Key West Florida Adventure December 2018

[aviationfred]

This is a year away, but there may be a few members that have this ride on their bucket list. This gives ample time to schedule a trip to Florida with your FJ or whatever you decide to ride for this event.

I will be in Central Florida the week after Christmas 2018. Steve (Steve_in_Florida) and I have discussed getting together and doing a 2 day trip to Key West Florida. The dates are looking to be the 29th and 30th of December. Departing from Orlando at 6:00am on the 29th and returning to Orlando the evening of the 30th. The distance is just under 400 miles one way.

More info will follow with Hotel accommodations for the over night in Key West.



Fred

[Steve_in_Florida]

Young Fred is quite the planner, and I'm looking forward to this ride.

Does it snow in the Keys? Might we need tire chains?

I love to ride! Let's do it!!!

Steve

[giantkiller]

Fred it's supposed to get in the negatives in the 10 day forecast around here. I'm sure next year will be the same (keep hoping global warming would kickin) I should be straightened out from building the house by then. If I can swing it I'll go.

It'd be great to see Steve in Florida.. Actually in Florida.

[andyoutandabout]

I get three weeks off at Christmas, so this is really interesting me. Might be a bit rainy? I lived in Miami years ago and visited the Keys. It would be a top ride.
Andy

[FJmonkey]

Top ride??? That road is long and has zero turns. Or at least turns with bad consequences. Having been to the Keys once I would love to visit again. But that long boring drive to get there makes me want to charter a flight. I will enjoy the snow free ride here in SoCal and look forward to the all the fun you post up in the Keys. Enjoy mates...

[aviationfred]

Look guys..... I found a Mountain in Kansas.....along with a sample of what I usually ride with.

Living here in fly over country.... The long, straight and flat riding to get to Key West is not much different.... Just trade wheat field for water.

[Steve_in_Florida]

I've only been to Key West a handful of times, myself. Each time has been pretty fun, though.

It's a very "tourist-y" kind-of-place, with an "interesting" and "diverse" culture, all its own.

If you like Jimmy Buffett, rainbows, or drinking in the sun, then you'll fit right in. If not, well... SUCK IT UP, and HAVE FUN, ANYWAY!!!

Fred's itinerary is more of a "turn-and-burn", so there won't be a lot of time to do and see much, but it'll be enough to wet our whistles and check off a couple of bucket list items. Maybe we could organize a race from one side of the island to the other?

I seem to recall a spur-of-the-moment trip from Orlando to Key West that I made with some friends in the late `80's. We left Orlando at about 3 AM, and arrived sometime around 2 PM. Traffic is always a problem, and has not gotten better through the years. (My California friends know EXACTLY what I'm referring to!!!)

One aspect that I should mention: Florida drivers tend to NOT be very courteous (as a trend), especially on the major highways. Too many people from too many places. Many will camp out in the left lanes, and carry on cell phone conversations, oblivious to their surroundings and the line of cars stacked up behind them. Meanwhile, the right lane will be completely open, save for the trucks, campers, and more timid types of drivers. Lots of road rage and accidents to be seen, as the aggressive-types bob-and-weave. Be forewarned.

Anyway...

I can't wait, and believe that this will be a fun event for any and all who attend.

Steve

[aviationfred]

I have done a very brief check on lodging and the least expensive at the moment is at the Sheraton Suites. Here is a tentative route from Orlando.


https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Orlando,+Florida/Sheraton+Suites+Key+West,+2001+S+Roosevelt+Blvd,+Key+West,+FL+33040/@26.7370475,-81.3797286,7z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x88e773d8fecdbc77:0xac3b2063ca5bf9e!2m2!1d-81.3792365!2d28.5383355!3m4!1m2!1d-80.6681374!2d26.7187395!3s0x88d9505230bef695:0xa0abb70d6081f88b!1m5!1m1!1s0x88d1b1316e6d5ffd:0xf10ae9ede74f424a!2m2!1d-81.7723171!2d24.5526345!3e0



Fred

[aviationfred]

The time is almost here. I will be departing a week from today and heading to the Southeast coast of South Carolina for a few days and then on the Florida. I picking up my twin brother and his TL1000R in Austin Texas. This will be the first time in about 30 years that we have ridden together. If you decide to join us. PM me with contact info for a meet up location.


Fred

[ribbert]

....... I picking up my twin brother and his TL1000R in Austin Texas.

Fred

Best exhaust note ever!

Noel

[TexasDave]

I hope Fred will be able to keep up with his brother!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Cuz8a0cDM

Dave

[aviationfred]

The bike is loaded and ready to roll out to Texas in the morning. I will pick up my brother and his bike then head to the east coast for 2 weeks.


Fred

[andyoutandabout]

I think Fred is on course to have the best FJ/Family Christmas of the entire membership.
Don't forget the bikes in front of the '90 miles to Cuba' bollard photo.
Wishing you and your brother plenty o Christmas cheer.
Adventure is on.

[Tuned forks]

Fred is using a trailer?  Are you feeling okay Fred?  Who are you and what did you do with Fred?
Much success to you on your road trip.  I wish you dry and clean roads.

Joe

[aviationfred]

Fred is using a trailer?  Are you feeling okay Fred?  Who are you and what did you do with Fred?
Much success to you on your road trip.  I wish you dry and clean roads.

Joe

For this trip, a trailer was required. This is actually a family vacation that I have conveniently turned into a motorcycle event. 2 motorcycles and three kids don't add up for motorcycles only for the entire trip.   

I have started a new thread in the trip and travel report section.

Fred