| Author | Message | ||
     Supertoon |
We are planning a cruise out of Tampa late April 2010. So I had this great idea! Why don't we go down a few days earlier, rent bikes and ride down to the Keys! Now I know this is perhaps not the most exciting ride but it is one of those things I have wanted to do for years now. So I have a question to all our Florida Buellers and any others who are familiar with this area. Is this worth renting a bike for? What routes would be cool? Are there things we must see?? I know that from Miami on there is pretty much one route, but as we are returning to Tampa is there a loop we should do? Anybody aware of any good places to rent in the Tampa area? We will most likely do Harleys as that seems to be the most easy to find. I am aware this will be a mainly feet-up, music on, cruising tour and thats ok! Happy holidays all from  | ||
| Ulynut |
Everglades National Park Big Cypress National Park Tamiami trail Flamingo Robert Is Here (mango milkshakes on the way to Everglades Park) search for the "Skunk Ape" | ||
| Nevrenuf |
live right outside of tampa and the only one's that i know of off hand that rents is tampa h/d. but you might contact fletchers h/d who are also a sponsor here and see if they rent first. outside of the ones that ulynut mentioned, the only other places to ride around are north in the ocala national forest(i guess that's what it's called) rode down to key west with a buddy right after i got the 01 ultra right before christmas 2000 and i have to say it was a boring ride the whole day. coming from here, you ride into the sun the whole time. my advise would be, get closer to miami and start out in the morning for key west. if nothing else, it is something different. if i'm not working out of town by that time and if there's anything i can do to help you out, let me know. | ||
| Sharkguy |
+1 on that. Nevrenuf is right. A mostly flat boring ride down until you get to the Keys. The Keys themselves are a nice easy ride if the weather is good. Awesome views from the road and bridges. The ride to the Keys is flat and boring no matter which way you take. I'd try and find a shop that would rent you bikes out of Miami and go from there. If not, get a bike in Tampa or Clermont I know Stormy Hill HD in Clermont rents bikes. and head from there. I have taken hwy 27 down there more times then I care to think about. It's probably the better of routes as it takes you through farmland and sugarcane areas. Then take Chrome ave through Homestead and on to the Keys. Going from Tampa take 75 to Naples. then 41 across the Glades to Chrome Ave. There is some pretty good riding here in Central FL, most of it in Lake and Citrus Co. Whatever you decide to do I'm sure it will be an adventure. | ||
| Eshaw |
dont miss alligator alley. There are camping spots in the middle of the everglades if your into that sort of thing... you can pull off the side of the road at the little 20' bridges and see alligators galore if just passing through. It's a cool 2 lane ride across the everglades... its the lower of the 2 roads that cross East to West. Its even worth a trip west for a bit and go back east if your sticking to the east coast. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
It's a cool 2 lane ride across the everglades... just to specify, it's a 4 lane highway that isn't nearly as dangerous as it used to be back during the 80's. but the bugs at night are pretty lethal. you don't want to be smacked in the face with one of those things. it hurts. | ||
| Etennuly |
Oooooh, camping with fire ants, and giant roaches that are called 'Palmetto bugs' by proper people who can never have a 'dirty roach' in their house! Try to miss 'Love Bug' season, it can be just nasty! I really enjoyed my 17 years in the Tampa area. But there are a few things that I just don't miss,  especially straight flat roads. Oh yeah, there are the blue hair folks with their foot on the brake and a turn signal on all day, and rush hour traffic on Friday afternoons. Also knowing the area Sheriff's deputy's by their first names because of all the theft calls I had to do over the years. Whoops that was more than a few, I really did love it there for a long time though. If I didn't have so many rides I am setting up for this year I would really like to do that trip. | ||
| Ratbuell |
We rented from Peterson's in Miami a few years ago. Decent rate, bike was in great condition, no hassles at all. Riding US1 from Miami to KW is incredible. Straight as it is...the scenery is second to none. Just don't forget sunscreen  | ||
| Ulynut |
I agree with Ratbuell. A1A can be a nice ride if you're in the right frame of mind. The 7 mile bridge is really cool. Go slow though. Radar is everywhere. They also use airplanes to nab you too. Don't ask me how I know. Don't forget the mango milkshakes! | ||
| Supertoon |
Wow, great comments from all. Not really surprised, b,b&d rocks! Mostly confirmed what I had begun to suspect. That's why I will use the proper tool for the job. Maybe an E-Glide or Streetglide (still my favorite HD) with a big honkin'stereo. I have quite an interest in the Art Deco area of south Miami, so maybe we do start from there, but alligator alley... got to see that! Anyway a trip report will follow! | ||
| Paralegalpete |
I'll be looking for your report, with intrest, I'm planning a trip from Ontario to Florida during March break, although my wife and son will be in the support vehicle pulling the trailer | ||
| Sperz1 |
Nevrenuf - Tamiami trail is most definetely 2 lanes. I just road it a few weeks ago. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
Skip the "Alley" (I-75) and opt for Tamiami Trail (US41). Two lanes of ashpalt cut throught the southern portion of the Everglades. Travel on the right day and you will nary see a car in the mid section. When you leave the keys, take the road to Card Sound Bridge. $1 will get you across. | ||
| Hooper |
I rented a Road King from Eagle Rider in Fort Lauderdale back in February 2005 (the first time I'd ridden anything bigger than my 650cc Yamaha V-Star - very exciting). Like Paint_shaker says, I took Route 41/90 west through the Everglades. It was rainy most of the day, which sucked (good training, though), but the scenery gets interesting as you head west. I was the only dude wearing a helmet. There are definitely little 'gators on the side of the road, fanboat tours, and casinos (they love Germans down there - German flags everywhere). There's an interesting State Park with trails to hike and towers to climb to view the swamps. Stop at Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe for lunch. I got majorly hung up in Naples traffic on my way to Gasparilla Island. On the way back, I took back roads toward Lake Okeechobee to keep things interesting. Lots of orange trees and 'gators lounging by the road. I didn't have enough time to see the big lake - had to return the bike that evening. I also learned that you shouldn't leave Harley keys in the tank-top ignition while you ride. Don't ask. It's $150 to get a new set. I'd like to do the ride to the Keys as well - maybe next February. Bring your rain gear! | ||
| Ulynut |
+1 to Card Sound Road. Pretty remote, then pops you out onto A1A in Key Largo. Bring a fishing pole. You can catch barracuda right off the "beach" in the Keys. Also plenty of fish in the canal alongside the Tamiami trail. Watch your step, TONS of gators along the road. Lots of fun. I wish I could meet you down there. (Message edited by ulynut on December 24, 2009) | ||
| Supertoon |
Maybe BBQ'd there good......  | ||
| Ulynut |
I drove all the way from Connecticut to get me one of them shakes.  | ||
| Nevrenuf |
tamiami is two lane but he mentioned alligator alley being 2 lane. and if your not in to much of a hurry, tamiami would be a better ride but don't doubt for one minute that there arean't any popo on that road. had the pleasure of meeting one the only time i was on that road going back home in hialeah. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
Oh yeah, watch your speed on the reservation. The Indian Fuzz don't play! | ||
| Supertoon |
Again, pick the right tool for the job! Don't E-Glides burst into flames over 50 mph?? Good point though, thanks! | ||
| Teddagreek |
Good time of year to do it.... Look into fort Meyers or google ferry or boat to keys They have a ferrys to the keys and from what I've heard they allow bikes or did? Done that trip in a car countless times in a car been 18 years since the last time if that says anything... Good Luck, Ride Safe...... Watch out for critters on the road on the alley | ||
| Uly_pirate |
This trip has already been done: http://www.blurofinsanity.com/harleytrip.html BTW: This is not an endorsement. Just a funny story.  |
