october 19th the ride of a lifetime starts one of my top 5 bucket list rides.

[LTD]

Me and another VRCC member Ken and fellow Inzaniac take off for Key West Florida Oct 19th from Ocean Springs Mississippi.  To say I am excited is an understatement.  Any advice is appreciated for the trip but I guess we will head down the gulf side of Florida to Naples and cut over on hwy 41 I think to Homestead then down to the keys.  Dreams do come true this is one for me.

[bassman]

In the Keys watch out for the Key Deer (small white tail) and the police - STRICT speed limit enforcement. 

Enjoy your ride !!

[LTD]

Thanks! appreciated.

[carolinarider09]

I have there a few times.  Just a couple of things I'd suggest.  Problem is I it will take me some time to get them together.  

The first is to take Card Sound Rd from US 1 East (well south) to Card Sound. Then take FL CR-905 south through Key Largo and it will re-join US-1.  

Again, it's been few years since I have been down there but, just before or after (I forget which) Card Sound you will see Alabama Jacks.  Nice place to stop for lunch.  

Part of our recent trip along the panhandle.

https://rumble.com/v6re7di-march-25-day-two-part-2b-of-trip-to-florida-panhandle-south-on-fl-51.html

There was also an interesting (well a well used biker stop) coming up from the keys.  I forget the name of the place.  It's a truck stop with a spot set up for bikers.  Not that great but if you are there, it's worth a stop just to say you have been there.  I will see if I can find the name.  

As I said the last time we did a Key West trip was 15 years ago.  Pan Hanlde was last year.  

I can get some "files" that will show the routes we have taken back then if you wish.

[carolinarider09]

This is a map of our trip in 2007,  We tried to avoid large cities which is why it seems to bypass Tampa.



If you travel down US 19 South, you can take a right turn on FL 24 at Otter Creek.  That will take you to Cedar Key.  A nice spot to visit. 

Something else you might want to include just to say you did is this:

"The Cross Florida Barge Canal was a proposed project intended to connect the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean across Florida, aimed at facilitating commercial boat traffic. However, due to environmental concerns and opposition, the project was ultimately canceled in 1990, and the land was repurposed as the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenwa"

As I remember part of the canal still exists. 

[RP#62]

Oh, and if you drop anything on Duval Street, don't bend over to pick it up.

RP

[LTD]

Good Information!!!

[Jess from VA]

I was in Key West several times in my misguided youth.

Due to the many years, and many beers when there, I have little clear memory of it.  Other than I had a lot of fun.  

Oh, and if you drop anything on Duval Street, don't bend over to pick it up.

This is good advice.  Key West is the only place I ever visited where I was asked to dance by dudes.    

[f6john]

My first trip ever on my Valkyrie was to the Florida Keys with a stop along the way at BikeWeek and the Valkyrie vendors at the Sunshine Mall. That trip had to be 2001 as I purchased my 99Standard in March of 2000. I suppose the timing was our downfall for going to the Keys as after leaving Homestead it was bumper to bumper traffic both coming and going and that did not allow us much time to do anything. It was a group ride of about 5 or 6 of us and we had never ridden together as a group so we were still working out the kinks.

Also we rode from Hopkinsville Kentucky, leaving in February or returning either one is a risky business weather wise. I learned a lot on that trip and one was we never repeated it again. To this day I still have never made a long trip that didn’t turn into an endurance run. It’s also why I admire DDT and his wandering. I would still like to do a long distance meandering with no idea where I might end up at the close of the day, maybe because that goes against my natural instincts.

[Sweet Cheeks]

When crossing the Seven Mile Bridge (aka Key West Bridge), no matter how breathtaking the scenery, keep at least one hand on the handlebars.  Removing both hands (even momentarily) could result in being stopped for “distracted driving”.  Don’t ask me how I know.  LOL.

In my opinion, the scenery while crossing the bridge as the sun was coming up, was one of the prettiest sights I’ve ever seen.

Be prepared for lodging to be severely overpriced.

Whether on the way there or back, be sure to ride “Alligator Alley” (US 41).

I hope to make the trip again one day.

Be safe, take your time, and enjoy!

Janice

[LTD]

thanks cheeks alligator alley is a must

[bassman]

While in Naples, if this type of shopping/tourist attraction interests you, it could be worth a stop.....

https://www.tincityofnaples.com

[carolinarider09]

Whether on the way there or back, be sure to ride “Alligator Alley” (US 41).


Janice

That is one of the routes I failed to mention because I could not remember why it was a fun ride and I now remember.   Its name says it all.

So, yes make sure you include US 41.  You can pick it up just south of Fort Myers and take it down to Ochopee, FL and east through the Big Cyprus National Preserve and then over to US 1 and then ride down to Card Sound. 

On your return trip you can take US 27 North to Lake Okeechobee.  There are two routes around the lake, one on the east side and one on the west side. Both are fairly nice rides.  But, if memory serves the one the West side is more fun. That would be FL 78.

I believe I have done both but.. as I said before it was 10 or more years ago. 

[LTD]

tin city looks pretty cool.  alabama jacks a biker hangout in key largo looks good and thanks for your  info carolina

[Oss]

We rented a Mustang convertible and had a great time about 10 years ago  Started the day in Boca Raton right off Palmetto Rd or Blvd

On the left is Bahia Honda Park Beach about halfway down in the Keys   Well worth the stop and it was free

You can walk seemingly forever into the water or even lie down and water just up to your ankles and so warm.  We stayed well over an hour and that was almost our undoing,

Key West was a letdown for us as it was drunk folks and things we did not want to see other people doing in public.   But if that is your thing you will love it      Hope you already have a place to stay as once lubricated with drinks it is just safer not to be riding that day.

We raced back to be at Islamorada as there is a place on the left on the way up where you sit outside at a restaurant and the view of the sunset over islands is (in my opinion) far better than the sunset at key west

We made it back to ft lauderdale late that night but I wished I had booked 1 night there in Islamorada as it was so nice    A boat ride will be in the future next time we get down there, maybe in March

Either way you will have a great time. Watch out for the little deer and people trying to pass going the other way

[scooperhsd]

Thanks for the advice about Key West - me and the missus are going down there (with friends from Tampa) - Leaving KC 24 Oct, arrive in Tampa 26 Oct , and we will be going / staying in Key West 28 Oct - 30 Oct. Staying at the Navy Lodge (he is retired Civil service / USNR).

[3fan4life]

I hope that this kink works:

https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=]<iframe src="[url]https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d3625677.993874917!2d-86.0696952043973!3d27.44742242200114!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e0!4m5!1s0x88914379c940f4b7:0x17a48bdb46584c32!2sDestin, FL 32541!3m2!1d30.389605999999997!2d-86.4836234!4m5!1s0x88d1b134ad952377:0x3fcee92f77463b5e!2sKey West, FL!3m2!1d24.5550593!2d-81.7799871!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1760534908595!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>[/url]


It picks up US 98 at Destin, FL and follows it along the Panhandle of the Gulf Coast.

It works over to US 27 and stays on it to SR 997 which takes you from US 27 to US 1 at Homestead, FL.

This completely and totally bypasses Miami!

I rode the US 27 part of the route on a motorcycle trip to the Keys in 2012, it was a good ride with no major cities.

If you have the time, AVOID I-75 at all costs!

I drove the US 98 section in a cage and wished that I was on a bike the entire time.

Enjoy riding in the Keys!

But, watch the speed limits!

They do enforce them!

[bassman]

If you like Key Lime Pie you might try this place.....prices have gone up a tad and when we went you had to get there early since they tend to sell out fast.  It could be different now but just be aware.

https://keylimepieco.com

[scooperhsd]

Well - our route goes from KCK , to Marion Ar (first night stop, outside of Memphis TN), then to Dothan AL (2nd night stop), then to Tampa (actually Land o' Lakes FL) where my friend lives. I don't know what route he has planned to Key West, but we are driving all the way .I'm putting in for Allligator Alley, if I have a say, and he said Miami traffic is "fun" (well I've lived in Boston , and DC, and St Louis, and went to Atlanta for a work trip so I have some experiance with "fun"). We haven't firmed up our return trip yet, but it might just be reverse from Tampa to KC (same hotels).

We have to take the cage, cause the wife needs her mobility scooter. If anyone has taken one of these with your motorcycle (probably on a trailer), I'd be interested in your experiances , but I'll probably still be taking the cage, she can't get on the bike. The cage we're taking is a 2015 Golf Sportwagon , diesel and with a 6 speed manual transmission, On a recent trip to Huntsville AL, all our tanks were over 45 MPG and we had at least one of 50 MPG.

[Jersey mike]

When crossing the Seven Mile Bridge (aka Key West Bridge), no matter how breathtaking the scenery, keep at least one hand on the handlebars.  Removing both hands (even momentarily) could result in being stopped for “distracted driving”.  Don’t ask me how I know.  LOL.

In my opinion, the scenery while crossing the bridge as the sun was coming up, was one of the prettiest sights I’ve ever seen.

Be prepared for lodging to be severely overpriced.

Whether on the way there or back, be sure to ride “Alligator Alley” (US 41).

I hope to make the trip again one day.

Be safe, take your time, and enjoy!

Janice

It’s not a short ride into Old Town Key West and certainly mind the speed limit. Monroe County Sheriff’s do like to pull over folks, but you’ll certainly want to take in the scenery as you’re riding down. On a nice day, it’s amazing.

Lots of crushed coral and stone on the road sides, shoulders and some parking lots so lots of dust.

If you see a place you want to stop at, just do it either on the way in or out.

Driving over the 7 Mile Bridge at sunrise is a thing of beauty, but really anytime of a nice day is great for the visual effect.

There was a time when The Keys were a place of absolute peace and just relaxation, been there many times and lived a few miles outside of Old Town for almost a year. It’s certainly changed into a big tourist trap.

Had a cousin who moved down there in the ‘60’s, got married to a Cuban guy and raised her family. I heard many stories of just how things were in the old days and how she didn’t like the way the scene was changing and people buying up property and building on every open space available.

Was there for Fantasy Fest a number of times, great times and huge crowds.

When yiur there, look past all the new stuff and try to see just what the old place really was. The history there is amazing. Look last all the new huge homes you will see as you get into and past Big Pine and lower.

Lots of good bars, if you like fresh seafood you’re definitely in the right place. Fresh grouper is fantastic and I had fresh sushi for the very first time down there and the tuna was fantastic.


Have a great time and a safe trip.

[LTD]

thanks jersey going to try conch while Im there big seafood lover

[3fan4life]

If you haven't selected a hotel yet, in 2012 we stayed here:

http://www.floatingrooms.com/


While very rustic, the old houseboats were a relaxing and cool place to stay.

After riding during the day, sitting on the deck of the boat at night, fishing & enjoying an adult beverage created memories that will last me a lifetime.

[Jersey mike]

thanks jersey going to try conch while Im there big seafood lover

 

Try some conch fritters if you get the chance. It’s been years since I’ve been there but when they’re freshly made and the batter is right they are delicious.

Like bassman said, Key Lime Pie Company, the best key lime pie you’ll ever have.


There use to be a small restaurant on the southbound side around (north of) MM15 or so (in the Sugarloaf area) called Mangrove Mamas, it’s (it was) a mom and pop place, the food use to be fantastic. It’s been many years since we were there and a couple bad hurricanes have blown through so if it’s in existence it might be worth your time. It’s been quite a long time since the wife and I visited the area but it was one of the places we liked to eat at. Use to be quite a bit of outside seating, it may have even changed hands over the years.

Scooter rentals were a big thing but watch out for others and some roads in Old Town can get pretty narrow, and cars use to park on both sides making it even tighter. If you plan to go swimming in the ocean you’ll need swim shoes.

[bill-jr]

No need to bring any chickens to key west with you . .
They have plenty ….

[carolinarider09]

Speaking of houseboats and places to stay while in Key, I took these pictures on my first visit there.  I do not remember if I stayed in a "houseboat" or not but I did take a picture or two.

[RP#62]

When there, if you pronounce "conch" like its spelled, they'll know you're a gringo.  The locals pronounce it "konk".  And you should definitely try the conch fritters.

RP

[Jersey mike]

Speaking of houseboats and places to stay while in Key, I took these pictures on my first visit there.  I do not remember if I stayed in a "houseboat" or not but I did take a picture or two.

I recognize that sign.

Funny how some so simple as a hotel sign (and it’s not even a big flashy sign either) can bring back memories.   

It’s hard to explain but it was a landmark saying we’re here, unwind and relax.