Kojak,

Don Tilley who owned Tilley’s HD taught me how to stay off of I-95. We have used this route ever since and really enjoy it.

Hwy 301

This was the main route from I believe Delaware to Tampa way back before I-95. If you come down I-77 though Charlotte and to Columbia, SC where it ends you’ll need to take Hwy 321 and you’ll merge onto Hwy 301 at Ulmer, SC.

I would be sure and top off your tank right as you get onto 321. You’ll ride through a lot of small poor communities. Once on 301 it becomes a divided four lane and it’s pretty. The route is lined with old motor lodges that are long forgotten and in disrepair along with truck stops that have not been open in 50 years. There are a few motels that have been brought back to life but not many.

When you cross over the river into Georgia immediately on the right is the oldest continuously operating rest stop in the US. It is a time capsule and a must stop. They serve free peanuts and Pepsi.

Stay on 301 all the way into Florida. We usually take it to almost to Gainesville and then cut east to Palakta on Hwy 20. From there it is south on Hwy 19 down to Hwy 27.

Trust me, this is beautiful country through there. Gentle rolling hills and 1000’s of acres of orange groves. Most people never see this part of the country. I was first there at age 9, visiting family that worked in the canneries down there. A real tourist attraction most have never heard of are the Citrus Towers. Worth a stop for the view and history.

From Hwy 27 you will lean right onto Hwy 29. This will take you all the way to Everglades City. A cool little place and you can catch an air boat ride there or many places along Hwy 41.

Take Hwy 41 east right through the Everglades, then Hwy997 south toward Homestead to US1. From there it’s hard to get lost!

 

Kojak,

I’ll add one more partial route for consideration. This is my all time favorite that I could ride everyday. I think it is one of the prettiest on the east coast.

We actually did this on our last ride down to Kwy West.

From NC we did I-77 to Columbia, then 321 to 301 to 341 at Jesup and ran over to St. Simons Island. Such a beautiful little town. We stayed the night there and enjoyed the evening on the water front and restaurants. From there is where this really gets nice.

Take Hwy 17 across the Turtle River. The Sidney Lanier Bridge is spectacular! One of the tallest I have ever been on. No fun with a 25 mph cross wind, but that is for a different post! Stay on Hwy 17 all the way as it goes back and forth under I-95 a couple of times until you get to Yulee. Then lean left onto Hwy 200 over to A1A Fernandina Beach.

Run the beautiful A1A all the way down to the Mayport Ferry and ride the ferry across the St. John’s River. Continue on A1A through the Jacksonville Beaches. Yes, it gets very congested in this area, but not for long and very much worth it. Much better than being on I-95 right!

When you get to the Guiana River it becomes amazing. It is like being at the Hatteras Seashore on the Outerbanks. This takes you into St. Augustine and you can continue to Daytona.

From there you have to jump on the Interstate or Turnpike, or run inland and follow the route I posted earlier.

Just some suggestion we have enjoyed.

Happy planning.

 

I suggest US50 or US6 across Nevada. US50 is one of the most enjoyable rides I’ve ever done.

 

I wish I could speak more for the actual roads in between but unfortunately I cannot. Work keeps me close to home except for some long weekend rides here and there. Recently purchasing a trailer will hopefully allow us to see more without wasting time getting there.

I have been to KW and that is a great place to enjoy for a few days. Yes, as some have said, keep in mind the time of year in regards to the weather and tourist season. Related, absolutely do some serious research on festivals and events going on in KW and around the rest of the Keys. Festivals are popular and bring on TONS of visitors. Sometimes streets are closed and it's just chaos for some of the bigger ones. And honestly for some of them, you may not GAS about the theme and may not want to be anywhere near there. Don't get me wrong, we love to go to KW but we are very strategic about when we go.

Additionally, for example our first time going was in May. We rented a convertible and did the drive. We stayed a few days in Islamorada. We learned by accident that there was a bicycle tour leaving at 9am the same morning we were set to leave. This was marathon thing where you have the bikers and also their entourage of vehicles which we knew would make traffic a sh**show. Luckily we got out just in time to head on down the road and even have time for tourist/photo stops along the way. They never caught up LOL

Please post some pics and a trip report!

 

My reply is biased since I'm a beach bum. But I would take 522 south, 60 east, 288 around south of Richmond then 460 and continue south and east until I got to Kitty Hawk. Then down the coast to Hatteras, ferry to Ocracoke, ferry to Cedar Island. Then Beaufort NC, Morehead City across the bridge to Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle. If you arrive weekend of May 10, I have a place for you to stay in Emerald Isle. We might even get a few other forum members to show up. Then 17 south through SC and into GA. Then from Brunswick GA area (St Simons/Jekyll) follow Cosmic suggestion.

 

Congratulations on your upcoming freedom.

Two rides I'm suggesting are the Blueridge Parkway and Natchez Trace. Two very different ride types but both well worth planning on riding.

The Blueridge Parkway is an epic road that takes you through the Appalachian Mountains. Relaxed-Technical correctly describes this ride.

The Natchez Trace is a limited access, laid back & relaxed ride. The cons are, you have to plan on where to get off & on for gas. The speed limit it 50 mph, but, I just set the cruse to 60 and never had a problem. I rode it on a Monday and it was empty'sh.

After looking through the other suggestions, It could be a full 6 weeks of riding. You're probably going to have to do this a few time to get most of these in.

Ride safe.

 

Awesome - congrats - the countdown is on…

4 - 6 weeks provides a lot of options. For KW and San Jose, what are you thinking in terms of days in each location?

I’ve a few “repeat” experiences on my list (Utah and MI/WI for example) but I would be zeroing in on new roads/towns/sites to explore. Are there any “spaces” across the country that would be new to you?

Riding solo, I’d also be looking for “connections” along the way. Happy to grab a bite / drink with you as you roll through FL.

 

I would see if I could fit the Triple Nickel in while traveling through Ohio. You won't regret it. Check it out here: https://tro.bike/motorcycle-touring/...le-nickel-poi/

 

I appreciate all the ideas! Keep them coming. I'll start putting it together over the winter months.

 

I did a similar ride when I retired nearly 10 years ago. My only suggestion is to have a flexible route, unless you enjoy being caught in the rain or other unfavorable weather for extended periods on time. Watch the weather, pick a direction and see the sites. One other suggestion when riding in the southern states, out early off early was the schedule I found to work for me. 100* is ok, but after 6-7 hours it takes its toll. Congratulations, good luck, have fun.