2019
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As we make the trip even better for 2019, we are staying at just two hotels and starting the trip in the heart of the Florida Keys. The distances will remain the same but now we also have shorter ride options with almost all the riding on bike paths.
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This was the very first Vacation Bicycling trip and it consistently is one of the most popular and well liked, but we thought it was time to make it even better!
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We still have ride options that will take us from mile marker “100” to mile marker “0”; but we now also have shorter options for those of us who prefer to ride primarily on bike paths.
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We are only staying at just two hotels: The Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys (maybe one of the nicest Courtyard properties in the U.S.) and the DoubleTree by Hilton in Key West (recently completely renovated).
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Even the longer routes that we ride use a combination of road and bike paths with about 80% of the tour on dedicated bicycle or multi-use paths.
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We ride with clear ocean water on one side and the gulf on the other.
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We experience all The Florida Keys & Key West with a blend of Caribbean blue waters, tropical foliage, stunning sunsets and the unique city that is Key West.
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Also, we only have two real hills on the entire ride, which technically are not hills but two bridges, the 7-mile Bridge and the Channel #5 Bridge.
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Of course, we will take time to relax in a hammock, enjoy beautiful sunsets and take home amazing photos and memories.
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Come enjoy a relaxing vacation while experiencing the unforgettable adventure of biking the Florida Keys.
Day 1, Saturday; April 27, 2019
Check into the Courtyard Marathon throughout the day. Official check-in is 3:000pm. Enjoy the infinity pool outside with a tropical band playing most days or get in some sandy beach time by visiting Sombrero Beach, taking a short bike ride to get there. The Florida Keys are so beautiful. Our main mission is to begin to relax and enjoy our bike vacation. In the evening meet new friends during the Welcome Dinner and Get Together scheduled for around 5:00pm.
Lodging for the first 2 and last 2 nights:
Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys
- Many people comment this may be the best Courtyard by Marriott in the entire chain -
Marathon, Florida
(Internet, outdoor infinity swimming pool and newly built second pool, hair dryer, 24-hour fitness center; on the ocean, and sunsets over the water)
Dinner:
FL Keys Steak & Lobster House
Diners' Choice Award 2018 from OpenTable
Marathon, Florida
Menu choices:
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Bone in New York Strip – 16oz Angus Bone-in Strip grilled to perfection
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Pasta Primavara – Al dente pasta with lots of fresh vegetables in a buttery and creamy Parmesan sauce.
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Seafood Platter – Broiled: Fresh Mahi, shrimp, scallops and a crab cake broiled to perfection; or Fried: Fresh Mahi, conch, shrimp, scallops, oysters and calamari deep fried to a golden brown
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Shrimp – Jumbo Shrimp battered and fried; or broiled
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Sea Scallops – Plump sea scallops can be fried or broiled with lemon, butter, white wine and seasoning
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All entrees served with choice of 2 sides: House or Caesar Salad, baked potato, French fries, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, vegetable medley, sauteed spinach, rice, broccoli, pasta, onion rings or coleslaw
Day 2, Sunday; April 28, 2019
Today has many options and is a great example of having something for everyone. You can visit the Dolphin Research Center and get into a splash war with one of the dolphins; be careful, you may lose the splash war to a dolphin in the experience, but what a great story! You can also go to Long Key State Park, a 65-acre protected area of historic sites, wild flowers and tropical trees where you can kayak, canoe or hike through the park before continuing your bike ride. You can also ride to the Channel #5 bridge with the beautiful Gulf waters on one side and the shimmering Atlantic waters on the other. Finally, you can bike to Robbie’s, which is a tourist's paradise with lots to do: fish feeding, restaurants and tourist attractions. There is even an opportunity to do some saltwater fishing, if you are interested. Take your pick: Shop, Feed the Tarpon, have an ice cold drink or lunch in view of the ocean. Make it your perfect adventure.
Bicycling route options:
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0 miles, staying at the hotel
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22 miles, biking to Dolphin Research Center & back [Almost entire ride is on dedicated bike paths. The route is flat.]
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38 miles, biking to Long Key State Park & back [Vast majority of ride is on dedicated bike paths with a few miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat.]
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44 miles, biking to Channel #5 Bridge Park & back [Vast majority of ride is on dedicated bike paths with a few miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat.]
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54 miles, biking to Robbies & back [Majority of ride is on bike paths with a few miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat with one hill, the Channel #5 bridge]
Breakfast:
Supplied by hotel
Lodging for the first 2 and last 2 nights:
Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys
- Many people comment this may be the best Courtyard by Marriott in the entire chain -
Marathon, Florida
(Internet, outdoor infinity swimming pool and newly built second pool, hair dryer, 24-hour fitness center; on the ocean, and sunsets over the water)
Dinner:
Lighthouse Grill @ Faro Blanco
Marathon, Florida
Menu choices:
- Grilled Yellowfin Tuna – Wasabi Mashed Potatos, Baby Bok Choy, Sweet Thai Chili.
- Pan Seared Scallops – Boursin Risotto, Haricots Verts, Citrus Beurre Blanc.
- Shrimp Veracruz – Saffron Risotto Croquets, Heirloom Tomatoes, Olive Caper Relish.
- Prime Rig Au Jus – Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Horseradish Cream.
Day 3 Monday; April 29, 2019
Enjoy what will become your lifelong memory of riding over 7-mile Bridge. It is famous. Why you ask? Enjoy your day like many movie stars have done in the Florida Keys. A lot of films have been filmed there, including the blockbuster film written and directed by James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis and Bill Paxton. In addition to the fame from all of the filming on the bridge, you should also take a leisurely day to bicycle over one of the greatest and most beautiful rides that you will always remember. Enter the Lower Keys and ride through Key Deer country. The miniature Key Deer only live in the Florida Keys. Take some great photos to show your friends. Then arrive in Key West, where "Everything Old is New Again." Enjoy the sights and unique culture of the country's southern most location, visit the palmtree lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses and nationally acclaimed unique restaurants and pubs. In the evening visit the world famous Mallory Square to watch the street performers and later the beautiful sunset.
Bicycling route options:
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0 miles, taking the SAG Van to the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Key Resort
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12 miles, taking the SAG Van to Baby's Coffee and biking to the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Key Resort [Almost entire ride is on dedicated bike paths. The route is flat.]
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28 miles, taking the SAG Van to Big Pine Key and biking to the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Key Resort [Vast majority of ride is on dedicated bike paths with a few miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat.]
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45 miles, biking over 7-mile bridge and to the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Key Resort [About 80% of ride is on bike paths with additional miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat with one hill, the 7-Mile Bridge.]
Breakfast:
Supplied by hotel
Lodging for the middle 2 nights:
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key Resort - Key West
- recent multimillion-dollar renovation and free shuttle service to Duval Street & Downtown Key West -
Key West, Florida
(Internet, swimming pool, hair dryer, 24-hour fitness center, free shuttle service and free chocolate chip cookie at check-in)
Dinner:
On your own
Day 4, Tuesday; April 30, 2019
Spend a second day exploring Key West. Wake-up and choose which unique Key West restaurant to have breakfast, including the famous Blue Heaven restaurant. You can take the optional, leisurely morning bicycle ride to mile marker “0” and the Southernmost Point; or you can leave your bike at the hotel and take the free hotel shuttle to downtown and Duval Street. Once downtown, you can catch a ride on the Old Town Trolley or the Conch Train to get an overview of the history and sights of Key West. As you ride or walk through Key West enjoy a bite to eat at the many restaurant choices including Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville or Sloppy Joe's Bar to name but a couple of the hundreds of bars in Key West. Of course you can also enjoy the shopping along Duval street which features every type of store and gallery. Finally, you can just spend the day relaxing at the hotel pool or the nearby sandy beaches.
Bicycling route options:
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0 miles, staying at the hotel
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Free day or take an optional 10 mile early morning ride to take pictures next to "Mile Marker "0" and the "Southern Most Point Buoy" before most tourists awaken and long lines form for each attraction. [The route is flat.]
Breakfast:
On your own. (Many people eat at the famous Blue Heaven Restaurant for breakfast after the optional morning ride.)
Lodging for the middle 2 nights:
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key Resort - Key West
- recent multimillion-dollar renovation and free shuttle service to Duval Street & Downtown Key West -
Key West, Florida
(Internet, swimming pool, hair dryer, 24-hour fitness center, free shuttle service and free chocolate chip cookie at check-in)
Day 5, Wednesday; May 1, 2019
Leave Key West and head north, exploring and visiting unique sights of the Keys as you ride along and near the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Take time to stop for lunch at either No Name Pub, one of the most uniquely decorated restaurants in the world, or at Bahia Honda State Park with beaches that are ranked among the best in the world. You can even catch a snorkel tour while visiting the park. Of course you can also ride directly back to the hotel and relax with a cool drink while enjoying one of the pools. View the ocean, go for a swim, or just relax watching the waves.
Bicycling route options:
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0 miles, taking the SAG Van to the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys
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12 miles, biking to Baby's Coffee and taking the SAG Van to the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys [Almost entire ride is on dedicated bike paths. The route is flat.]
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34 miles, biking to Bahia Honda State Park and taking the SAG Van Van to the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys [About 90% of the ride is on dedicated bike paths with additional miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat.]
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39 miles, biking to No Name Pub, continuing on to Bahia Honda State Park and taking the SAG Van Van to the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys [About 80% of the ride is on dedicated bike paths with additional miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat.]
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45 miles, biking to the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys [About 80% of ride is on bike paths with additional miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat with one hill, the 7-Mile Bridge.]
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50 miles, biking to No Name Pub and continuing on to the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys [About 75% of the ride is on dedicated bike paths with additional miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat with one hill, the 7-Mile Bridge.]
Breakfast:
Supplied by the hotel.
Lodging for the first 2 and last 2 nights:
Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys
- Many people comment this may be the best Courtyard by Marriott in the entire chain -
Marathon, Florida
(Internet, outdoor infinity swimming pool and newly built second pool, hair dryer, 24-hour fitness center; on the ocean, and sunsets over the water)
Dinner:
On your own
Day 6, Thursday; May 2, 2019
Your final day of riding, but the options continue. If you want to get the complete long riding experience, you can bicycle from Key Largo and Mile Marker “100” back to Marathon, starting at the Starbucks in Key Largo. On your journey back take a moment to see and/or take a picture of Betsy, the World's Largest Lobster. Sculptor Richard Blaze spent five years building Betsy. In Islamorada watch Tiki statues and wood carvings being made and maybe even choose the perfect Tiki to take or have shipped home. If you haven’t taken the time yet to stop at Robbies then today would be a great day to experience this unique Key’s destination. Did we mention you can also play a round of 9-hole par 3 golf? Or just take in and relax on the clean sandy beaches of Sombrero Beach. Even on your last full day in the Keys you have your choice of many awe inspiring options. In the evening celebrate with your new friends during the farewell dinner.
Bicycling route options:
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0 miles, staying at the hotel
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8 miles, biking to Sombrero Beach & back [Almost entire ride is on dedicated bike paths. The route is flat.]
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16 miles, bike to Key Colony Par-3 9-hole golf course & back [Almost entire ride is on dedicated bike paths except the low traffic streets to get to the golf course. The route is flat.]
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27 miles, taking the SAG Van to Robbie's and biking back to the hotel [Majority of ride is on bike paths with a few miles of road shoulder riding. The route is flat with one hill, the Channel #5 bridge]
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55 miles, taking the SAG Van to Mile Marker 100 and biking back to hotel [Majority of ride is on bike paths with with additional miles of road shoulder riding The route is flat with one hill, the Channel #5 bridge]
Bicycling route: 0 miles, taking the van to the next hotel; or 24 miles, riding to Robbies; or 54 miles, riding from the hotel in Marathon to the hotel in Key Largo. [The route is primarily on dedicated bike paths. The route is flat except for one hill on a bridge.]
Breakfast:
Supplied by hotel
Lodging for the first 2 and last 2 nights:
Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys
- Many people comment this may be the best Courtyard by Marriott in the entire chain -
Marathon, Florida
(Internet, outdoor infinity swimming pool and newly built second pool, hair dryer, 24-hour fitness center; on the ocean, and sunsets over the water)
Dinner:
Brutus Restaurant & Seafood Market
Marathon, Florida
Salad:
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House Salad - Spring Mix, Tomato, Cucumber and Purple Onions.
Menu choices:
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Keys Cuban – Roasted Mojo Pork, Baked Ham , Capicola, Swiss Cheese, Dill Pickles, Lettuce, Tomoto, Mayo and Mustar on Fresh Cuban Bread.
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Fresh Catch Basket – Fish of the Day served Fried, Blackened or Grilled with choice of Black Bean Salad, Cole Slaw or side salad.
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Shrimp – Key West Pink Shrimp served Fried, Blackened or Grilled.
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All menu choices served with Served with Fries, Cole Slaw or Black Bean Salad.
Day 7, Friday; May 3, 2019
Ride and explore Keys one last day and even stop at John Pennekamp Park before your journey home.
Breakfast:
On your own
Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs.
Riding difficulty:
Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have a very enjoyable trip without any hills (the only "big hill" is Seven Mile Bridge). All riders may ride at their own pace, slow or fast. If a rider is tired or feels like riding less on any day, the SAG vehicle will transport the rider to the hotel.
Arriving by automobile:
Drive to Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys, 2146 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Florida 33050, leaving your car at the hotel for the duration of the trip.
Arriving by Plane:
You can also fly into Miami's International Airport (MIA) and take Keys Shuttle (888) 765-9997 to the Florida Keys.
Deposit:
$200 due to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start.
What's included:
- Hotel lodging
- Ride packets including maps and cue sheets (directions)
- Fully sagged including luggage transport, vehicle transportation and rider assistance
- Breakfast most mornings (see above)
- Dinner with the group three nights (see above)
- Fun and Enjoyment
Bicycles:
- Most riders bring their own bicycles by automobile
- To ship your bike, we would suggest using shipbikes.com or bikeflight.com for shipping. Bikes may be shipped to the Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys, 2146 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Florida 33050
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If you fly Alaska Air then bicycles can be carried on for $25 each way as of 2018; please see Alaskaair.com for full details.
- To rent a bicycle or to assist with bicycle assembly please call: All Keys Bicycles in Key Largo 305-453-6221 or Wheels to Go in Marathon 305-289-4279
Weather in Late April/Early May in the Keys:
- Average High 83°F
- Average Low 73°F