I don’t know why my text description isn’t showing up. So here it is in a comment…
Bikepacking the Florida Keys Overseas Trail – A seemingly out of the blue idea that turned into a 243 mile solo bike ride over 3 days. Highlights included reaching the Southernmost point of the continental US in Key West, some surprise historic gravel trails in Sugarloaf Key, sightings of endangered Key Deer in Big Pine, and surviving the Seven Mile Bridge (twice).
Day One: Starting in Islamorada, I rode south to reach my camp spot in Big Pine Key (76 miles). From here I set up mini base camp so I could leave some items at camp and lighten my bike.
Day Two: In the morning I darted off to Key West in the rain. Muddy trails and pavement coated my legs and bike but soon dried up for a nice semi-overcast day. A good break from the full day sun the day before. Upon reaching Key West I got my touristy photo by the sign and explored the area on my bike mostly dodging cars and people sightseeing. Then biked back towards camp and explored the Sugarloaf Key and jumping bridge, which was a really neat spot and welcome change from the busy city. This lead to discovering the historic old road gravel trail on Saddlebunch Keys. Glory! Biked back to camp at Big Pine. (97 miles).
Day Three: Packed up camp in Big Pine and loaded it all back on the bike. Started pedaling towards Key Largo, my final destination. Once again I crossed over the Seven mile bridge, a narrow inescapable highway, and the only way through. Nice views and a unique experience. Thankfully cars were friendly to me. Later I had a beer at Florida Keys Brewery in Islamorada for a break, then pressed on to Key Largo for my pick up spot and nice ice cold cocktail. (70 miles).
A worthy mission and I am happy how it went. Sometimes all it takes is a simple idea, a little planning, and the ambition to actually make it happen. Here’s to many more!
tpaw202dm on
God damn, you grizl’d through the keys!
holosophos on
That bike causeway looks awesome! What percentage of water crossings do you think you had to share with cars?
PrintError on
Congrats man. Makes me nostalgic for our 2022 ride to Key West!
Randymanbobandy on
Looks amazing. That sunburn though oof.
MoreOrange on
How was the temperament of traffic when you were on those long bridges? Did they give you a wide berth? Any honking?
8 Comments
I don’t know why my text description isn’t showing up. So here it is in a comment…
Bikepacking the Florida Keys Overseas Trail – A seemingly out of the blue idea that turned into a 243 mile solo bike ride over 3 days. Highlights included reaching the Southernmost point of the continental US in Key West, some surprise historic gravel trails in Sugarloaf Key, sightings of endangered Key Deer in Big Pine, and surviving the Seven Mile Bridge (twice).
Day One: Starting in Islamorada, I rode south to reach my camp spot in Big Pine Key (76 miles). From here I set up mini base camp so I could leave some items at camp and lighten my bike.
Day Two: In the morning I darted off to Key West in the rain. Muddy trails and pavement coated my legs and bike but soon dried up for a nice semi-overcast day. A good break from the full day sun the day before. Upon reaching Key West I got my touristy photo by the sign and explored the area on my bike mostly dodging cars and people sightseeing. Then biked back towards camp and explored the Sugarloaf Key and jumping bridge, which was a really neat spot and welcome change from the busy city. This lead to discovering the historic old road gravel trail on Saddlebunch Keys. Glory! Biked back to camp at Big Pine. (97 miles).
Day Three: Packed up camp in Big Pine and loaded it all back on the bike. Started pedaling towards Key Largo, my final destination. Once again I crossed over the Seven mile bridge, a narrow inescapable highway, and the only way through. Nice views and a unique experience. Thankfully cars were friendly to me. Later I had a beer at Florida Keys Brewery in Islamorada for a break, then pressed on to Key Largo for my pick up spot and nice ice cold cocktail. (70 miles).
A worthy mission and I am happy how it went. Sometimes all it takes is a simple idea, a little planning, and the ambition to actually make it happen. Here’s to many more!
God damn, you grizl’d through the keys!
That bike causeway looks awesome! What percentage of water crossings do you think you had to share with cars?
Congrats man. Makes me nostalgic for our 2022 ride to Key West!
Looks amazing. That sunburn though oof.
How was the temperament of traffic when you were on those long bridges? Did they give you a wide berth? Any honking?
That’s awesome man. Congratulations!
Awesome ride