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).