In January, Connie and I plan to take a short trip on the VStrom rig from Jacksonville to Key West and back. Maybe 11 days. We plan to take the east coast (aia) most of the way south to the Keys (Cocoa beach and Miami Beach),then 5-6 days to/including Key West.
However, looking for some alternatives for the return route, i,e, Key Largo to JAX. Planning a 3 days, maybe 4-500 miles or so (obviously depends on the route.
Center of the state, or west coast?
Must see places?
Specific roads?
Place to stay?
Appreciate any and all suggestions.
greg and connie
I live in Okeechobee, so when I go to Key Largo to dive, I head down the center of the state. US-27 to 997 (near Pembrook Pines) through downtown Homestead to catch US-1 right where it turns south onto the Keys. I find this to be a nice ride, without too much traffic and good views of the everglades.except the part thru Homestead. You might consider that. Make sure that you fill up with fuel along 997 before you hit US-27 when heading north, as the stretch thru the Everglades runs about 50 miles to Clewiston without anyplace to purchase gas.
On the way north, stay on US-27 up through Sebring and parts north, until you can angle over towards home.
Just my $.02
Tractor Tom in Okeechobee
Tractor is giving you some good advice. I live in Miami and regularly ride 27 north and south and Tamiani Trail east and west. The Trail will take you to Everglades City, good food and not expensive, plus an interesting ride through the Glades. 27 is rather boring in the southern area, as all you really have are cane fields and swamps. But if they are burning the cane, it is neat to see the hugh fires that develop along the road. North of South Bay, the road gets interesting with lots of little towns and plenty of places to eat and sleep. If you really want to spend some money, try Chatau Suzzans (I know this isn't spelled right, but you get the point) near the Sebring area. Very expensive, increadible food, really neat cottages and several things to see and do. Worth it once.
If you can get a detailed map of south florida, you will see a n/s road in the western middle of the state called 80. You can access it from the Trail at Everglades City and go north through some very rural, but pretty country. Belleglades is worth a visit, but so are all of the other little towns in that area.
The west coast is also very interesting with more places to visit, but more urban than rural. 17 is an interesting road you can pick up at Fort Myers and go north on. It will take you to Orlando if you want. If you are doing this on a Saturday or Sunday, let me know as we have several hacks here in Miami that ride on the weekends just in these places. Maybe we could give you a tour.
Uber
