Southeastern Florida touring suggestions?
02-02-10, 01:40 PM
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Southeastern Florida touring suggestions?
Hey everyone. I am going to be in Jupiter area the first week of March. I am planning on a multi-day tour, but I am looking for some input/suggestions as to some rides. I am considering either riding around Okeechobee, riding to Miami and then on to the Everglades, or Key Largo area, or driving to Miami and riding into the keys. Does anyone have any suggestions, cue sheets, routes, or horror stories? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
02-02-10, 03:17 PM
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How many days? Do you want city traffic? See the real Florida? I live in Naples,Florida and have toured a good bit in the south half of Fl.
02-02-10, 03:55 PM
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I like the trail (paved) around Lake Okeechobee. It's about 100 miles around; no traffic troubles. There are lots of places to camp and fish. You can even camp for free at the Corp of engineer's sites (if you don't mind not having facilities). Try this link for the lake trail and other trails: www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide
I can't speak to riding around Miami, but I think the road to the Keys is hit and miss. There are some good spots to ride and some that would be a little scary, and no other options.
If you go north from Jupiter, though, there is good road riding up the coast all the way to St Augustine. You can run along Intracoastal Waterway--Indian River Rd through St. Lucie, A1A through Vero and Sebastian, Indian River Dr through Cocoa, Rt. 3 through Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore, and then A1A off and on again through Daytona to St Augustine.
There's a lot to see on that route: the space center, Daytona Racetrack, Cocoa Beach, St. Augustine. I've never found Miami to be bike friendly. Maybe someone else can throw out some good places to ride down there.
I can't speak to riding around Miami, but I think the road to the Keys is hit and miss. There are some good spots to ride and some that would be a little scary, and no other options.
If you go north from Jupiter, though, there is good road riding up the coast all the way to St Augustine. You can run along Intracoastal Waterway--Indian River Rd through St. Lucie, A1A through Vero and Sebastian, Indian River Dr through Cocoa, Rt. 3 through Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore, and then A1A off and on again through Daytona to St Augustine.
There's a lot to see on that route: the space center, Daytona Racetrack, Cocoa Beach, St. Augustine. I've never found Miami to be bike friendly. Maybe someone else can throw out some good places to ride down there.
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02-02-10, 05:21 PM
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Did they finally finish paving around the lake? I just remember the last time I road that paved section, it was warm and absolutely no shade or places to get cool except the water. Great place to ride in the winter though.
02-03-10, 02:41 AM
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It was about 80% last time I went, a couple years ago. You're right about the shade. The wind can be crazy, too, since you're up high with no trees around. But, in March, it would be a nice ride.
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02-08-10, 07:31 AM
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Thanks so much for your input everyone. I actually found a guy who mapped out all around the LOST (Lake Okeechbee Scenic Trail). He is super nice and really really helpful. A great person all around. I thought it might be helpful if anyone here is thinking of doing the ride.
