Mike, ditto what Carl has to say about tri-rail. I've taken the train quite a few times and thought it was a great way to get around but I haven't tried it with a bike. Is there a problem with it?

Carl, I gotta say that's good of you to think of me and I appreciate it. Still, if Mike's schedule makes it difficult for him to get up this way, a ride up Old Cutler or even doing the Rickenbacker, the Grove and that area would be fine with me. I pride myself on being able to get around on my own using public transport and my bike. We could think of it as a day tour and it'll be fun. I haven't been out that way in around 20 years so it's probably not the way I remember it. Some parts of that area used to make for nice riding. Is it still?

My main concern is that I understand there's some sort of pass necessary to board the busses in Dade with a bike and the only way to get the pass is to personally show up in Dade and get it. True?

Carl's idea that we get together beforehand is something I look forward to. As probably the weakest member of the tour group, I'd like to know I can keep up with you guys AND of course that we gel as a group. I don't expect any problems but we won't have the pressure of starting out a long journey together cold.

BTW, if weekends are a problem, I'm ok with a weekday. I'm a retired beach bum.