looking for ideas on loop tour from Pensicola FL to Mobile AL

[bobbiedobbs]

Seeking feedback on possible bike trip along the Gulf beginning in Pensicola into Alabama via Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan, north along Mobile Bay (presumably on AL 193) to Mobile, then somehow crossing the bay and looping back through Ala to Pensicola.

Is this trip worth doing? Any route recommendations? Particularly seeking help on how to get across the Bay going west from Mobile, and on best routing options for return: along eastern side of Mobile Bay/lesser-travelled roads returning east through Ala or even detouring north through Bay Minette. My main concern is whether the traffic would be prohibitive in certain areas, and that ugly-looking bridge crossing.  Any other recommendations would be appreciated. Good bike shops for rental in Pensicola? Would go in late October/early November. Looking to ride 30-40 miles a day and stay in B&Bs, Warmshowers or commercial accomodations.

[John Nettles]

Not a bad trip at all.

I would actually start in Navarre, FL, then take the coast road to Pensicola your loop, follow the ACA route back to Milton then down to Navarre.  Yes, the traffic can be bad, especially between Pensacola to Milton.

I have ridden all but the Pensacola to Milton portion (driven it though) and it is nice.  The stretch between Navarre and Gulf Breeze is fantastic.

The bridge between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola is not great but it is definitely ride-able.  Also the stretch between Dauphin Island and Mobile is a bit stressful at times but again doable, just avoid rush-hour around Mobile. The bridge over Mobile Bay is probably the worst but I did it just after morning rush-hour (westbound) and it was fine.

Tailwinds, John