Hey out there,

Anybody ridden through the Keys ?
Thinkin bout doin it late January. Probably trailer South till no snow and go from there.

 

That's Monroe County. They don't like motorcyclists, or out of state snowbirds. So here's two tickets, welcome to the Keys, enjoy your stay.

 

Check with the guys in the Florida Crew.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/the-florida-crew-127/

 

Have done it twice during Daytona bike week. No problems here. Beautiful views once you leave the tip of florida.

 

I did 48 years ago on a 305 Honda back when I was in Sonar School (it`s not there anymore) in Key West when I was in the Navy. It was a nice ride then, but you had to watch out for sand on curves.

 

I go down every 2 or 3 years. Never had any problems being on a motorcycle. I usually go just west of the WPB-Miami metroplex to avoid I-95 or US1 traffic in that area.

 

I live in south Florida.
I ride the keys a lot as do 1,000s of other motorcyclists every weekend.

I have never had an issue with the police and have never heard that from anyone else. They treat motorcycles and cars the same as best I can tell.
A1A does have a lot of Highway Patrol and Sherriffs on it.

Take the turnpike through south Fl, stay off I-95.
Take your time through the keys. Not a lot of room to pass and you can only go as fast as the slowest motorhome or towed boat.

If you like to stop for a beverage I can give you a laundry list of stops along the way.

Count on spending the night in Key West so you can enjoy the town for the night.
Park the bikes and use a cab if you are on the far side of the island.
Count on a hangover the next morning.

Make your hotel reservations now to get the best price. A lot of the hotels will already be booked.
If you are price sensitive, stay on the east side of the island. If you aren't, I recommend the Westin at Key West (stumbling distance from the most popular watering holes).

I know the ride to Key West like the back of my hand.
What do you want to know about the ride?

If you are coming through on a weekend and want some company, drop me a note and I will ride with you part of the way.

 

Just finished a ride to the Keys with my wife in October. Great ride - stayed at Key West for three days and had a blast. If you carry a military ID, you can get a great place to stay for 1/2 of the hotel prices. PM me for more info. Took 19 to Tampa area (overnight) and 75 down to Alligator Alley. Came back turnpike and A1A to New Smyrna Beach and the Best Western there was wonderful.

This was a great ride and I know I will do it again. Glad I did it in October, because Jun-Sep would have been too hot. Jan should be great.

Good luck. PM with any questions.

 

Going to do the same ride sometime after the first of the year. With the weather like it is here I will more than likely trailer to Ocala area and go down one side and backup the other.Will be keeping a eye on this post.

 

Yea, the Keys are nice. Lived there for 4 years, but the ride I enjoy the most: Take 41 across to Naples or Naples to Homestead. Leave either end in the early a.m. and you will treat yourself to wildlife galore. (If it's cool in the a.m. keep an eye out for gators warming their butts on the warm asphalt) Some nice stops and try to hit Goodland on a Sun. afternoon. Trust me, THAT is fun.