but Rancho is a quick trip.

I saw this post and had to reply.

This property is actually an old land scam from the 80's. One of those "Own a piece of Florida" things and the 1 1/4 acre lots were sold mostly to New Yorkers, Californians and Puerto Ricans. Although there are a bunch a locals who own property out there also. The lots were deeded but never surveyed and marked. You may own a lot but have no idea where it is. Some owners can tell you approximately where their property is but others can't.

The area was slightly developed (roads and a gate) but that was mostly for press releases to sell the lots. (I remember driving down the main roads at 60+ mph in a car on nice flat straight roads years ago!) Shortly therafter all developement stops and nobody really knows why. Did the developers take the money and run or did something else happen? Who knows

Some people bought big lots (20+ acres) but most have 1 1/4 acre "deeds". I have actually only met like 4 people out there who do own a "deed" while out there riding. I got mine years ago through a tax sale. See most of the "lots" out there are way deliquent on their taxes. (hint)

Some of the "owners" wanted to turn it into a private hunting area. So be careful during any hunting season! See the hunters don't like the atv'ers who don't like the hunters...see where this is going?

Lately the rednecks (and I mean that in a nice way), criminals and trash dumpers have been taking over out there. The Sheriffs Office (not police) responds out there to reports of trespassing, stolen vehicles, burglaries and fights (just to name a few) on a some what regular basis. It's really all about the people out there because there is like no way to prove who owns "a lot", who has permission to ride on "a lot" or actually where any "lot" even is out there. It really has potential but I fear the fence is going up soon...to many undesireables out there lately. Rumor has it that SWIFTMUD may look into buying the land...

The Fox Branch Cattle Company owns most of the surrounding acres. The owner of that land is getting tired of people cutting his fences and shooting his cattle/deer and stealing his tractors...etc. He owns lots of acres I might add. I don't blame him. He really is a nice guy but he doesn't care much for the atv/mx crowd anymore. It only takes a few to destroy the image right.

CSX railways owns some border property as well and so does the Upper Hillsborough WMA. Ever see how pissed off CSX people get? The "game wardens" are usually from the Upper Hills WMA. Trespassing is a big, BIG problem out there.

The "cops" usually respond to Rancho when someone (ie dirtbag) cuts some fences and rides all over the posted private property. The officers are just trying to head off any coming trouble and prevent criminal acts. Don't hassle them for doing what you know is right. If more people understood about Rancho then more would do things to help clean it up. Most of the problem children out there just want a reason to get mad at the cops. Most cops just try to do what is right. Can't we all just get along? Anyone need a hug?

Plus, we all know that as soon as a few of the afore mentioned outstanding additions to society start getting drunk the "hold my beer and watch this" crap starts. I'm all about having a beer sometimes but not when I'm on my quad.

Also the dopers, you see them, don't want the cops near them. Wonder why?

Sometimes redneck tempers flare and fights happen. You know the drill.."Hey dude why you lookin' at my woman...." and the Sheriffs Office responds to break up the fights.

Once I was riding in the early morning (it gets hot out there in July/August) and I'm with my son's. We make a turn and some naked chick was running from a tent toward a creek! :eek: We all just kind of laughed but anything is possible out there.

Then you have the great group of people that think the world is their dumpster. I have seen more piles of roofing shingles appearing lately and I've been told at least one "regular" out there has a large roofing company. Hmmm, go figure right.

Anyway I'm new to this forum (found it while surfing the exriders forums) and just wanted to add my $.02. Don't flame the new guy please and the "redneck" thing was meant as a term of endearment. See I probably am a redneck anyway. Hope this helps and stay safe. I can't wait to hear your responses....and if you ever meet one of the "cops" out there you are gonna be wondering if they are me! :confusednew:

[Tico-Tampa]

never been there and I don't think I will, I have been riding iin places like this and I have been lucky enought that the cups never showed up or they just gave me a worning.

Tha bad part is the there are no places to ride on, I used to ride at Ocala National Forest years back and it was very nice, hundreds of miles in trails that you could ride and enjoy . . . now, another story, you need all ypour stikers, registration etc (which is good) but there are no trails to ride any more, the rangers are all over you, just a few trails are OK to ride on, and there are good or enough no signs if there is any, to know where is OK and where is not.

Look's like beside Croom, there are no places to ride ! ! !

[TRXasaurus]

........
Anyway I'm new to this forum (found it while surfing the exriders forums) and just wanted to add my $.02. Don't flame the new guy please and the "redneck" thing was meant as a term of endearment. See I probably am a redneck anyway. Hope this helps and stay safe. I can't wait to hear your responses....and if you ever meet one of the "cops" out there you are gonna be wondering if they are me! :confusednew:

yo gel im glad you found the site and thanks for your .02 ... :goodpost[1]:

i agree that ot takes a few rotten to spoil the bunch. i appreciate most law enforcement but i think the same holds true. :eek: most have been fair with me. :blahblah:

hope to meet some time post up if you can make a ride.

its all good here. :welcome:

[Andy9933]

Anyway I'm new to this forum :confusednew:

:welcome: to TBRD

[Slo Poke]

^^WHAT HE SAID....


and good posting!!!

[shogun323]

Does anyone really want to hear the truth about Rancho Bonito from one of "the cops" that works the area? I am one of the few who ride out there, I mostly go to Crooms with my son's but Rancho is a quick trip.

I saw this post and had to reply.

This property is actually an old land scam from the 80's. One of those "Own a piece of Florida" things and the 1 1/4 acre lots were sold mostly to New Yorkers, Californians and Puerto Ricans. Although there are a bunch a locals who own property out there also. The lots were deeded but never surveyed and marked. You may own a lot but have no idea where it is. Some owners can tell you approximately where their property is but others can't.

The area was slightly developed (roads and a gate) but that was mostly for press releases to sell the lots. (I remember driving down the main roads at 60+ mph in a car on nice flat straight roads years ago!) Shortly therafter all developement stops and nobody really knows why. Did the developers take the money and run or did something else happen? Who knows

Some people bought big lots (20+ acres) but most have 1 1/4 acre "deeds". I have actually only met like 4 people out there who do own a "deed" while out there riding. I got mine years ago through a tax sale. See most of the "lots" out there are way deliquent on their taxes. (hint)

Some of the "owners" wanted to turn it into a private hunting area. So be careful during any hunting season! See the hunters don't like the atv'ers who don't like the hunters...see where this is going?

Lately the rednecks (and I mean that in a nice way), criminals and trash dumpers have been taking over out there. The Sheriffs Office (not police) responds out there to reports of trespassing, stolen vehicles, burglaries and fights (just to name a few) on a some what regular basis. It's really all about the people out there because there is like no way to prove who owns "a lot", who has permission to ride on "a lot" or actually where any "lot" even is out there. It really has potential but I fear the fence is going up soon...to many undesireables out there lately. Rumor has it that SWIFTMUD may look into buying the land...

The Fox Branch Cattle Company owns most of the surrounding acres. The owner of that land is getting tired of people cutting his fences and shooting his cattle/deer and stealing his tractors...etc. He owns lots of acres I might add. I don't blame him. He really is a nice guy but he doesn't care much for the atv/mx crowd anymore. It only takes a few to destroy the image right.

CSX railways owns some border property as well and so does the Upper Hillsborough WMA. Ever see how pissed off CSX people get? The "game wardens" are usually from the Upper Hills WMA. Trespassing is a big, BIG problem out there.

The "cops" usually respond to Rancho when someone (ie dirtbag) cuts some fences and rides all over the posted private property. The officers are just trying to head off any coming trouble and prevent criminal acts. Don't hassle them for doing what you know is right. If more people understood about Rancho then more would do things to help clean it up. Most of the problem children out there just want a reason to get mad at the cops. Most cops just try to do what is right. Can't we all just get along? Anyone need a hug?

Plus, we all know that as soon as a few of the afore mentioned outstanding additions to society start getting drunk the "hold my beer and watch this" crap starts. I'm all about having a beer sometimes but not when I'm on my quad.

Also the dopers, you see them, don't want the cops near them. Wonder why?

Sometimes redneck tempers flare and fights happen. You know the drill.."Hey dude why you lookin' at my woman...." and the Sheriffs Office responds to break up the fights.

Once I was riding in the early morning (it gets hot out there in July/August) and I'm with my son's. We make a turn and some naked chick was running from a tent toward a creek! :eek: We all just kind of laughed but anything is possible out there.

Then you have the great group of people that think the world is their dumpster. I have seen more piles of roofing shingles appearing lately and I've been told at least one "regular" out there has a large roofing company. Hmmm, go figure right.

Anyway I'm new to this forum (found it while surfing the exriders forums) and just wanted to add my $.02. Don't flame the new guy please and the "redneck" thing was meant as a term of endearment. See I probably am a redneck anyway. Hope this helps and stay safe. I can't wait to hear your responses....and if you ever meet one of the "cops" out there you are gonna be wondering if they are me! :confusednew:


Great post and welcome to the site. It sounds like the typical situation where the few spoil things for the many. That's what causes all the good riding spots to get closed. It's a shame.

We would love to meet ya!! Come ride with us at Croom sometime!!!!

[Knine]

Welcome

196

[wideopen]

i've been going to rancho the last couple of weeks and haven't had any problems. everyone seems to be there for the same thing and not hasseling anyone. heck, they even have a concession trailer setup just past the first curve on the main road. i did see a single sheriff's deputy at the front when i was leaving but he wasn't bothering anyone and i drove right by him, looked like he may have been running radar or doing paperwork. several people out there were doing some cleanup and it would be a good idea for everyone who goes to pack out what they bring in and even clean up the area where they park. this way we can hopefuly continue to use this great property without future problems.

WILL '08 foreman 500 w/some mod's

[Knine]

ATampaBayRiddenDirty "RIDE & CLEAN-UP" DAY....Should be put on the Calendar.

[wideopen]

you guy's pick a day and i'll be there!!! :rock:

[shogun323]

Is it mostly flat trail riding? Or are there any techinical areas?

Mostly importantly, are there any places to catch some air?

[wideopen]

there are a few here and there but nothing like what you all hit on the fast tracks. there are several nice trails and 4 big mudd pits. there is a creek bed that is awsome to run when it's dry.

[Bansh Press]

I hate to bring this back up,But I rode at Rancho not to long ago.

My experience was good.

Another group of guys welcomed us to join,even offered "the best spot" advice.Kids we're around 21,I was surprised.

Alot of swoop/whoopties,and a few really nice,and fun trails.

I did'nt encounter any trouble,but people did say be gone by night because supposively that's when the trouble/partying crowd roll in.

[Slo Poke]

I hate to bring this back up,But I rode at Rancho not to long ago.

My experience was good.

Another group of guys welcomed us to join,even offered "the best spot" advice.Kids we're around 21,I was surprised.

Alot of swoop/whoopties,and a few really nice,and fun trails.

I did'nt encounter any trouble,but people did say be gone by night because supposively that's when the trouble/partying crowd roll in.

several peeps on the site say the same thing....no problems...

[moparkido]

WE been there one time and some guys tryed to steal our yfz but they could not keep up. We heard they found some bodies out there.

[Nick]

I was out there this past weekend and no problems just ALOT of dust.

[Anderthal]

I am going out there Sunday with my wife and some friends. Anybody care to join?

[seaneady]

Where is rancho ?

[Sara]

Zephyrhills area

[MPTonyT]

I will say that i have done my share of riding there. It is a dust bowl in the summer time as is Croom and any place else when its dry. I have only heard of people that heard from other people who heard from their baby sisters, uncles cousin-n-law about stories of theft and all.

I (knock on wood) have never had any issues at Rancho. I have ridden day and night and actually had the cops come in in Polaris UTVs and talk to us mainly curious about underage drinking and things of that nature. They left us alone but did cart some people off that night for those reasons. I have never been told to leave or seen the cops kick anyone out unless they were breaking the law. I go there for one reason.... TO RIDE and thats what i do. I dont leave anything out and make sure my truck is locked when i go off riding.

Just sayin........

[Tommy]

We used to ride out there all the time...had a ramp, gas can, and cooler stolen out of the back of my buddies truck. now we either lock up the ramps or park on them and haven't had any other issues except the dust.

[z400250]

here is a workshop from polk county about the place.
it is long!!!

its about the issues at rancho

http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexSessionSKU=M29FM9y9MQ GhrouMRDiRvA%3D%3D&siteSKU=aHwjZ6fL8L6o4rAkN%2f5%2fMw%3d%3d&categorySKUs=X7ixa7%2bAt8elmouH4WIOjw%3d%3d&categorySearch=categoryAll

[Sara]

Nick & I have ridden there a few times, no problems at all, just stupid dust... and my quad almost going into the lake! However you wouldn't catch me out there at night.

[MPTonyT]

and my quad almost going into the lake!

You too huh? My buddies wife had hers go in and under.

Check it out

http://www.raptorforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13330 (http://www.raptorforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13330)

[Andy9933]

You too huh? My buddies wife had hers go in and under.

Check it out

http://www.raptorforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13330 (http://www.raptorforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13330)

I thought that was the same place :crackup:

[shogun323]

I remember that thread a while back!!! How crazy!!!

[Sara]

You too huh? My buddies wife had hers go in and under.

Check it out

http://www.raptorforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13330 (http://www.raptorforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13330)


yeah I saw that on ATVflorida... Kevin (z400250) sent it to me after I told him what happened. Mine would have gone in too if Nick hadn't grabbed the frame and pulled it down. I would've been layin on the ground watchin my quad go for a swim.

[Nick]

I like the place for flying around and never had any problems there either