Avoid Miami traffic at all costs!!!! LOL

I rode to the Keys from Daytona Beach and took I95 down. I missed the
turnpike and stayed on I95 past Miami. My girlfriend yelled at me for riding 'so fast'...about 90 MPH, but I explained that I was just "trying to keep up" with the flow of traffic around me!!!
I swear the drivers didn't see me...I stayed in the right lane for the most part, because if I didn't, I would have cars and trucks wizzing by on both sides.
I was in Key West in September....and the traffic was not so bad. Speed limits are about 45 MPH. I had a good time there.

Chuck

 

If you rent a Harley, it will most likely be from Peterson's on US1. You can stay away from any highways (where people are the craziest driving) by heading southon US1. You will encounter trafficlike most city traffic (traffic light-to-traffic light) all the way to Key Largo. From there it is somewhat rural with most speed limits around 40-50 mph. If you remain alert, stop frequently, and pay attention you should be fine. Of course, if you are a complete novice, take all the issurance riders offered!

 

Well I have driven the route out of Miami through Homestead down Rt 1 to Key West a few times (in a cage). Honestly I didnt think the traffic was all that bad, maybe driving in Chicago traffic for more than20 years has something to do with that.

I am by no means a veteran rider and infact consider myself more of a novice rider. I would think as long as you dont push it and take it easy it should be quite an enjoyable ride. If anything I would be more concerned about parking the bikes on Key West than the ride itself. Might think twice if you are riding back at night. JMHO

 

I wish I lived close enough to ride it.

Did it in a cage years ago... couple times actually.
Those bridges are awesome!

 

I live in Summerland Key which is mile marker 25.I ride up to the dealer in Miami every once in a while and it is quite nice. You are only on the turnpike for about 10 miles then it is all US1. There is some construction that might slow you down abit in the upper keys but smooth sailing from Key Largo south. Takes me about two to two and a half hours but I do stop, why wouldn't you want to? Have fun and ride safe!

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I live in Ft Lauderdale and have a friend who lives inMarathonso I've done the keys rideseveral times and never a problem. Only time I've hit heavy traffic was going to the keys on Fridays between 4 and 8 PM or when coming back on sundays for the most part of the day. During the week is the best time to do the trip, alot less traffic. I take Cardsound Road which is a toll road, appears to be fewer cars and has a big bridge you will go over which gives you anice view. The25 mile section of US1 between Homstead and the begining of thekeys have more crazy people trying to pass, etc.. Once your in the keys the ride is just OK for around 20 miles, can't see the water for the most part till you hitmile marker 83 or there around, then you will seethe ocean and the bayside every few miles. The 7 mile bridge is awesome!If you drive like a normal person and stayon your toesyou should be fine. It's a trip I would highly recommend.

 

US 1 from Homestead to Key Largo has CONSTRUCTION they're building a new Jewfish Creek Bridge.. take Card Sound Rd..
US 1 Southfrom downtown Miami to around Perrine is BRUTAL, stop lights every 3 or 4 blocks...and they ain't in synch...get on the Turnpike to go south

 

I second what DocHarley said and as others have said, remain alert. There are alot of idiots down there not to mention the snowbirds that don't have a clue in bluehell as to where they are going. I lived down that way for 16 years. It's a decent ride but cha gotta be carefull.

 

no problem! my girl did it on her Virago 250 without any issues! great ride!

 

I have a question related to renting a motorcycle in the keys. I will be vacationing in key largo next month. We're flying into miami then renting a car. But I would like to rent a harley for a couple days during the week (ride out to key west on the bike). Does anyone know if there's a place to rent a bike near key largo? According to the HD site the closest rental is miami which is a 75 mile drive from key largo. Thanks.