Considering quick Key Largo getaway - thoughts?

[kendenton]

I've put in over 60 hours of non-paid 'comp-time' in the last 8 days because of some huge problems at work.  Averaging about 3 hours sleep per night, haven't really seen my 6-year old at all in a week.

To make the situation bearable, I've been trying to come up with a nice little trip as a 'reward' once this is done.

I'm in NJ, thinking of driving to Miami in February, renting a Harley from eagleriders.com, and riding down to Key West for a day or two, then reversing the process.  I've never ridden a Harley for more than a mile or 2 before.  Can't really rent anything else unfortunately.

Anyone ever rented from eagleriders?

What's the ride like from Miami to Key West?  I'm assuming it's very pretty, but pretty much straight and flat (perfect Harley territory).

Looking forward to an escape.....

[BLARNEY]

 Did Miami to Key West in a car once..... would be PERFECT for an HD.

 Sounds like a fun trip actually.


 Key West is like a big beach-based frat party...... enjoy !


 Tom

[Against The Wind]

Don't fall asleep.......

Just kidding, hope you have fun.  

[Jeff N]

That sounds like a great idea. Just take it easy, don't expect any triple digit sport touring, and enjoy the cruise. A change of pace is always a good thing.

[kendenton]

A change of pace is exactly what I'm looking for - just kick back and enjoy the scenery.  Of course, on a Road King, not sure what else I could do....

[Jeff N]

A change of pace is exactly what I'm looking for - just kick back and enjoy the scenery.  Of course, on a Road King, not sure what else I could do....

Do it. Take pics and post a trip report. That's all we ask.  

[Rogue]

Driven all over the Florida Keys.

Key Largo is okay.  Key West is a bit better especially the night life.  Don't go there if your homophobic.  It is a perfect place for cruisers.  But it does get warm and muggy.  Plus, they drive freakin' slow there.  In the towns, they all drive the 25 mph speed limit.  

It's really better if you drove a boat.

[kendenton]

Do it. Take pics and post a trip report. That's all we ask.  

That's a guarantee.

[chaserkeywest]

That Harley will fit right in at the  801 Leather Bar, chaps and a thong!

[mxvet57]

last march i was staying in ocala and took 2 days to go to key west. stayed the first night in homested and got up Early and made my way to key west. got there around 10:00am. road around checking the town out. also checked out daval street. and did get a pick at the southern most point.

the ride down that Early in the morning the traffic was lite and i could do the speed limit and then some. on the way back north the traffic sucked.

i did have to get  back to ocala that night so i didn't get to spend to much time there but i can say i did it.

this year i'm spending 3 days there.

 that was a 600 mile day.

[zooplancton]

love the keys!!
it would be a great ride and destination. (plus the ride back!)
just watch the weather, you don't want to get trapped between the strands.

[kmkirlin]

I did this trip last February with my brother, who lives northwest of Miami.  We rode from the metro area down to Key West, stayed there three days, rode back to Marathon Key, stayed overnight, and returned to Miami metro area the next day.  Watch for cops as you enter Key Largo from Homestead area, traffic does move slow (already noted here), really watch out for left turners and for opposing traffic passing in your lane.  The same afternoon we arrived in Key West, a biker and his girlfriend were killed by a left-turning cager just a couple miles East of Key West.  It had to happen just minutes after we passed through the same area.  Drivers are watching the scenery and don't look when they turn in front of you.  Other drivers get frustrated with the slow pace of traffic and pull out to pass (oncoming) in front of you with insufficient time/space to get back in their lane.  Had both things happen to me on my trip.

Regarding motorcycle rental: you could probably rent a small trailer and haul your bike down to Miami and back for less than it will cost you to rent the Harley.  You would have to find a place to stash the trailer while you are in the Keys.  Also, BMW dealers rent bikes.  You might check a Miami area BMW dealer to inquire about rentals.  I bet it would be no more expensive than the Harley rental and maybe more fun.  In any event, you won't be riding any twisties and you won't be setting any speed records in the Keys.  Have fun whatever you end up riding.

[john m flores]

I rented a Goldwing in Ft. Lauderdale a couple years ago and made a beeline for the Keys. Like others here have said, the riding's pretty straight, which is good for the scenery. On the 'Wing it was pretty cool to be on one of the many bridges, sitting high enough to see clear over the guardrail, feeling unencumbered and very connected to the place.

I'll also say that as neat a trip it was, I think that the real action is on the water...

[Against The Wind]

Ok, here's a dumb question. The little islands are called "keys" right? So how come we talk about the "Hawaiian islands, the Falkland islands, the Orkney islands,........" but we call those things at the bottom of Florida the "islands West, islands Largo....."

Why the heck isn't it "Largo Key"?

[Snowbird]

If you like live music, check the Hurricane bar on Marathon. They post a monthly engagement calendar on their web site, but it usually isn't updated until the last possible moment. Some bars in KW get good bands, but mostly they have least common denominator lounge music.

If you go to Florida expecting mountain vistas you will be disappointed. Florida's scenery is more subtle but just as spectacular. In the Keys, look for subtle color in the sea and sky.  

[kendenton]

OK, bike is reserved, hotel rooms are booked, route is planned.  Leaving on 2/5.  I'll post pics and a nice write-up when I return.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

[jschmidt]

Just did this exact trip week before last. I rented a Dyna. It was pretty unsuitable over 45 but perfect under. I went to Key West. Had a good time.

Rented from Harley of Pompano. I'd recommend them.

[baldheadeddork]

OK, bike is reserved, hotel rooms are booked, route is planned.  Leaving on 2/5.  I'll post pics and a nice write-up when I return.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Oh no!!!

Pure Triumph in Fort Lauderdale has just started renting Bonnevilles.

http://www.pure-triumph.com/catalog/22

It will still be a fun trip. Have a great time.  

[Fast Blue]

During Daytona Bike Week I have set aside three days to travel to the Keys
I plan to take one of the dive boats out for some snorkelling who knows maybe I'll find a gold coin ,

Please take lots of pics and let me know were the best bars are  

[kendenton]

Just did this exact trip week before last. I rented a Dyna. It was pretty unsuitable over 45 but perfect under. I went to Key West. Had a good time.

Rented from Harley of Pompano. I'd recommend them.

Dang, I should have searched more for rentals.  Pompano would have saved me around $50.  The Eaglerider reservation is non-refundable, so that's that.

How long did it take to get from around Miami to Key West?  No idea what the traffic/speed limit situation is on the keys.  Looks like around 160 miles, I'm figuring 4 hours if I don't stop (but of course I will).

[kendenton]

Oh no!!!

Pure Triumph in Fort Lauderdale has just started renting Bonnevilles.

http://www.pure-triumph.com/catalog/22

It will still be a fun trip. Have a great time.  

Part of the reason for the trip is to rent a Harley.  While I can't see myself as a Harley owner, I'm thinking it will be fun to indulge in it for a few days.  Seems like a good area to do it in as well - I don't think I'd like to rent one in VA near the BRP for example.

[baldheadeddork]

Part of the reason for the trip is to rent a Harley.  While I can't see myself as a Harley owner, I'm thinking it will be fun to indulge in it for a few days.  Seems like a good area to do it in as well - I don't think I'd like to rent one in VA near the BRP for example.

Oh, okay. Your first post sounded like you were renting a HD because you didn't have any other choice.

[Eric308]

It's a great ride. Take your time, though. There are so many cool places to stop along the way. Check out the Lorelei in Islamorada and Mangrove Mama's at MM20 (MM is mile marker). All places are designated that way. Make sure you go to sunset at Mallory in Key West. Everyone gathers there and it's a party every night. Buy a conch fritter from a street vendor, have a mojito and have fun!

[919rider]

haven't really seen my 6-year old at all in a week.

Are you bringing the 6 year old?

I can't imagine mine on a bike now, but I know they'd love it!

Kevin

[Snowbird]

Please take lots of pics and let me know were the best bars are  Thumbsup

Check out the Hurricane just before you leave Marathon heading south... IIRC, MM49.5. Good bands evenings... but better places to listen in KW. For some reason, the Hurricane makes bands turn the volume down.  

In KW, get away from the strip for better bars, IMHO.

[kendenton]

Are you bringing the 6 year old?

I can't imagine mine on a bike now, but I know they'd love it!

Kevin

Not bringing my son (can't quite reach the pegs yet).  Fortunately I have gotten to spend a lot of time with him now that the work crisis is over.

[Hardware]

Ok, here's a dumb question. The little islands are called "keys" right? So how come we talk about the "Hawaiian islands, the Falkland islands, the Orkney islands,........" but we call those things at the bottom of Florida the "islands West, islands Largo....."

Why the heck isn't it "Largo Key"?

key2/ki/–noun, plural keys. a reef or low island; cay.  

[Snowbird]

Ok, here's a dumb question. The little islands are called "keys" right? So how come we talk about the "Hawaiian islands, the Falkland islands, the Orkney islands,........" but we call those things at the bottom of Florida the "islands West, islands Largo....."

Why the heck isn't it "Largo Key"?

I dunno... but it's Lake Erie, Lake Michigan... and Chautauqua Lake.  

[Eric308]

Check out the Hurricane just before you leave Marathon heading south... IIRC, MM49.5. Good bands evenings... but better places to listen in KW. For some reason, the Hurricane makes bands turn the volume down.  

In KW, get away from the strip for better bars, IMHO.

Snowbird is right about bars off the strip. Check out the Green Parrot, Olde Bottle Cap, and Capt. Tony's....all off the strip. I lived there in the '70's and the Bull and Whistle on Duval was the only bar downtown or on the strip (Duval) that I ever went to.

[torags v2]

Part of the reason for the trip is to rent a Harley.  While I can't see myself as a Harley owner, I'm thinking it will be fun to indulge in it for a few days.  Seems like a good area to do it in as well - I don't think I'd like to rent one in VA near the BRP for example.

Same reason I rented a Harley out of Orlando for bike week last year. My first time Harley ride in 40 yrs of riding. I test drove a couple at a local SF dealer and couldn't stand all but one. The Vrod Streetrod. The pegs are under butt (they also had after market pegs on forward roll bars. Its a low seat and legs can cramp (good news - you can stand if cramped).

I liked the bike for solo riding (not owning), it had a slight dragster quality and the engine was smooth & torqy. I traveled at 80-90 on the freeway, no prob (except for half helmet wind on a naked bike), I don't think it would have much above a hundred. Very bad for pillon (6" wide seat) Not all Harley owners like 'em and I don't think thats a bad thing.

[jschmidt]

Veer off Route one and take the small road that goes to North Key Largo. Stop off at Alabama Jacks (just before the bridge) for lunch. It's the perfect swamp shack.

[Mudcat]

Been thinking about this myself and wondering what the daily rental cost would be.
One bit of advice...Book your motel early in the day, as not many there and they fill up fast.
I rode down to Key West back in 87.  We got there early, planning to leave mid afternoon for the ride back.  Lost track of time and waited too late, so decided to spend the night.  We got the very last motel room in Key West, at a place called the "Blue Lagoon".  I'll never forget it.  The room was filthy and not much bigger than your bathroom at home.  Cost $120.00 and not worth $20.00!!!

[kendenton]

Been thinking about this myself and wondering what the daily rental cost would be.
One bit of advice...Book your motel early in the day, as not many there and they fill up fast.

Already booked rooms there and along the way.  I was looking for a cheaper place to stay, maybe on Marathon Key, and my wife surprised me by getting me a nice inn on Key West right off Duval street  

[Eric308]

Veer off Route one and take the small road that goes to North Key Largo. Stop off at Alabama Jacks (just before the bridge) for lunch. It's the perfect swamp shack.

+1  :thumbsup:Cool place and great idea!

[DosEquis00]

Looking forward to your trip report when you return as I may be down there in March.

[andmoon]

Have fun Ken.

Thought of taking the multi down?

[kendenton]

Have fun Ken.

Thought of taking the multi down?

Not really. Don't have a trailer.  Don't really want to slab 1100 miles in February.  The Keys seem like a real Harley kinda place. Now Nova Scotia, that's a Multi kinda place.

[shil]

Last summer I rented a huge giant Heritage Softail from eagle Rider in Knoxville.  A painless procedure, they were great to deal with.  The Harley less so, but that wasn’t its fault.  A Softail is the wrong tool for the Dragon.  Still, we had a fine time.

[farleywilbur]

Make sure to have a few beers at the Green Parrot bar in Key West.  It was my favourite locals hangout I found when staying there for a week two years ago.

[fhaze]

f you like live music, check the Hurricane bar on Marathon. They post a monthly engagement calendar on their web site, but it usually isn't updated until the last possible moment. Some bars in KW get good bands, but mostly they have least common denominator lounge music.

I used to be in a Blues Band from Mass. We would hit the keys 2x a year..play our way up and down the coast. The Hurricane was GREAT.. free food and drink , and our own house for 7 DAYS.
The staff and locals loved us. ..we would hit the Brass Monkey after our gig.

If I could only remember everything!  ...mmm  for some reason I always hooked up with redheads down there!

[Snowbird]

I rode down to Key West back in 87.  We got there early, planning to leave mid afternoon for the ride back.  Lost track of time and waited too late, so decided to spend the night.  We got the very last motel room in Key West, at a place called the "Blue Lagoon".  I'll never forget it.  The room was filthy and not much bigger than your bathroom at home.  Cost $120.00 and not worth $20.00!!!

The Blue Lagoon hasn't been updated as of two years ago... but the price hadn't gone up much either: $130. I paid about the same for a much better room next door to the Hurricane in Marathon.

If you pass through Cocoa Beach, I recommend the Sea Aire motel, just north of Minuteman Causeway... on the northbound side of A1A... oceanfront rooms are $100... and the management is bike friendly... within walking distance of the Beach Shack bar that has bands and Trader Jacks for breakfast, Fishers Sea Food restaurant and a Chinese place, both across from the Beach Shack are good for supper.

[kendenton]

I'm back.  

I'll have the trip report posted in a day or two, with lots of pictures.  Here's one:

 

[Orson]

I'm glad someone else is the most hated person on ST.N  

can't wait for the pics

[Snowbird]

I'll have the trip report posted in a day or two, with lots of pictures.  Here's one:

Link the report in this thread so I don't miss it, ok?

[Fast Blue]

Waiting ---- still

[tripntx]

Have taken the family for vacation to the keys the last two years for a week. 2005 stayed at Amy Slates in Key Largo, decent for divers. Stayed at http://islanderfloridakeys.com/?source=kd which is in Islamorado during 2006. Nice place.

[kendenton]

OK, first part of the trip report is up.  You can check it out here on STN, or at my website.  I won't be posting anymore updates on this topic, check the trip report topic for more.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions pre-trip!

[Yellowstrom]

LIved in the Keys for many years,  stationed in the Coast Guard back in the late 60's and mid 80's in Key West. Spend about 2 weeks from Islamoraida ro Key West.  But I did enjoy your report.
Was Cactus Jack singing in the Bull?  He does a great show.  I wish I had read your post before you went.  Being retired I would have met and went with you.  From Crystal River it not to far to ride for a few days.  Many other places to visit while down there so one of these days you will just have to return.  Some of the wildest times are Fantasy Fest and the big Bike ride from Miami down to KW.
More fun to do with your wife, so she can get you back to the hotel after hitting all the bars.
Not like the Smokies but it has it's own flare.  I don't think I could get along with out 2 weeks in the Smokies (V-Strom riding) and another 2 in Key West (Electric Glide riding).  
Glad you had a good time.

[Against The Wind]

I might be going since I'll be in Daytona for Bike Week and my new lady hasn't been to Key West.

[Yellowstrom]

Always ready for a trip to the Keys,