I am still fairly new to cycling and touring has really captured my interest. From reading some threads here, I've read that a good first tour might be a there and back tour in two days, not far from home. I like this idea and have my first tour planned to a camp site only 17 miles from home. I'd like to do two or three like this, perhaps going progressively farther each time, beginning in December or January.

One goal I set for myself was to cycle tour from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. I've seen a few routes that mostly offer a mid-Florida route. I'm looking for something in South Florida, perhaps from Tampa to Vero Beach, Sarasota to St. Lucie or Martin County or even a little more south than that. I first thought of going Sarasota to my home on the Treasure Coast, but the direct route would mostly be route 70. Unfortunately, there are no bike lanes along this fairly narrow, somewhat rural and suburban (one lane each way) road with long stretches of drives with cars and trucks driving at 60 to 70 miles/hr. Frankly, that scares the heck out of me.

Does anyone know of a fairly safe and more southern route across Florida that is south of Orlando and into what is considered south Florida? The northern boudaries would be Tampa to Vero Beach.

Thanks in advance for your help!