Biking in the Florida Keys

A couple of winters ago, my daughter and I decided we wanted to ride our bikes to Key West that coming summer. As things worked out we were not able to make the trip, but we had a great deal of fun planning and preparing for it!

From about mile marker 103 southwest to Key West (which is mile marker 0, by the way), there is a dedicated bake path or bike route. The only exceptions to this are construction areas, the bridges (oh, the views!) and a couple of places where the islands are too narrow to have a bike path.

Experienced bikers will make this trip in one day. But given the distance, the prevailing winds in the Keys, the bridges (oh, the views!), the traffic, as well as the heat, humidity, and rain (for most of the year), that trip is not for the unprepared and especially not for out-of-shape! Merely adventurous bikers will plan the trip for two days (what my daughter wanted), with an overnight stay in one of the Keys' many fine hostelries north of Key West. Slightly dull couch potatoes (me!) however, usually set the trip up for three days (30 to 40 miles per day). We also plan to start the day at about 7:00AM after a high carb breakfast and a great night's sleep. That way the biking is over by about noon, the afternoon is left for napping and otherwise recuperating from the exertions of the morning's exercize, and evenings are left for trying one of the many fine restaurants the Keys have.

Out plan was to drive from Palm Beach Gardens to Key Largo at the north end of the Keys and leave the Explorer with a friend. Then we'd bike from there to Key West over the pre-planned three days. There is only one road to Key West (or any of the Keys for that matter)- US1, locally known as the Overseas Highway. There are sidewalks or bike paths along most of it, thus the ride is fairly safe.

In Key West we planned on staying at the Knowles House (http://knowleshouse.com/) a wonderfully restored B&B far enough off Duval Street to be quiet, but close enough to be close to all of the excitement as well as great restaurants. Wy wife and I, as well as my daughter and I, had stayed there before and loved it. Les & Paul, the owners, know Key West well and cater to an eclectic and friendly clientele. It has a pool, spa, and adult tanning area. They set a great table at breakfast and go out of their way to make sure their guests are comfortable.

But, as I said, the trip was not to be. For both my daughther and me, the infernal interruptions of making a living got in the way. However, it is something we eventually will do (assuming she does not make me a grandfather as her brother has done!). Make the trio! You'll enjoy it!