One Bob's BikeWeek2014: Cinci to Daytona (IronButt) - then Key West

Running solo this trip (couldn't interest Dad in an IronButt). Nothing too earthshaking but will be my first attempt at a real-time RR. Will share some shots of BW and warm beaches for those of us that have survived a seemingly endless winter....

The Plan:
- Leaving this am to do an IronButt1000 to Daytona
- Recoup a couple days
- Ride south to Everglades NP and camp at Flamingo (on the beach)
- Continue to Key West camping a couple days at Long Key or Bahia Honda
- Return to Daytona for a few days and thence to Cinci


Here's today's route.




Hitting the road here shortly and plan to arrive as the sun comes up over the ocean near Flagler Beach... (will stop somewhere and take a couple hour nap (or two) whenever I get tired)

Also.... I welcome your thoughts on visiting the Keys (never been there), I have gotten some good advise down on the regional forum http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=952985

Anyway.... I'm ready to roll.





the departure throng....





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Nice trip.

We just had a cold front (cool front?) come through down here. Always nice weather after those. Daytona should be really nice when you get there.

I can't get any weekdays off this time of year, but I am doing some weekend trips. I live about 1/2 way between Daytona and the Keys. Going to Long Key State park tomorrow for a night of camping. Next weekend my wife and I are running up to Daytona for a night.

I will look out for your rig.

Oh man I wish I was coming along for this...

Key West -- my favorite hot sauce bar in the whole wide world is Peppers of Key West.

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Looking good Bob🏁

Fred

Nice ride. Good on you. Things to do - Camp on the beach at Bahia Honda on your Honda (weigh down your tent so it doesn't blow away). Islamorada - stop at Worldwide Sportsmans and have a cigar and a whiskey at the Zane Grey Lounge, go next door to the Islamorada Fish Co. for lunch, check the fishing fleet at Bud and Mary's. Key West - do at least one sunset on the beach, have a drink at Sloppy Joes, enjoy the show on Duval St., go down a side street and eat at a small local cafe, go to Mel Fishers Treasure Museum, enjoy the bikinis, and post lots of photos. Have a great trip!

Had a smooth run down. Left home at 11:30am, arrived Daytona at 8:30am. Felt fine so I just kept rollin the whole way - not sure how I managed to accumulate 5hrs of stopped time?

Some randoms after 21hrs on the bike...

- Two things I brought at the last minute made a big difference to how enjoyable the ride was. 1. I grabbed Dad's Airhawk seat cushion. At the 500mi mark I switched from the sheepskin to the airhawk and it was like hitting the reset button for my ass. 2. I wasn't sure if my heated jacket was fully working when I left so I grabbed Dad's also. Mine was working but temps from midnight to 5am were in the upper 30s so I put both jackets on and stayed toasty.

- It occurred to me more than once how much I like the goldwing. They're not pretty or cool but: I'm riding a motorcycle w/ the cruise on 75mph in 37degrees with 350watts of headlights and 1300watts of charging system pulling a 300lb trailer with a 40lb cooler and some tasty tunes on the mp3 - in comfort. We live in an amazing age....

- There are no Waffle House signs without at least one letter burned out

- BikeWeek should really be called TrailerWeek (guilty myself)

Walked out on the beach this am and got a few shots










Heading over to the Speedway now to shop for some gloves.... Leaving in the am for the Keys!



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Had a good breakfast 2 weeks ago at Robbie's Marina on Islamorada on my way to Key West. Feed the Tarpon and take a break

Solo trips are good for the mind..

Could run into some local spring breakers in the keys this time of the year..

I ride distance on my FJR with an Airhawk also. No way I could do 1000 mile days rides without that piece of equipment especially with a Corbin saddle.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip Bob.

look forward to more of this ride report…

a few years ago spent a few days (work related) in Lebanon Ohio, went away with the impression thats it would be a nice place to live…had a good vibe to it

Thanks Mike.

I'll be owning a airhawk soon....


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You did make record time.

You left at a good time Bob.
Temp dropped and supposed to get some snow back home.

Hopefully it will be gone for your return.

Fred

When visiting Key West I recommend Ft. Zachery Taylor for a beach. Then for food the Hog Fish bar and Grille. If you don't mind parking and walking to eat another great place is Santiago's get the short ribs! I just got back from Key West I am jealous cant wait to go back next year. If you run into trouble shoot me a PM I have family down there. Remember to stop along the way take deep breathes and enjoy the warm sun because as I learned its back to reality fast. Enjoy!

Sorry folks.... just got back to Daytona from the Keys. Going to get caught up now that I have internet.



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OK... So Saturday I took it easy.

Sunday I went to the Speedway to check out the vendors and stopped at The Helmet Shop's new location.

KLR 650 "New Edition"




For some reason I want one of these...




Then had dinner with my two favorite Floridians at my sixth favorite Aunt's...








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Got up Monday and headed south for the Everglades. Messed around and didn't leave Daytona until noon which cost me later. Thinking it would take about 6 hours to make the 330mi trip to Flamingo Campground, I failed to account for atrocious Miami traffic . It took 9.5 hrs to get to the campground and I arrived well after dark. I had the 45 mile road into the park to myself in the dark which was pretty cool. Knowing I wanted to camp in the "walk out" area because of it's proximity to the ocean, I scouted out a site by flashlight and went back to the bike and got my duffel of camping gear. I know my setup pretty well and was glad to hit the sack about 10pm.

Side note: When I got off the FL Turnpike to head for the Everglades I found my cooler mount had broken and my cooler had been "seconds from disaster" . I re-rigged my strap and secured it temporarily....tomorrow I will need to find a welder.


Anyway, this is the view I woke up to Tues morning...










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Had my two bowels of cereal and got packed up pretty quick so I could take my time in the park and on the way to Long Key. The stop in Everglades NP is well worth your time!
















I failed to get pics of the "Snake Bight" hiking trail and "panther crossing" signs...


Took a wrong turn in the park that dead ended into a historic military site. Didn't take the time to take the tour ride out to the site but it looks interesting.




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Definitely take your time to walk the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm near the park entrance.


















Fish beware!








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Just after you leave the park you pass this local landmark... more fresh produce than I've ever seen in one place.




In Key Largo I spot a repair shop that does welding.... the cooler lives to fight again another day






and of course I can't pass up the chance to eat lunch at the southernmost Waffle House




My planned destination is Long Key State Park. They are known for their campsites being located right along the water and are in high demand (make your reservation 6+ months in advance if you can or you may not get one). I got lucky and they had one primitive site left (got it 5min before another bike camper pulled in). A bargain too at $8/night! I'll take it for two nights thank you....

The ocean is 20ft behind my tent thru the mangroves (?). There are six primitive sites with an outdoor fresh-water shower and a nice modern bathroom out by the parking lot. It's about 100yds on the boardwalk out to the sites, luckily I have a rolling duffel for my stuff.








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