jimnichlci

I'm planning a tour from Fort Meyers to Key West in late July, early August (not the best time, perhaps, but it is what I have). One way, and then taking a ferry back to my car in Fort Meyers. If anyone has done something like this before, I'd appreciate tips and advice on routing, places to stay, etc. Planning on hotels, and I suppose riding cross-state to Miami before heading down to Homestead and out onto the keys. Have 6 or 7 seven days but would like to spend at least 2 of them in Key West.

Jim

rwpshaw

If you can, bypass Miami. You may be crossing on the Tamiami Trail (US41). There are may camping areas. And there should be plenty of mosquitoes. If you're on US41, start heading south east of Krome Ave - even as far east as 87th Ave. Krome may look tempting, but it's a bad road for car and trucks, much less a bicyclist.
When you get to the Keys, check going south on Card Sound Road instead of the 18 mile stretch on US1 above Key Largo.
Enjoy!

el Chilly Willy

I have this trip planned as well as well as no camping; to stay light and fast for big days as well as dealing with the lack of good camping! The partially paved Rt. 94 will be a quiet break from the nastiness of Rt.41.

We're starting with the ferry ride to Fort Meyers and a night there.
Next night Everglades City, always wanted to see that place, some interesting history there
Then its across the state to the Everglades Hostel in Homestead.
Canal paths to Rt.1 in the middle of the Stretch and a hotel around MM60 (still planning)
And back home to Key West!

streisel

How do you spell alligator? My wife and I came up from key west on our tandem and except for the wind had a great time. We took the boat down and rode back to homestead where we were picked up. I considered riding across the glades but when riding back in the truck and seeing the THOUSANDS of hungry alligators I decided I made the right decision, maybe I am a pansy...My funny line was if we had a flat, what would happen when they were done eating my wife. Also there is no place to stop for very long distances on the mainland across the state. While in the truck I saw no bikers the entire trip which was weird. This year we are planning a trip from Homestead to Key west or maybe Miami but everyone says Maimi is crazy for bikes. By the way the wind was brutal coming north on the keys! If you check out my blog at hampshirereview.com under blogs/cosmic Charley and do a search for the key west. There is some information on the trip.

Bassmanbob

Alligators, meh. They are more afraid of you than you are of them. Just DON'T FEED THEM. When a gator gets fed, it slowly loses its fear of humans and associates them with food. Then there's trouble.

Ride, sun block and just keep hydrating.

Oh. One thing. Make sure it's not a salt water croc. They are along the southwestern tip of Florida. Crocs are much more aggressive than gators.