I have March 24-31 off. Wikipedia says March-May is the best time to visit Key West with 70 degree weather, waning winter tourists and the best hotel rates. Who is interested in a long haul?
Oh go ahead twist my arm this morning.... Now I can think about this and try to plan to make it work... :'(
It's a great Idea and something Susan and I both have on the list.
Chuck
Susan slipped me a 20 to make this post.
Now get to work making it happen! Vacation time request is in the top drawer ;D
Only 20 bucks..... As bad as she has been wanting to make a ride to the Keys she would have gone much higher^^^ Besides It's my money anyway.... LOL
Yeah, well, with the mpg on my bike, $20 should cover my fuel costs for the trip. I didn't want to be greedy.
Okay, okay. I do owe you 20 bucks. I will gladly pay it to do this ride!!!
Susan
PS...I just looked. That is spring break for schools here.........hehehehehehehe
I found that hotels in Key Largo were about half the cost of the ones in Key West. But it is a 2-hour ride from Key Largo to Key West because of speed limits, which they do enforce.
It is definitely worth going though. Key West is awesome. Next time I go, it'll be with my wife and we'll plan three full days so that we can see more of the museums, lighthouses, forts, stores, etc. Maybe even take a boat ride.
I'm in.
I highly suggest cutting though the everglades.
It was the best part last time.
I have all week. Yeah. Spring Break is awesome!
I don't plan on this being a balls to the wall ride. Pace and route will be determined by time constraints of those who join the ride.
Bravo!! It is a ride worth doing, or at least is was in our case.
Wow it was fun! As is always the case, certain things stand out....
The guy at Mallory Square was great!!
Oh - You thought I was speaking of Reid? That talented guy of local fame? www.reidiculousreid.com
Why no!! I was speaking of our very own JBMFT!
THAT guys puts on a show!
[youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2j0Vb1dPBE
So yeah. Go to Key West.
Go. And expect laughs and memories that you could not have known would be waiting.
Iron butt ride?
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Quote from: IceCold4x4 on November 28, 2017, 06:12:01 PM
Iron butt ride?
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Not planning on it. I'm hoping we can avoid interstate in some of the more interesting areas.
We would rather be a ride of leisure. Stay off the interstates as much as possible. Chuck has ridden he Everglades and loved it. I want to take that ride as well.
Susan
Quote from: Chitza on November 28, 2017, 06:14:47 PM
Not planning on it. I'm hoping we can avoid interstate in some of the more interesting areas.
And where, pray tell, would that be? :) Key West will be interesting, no question about that, but curves? In south Florida?
What is the route down looking like?
Not necessarily curves. Interesting places, like the Everglades. I'm planning down one coast, up the other. Still looking at maps and attractions.
I recommend using cash or pre-paid Visa on the interstates. Florida is the world capital of skimming devices, apparently.
I'd really like to go, but BabyRou #3 is due in early March.
Quote from: jrou111 on November 28, 2017, 08:34:41 PM
I'd really like to go, but BabyRou #3 is due in early March.
Congratulations!
I won't make Key West in January, but on Jan 27th I'll be at Dania Beach for the 12th Annual Dania Beach Vintage Bike Show! :P
If any of you are planning to go to Dania Beach, please let me know so we can meet there (I'm going down early for some other business).
Also, if there are any particular locations or facilities along the way that I can reconnoiter for you, just let me know! No doubt, y'all will have a blast traveling to Key West...Not sure I can join you, but I won't rule it out until there's no chance left...I would love to make it all the way to Mile Marker 0! ;D
I started looking for my trip to the Keys in 2008 and realized it wasn't here. I found the text from a blog I started and I'll rebuild the trip over the next few days. It may give you some ideas.
Look at Goodtimes Motel and Marina in Steinhatchee. It will make a nice stop midway.
Hmmm.... very interesting!
No interstate, no tolls
I'm seeing a little interest here 😎.
Let's talk specifics. I have the whole week of Spring Break off. That would be Saturday, March 24, to Sunday March 31. I'm planning lift off for Saturday, the 24th. For an easy pace, I plan to keep the whole week available. The good thing is, if anyone can't use the whole week, you can cut out and boogie home on the interstate at any point.
ighost, that route looks like 280 and Hwy 19. I've used that route before and is definitely a possibility. Thanks for posting it!
This will not be an interstate-free ride. Just minimal. I've always wanted to go to Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee, so out first day will include a stop there. The first leg will be I-65 to Hwy 231 from Montgomery to I-10 where we will exit to Wakulla to see the Manatees. Hwy 98 from there to Fanning Springs/Cheiftan, Fl area for the night.
What are your plans for overnight?? Hotels, camping or a combination?
Susan
I don't mind camping, but it will work better on the schedule to use hotels. I'm looking at both options but using campgrounds looks more difficult.
I might suggest going through Eufaula. Nice old antebellum homes, and some decent roads on the way.
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I'm from Dothan, and have worked in Eufaula. It is indeed a nice place. I'm reserving that for the Canyon Ride...whenever I get that back in my schedule ::)
We will be riding Hwy 98/19 south, avoiding Tampa proper, and scoot across the Everglades on Hwy 41. The second night we will stay in Homestead for an early start via US 1 to Key West on Monday morning.
This is a map test:
https://goo.gl/maps/mBE9RaKXhQG2
Here's the link for Good Times motel. http://www.goodtimesmotelandmarina.com/
They have a restaurant and bar - Who Dat. These are good friends of mine and will take care of you. We stopped there on the return trip last year from the Keys.
There's pricing and 360 deg view of the rooms and cabins on the site.
Sounds interesting, I will have to keep an eye on the thread
For anyone still considering this ride, here is a more hashed out plan. NOTHING is set in stone yet, other than the time frame and Key West.
Leave the Birmingham area early Saturday, March 24 (Chuck&Susan, if you join, you may want to meet us along I-10 or in Wakulla Springs. Anyone else is welcome to join en route as well).
Stop in Wakulla Springs for me to love on some Manatees.
We will stay the first night in Steinhatchee, Fl.
Early Sunday morning departure down Hwy 98/19 to St. Petersburg. We will take the I-275 toll bridge over Tampa Bay(expect $2-3 toll). Back to back roads south to Naples where we will take Hwy 41 through the Everglades to Homestead.
Stay Sunday night in Homestead (looking at Fairway Inn in Florida City).
Early Monday morning departure via US 1 to Key West. I'm hoping this time frame will avoid high traffic south through the Keys. We will spend the day being tourists. Depending on the final group, we can make a decision about lodging for Monday night. Most likely return to Florida City.
Tuesday: Return trip will be up the East Coast with a stop at Cape Canaveral and the NASA Space Center.
Spend the night around Titusville or a little north.
Wednesday: head north. Depending on schedule, there may be time to stop in St. Augustine.
Times may change a little to keep the pace "leisurely". By time stamps on GoogleMaps, this looks doable, with time for stops, though the days will be long between points, total riding time on each day will be 7-8hrs.
I will call to make reservations in the next couple of weeks. If you plan to go, room sharing is an option to keep costs down.
Highly recommend you avoid the route you have posted from Weeki Wachee to St. Pete because of all of the traffic lights. Take 589 instead.
Personally, unless there was some specific thing to see in the bay area, I'd cut across Brooksville > Zephyrhills > Plant City > then US 17 down to Arcaida and pick up the rest of your route.
Quote from: jrou111 on November 30, 2017, 11:57:18 AM
Highly recommend you avoid the route you have posted from Weeki Wachee to St. Pete because of all of the traffic lights. Take 589 instead.
Personally, unless there was some specific thing to see in the bay area, I'd cut across Brooksville > Zephyrhills > Plant City > then US 17 down to Arcaida and pick up the rest of your route.
I would agree. I like the looks of just staying on US98 to Fort Mead. Pick up US 17 down to Punta Gorda and then follow 41. Or some route to catch 41 in Carnestown area Just west of the glades.
Just my opinion unless like he said there is something special in your route. My calculations it would be 392 miles and 8.5 hours by the map. That still would not include rest stops or all the traffic and lights.
Susan and I have a daughter and 2 grandbabies in Bradenton. We don't care for the Tampa area traffic. But also after we all leave the Keys Susan and I may journey back up the west side to visit with them for a couple of days.
Just My thoughts.
Chuck
I totally up for suggestions to avoid bad areas/traffic. I don't know anything about the area and haven't traveled there in about 20 years.
For the folks following this thread to possibly join:
I need to come clean for you guys. I HATE doing routes. I like having a general idea where I'm going with a few good options in my pocket in case they don't work out. I'm not good with time frames. I like to ride and find a hotel or camp. HOWEVER, I realize that's not doable when other folks join. SO... because I WANT folks to join me on this ride...let's plan this together. We have a week. I like my plan for day one and I will be stopping at Wakulla Springs to see the Manatees. Steinhatchee isn't too far from there and JohnnyR has some friends with a nice hotel/marina. I would like to stay there and support them.
After that, it's head south. I want to avoid Tampa. (Thanks jrou for the info on that area). I was hoping to get to go across the bay bridge, but it is not a deal breaker for me. Stop and go traffic on a motorcycle, is. Chuck&Susan, would you be willing to navigate us around that area?
We'll look at the time lines from there and decide where Sunday night's stop will be.
I'll toss together a layout in the next few hours. And we can have further discussion to tune it. Stay tuned....
Here is what I have put together for DAY 1 from the Lower Alabama area.
(https://qn3eja.bn1302.livefilestore.com/y4mQ6Y5fhoLYOCH2jkVtSFTHc3qAhK8SpNLv6dgF7dRzw29PlSz4_UvEjirXUmmgnOrf1hZx2jn8ow5pWlwi2k6YsbVbb--5qCbeICvXdAvUg7MQLvjrCztK35sQHAtYIVszCSGKb_ERRGSTirJzeERbYJPv0DepIqrIsYTks1I7Y9H78PspWjPc3R5G2-P75AToZ09Q_6u6HztNi6Geg2trg?width=703&height=299&cropmode=none)
and the link to the detailed Google map is:
https://goo.gl/maps/bxBeYDBXkv72
Chitza, Do you know when you will be visiting the manatees? I have us in that area and stopping for fuel and maybe lunch just east I think.
We will leave the Birmingham area early Saturday morning. It's about a 5hour ride to Tallahassee. So, about Lunchtime? We can schedule to meet for lunch or soon after.
Now DAY 2 gets to be more of a push. Florida is a long state. Short of just taking the fastest route (including Interstate and missing the glades) this is about the best I could come up with. This is just a starting point for discussion.
(https://qd3eja.bn1302.livefilestore.com/y4mVDIGLMk1CVb4dgexuvIA-pp_JGweZfdgmlCHoegXJpV0OO3ai6B-Oj7lA5ln9cevib68M2LJUztGGROA-7VChFy_XZz0-ESuF7bVH_yL7BEQReG819_8xWc9637dsLUr3m7j12q8epOAIE60c-v4Q5F5OKA3_O84etAeFqahqjHA8YlC1-Uyx-EL4-SVuKXq6W-f6HetqHd5XwprRArHbA?width=697&height=355&cropmode=none)
and the google map link:
https://goo.gl/maps/D5zdiLKckRz
Any advice from others or suggestions?
I also suggest if we get to Florida City in time, that we go eat at "Alabama Jacks"' It is just 15 min from the hotel. But I seen where it closes at 7pm. Never been there but have heard about it.
Day 3 would be fairly easy.
Everyone fuel up and Wing it to the end of Hwy 1.
Susan and I may stay in Key West over night. We are thinking of watching some of the night life and she has several things she would like to do the next day. Then we would start heading to Grand-babies house in Bradenton.
We could add another day and Stop at Sanabel Island?? I haven't been there and wouldn't mind a lay over. I don't mind an overnight stay in Key West. I was trying to keep costs down and I hear the hotels are pretty pricey. That would slow the pace. But then again, 425 miles was a short day on the trip to Alaska so my internal odometer is a little screwy :D
This is another suggestion. I found the link they used on that famous Key West Iron Butt RFP on the return ride. It is taking I-75 to Hwy 41 across the glades.
https://goo.gl/maps/AVZRtpRnhBr
The riders of that leg can weigh in on it. Pros or Cons anyone?
Stop at the ValuJet Memorial. You will never have another "bad" day.
We hit rush hour and a truck lost a load of shingles all on a Friday afternoon. We cut across toward the west coast and ran the backroads heading north.
Man I would love to go back but I already have a vacation planned for late February. :'(
Quote from: jrobinson on December 01, 2017, 06:10:52 PM
Stop at the ValuJet Memorial. You will never have another "bad" day.
That was a given going across the glades. It is right there on the side of the road.
Chitza, I like the Idea of Key West on Monday. 3rd day or kinda the way it was going. I didn't mean for it to sound grueling. It's very doable. Do you have thoughts or plans on the return trip after Susan and I break off from the group?
But still looking for input from others that MIGHT be interested. Or has been here done that and can advise.
Only tentative ideas on the return. I'm very flexible. Key West is my target. After that, it's all gravy.
I'm very interested in this ride. I planned a ride like this once but unfortunately only made it about half way to Key West. I had a cousin riding with me who literally got butt hurt. In Tampa he pulled over and I thought he was stopping for gas. He quit on me. He rented a moving truck and we hauled the bikes back that way but that was a whole other adventure. I'll tell the story one night if I get to go on the trip.
I actually had plans to kayak in the Everglades and then we were going to kayak out to an island off the coast and camp for the night. Then we were going to Key West and back up the east coast. This trip takes almost the exact path I planned excluding the first day. We went through Mobile and then stayed close to the coast. It was very slow going but worth it.
One place you must go, you're passing right by it, is Ozello Trail. It's one of the few twisty curvy roads in Florida. It's a dead end but it only takes a few minutes to go in and back out again. When you get to the end it's absolutely beautiful. The picture at the top of my YouTube channel was taken there. http://www.youtube.com/kryten .
I'm not sure if I'm going to have a job in March (company just got bought) but if I do, I'm in.
Woohoo! Great to see you back, Steve. Even better if you get to join the ride!
Some thoughts I had:
If stopping to see the Manatees in Wakulla messes with the day 1 schedule, I can plan that for the return trip. Same goes for any of the other potential stops.
Bump this ride. We have some new members who may want to join.
We are TWO months out from this trip!!! If you're interested in joining, post up!
WE are going!!! Can't wait...
Okay, just put in my vacation request for the week. It will work out pretty good for me. I am off that first weekend anyway and the end of that week is the beginning of my normal 5 days off! I might just hangout in the Keys a few extra days. :)
Quote from: springer on January 22, 2018, 11:07:26 AM
Okay, just put in my vacation request for the week. It will work out pretty good for me. I am off that first weekend anyway and the end of that week is the beginning of my normal 5 days off! I might just hangout in the Keys a few extra days. :)
AAaahh...back on hold. Got to wait n see if my vacation request is approved along with my working buddies vacation request is approved.
He put his in several months ago for the same week but I do have company age on him. So if they will allow just one of us off that week, it will be me...but I will have to turn it down.
Why?
Well he put his in because he will be marrying his new bride and going on their honeymoon.
I couldn't mess that up for him...or her.
So I am back on hold until we see what happens.
Hopefully it will all work out.
Chuck & Susan
Quote from: Chuck & Susan on January 23, 2018, 06:21:19 AM
Hopefully it will all work out.
Chuck & Susan
Nope, only 1 vacation per shift...oh well.
Quote from: springer on January 23, 2018, 10:23:16 AM
Nope, only 1 vacation per shift...oh well.
Ditto. I'm out.
Hey Chuck&Susan! I think it's time to create a definite "planned ride" thread. I'm planning to meet you guys mid day on Saturday. Let's get that first day time frame and meet location set and post it up. I think we can just move the charts you did over there once we get the start times/locations set.
For day 1) The trip from Birmingham south will be longer than our run east. If you can figure about what time you think you will be leaving your manatee visit, we can adjust our departure time and route to meet you. Maybe at Savannah's Country Buffet (if at or around lunch time) just west of the Wakulla Wma. Take you time and enjoy but if the timing don't work we can meet at the motel. I'm still thinking the Good Times Motel and Marina. But that can change if needed. So really just let us know your approximate times for day one and we can adjust you meet you. BUT YES IT'S ON!!!! We are going to Key West and this should be an Event. Would be good to have more tag along for a bigger event....
Chuck & Susan
Chitza, Take a look at this route. It is really close to your original route and has motel near Chiefland and day 2 has the Skyway bridge you wanted to cross. I was just playing with maps.... Let me know what yall think.
https://goo.gl/maps/WhE9Jy9sXpA2
Chuck
Okay....we have made resevations at the Fairfield Inn in Florida City for Sunday evening. We have reservations in Key West for Monday and Tuesday at the Casablanca Hotel.
Now we just need to get our hotel settled for the first night. Chizta..where do you want to stay? Chuck said something about the Suwannee Gables Motel (on the way and on the water). Or the Good Times Marina? Let us know which you prefer
We are getting exciting about this trip and getting ready to go!!!
Chuck & Susan
Can you forward me the address for the hotels where you have reservations? I'll get our rooms reserved for the same places. As for the first night, I'll let you guys make the call. The Good Times Marina is a friend of Johnny's but if it's not far enough along the route we can stay there another time.
I am going to hold off on the manatee visit so we should arrive around Tallahassee around noon-ish. We can plan to meet west of the city. There is a really nice rest area. I'll find the mile marker and post it up.
We used Booking.com for our reservations:
Fairway Inn Florida City, 100 Southeast 1st Avenue, Florida City, FL 33034, United States of America
The Casablance Hotel, Key West, 904 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040, United States of America
Sounds like a plan coming together.
Susan & Chuck
Do it, it's a great trip!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180213/f260738487ea40a12c91437368853d73.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180213/ceabec3fba49b9a5df028230a12ea0c5.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180213/fb6534a4dd95f117f9a2b2577e3d393e.jpg)
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I believe that Hwy 1 sign ^ is destined to have one more sticker applied.... "Motorcycle Alabama" needs to be added....
I'll see about taking care of that when we get there!!!
Chuck
So this is now a "Planned Ride", correct?
Can't wait to see y'all's photos and hear your impressions!
Susan and I are excited about going!!!
I re-posted my trip to the Keys from 2008, but didn't add the link here. Just added http://www.motorcyclealabama.com/rides/index.php?topic=2429.0
Glenn's trip to the Keys and it was on Sandy's 50th birthday. http://www.motorcyclealabama.com/rides/index.php?topic=929.0
Time is getting closer. Who is getting ready for this ride? Chuck & I are!!!!
Susan
:) ;D
I ammmm!!!! ;D
We are 10 days out from this ride!! Anyone else thinking of joining? If not, we will be posting pics to make you all jealous ;D
Anyone interested in joining us, we will be leaving our house in South Alabama at 8 am on the 24th. The plan is to meet with Chitza and company at the I-10 East bound rest area around noon.
Can't wait........
Chuck & Susan
Hope y'all have good weather!
Man, I'm jealous. I hope y'all are giving yourselves a day or two in Key West. The food there is soooo good! And of course the drinks too. I know Chuck & Susan will love it.
Planning Mon night and Tuesday night in Key West. Load up and tag along!! Going to be a GOOD TRIP!!
Looking forward to pics / ride report! :)
I have already spoken with Chuck & Susan, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be making this ride. I have been having a great deal of trouble with my neck for the last year that has been interfering with normal daily activity, not to mention riding my motorcycle. I have good days when riding is not a problem. Then I have days when I can't even put on a pull over shirt without screaming. Lately it seems my good days have coinsided with rain , snow and cold weather. I have been trying for months to get an OP procedure done. Last week my doc finally got all of the insurance approvals done and said he could do it today. TODAY! I would be waiting much longer if I put it off. He assured me I could return to normal activity within a day or two. Until I told him that normal activity included a motorcycle ride to Key West next week. I won't tell you what he said 8)
Not to mention the financial burden my deductible put on my Key West Fund :'(
Stay tuned. I feel so much better right now(though I am still a bit sedated :P), I should be back on my bike soon and unimcumbered.
Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
We will be missing you and Buzz. Taking care of yourself comes first. Hope it's a quick and complete fix of the issues you have been having. There will be more trips in the future and I'm sure more to Key West will be on that list. I'll let Susan do the picture posting as we travel so you can feel like your there. Oh and Susan will still owe you that $20 bucks for starting this also. :D
Unless someone else chimes in it looks like this is going to be a 2up solo trip. Any other takers? Let us know if so. We will be departing Saturday Morning!!
Chuck
Due to a very sick dog and a cracked tooth this ride has been cancelled. Money has to go to other things now.
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Chuck & Susan
Bummer :( Hope you get another chance to do this before too long.
Just a minor setback.... Maybe a couple or 3 months... But it will happen. Besides next attempt might be better for others to join in with us.
I'm still thinking of a major 3 week road trip in June. I'll post up my plans for that run soon. I'm still thinking out the logistics. It will probably be a solo run that will knock several things off the bucket list.
Chuck