Atlantic Coast Route

[sprocketman]

Hi everyone,
Last summer I did the Atlantic Coast route from Norristown, PA to St Augustine, Fl. This summer I am taking the AC route from  Augustine to Key West. Other than the category 5 heat, can anyone tell me about the route, particularly from Miami to Key West. Do the bridges have bike lanes? How is the traffic on the route? Any help would be great.

Eric

[tonythomson]

Eric
take a look at the roads & bridges on Google Earth, you can look at every aspect of the road the whole distance if you choose.

[Westinghouse]

Follow barrier island roads, but US 1 is more cyclable now these days too. You have to go around the inlets for the most part. In downtown Miami, cross over the Miami River (drainage ditch actually) and follow Brickell Av. to 1 and to the serpentine bike path under the metrorail tracks. It's dedicated bike path for a long way and a safe and easy ride to the Last Chance Saloon. Hanging a left on Card Sound Road might keep you out of a lot of US 1 traffic, but it adds miles. Take a break at the C-store when you get back to hwy. 1. After that it's smooth sailing on good sidewalks and dedicated bikepaths, but some of the path is completely decrepit and looks like a third-world structure. There's plenty of room on the bridges. Roads are safe too.

I'll tell you what. I have plenty of pics I took of the overseas bike path and the route you mention. Give me any email address and I will send. That way you can see for yourself.

I did the ST from Dec. 7, 2009 till January 30, 2010 FL to  San Diego. After returning to FL I cycled down to Key West and back, so I have lots of pictures. That should answer your questions.

[James J. Pond]

The route will take you along A1A for sure.  You may want to visit the Everglades Hostil in Florida, City.  I spent a few days there in 2005 and enjoyed it tremendously.  It's located about 150 miles from the hostel.  Have fun!

[Westinghouse]

There used to be a hostel in Key West. I don't know if it is still there. There should still be a hostel or two on Miami Beach.

[Westinghouse]

Hi everyone,
Last summer I did the Atlantic Coast route from Norristown, PA to St Augustine, Fl. This summer I am taking the AC route from  Augustine to Key West. Other than the category 5 heat, can anyone tell me about the route, particularly from Miami to Key West. Do the bridges have bike lanes? How is the traffic on the route? Any help would be great.

Eric

Actually, in summer the heat is usually 93-4 F max, with exceptions of course. Often, cloud-cover and storms lower the temperature quite a bit. The low ninetees feels only warm after you have lived in certain parts of the Middle East for a while. It got to 137 F in Tripolitania, Libya. No wonder they're always on the verge of an uproar.

[sprocketman]

Hey West,

I stayed in a hostel at the end of my trip (St Augustine). I stayed at the Pirate Hause. What a wonderful stay. It was the first time I stayed at a hostel and it was a great time. If I find any hostels in Miami of Key West, I will publish them for everyone.

Eric