Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Brooks Saddle - Some helpful tips before I purchase

« on: May 12, 2011, 07:19:44 am »

I bought a Brooks B-17 Standard prior to a recent bike tour around Florida. The first day I used it was the first day of my tour. I know it could have worked out badly for me, but it didn't!  I cycled approx 400 miles in a week and the saddle was good from the start - No bruising and no discomfort. I would certainly recommend it for a tour

2

General Discussion / Re: ACA Maps

« on: May 12, 2011, 07:10:30 am »

I have just finished my first ever bike trip and found the ACA maps superb!

I'm from the UK and decided to bike a loop around Florida while my wife went on a cruise! We flew to Miami and I then cycled to Key West using the Atlantic Coast Section 7 map. After taking a catamaran to Fort Myers Beach, I then used the Florida Connector to take me across to Fort Lauderdale, before reusing the Atlantic Coast Section 7 map to get me from Fort Lauderdale back to Miami.

The maps were detailed, easy to follow, and best of all, kept you off any major routes and on quieter roads and bike paths....Extremely useful when cycling through metropolitan areas and cities. My trip may not have been the hardest, but it was made easier by the quality of the maps.

Just buy them; it not as if they are expensive in the first place!

Bob

3

Routes / Re: Florida Loop

« on: March 15, 2011, 03:43:58 am »

Because I trust the ACA, and due to some ongoing roadworks on the Tamiami Trail, I've decided to stick with the original plan of Fort Myers Beach, LaBelle, South Bay, Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale & Miami. Although it is a bit longer, I'm sure it will offer it's own highlights in bike friendly environment (Lake Okeechobee, Coast route from Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale to Miami etc)

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post

4

Routes / Florida Loop

« on: March 09, 2011, 11:57:11 am »

In May of this year, I will be coming over from the UK to cycle a Miami to Key West, Fort Myers Beach to Miami loop.

For the Fort Myers to Miami section I have been considering using the ACA Florida Connector Map, taking me through LaBelle and South Bay before heading to Fort Lauderdale and finally down to Miami. However, I notice this route is longer than taking the Tamiami trail (US-41). Whilst I'm not trying to do this as quickly as possible, I am on limited time for the trip. Could anyone advise if the Tamiami trail is safe/suitable for cycling or is the ACA route just quieter, more interesting and better for cycling?

Thanks - Your comments would be appreciated