GRVR6

I have to be in Key West for sailboat racing on Sat 1/14/12. I was thinking about flying to Miami 2 days early and then riding my bike to KW. Has anybody done it? Is it a safe ride?

jbholcom

I haven't been down there is a few years, however the roads should be packed full of tourists. I wouldn't do it, but that's just my opinion.

I can see it now, an Earnest Hemmingway wannabe driving an rv towing a car flying by you at 55 mph and only giving you 3 feet of space as you cross over Marathon bridge. Not a pretty image.

BILLB58

I am not familiar with the route from the airport to Homestead. I would not be concerned about the stretch from Homestead down with the exception of one part. I would not ride on US1 from Homestead to Key Largo. Take a look at the map. It is far safer to take SR 997/ SR 905A to the north end of Key Largo, (Card Sound Road) then 905 down to where you join back into US1. It adds a few miles, but in my opinion, it is worth it.....that one section of US1, I consider dangerous for bikes. Other than that one section of US1 approaching Key Largo, I have not had any problems with the trip down to Key West. Obviously you have to be careful, understanding that tourists are not predictable.....but are any drivers predictable? You will have sections of bike paths, sections on the shoulder of the road, etc. Make certain you have quick access to a camera. I have seen sea turtles, dolphins, schools of fish and everything else when crossing the bridges.....especially the 7 mile bridge. On one trip down, we saw several of the rare Key Deer. Expect to see several of the green Iguana's........

When we go, we are coming from Ft Myers. We leave Ft Myers midday and ride to Marco Island. The next day we come across on US41, and then come the back way into Homestead via SR 997, and stay in Homestead that night (cheap motel). On the next day we do the 85 miles to Marathon and stay there that night....sleep in and it is an easy 55 miles to Key West on the next day...we don't ride back. We come back via the Hi Speed Ferry to Ft Myers Beach. If you reserve in advance, they will take bikes on the ferry. The bike will have been misted by seawater on the way back, so we spray them with fresh water as soon as we can when we get back.

Have a great time !!!!

GRVR6

Thanks, I still have a lot of details to work out.

dwellman

Well, Ragnar Relay is the week before. So if we can run it, you can bike it. Also check out completed sections of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail -- https://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/state...s/fkohtmap.pdf