TandemGeek

Looking for leads on anyone who might have some insight into tandem cycling conditions / suitability in the Ft. Walton Beach / Destin / Sandestine area? Sue Buckley of "Club Vibes" in Knoxville, TN, was thinking about taking their visually impaired club members down there as a destination. Here specific questions were:

1. Where are good riding areas near the Sandestine, Florida are or nearby?
2. Does anyone live nearby that we may be able to borrow road tandems from? WE may bring our own, but just asking.
3. Any good condo rental pricing for a group to stay that would enjoy this sort of thing?

Our only experience is early morning rides from Panama City Beach along Front Beach during Bike Weeks. I think there are some nice trails North of PCB, but just don't have a feel for the rest of the area... seems awfully congested ear SeaSide, etc.

shelbyfv

I don't think you will find any good road riding near FWB/Destin. It's very congested, heavy traffic. Better to just enjoy the beach there and ride somewhere else.

ct-vt-trekker

My brother lives and rides in Destin. I'll see if I can get some of his routes or a link to local clubs for you.

TandemGeek

Awesome; thanks!

ct-vt-trekker

My brother indicated that it is difficult to find secluded and safe cycling routes in the area. He said some people ride on the Eglin Air force Base but you need a pass for that, called a Range pass.

He said to contact this bike shop for possible rentals.
www.robinsbikes.com

and this local club has many routes on their website
www.eccyclists.com

PMK

Possibly the Tallahassee teams may have some input.
PK

act0fgod

Live on the other side of the bay and ride our tandem in the area. We basically have 3 rides all starting from home (don't like to drive somewhere to ride) depending on the mileage. We ride an out and back for short rides. For 40 mile rides we have a loop across the mid bay bridge, through destin and back home along 85. For the Destin portion of the ride it's possible to avoid most of 98 but there are parts where we basically take up one of the lanes (it's multiple lanes in each direction with a 35 mph speed limit - worst part of any of the rides we do). The portion on 85 through Fort Walton Beach isn't that bad. For long rides we cross mid bay bridge then head east and turn on 83 and comeback along 20 (this ride is a nice ride). East of the Mid Bay Bridge (on both sides of the bay) has minimal traffic and is open. That being said it's not really all that scenic (but that may not matter). Out in Santa Rosa 30A is supposedly a nice ride but we haven't done it yet.

This week after work was the first time I road on the Eglin Range. It's basically an out and back road that gives you about a 20 mile ride. There are also a lot of mountain trails out there if they are riding trails.

Depending on the timing we may be able to offer up our tandem.

TandemGeek

Thanks for the feedback an offer AoG!