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#41 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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Re: Key West or Bust
Staying at The Westwinds on Eaton St. About 4 blocks north of Duval and two blocks from Conch Republic. Very nice for the price. I'll do photos late
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch Last edited by The Bruce; 12-12-2010 at 09:22 PM. |
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#42 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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Here we go!
I was sort of awake already when the alarm went of at 0430, Saturday morning. The bike was loaded and ready to go so it was just a matter of getting dressed, grabbing a couple items from the kitchen and heading down the road. First stop was at the closest HEB for fuel top off and the all important receipt that verifies my start time of 0455 Central time. My target time to reach Key West would be 1755 Eastern; allowing for the change of time zone. Weather was warm with a pretty good SW breeze. Also patchy fog but light enough so that I did not need to slow down any. The first leg took me south to Luling where I would head east on IH10. The trip to Luling was done for insurance mileage; just in case the IBA's calculators come up with slightly different mileage than what I had. The direct route from Pflugerville was just over 1500 and I wanted to make sure. With the trip to Luling I should end up with around 1570. That should do. I ha d to stop again at the IH10 intersection to get another receipt to document the route and change in direction. Soon I was greeted by the morning sun.
![]() Some cool stuff out on the road. Mach 1 1969 I think. ![]() This was a day to cover lots of miles. I needed to get to Ocala which would log 1070 miles on the one day. I chose to do that so if something happened and I didn't make Key West I would at least qualify for the Saddle Sore 1000. So, no tourism, just riding. Stop every once in a while for fuel, drink of water and a handful of trail mix. I also brought one of those huge Honey Crisp apples that I would split over a couple of stops. I had to remember to get fuel receipts each time and log mileage for each leg; Iron Butt rules. I had a good audio book loaded into the Zumo gps so the mile clicked away pretty fast, at first. Soon I was at Lake Charles, LA. ![]() If you traveled east on IH10 you will recognize this series of bridges. Notice the water between the divided highway. I managed a couple of videos. First, crossing the mighty Mississippi. And the tunnel in downtown Mobile, AL. I want to go back some time and see the Alabama. This time I could even get a good photo. Just this ghostly image. ![]() By now it was pretty gloomy and getting cooler. ![]() I rode east without incident except for on gps glitch. South of Lake City, FL the route exited from IH75 so I followed. Then I lost the route as it took off across country. Some how the programmed route had picked up off road routing properties. So, I went back to IH75 and reselected the route. I was off the route so she asked if I wanted to recalculate. I always make it ask for the recalculation so it doesn't automatically mess up what I have planned. This time the recalc worked for what I needed and the route was fixed. I only lost about 5 minutes messing with that. I arrived at the hotel in Ocala around 2300 and made a beeline for the Chili's next door. Only actual meal I ate that day. Some beef fajitas, checked in at the La Quinta, hot shower and crashed. No problem getting to sleep.
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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#43 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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Finish the challenge
I was really whooped from the first day's ride. I actually felt a little loopy. I slept real well. A little too well. I slept right though my 0530 alarm.
I woke up on my own at 0630, slapped myself a couple of times and got going. I wasn't worried since I still had 11 hours to make the approx. 8 hour trip to Key West. It was still cold, mid 40's, but there was no rain. In fact the skies were totally clear. Perfect. ![]() I chose to take the route down the middle of the state on Hwy 27. Yeah there were more towns to slow me down, but I would rather travel that way if I have the time, and I had time. I was not disappointed. I rode the Turnpike for a while then paid the troll $1.25 and turned off onto the free road. Several small towns for the first 100 miles then open country with a town every 30 miles or so. Saw oranges... ![]() and sugar cane harvesting. ![]() ![]() 27 took me to 997 which goes south towards the Overseas Hwy and completely avoids the greater Miami mess. Also along this road and many tree farms and nurseries that supply tropical plants to Miami and who knows where else. Lots of scenery to look at and traffic was flowing along at around 60. Lots of Sunday drivers/riders out just cruising around. I thought US 1 would be boring but it was quite enjoyable. I kept changing from overland through brush.... ![]() Several towns such as Marathon.... ![]() and of course the bridges. ![]() And lookey hear. This odometer reading made me smile a little bigger. ![]() The old bridge... ![]() And finally the money shot; Key West, FL. ![]() I found my B&B with no trouble. I had been told when I made the reservation that I would be able to park in the driveway. That's a huge perk in Key West as there is almost no parking available except in the city garage. One of the reasons I chose this place. Bad new was that they planned on tearing up and replacing the driveway Monday morning. But the guy at the desk told me I could park on the front patio without me even having to ask. ![]() My home for three nights...Westwinds. That's my room in the upper left corner. ![]() Looks nice after dark too. ![]() On recommendation of the manager I walked a couple blocks over the Conch Republic for supper. I started with tempura conch with horseradish marmalade and finished with blackened catch of the day (mahi mahi) sandwich. Washed it all down with a couple of Key West Ales. ![]() ![]() ![]() I got back to find my bike right where I left it. Always a good thing. ![]() I'll wake up with the jackhammers in the morning and walk around this end of the island to see what I can see.
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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#44 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Waco
Posts: 2,014
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Re: Key West or Bust
food now your talking
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James Triumph Bonneville Black 790 / KTM 350 EXC (son's) & 500 EXC 2013 RIDE VIDEOS: TBD |
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#45 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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Re: Key West or Bust
So cold here they had move breakfast inside. 62 degree Brrrr!
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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#46 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New Braunfels/Canyon Lake
Posts: 4,437
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Re: Key West or Bust
So sorry about the cold weather. Man, I feel your pain
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If you are what you eat, then I am FAST, EASY & CHEAP Beemer Bob's Tracking and Blog www.BeemerBob.com |
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#47 |
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Administrator
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 8,386
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Re: Key West or Bust
Yeah, 29 here in Austin this morning. Little cool on the commute in. Hope you don't freeze in your 62 degree icebox down there
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Rusty Myers "Ivan, did you see the sunrise this morning?" - T. Magnum, P.I. 1999 DR650 - still not from this century 2006 DR200 - little engine that could 2009 R1200GS Adventure - finally, a new bike |
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#48 |
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 135
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Re: Key West or Bust
Lived in Key West for two years while I was stationed there. It was funny seeing people break out the heavy winter costs when it dipped below 50*.
If you are into nightlife, we use to always hit Ricks down on lower Dival. If you like adult entertainment, check out Red Garter. Odd fact (assuming it has changed): Key West has never recorded a temperature above 100*, nor below 32*. |
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#49 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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Re: Key West or Bust
Navy? Yeah, I was noticing the folks from Canada walking around in shorts and tees. It really was pretty nice today when you could get out of the wind. Some clouds rolled in and with the 20+ winds it got pretty chilly. I had to put on the windbreaker but shorts were still just fine. Time to report on today's wandering.
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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#50 |
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Administrator
Forum Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Capitol of Weirdness
Posts: 12,201
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Re: Key West or Bust
Man, those foodie-pics have me drooling.....
Glad all is well!
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Scott 2002 R1150GS (I think I'm 'gonna just call it "Number 5") "I've been everywhere, man" 100K miles of smiles "Everyone should have something in their life that requires a helmet" - Ann Sweeney |
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#51 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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A gale was blowing;
At least that's what they said. And It seemed like it this morning on the wharf as the wind was howling in the rigging of the sailing ships in the harbor. ;
I must be rested because I woke up at my normal time of 0630. Breakfast isn't out until 0800 so I killed time on the internet. Continental breakfast was OK, the coffee was hot and rich so that was nice. By the time I was satisfied this was going on in the driveway. ![]() I started my walking tour at the seaport, two blocks from the house. The old train station is at the entrance to the docks. Mr Flagler brought the world to Key West in the early 1900's with the completion of the Overseas Railroad. ![]() ![]() The Conch Republic ![]() From the port area I wandered back up Duval St. to see the sights. ![]() Sloppy Joe's famous as the hangout of Hemingway. ![]() The original location of Sloppy Joe's and claiming to be the oldest bar in Florida. ![]() I stumbled upon the HD tee shirts shop and had to get a souvenir, I earned it. As I was paying for the tee the lady at the register said I should ride down some day and they were surprised when I said that I did. I told them of my trip so far and they were properly impressed. ![]() One good thing about the high winds was that the three cruise ships that were supposed to dock today all canceled. So there were much fewer people as I wandered about. Here is the cruise ship terminal. ![]() Lots of chickens roam the town. ![]() I visited the shipwreck museum because I wanted to climb the 65 foot tower and get a higher view of the place. They has actors portraying salvagers and they put on a good tour. Very informative. ![]() view from the tower ![]() On top they had a tower cam so I called my wife in her office and had her go to the website. That was pretty cool. A little bit down the street was the Customs house. ![]() In front was a statue of a photographer taking a photo of a statue. There are lots of these statues around town. ![]() Next up was Mel Fisher's Treasure museum. It had more artifacts on display than the shipwreck museum. Lots of gold and silver artifacts on display. You could even buy some for prices ranging from $400 to over $10,000. ![]() This was the tour guide. ![]() The Little White House used by several Presidents as vacation and meeting location. ![]() I stumbled across the end of the road. I wasn't looking for it, it was just there. ![]() I had been walking around for several hours and was thirsty so I popped into The Green Parrot. key West is famous for the bars and this is one of the well known dives. Lots of character inside. ![]() Next post; the military tours.
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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#52 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New Braunfels/Canyon Lake
Posts: 4,437
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Re: Key West or Bust
Great pictures. Thanks!
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If you are what you eat, then I am FAST, EASY & CHEAP Beemer Bob's Tracking and Blog www.BeemerBob.com |
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#53 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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The military tours
There are a couple of Coast Guard cutters tied up at the pier near Fort Taylor. First I went to CGC Mohawk. The ship was built as an ice breaker in 1934 and saw duty in WWII as convoy escort in the North Atlantic. She was decommissioned in 1947.
![]() The bigger and better preserved is the CGC Inham. At 327 feet she was the largest cutter at the time of her construction in 1936. In WWII she served in the North Atlantic were she sunk U-626 in 1943. She also served in the Mediterranean during WWII. Near the end of the war she moved to the Pacific and was MacArthur's command ship for the retaking of Corregidor and the several other engagements in the Philippines. She also served in Vietnam. She is the most decorated ship in the history of the Coast Guard. ![]() Nearby is the Fort Taylor State Park. A coastal protection fort built in 1845. It was held under Union control during the civil war. Ships captured running the blockade were taken here. The fort was used through the end of WWII and was closed in 1947 along with most of the coastal forts. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Time for dinner. It's corny but I want' a cheeseburger in paradise so I made my way to Jimmy Bufett's Original Margaritaville and got a cheeseburger. Pretty tasty. ![]() ![]() Key West is famous for it's sunsets and they are celebrated every night. ![]() Walking back to the house I had to catch a photo of this place. It can't be a day without a picture of a motorcycle. Check the upper left corner. Now this qualifies as a ride report on a motorcycle site.
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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#54 |
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Pflugerville Tx
Posts: 91
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Re: Key West or Bust
As usual, great job. Almost wish I was there, ahh heck! I do wish I was there!!
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09 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS 04 KLR650 03 YZ125 01 XR100 |
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#55 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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Re: Key West or Bust
Where do we go next?
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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#56 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Midlothian, TX
Posts: 3,334
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Re: The military tours
Thanks for the nod to the Coast Guard.
![]() We are planning on getting down that way in April. It looks great!
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.......Janet 2008 FJR Ride With Pride! Blue Knights TX XXI IBA 18308 "Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property... Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them." Thomas Paine |
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#57 |
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Pflugerville Tx
Posts: 91
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Re: Key West or Bust
I can't talk about going riding. I'm still in mourning.
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09 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS 04 KLR650 03 YZ125 01 XR100 |
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#58 | |
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Out Riding
Posts: 3,218
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Re: A gale was blowing;
Quote:
My favorite bar in Key West.
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Rich Some people buy motorcycles for road trips while others buy them for ego trips. ![]() Where's Rich been lately? Goldwing / Super Tenere / WR250R / ST1300 / KLR650 / GS1000S / H2 750 |
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#59 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New Braunfels/Canyon Lake
Posts: 4,437
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Re: Key West or Bust
Looks like you traveled some ground today. Did you do this all on foot?
Great report. Great pictures. I'm looking forward to your next report. Very good job.
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If you are what you eat, then I am FAST, EASY & CHEAP Beemer Bob's Tracking and Blog www.BeemerBob.com |
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#60 |
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Forum Supporter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX
Posts: 7,358
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Re: Key West or Bust
Thanks Bob. Yes, I spent the whole day yesterday walking. I'm glad you like the report.
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2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" ![]() IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch |
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