Traffic on the AC

[obinja]

I am currently cycling south on the AC. SOme of the route is on nice quiet back roads. And some of it feels just short of treacherous. Of course this is subjective. I'm coming from the wild, wild west. I rode the Western Express this summer and quiet and I mean QUIET roads were the rule not the excception. Feels opposite here. I'm a little discouraged. It's not just the volume (speaking of which, what's with the pick ups on steroids?) but the rate of travel I have experienced by drivers. Is the route from south Florida to Key West like this as well? I'm considering bailing on ths ride, I feel scared much of the time.

[dcad]

It will be worth it when on A1A in Florida. Not sure where you are.


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[BikePacker]

I'm considering bailing on this ride, I feel scared much of the time.

Right ... it can be dangerous ... particularly with all the folks driving + simultaneously texting today.
If you have the time, while over here on the east coast, and interest I would encourage you to consider the Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive: 
No commercial traffic. 
Arduous (clearly you are good with steep climbing :- ).
Max speed 45 mph. 
Beautiful (a different kind of beauty than out west).
600 miles (Blue Ridge Parkway = 500 & Skyline Drive= 100) ... "seamlessly" connected.
Here are two of many links:
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=15
http://www.visitskylinedrive.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Map.aspx
- Best travel wishes.

[obinja]

Thanks folks for the support. I'm hoping th A1A is a little more mellow. I hate to bail on a ride and I really want to be where it's warmer...

[Raven]

Hi there,
I am wondering if you continued your trip and if it indeed get better? My husband and I just rode into South Point today. Next stop Savannah. I feel the same way you do or did. Just over 6 months ago, and somewhere around 10,000 km into it, I rode out of my driveway in the small community of Smithers, British Columbia. We are aiming for Ushuaia, Argentina.

We have had an incredibly rewarding journey so far. BUT on the roads I have been terrorized several times and terrified many times since Long Island, NY with North and South Carolina being the worst.

We've been navigating with Google Maps and local knowledge and we only got onto the Atlantic Coast route as of recently and Its not getting any better.

I too feel like quitting but then I think of all the amazing things that have happened...even on the worst of the riding days...maybe if I click my little red shoes together "there's no place like home...I'll wake up back in Quebec, a place where cyclists are welcome and belong...any general thoughts on the rest of your ride would be much appreciated. Thank you kindly