December 25, 2015
South Miami to Key Largo
I slept well but still wanted more! I had a lot of sleeping to catch up on! So even though the alarm went off at 7:30, I didn't really get going till 8:00 and didn't make breakfast till 9:00. I was checked out and on the road at 10:30, making sure I had plenty to eat since I was t sure what would be open along the way. I already knew Alabama Jack's would not be open to accommodate me for lunch. But it was only a 48-mile day, so time shouldn't be a problem.
Except for the wind. Again, mostly from the east, but it would bluster some. At least on the South Dade Rail Trail, I was headed mostly southwest. But the road to Carter Sound, Carter Sound Road, is oriented southeast, and I expected head winds. I was not disappointed.
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I followed the South Dade Rail Trail all the way to its end in Homestead, Florida. I had ridden part of this last year but not the whole length (last year we diverted in search of a bike shop, which we never found). So there was some new scenery, but nothing dramatic. This part of the trail does not have much shade, and I was beginning to feel the heat before too long. Out came the sunscreen!
There were few other cyclists, and the ones I saw were pretty evenly split between the trail and the busway. Enforcement doesn't seem to bother them; I even saw a rollerblader out there, and a bus passed him without so much as slowing down. He must be a regular fixture!
At the end of the trail, you need to ride a short distance on US 1 and cross two lanes to access the left turn lane to Card Sound Road, a long, straight road through Everglades-type terrain. The alternative is US 1 with all its traffic. Not sure if US 1 has a shoulder you can ride; Card Sound Road does not, but it also has a lot (and I mean A LOT) less traffic.
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The crossing at Card Sound looks steeper than it really is. And it provides for a beautiful view once you make it to the top.
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Unfortunately, after crossing the bridge, the road turns further east and more into the wind I had already been fighting. Well, in the Keys this should be expected. The wind here can be unpredictable and come from any direction. But after another five or six miles, I turned mostly southwest, picking up a much appreciated tailwind that carried me all the way to camp. And when I joined US 1 again, I was able to check out the new, adjacent bike trail that was under construction last March (2015). Practically new and much smoother than the bike lane in the road.
In no time, I was at the campground, Key Largo Kampground & Marina, a nice, quiet, unassuming place to spend tonight and tomorrow before heading off to Marathon. I like this campground a lot and recommend it. Tomorrow I will mostly read and spend time by the pool.
Today's ride: 48 miles (77 km)
Total: 115 miles (185 km)
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