Ride Report as I sit here in the cold, snow, and ice of Kentucky.

14 of us left Rivers Edge in Goergetown Fl Saturday Jan 17th headed to Clearwater. Temps were pretty cool when we departed and stayed cool most of the day. We arrived at the Econo Lodge, AKA sh/t hole. We sat by the pool and let some antifreeze flow. Let's just say this place has a drug problem, they were slinging something all night long out of that hotel. They never did bother us however. Sunday heading to Naples, we stopped at Peggy's Corral. It was a nice spot, and would love to go back later in the day to see the live acts. We stayed longer than planned and it was trying to rain. To say we was surgical cutting through traffic to beat the storm was awesome, but not so much for one couple in our group. Next stop was Portside Tavern, nice spot with $5. brisket sandwich, and chips. We stayed at Fairway Inn in Naples and ate at the Black Forrest German restaurant. It was pretty good. This hotel was a really nice place with a beautiful courtyard. We left Naples at 45 degrees, BURR and traveled down 41 across Alligator Alley and missed the Blue Crab place and wound up pulling over at an airboat place to drink a saddlebag beer. We all looked like Eskimos it was so cold. Next stop was Alabama Jacks, I was disappointed with supposed Biker Bar, they played ghetto music the whole time, BOO, and service was terrible, not to mention we where the only people on bikes. We continued on to Marathon and stayed at Key Colony Beach Motel. Hotel was MEH, but loved the tiki hut/beach area and we sat there and drank more antifreeze all night. The most fun night of the trip, sitting only 20 yards from the ocean. Day 4, Wife's Birthday, Key West, several stayed back to lick their wounds lol, but we continued on. Prettiest day of the trip high of 73 yeah. We parked at Hogs Breath, but it wasn't free parking, mor like 30 dollars, oh well. Drank a beer got a photo and Tshirts, moved on to the Pickle Pub, wife got a Pickle shot and a bourbon and sprite. Had fun there and then moved on to the Whistle Bar. Whoa, there is naked chicks on the 3rd floor, moved back to second floor so wife don't kill me. Bartender was very cool and pored some mean drinks. Noticed wife has celebrated too much so we decide our day is over and time to head back to Marathon. We see about 30 protesters leaving key west, but they didn't block traffic. I don't know if you ever had a drunk chick on the back dancing to every song while in traffic or not, but it wasn't fun. We go eat at Sparky's for dinner and it was pretty good. I got two lobster tails, so life is good. We go back and try and recreate the night before on the beach and got close, but not everyone can party days on end. Rookies as my buddy Tom would say. Day 5 headed to Sebring Inn on the Lakes. This is by far the nicest place we stayed, and most expensive. We stopped at Cafe 27 for first stop, but everyone's check Liver light was on at this point so we drink water or tea. Next stop was Roland Martin Tiki Bar for some food. We made it too the hotel and good news, check liver light went out for everyone. They have a swanky bar/restaurant called Chicanes. It was expensive but fun. Their was a group from the race track there and they was partying too. Day 6 stop at a British Pub and had a neat chat with the lady bartender with a cool accent about her love for the USA and how bad things have gotten in England (Muzzy). Next stop was the Rock Springs Bar and Grill for some grub. Nice place for big portions. One more watering hole before go back to the campground was the Inn between bar. Cool Dive bar, with a smoking hot beer tender, not that I was looking of course. The ride group consisted of 5 trikes, one of those pulled a trailer, and 5 bikes. Ages ranged from 76-53. I was the baby of the group. There was 9 guys and 5 women. I'm telling you this was a great group of people to ride with and I'm thankful they allowed my wife and I to come down and enjoy this epic journey. Thanks to the people that responded to this thread and the suggestions. 1200 plus miles round trip. Slightly disappointed overall with the Keys, just thought it would look cooler and less industrialized, with more beaches and island themed. Bucket list checked and on to the next adventure.

 

Really Great story! The Keys aren't anything special,,,Grew up on Clearwater beach Fl and spent many a days in the keys etc. Couple friends live on Duck Key, just look on Zillow and see what the high class dumps are going for down there in paradise.

 

Definitely enjoyed that ride report.

I’m actually on my way to Marathon key for the night. Spending Saturday in Key West (meeting a buddy who is down on vacation) before turning around and heading back home on Sunday.

Stopped in Homestead for some BBQ at Shiver’s. The place is packed and the BBQ is pretty darn good.

It’s freaking 53° at the moment. What the hell was I thinking!?

 

The original site of Sloppy Joe’s, from 1933.