Ride to/around Florida Winter/Spring 2021

[carolinarider09]

A friend I use to ride with says that, now since he is retired, he is interested in doing some riding.  We did not get a chance this year, mostly due to Covid and some kneee surgery he had done (both knees).

One of the trips we took a few years ago, in late winter early spring was to Florida.  My wife and I did a trip down there early this year. 

The only goal is to to enjoy the ride and try and avoid hight traffic areas with urban sprawl.  Traveling down the west coast was sort of the plan and then coming back up the east part of the state. 

I wanted to include a ride through the Everglades and then up around Lake Okeechobee.  The last trip we did with my friend was around the western part of the lake.  In all our trips to Key West we did in the 2004- 2010 we went up the Eastern side.  So. I thought I'd try the western part again. 

Just wanted to see if there were any comments on the route, trip and suggestions on why I should not follow the route I have pictured below. 

I have provide a GPX file of the route if you would like more detail to comment on . 

[Thunderbolt]

You might post this on the Florida Board to see if anyone there has any suggestions.  Looks like you are doing Interstate more than I might like.  Depending on whether you need to hurry or see scenery so to speak as in smell the roses and do back roads.  I live in the area North of Gainesville Fl. and for me I would take back roads out of Waycross Ga instead of to Valdosta and the Interstate.  Like 121 down through my area just don't take it on to Gainesville.  Shrimp R Us in Welaka used to be a good place for seafood.  Don't know what it's like now with the virus going on.

[carolinarider09]

Thanks. I shall post it on the Florida part of the board.  Did not even cross my mind.

As for interstate, I did try an avoid them.  I shall review your comments and try and make some changes.   The Valdosta one probably for sure. 

[f6gal]

I heard there's something going on in Athens, Ohio in June!

[carolinarider09]

I heard there's something going on in Athens, Ohio in June!

On my list. 
 

[lakehunter]

A friend I use to ride with says that, now since he is retired, he is interested in doing some riding.  We did not get a chance this year, mostly due to Covid and some kneee surgery he had done (both knees).

One of the trips we took a few years ago, in late winter early spring was to Florida.  My wife and I did a trip down there early this year. 

The only goal is to to enjoy the ride and try and avoid hight traffic areas with urban sprawl.  Traveling down the west coast was sort of the plan and then coming back up the east part of the state. 

I wanted to include a ride through the Everglades and then up around Lake Okeechobee.  The last trip we did with my friend was around the western part of the lake.  In all our trips to Key West we did in the 2004- 2010 we went up the Eastern side.  So. I thought I'd try the western part again. 

Just wanted to see if there were any comments on the route, trip and suggestions on why I should not follow the route I have pictured below. 

I have provide a GPX file of the route if you would like more detail to comment on . 

First wife and I used to do a run down the west coast, cut east below Naples on Tamiami Trail through the everglades, south down 997 to Homestead to visit her parents then run down to Key West. Ran mostly A1A back up east coast with a couple day lay over in St Augustine, love that area. Did it many times but that was in the 1980s on her V45 and my V65. Just be sure to dodge the "luv bug" season !

[carolinarider09]

We lived for 3 years in Crystal River and yes we know about the Love Bugs.   

I forget when, or who but I think when we made our second trip to Key West we were told/suggested to turn to the left as we began our trip to Key West se we could stop at Alabama Jacks on Card Sound Road.  Been there several times now (not in recent years) but if I go to Key West again, I will be stopping there for lunch.