Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.RWTD
12-03-02, 09:14 AM
I recently completed a 10 day tour from the Ft. Lauderdale Fl. area to the Gainesville Fl. area and back and thought I would post a trip report. On Day1 I started mid-afternoon on Fri. Nov. 22 from No. Broward Co.and rode in to A1A at Deerfield Bch. which I followed up to Palm Bch. I crossed over to downtown West Palm Bch. and took the route along the bay northward picking up Rt. 1 proper at the Riveria Bch. bridge.In Riveria Bch. I encountered the usual motely cast of characters but one stood out an obvious drunk man with crutches was sprawled out on one of the left turning lanes of U.S 1 to the major highway leading to the Singer Island beaches in a stupor.Deciding not to join him and pitch my tent just yet I continued riding on Rt.1 after dark as far as No. Palm Bch where I noticed a very opulent looking private church/monestary with extensive grounds right on the bay and not a sole around .On closer inspection I found a large heating/cooling aparatus on the grounds providing cover so I camped there under the stars. On Day 2 I woke up before dawn and rode into Jupiter where I spent too much time making minor bike repairs and going off route shopping for a light and other items all of which should probably have been done before leaving.The ride up Rt. 1 to Hobe Sound through Jonathon Dickenson State Park,Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge and Nature Conservancy land was nice but I had seen most of this area before on long day rides and once I reached Hobe Sound the congestion started for the rest of the day through Port St. Lucie and then Ft. Pierce as well.While the bike lanes were fine except for the fact they went right of the right turning lanes the drivers were not particularly courtious and I got in several shouting matches and too many tried to cut me off on bike lanes restarting after an intersection and rode into the bike lane in front or behind me in an attempt at intimidation.As beach routes are available along A1A for this stretch I would advise taking this option though it adds a little more time .I camped that night right at nightfall at the No. edge of Ft. Pierce just past the intersection with A1A leading to the southern section of the North Huchinson Island beaches in a vacant lot for sale bordering a small office park and slept for a second night under the stars.