Thanks ny. You've done him a favor and confirmed what our thoughts were when 4 of us did the ride last year using 95, but considered maybe it was just us.

 

Probably a mistake to rent a HD. I rdoe Hondas and Yamahas for years but after getting on a HD - you can't go back.

 

Below Homestead you can pick up 905 to the east and then south to RT 1 again and it will save a little time and even has a couple curves. Besides the scenery it will be a pretty boring ride with straight roads and busy traffic, not a true test but still enjoy the Harley and hope you get one soon. Congrads on putting your kids first.

 

This may sound crazy but make sure you stop at Robbie's Dock. I think it's in Islamorada on the right side just as you cross a small bridge. Look for the old worn out sign.
For about a dollar you can walk out on a small dock and feed fish to trophy size tarpin. Hundreds of them. Some are 150 lbs. or more. You'll only stay a few minutes but you'll never forget it.

 

Have a great trip! And here's some love for the old XS series from Yamaha. I had a '79 XS1100 that was a great bike and fun to ride. But once I experienced the thumpeta-thumpeta of my Road King and it's lower center of gravity, it was all over for me.

-Craig

 

Good luck to you! Your going to have a ball!!!!

 

You're done.

 

Don't forget your rain gear.

 

One more vote for the turnpike over I-95. Not only is it faster, but it extends farther to the south ... 95 ends in Miami and dumps you off abruptly into the uncaring traffic. The turnpike, although it has tolls, is a far better choice.

With respect to those who suggest other roads, there is a lot of merit in those ideas, but for my money, you want to hustle down to the end of the turnpike in Florida City where the Overseas Highway begins and runs the 120+ miles to Key West. I would recommend using Card Sound Road, an option right at the beginning of the Overseas Hwy. It normally has less traffic and IMO is a prettier ride. There's one toll on the road ($1.00) but right before the toll is Alabama Jack's, a great place to stop for a bite to eat and a frequent hangout for those on two wheels. You'll join the Overseas Hwy right at the beginning of Key Largo, and the rest of the ride is just enjoying the scenery.

Above all, have a great time, take pictures, do the "Duval Crawl" while in Key Weird, and keep us all posted on your progress.

 

The various route suggestions are much appreciated - keep 'em coming!

"You're done" MB = LOL - your probably right!

The countdown has begun :-)