Route Suggestions for Bar Harbor to Key West
05-21-20, 07:44 AM
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Route Suggestions for Bar Harbor to Key West
I’m thinking of doing a “supported” tour from Bar Harbor to Key West. My wife loves to travel via our van and would be sagging for me. We have experience with the most extensive being a solo cross country ride in 2016. I followed Rt 20 from OR to Boston and averaged about 85 miles per day. We will probably do hotels although camping could be an option as needed.
I’ve glanced at the Adventure Cycling route and wonder what others thoughts are on using their route. For anyone whose ridden that or a similar route what suggestions do you have.
I did notice their route uses A1A through Florida, but suggests using sidewalks in heavily traveled sections. I’ve ridden some of the bike paths in FL but those were mostly on the gulf coast and in the “upstate”.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve glanced at the Adventure Cycling route and wonder what others thoughts are on using their route. For anyone whose ridden that or a similar route what suggestions do you have.
I did notice their route uses A1A through Florida, but suggests using sidewalks in heavily traveled sections. I’ve ridden some of the bike paths in FL but those were mostly on the gulf coast and in the “upstate”.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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05-21-20, 08:15 AM
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I’ve ridden the portion between N. Canaan, CT, and Philadelphia twice in the last several years, including in 2018. I’ve got a few quibbles with it, including the use of the Walkill Trail south from New Paltz, NY (not suited for skinny tires), but overall, think it’s pretty good. They really nailed the portion in NJ. The Harlem Valley Trail south from Millerton, NY, is also quite nice. From there you can save some miles if you don’t mind some fairly benign dirt/gravel.
05-21-20, 08:56 AM
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I went to a 'talk' from a recent successful attempt to break Guiness Book of Records for easternmost to southernmost point of the US. There were some sketchy sections in Philadelphia as I recall. Overall, that route concerns me as it traverses densely populated sections of the country and it is not always easy to find decent roads away from traffic
05-21-20, 09:24 AM
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I went to a 'talk' from a recent successful attempt to break Guiness Book of Records for easternmost to southernmost point of the US. There were some sketchy sections in Philadelphia as I recall. Overall, that route concerns me as it traverses densely populated sections of the country and it is not always easy to find decent roads away from traffic
05-21-20, 09:35 AM
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one cool thing I heard this year (although it is logical and i'm kicking myself for not thinking the same way already) is that camping in florida during winter months is easier on the nerves when it comes to reptiles. Reptiles are warm blooded creatures. During winter months they tend to be dormant
05-21-20, 11:06 AM
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one cool thing I heard this year (although it is logical and i'm kicking myself for not thinking the same way already) is that camping in florida during winter months is easier on the nerves when it comes to reptiles. Reptiles are warm blooded creatures. During winter months they tend to be dormant
Took this photo from a bridge on Highway 41 in Big Cyprus.
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05-21-20, 11:10 AM
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I went to a 'talk' from a recent successful attempt to break Guiness Book of Records for easternmost to southernmost point of the US. There were some sketchy sections in Philadelphia as I recall. Overall, that route concerns me as it traverses densely populated sections of the country and it is not always easy to find decent roads away from traffic
Heading south in 2018 I encountered a sketchy bear cub at my NJ campground. Walked across my path as I was returning to my site after a shower. No mom to be seen. Made me a bit nervous.
Maybe your talking about the ECG, which is terrible in PA.
Last edited by indyfabz; 05-21-20 at 11:16 AM.
05-21-20, 06:09 PM
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Look at the East Coast Greenway. https://www.greenway.org/
05-22-20, 09:03 PM
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Years ago one of our customers rode the length of U.S. 1 from Fort Kent ME to Key West FL with his wife driving sag. It was a fundraising ride. Options have improved since then, such as Adventure Cycling's east coast mapped ride.
Alligator Alley runs east<>west in Florida so you probably won't be on it.
Alligator Alley runs east<>west in Florida so you probably won't be on it.
05-27-20, 12:49 AM
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ACA routes can be nice but one may have to tweak them. Miami has a reputation for bad drivers (fairly deserved perhaps) but on a south Florida A1A tour the drivers were quite polite. Lots of marked bike lanes & occasional parallel paths.
05-27-20, 03:24 AM
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I would feel comfortable riding the barrier islands along Florida's east coast. I've ridden St. Augustine to Daytona, the Cocoa Beach area, Sebastian to Vero Beach, and Fort Pierce to Boca. Some areas you'll have to get on US 1 for a short period and get back to A1A. If you like looking at mansions, you'll love most everything from Hobe Sound to Miami. If you want some more info about the Treasure Coast (Martin and St. Lucie Counties in particular) contact me for restaurants, minor route changes and such.
05-27-20, 04:15 AM
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I’m thinking of doing a “supported” tour from Bar Harbor to Key West. My wife loves to travel via our van and would be sagging for me. We have experience with the most extensive being a solo cross country ride in 2016. I followed Rt 20 from OR to Boston and averaged about 85 miles per day. We will probably do hotels although camping could be an option as needed...
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-27-20 at 04:22 AM.
05-27-20, 08:18 AM
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