Florida Keys

[True Grip]

I've got the first week of Feb. off. I'm looking to ride to some warm weather and have never been to south Florida or the keys.
I plan on leaving Feb 1 and heading down the western coast to Everglades city, cutting across the glades and doing the loop road, then
making my way thur the keys. I don't plan on staying at Key West just go see the buoy and Hemingways house. Any suggestions for good
places to eat?I was told to try some conch fritters and have heard of a Lobster Reuben in Marathon that sounds interesting. What about camping on the Keys? I'm guessing rooms are expensive and I'd like to shake some winter blues and stay outside as much as possible.
Any one know of some good camping? From what I can tell the State Parks fill up a year in advance and I figured just pitching a tent anywhere would get you thrown in jail. Anyone been to Flamingo and is it worth the side trip? On the way home I may take a half loop
of Okeechobee lake eastern side. Any advice would be appreciated. I have no itinerary just 9 days on the bike before I have to be back at work.

 

[eemsreno]

I'm thinking of the same kind of getaway. I can't plan ahead though , just have to get out of town when the weather is right.
I rode to Key West and Flamingo but about 35 years ago so I can't help much. I remember alligators in the ditches on the way to Flamingo.
Have a great trip.
Steve

 

[Lollipop]

Gave up on Key West when they started docking about a dozen cruise ships a day at Mallory Square at the west end of Duval St. The place is like a holiday weekend festival everyday. The upper keys are very relaxed and laid back. Everyone has to go to KW at least once. Camping in the keys is very tropical, so that means it rains often. If you can time it right, Sharkeys in Key Largo is a great place to eat. Sit on the second story balcony and watch the boats enter and leave the marina. Sharkeys is behind the Holiday Inn at MM100. Take the road on the south side of the HI & stay to the left til you see the small sign for Sharkeys. They have an unbelievable fish fry on Fri. evenings & don't miss the mango pie. It'll make your tounge slap your brain, lol. I've been to the keys every year since '92 and Sharkeys is the best for a laid back keys experience and a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Fish House in Key Largo is a good second for dinner. Kick back and enjoy the scenery from about Tavernier on down, but observe the speed limit and stay safe........Pop

 

[OldRider]

I was just down there last week in the cage, but I've been on the bike several times. The best advice I can give you about going to Key West is to start your ride into the Keys very early in the morning. I would stay at the Best Western in Florida City and kickstands up right at daylight.

If you ride in later in the morning, it will be bumper to bumper traffic. There is a church parking lot behind Sloppy Joes and a small parking lot in the alley behind Hogs Breath. Both will put you close to the action. Then leave out early in the afternoon while the traffic going out is still light. I like eating at Sloppy Joes.

The speed limit through the Keys is split between 45 & 55 and if you don't want to receive a "performance award" from the Sheriffs patrol, pay very close attention to the signs.

 

[True Grip]

Pop and Oldrider just the stuff i was looking for! The upper Keys seem more my pace but would like to see the Elephant so to speak of Key West. I like the idea of Florida City and an early departure for a run south and then back north by afternoon. That would give me a little more time to explore the Glades and slow my pace down. Sharkeys is on the list as well as Key Lime pie and now Mango pie. I'll see if I can find Sloppy Joes too. I carry a tarp to pitch above the tent so rain camping is not to uncomfortable. I expect to get wet but I have good gear. I'll remember the speed limit too. Steve alligators in the ditches sound cool, so your saying keep it out of the ditches right. I hope to. Thanks for the advice!

 

[snakebitten]

Lucky dog. Sounds like a nice getaway. Here's to you finding a magical spot to setup camp!

That's all I can see you need to have a perfect adventure.

Take a camera friend. And rub it in.

 

[True Grip]

Thanks Snake. I'll post up and hopefully take a few sunset pics.

 

[Joega]

For camping try Knights key on the north side of 7 mile bridge very nice people , lobster ruebins are awesome do go to key west it is a worth seeing tourist trap @ sundown go to Mallory square and see the shows it a lot of fun but very touristy , the real sloppy joes is down the street now called Captain Tonys as for Flamingo National park you will see plenty of alligators coming south on US 41. enjoy the ride

 

[creggur]

Wish I could offer you more advice, but the guys seemed to have pretty much covered it. Enjoy the weather, because our roads leave much to be desired, as far as motorcycling goes. And if your planning on exploring any off road stuff, beware of the deep sugar sand - it's everywhere.

One word of caution as you traverse our great state (even more dangerous than the gators) - keep a keen eye out for the octogenarian population armed with drivers licenses and Macular Degeneration - they'll turn left in front of you like nobody's business. They migrate south this time of year - be careful down there!

The weather, tropical views, and laid back atmosphere of the upper Keys, however, will make the trip worthwhile! Have fun...

 

[True Grip]

Thanks Joega I'll give Knights Key a look. I'm looking forward to some warmer weather and some good food.

Creggur I'll watch out for blue hairs. True story yesterday I xrayed a 95 year old woman who drove herself to the hospital. She said her doctor said she could still drive because she had 20/20 vision in her ONE eye. ??? I asked if she had any family Nope. Her husband died in 1959, 55 years ago and no kids. Amazing longevity

 

[True Grip]

I made it to Ocala at dark thirty yesterday. Epic fog this morning but if all goes well I'll be in Key Largo in time to set up camp and find a spot to watch the Super Bowl. I rode in temps from high 40s and light rain to low 70s and partly sunny. Bye bye Polar Vortex.

 

[eemsreno]

That's not nice, We got about 6 inches of new white yesterday

 

[justbob]

I would suggest finding a place to overnight in Key West after enjoying the evening festivities at Mallory Square.
There is a lot to see and do while there, take the time to enjoy it. Its been a few years, ok more like 8 yrs since my last visit in January of 2006. I tried to go back on New Years Eve in 2009 but the final drive crapped out on my BMW in the Everglades. That was the 2nd and last time that bike left me stranded, I got back home and sold it.
Like others have said, watch for the old folks and watch your speed. The trip down thru the keys can be very slow and frustrating if you are trying to rush.

 

[True Grip]

Left a little after 7 am in biblical fog I didn't see the sun till almost 10. I wanted to see Okeechobee and had a nice long look at the levee ;D and did find a picnic spot to take a look. Yep as big as I imagined.

By the time I got to the lake 11am temp was 84 so I had to shed some clothes.
You could tell it was Sunday I think these guys rode out of Homestead

375 miles for the day after about 700 yesterday. This is starting to look good

I made it to Key Largo campground and have the tent pitched. I plan on a slow day tomorrow gonna kayak at Pennekamp coral reef state park and hit Sharkeys for some grub. Looks like I'll be watching the Super Bowl on a patio behind the camp store wearing shorts and sippin something cold. Sorry you guys aren't with me. Here's home for a couple of days

Maybe my pictures will get more interesting but don't expect much I left my camera at home so it's I phone pics

 

[True Grip]

Went to the Fish House for dinner. Fresh caught Hog Fish and it was great

Waiting on the game can you tell who I'm for.

 

[creggur]

NICE!

Looks like you're having a good time. Welcome to the Sunshine State!

 

[snakebitten]

Lol. Nice, TrueGrip.

I'm watching the first half at Atlanta airport. But it will be worth missing the rest to get home.

Riding my bike tomorrow! Might be my longest stint of no-ride since I got it.

Have fun.

 

[True Grip]

Lol. Nice, TrueGrip.

I'm watching the first half at Atlanta airport. But it will be worth missing the rest to get home.

Riding my bike tomorrow! Might be my longest stint of no-ride since I got it.

Have fun.

What game? At this point I'm hanging out with cool strangers. Hope the ride is good. I loved my ride coming down that flash makes me smile when I want to get to the front of the pack.

 

[jwhuls]

One of my ATF street rides was daybreak heading west out of Key West. Gorgeous ride into the rising sun.

 

[True Grip]

NICE!

Looks like you're having a good time. Welcome to the Sunshine State!

Thanks Creggur I'm really enjoyed today. I spent today at John Pennekamp coral reef state park.
Took a glass bottom boat tour

The water here is really pretty with you guessed it lots of coral

Saw cooper the Grouper
Whatcha talkin about Willis

I spent some of the afternoon in a kayak in the mangroves.

I made it to Sharkeys for dinner. Ahi Tuna tacos yum

I set out on the patio and watched the boats come in.

Good day and I'm whipped. Gonna wake up early and get on road around sunrise for the slow roll to Key West.