Shortly after 7 we start our day by defending ourselves in rush hour traffic.
We find the wonderful Black Rock Trail that runs us through suburban neighborhoods on our way towards the Biscayne Bay and Key Largo. We had maybe15 miles on this lovely trail.
The Biscayne Trail was less than we had hoped for.
Around 10:30 we discard our original route in the Biscayne Trail and head west, (downwind!) for about 5 miles to Florida City. We needed a bit of civilization to get food, more water and maybe some A/C!
Brunch at Cracker Barrel and a bit of a rest. I used to love me some Cracker Barrel but I’m afraid this breakfast disappointed us both. But we hydrated on sweet tea, Arnold Palmers and cooled off for the mid-day ride south into the sun.
Our original route was more easterly, very remote and 6 miles longer than jumping on US 1 to Key Largo. We traded less traffic and a no shoulder highway for US 1 that gave us a shoulder to ride on.
Over 80% of our miles were into headwinds again, 12 to 15 mph. We wanted to be careful and stay cool and hydrated so we found an illegal place to chill for about 30 minutes under an overpass.
Rebuilding of the rightside breakdown shoulder on the Dixie Highway (US 1) for about 5 miles ruined our initial plans for a safe spot to ride but Angela came up with the idea of riding on the left hand shoulder. I was strongly against it, I had never done it before nor imagined it being safe enough but it worked out well for us and got us to the bridge into Key Largo!
Angela says “ I told you so!” without having to say a word.
She’s liking me again, especially because I’m leading her into the wind now.
Our last stop just inside Key Largo for an ice Coke flavored slushy. Just what we needed to finish the last 4 miles to our hotel.
We lingered in the hotel pool for quite a while after our 3:15 check-in and enjoyed the sunshine from a cooler perspective.
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