Riding the flordia keys??
Riding the flordia keys??
hey I was just wondering if there's anybody out there was some first hand experience riding the keys down Florida. .I've never been there from Iowa so it would be quite a change in scenery. I preciate any general knowledge from anybody it has done thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
What do you want to know? I've ridden or driven the keys for years.
It is beautiful.
It will take you longer than you ever plan because you can only go as fast as the slowest RV or trailered boat. Locals (yours truly) can make good time because I know the handful of spots I can pass. If you don't know the road, don't try. On a slow day, no one can make good time.
Take your time and enjoy it. Count on spending the night in Key West.
You will see a lot of bikers heading there and back. It is.a popular ride.
Post your specific questions or send me a note. I will be happy to help.
It is beautiful.
It will take you longer than you ever plan because you can only go as fast as the slowest RV or trailered boat. Locals (yours truly) can make good time because I know the handful of spots I can pass. If you don't know the road, don't try. On a slow day, no one can make good time.
Take your time and enjoy it. Count on spending the night in Key West.
You will see a lot of bikers heading there and back. It is.a popular ride.
Post your specific questions or send me a note. I will be happy to help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
I've been down there a few times. One of my favorite places to stop is the "No name pub" on Big Pine Key.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/8879131
Lots of places to see and things to do in the Keys. If you don't enjoy yourself down there, it's your own fault.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/8879131
Lots of places to see and things to do in the Keys. If you don't enjoy yourself down there, it's your own fault.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 901
Likes: 5
From: Springfield, MO
I have nothing to contribute other than to say, the Florida Keys are on my Bucket List of Rides!
May fly to Miami and rent a bike rather than riding mine all the way down from SW Missouri. Then again...
May fly to Miami and rent a bike rather than riding mine all the way down from SW Missouri. Then again...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I (we) made it to Key Largo in '75.
By then my face was totally burned to a crisp!!
Our friends want us to go to Key West but we're not sure of when, and what means of transportation we may use.
I'd prefer to fly down during the colder (up here) months and just rent transportation as needed, but I only have one voice out of four.
By then my face was totally burned to a crisp!!
Our friends want us to go to Key West but we're not sure of when, and what means of transportation we may use.
I'd prefer to fly down during the colder (up here) months and just rent transportation as needed, but I only have one voice out of four.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
I've done it twice. Once with the boys on a trip with my bike. Other with the old lady on vacation with a rental. Good ride either way. Saw this old timer on a classic bagger stop on the shoulder during traffic, pop open his saddlebag, crack a beer and keep on riding. I agree with planning on spending sometime down there or overnight. Took me about 3 hours one way each time.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Holland, Mich.
Do not ride on "1" from Miami to Key West on Fri. afternoon into late night or Sun. afternoon. Stay off "1" after 9 at night anytime in season. You want a good ride? Try "old 41 across the 'Glades from Homestead to Naples (or close). Take your time. It's a great ride. Go to Goodland on a Sun. afternoon.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,282
From: Georgia
I found it to be the most boring ride I ever took. Unless you do it at night it's long hot and friggin boring. You would be better off finding a beach bar on the west side of the state and sit and stare at the water while eating and drinking. If you like long straight roads go for it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: SW Florida
I've been down there a few times. One of my favorite places to stop is the "No name pub" on Big Pine Key.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/8879131
Lots of places to see and things to do in the Keys. If you don't enjoy yourself down there, it's your own fault.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/8879131
Lots of places to see and things to do in the Keys. If you don't enjoy yourself down there, it's your own fault.
Been there many a time, early 90s. Used to be very hard to find.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 92
Likes: 2
From: Manitoba
On our way to the keys from COLD Manitoba right now. Plan to ride to key west on Monday, can't wait to get on the bike after our cold, snowy winter we have been having. Any ideas on hotels at the far end of the keys? Not looking for fancy but has to be clean.