Originally Posted by doc_cj

Advice ... we don't need no stinkin' advice ...

Oops ... wrong movie. You want Easy Rider instead.



I did the New Orleans to Florida loop in '04. I loved the ride! Have you been to New Orleans before? I've been several times, and I think I like it more now than I did 35 years ago.

Anyway, the route you have planned looks pretty good. Three stops along the Gulf Coast side that are "must see" spots for me -- other than NO -- are Huntsville, Al (US Space and Rocket Center), Pensacola, FLA (I love those squeeky beaches), and Tampa/St Pete. Fotunately the interstate system allows you to cover lots of ground in a relatively short time while still have some chance to see local sites.

In '07 I rode into Jacksonville, FLA, from the Atlanta, GA, area, and then headed up the east coast to Atlantic City, NJ. I've never done the southern/Atlantic side of Florida on a bike (I did it in a car, but that's a different story). The ride from Jacksonville to Atlantic City was pretty spectacular. One of my favorite stops along the way was Charleston, SC.

Originally Posted by Pine Tree

I was born and raised in the greater Dayton area (all my brothers and sisters still live there) but now I live here in the south.

Here we go...the ride from Dayton to New Orleans seems to be figured out. The big cities in the deep south are usually not that much of an issue.

But once you get into Florida, the coastal rides can be a nightmare...especially as you approach St Pete on the west coast where US19 is commonly referred to as useless 19 due to the traffic, traffic lights (one every block for miles), and foot traffic. I lived in the Tampa area for many years and made every effort to avoid the entire ST Pete area.

South of ST Pete is better but views of the gulf are fewer due to private homes and businesses.

South Florida across Alligator Alley is to be attempted at night only by the very adventurous. Those "road 'gators" really are alligators...beware!

The ride to Key West can be an experience...and some of the bridges a bit scary as they are only two lane...keep an eye out for the motorhomes.

Traveling up the east coast of Florida can be yet another nightmare...remember, lots of tourists, homes, businesses, and speed traps all the way to the Georgia border. No disrespect to those that live in the Miami area but I never considered that area friendly (motorcycle or otherwise).

The weather can be either very nice or hot, steamy, and stormy. Florida is lightening capitol of the world. If you like to watch lightening, Florida is the place to go. If not, always have a place to duck into.

While I've put a rather negative spin on your plans, go, ride safely, and have a blast. Just be prepared for some challenging traffic and weather.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by The Guardian

Ralph, exactly what kind of scenery are you looking for?

Originally Posted by WideBoy04

If you don't have a Street and Trip program I highly recommend one.
From Dayton you could take 35 to Chilli. Pick up 50 to 79 S. Take 33 E
to Seneca Rocks. Prolly a nice day ride. You could spend 2 nights
there, (4UMotel) not bad, old, restaurant 100 yds. fuel a couple mile
w/beverages. Riding out from Seneca Rocks you could explore different
areas, maybe have to backtrack some but hey it looks different going
another direction. Smoke Hole Rd. loop north of the motel with some
rock formations. Come out on 220 down to 33 and back to the room.
South of Seneca Rocks you have Cass RailRoad, Snowshoe, Rt. 150
around Marlinton, spend a night there. From Marlinton you could pick up
39 to 220 to 250 to the Skyline. Run Skyline north to 33 and work
your way back to 64 to VA Beach. Many variables possible. Alot of nice
roads. Pick up a Street and Trip . Maybe some know the area better than me and can offer more. I'm planning on heading that way
the first of June for a 3 day guy get away.

Jim