Michael Johnson is a mountain biker, kayaker, pinball wizard who rents out his 2016 Forest River R-Pod 180 on Outdoorsy. He’s the guy you want to ask if you have questions about outdoor life around Orlando, Florida. A veteran Florida camper, Michael works for a bicycle company where they design & manufacture BMX bikes. We asked Michael for some Florida tips that might surprise renters on Outdoorsy.
O: What do you look for in a great Florida state park?
MJ: In the summertime I focus on the springs — there are over 70 within a day’s drive — freshwater springs that feed the rivers. They’re pretty incredible. A lot of people think Florida is just about beaches, but these freshwater springs are really where it’s at.
Wintertime: mountain biking — one of the best trail systems east of the Mississippi in Ocala — 80 + miles of singletrack with great jump sections, mountain bike festival.
O: What’s the #1 question you’re asked by renters?
MJ: People always want to know where they should go, and they want great beach ideas. We have those too. I prefer the Gulf Coast, not the East Coast (it’s so much better). I tell them to look for the small town vibe.
O: You mentioned that you have a strange connection to Outdoorsy – what is it?
MJ: A couple of years I bought a domain called outdoorsy.tv. I make videos and shoot photos, so it was going to be a place for me to share my knowledge and love of Florida’s freshwater springs and trails. It may still happen, haha.
O: What do you want people to know about renting from you?
MJ: I’ve lived here 12 years, so if someone is looking for a cheaper alternative to Fort Wilderness at Disney, I have the answers. I can recommend a campground for just about any adventure that you desire. Also, I’m a great source for someone who isn’t sure where to go to find vintage arcade machines.
Rent Michael’s Forest River trailer, based in Orlando, here.
