Key West Winter Ride Feb 2014

[JeffH]

Motels? Book em' while you can. (for the details look back to the previous posts from last month)

Ah FLORIDA, February 7th to February 15th
If you are thinking you might want to take the entire ride Kingsland GA to Key West FLA and return, plan about 1,300 miles. FYI, the only motel with a super early cancel date (Jan 30) is Monterrey Inn & Marina in Stuart FL.

Otherwise you can Book now and Cancel Later if your plans change:
Cancel up to 2 Days before check-in: Sarasota FL
Cancel up to 1 Day before check-in: Daytona Beach & Florida City
Cancel by 4pm Day of check-in: Kingsland GA & Fort Myers FL

If you can join us for a day or two or meet up with us along the way then that's great too.
That's actually mostly what the ride is about, a rolling Rally of XSives meeting up with other XSives along the way for some Riding, good Eats with plenty-o' Chit-Chat.

Depending what the group wants to do, on Wed Feb 12th as we head west to Fort Myers we might first go down for stop or lunch at Flamingo in the Everglades. If not, go to Everglades City for stop (or lunch) & Cafecito (or the heart stopping Colada I horde). That allows time to stop and see alligators and such without being rushed on the way over to Fort Myers.

As for the Thurs Ride up to Sarasota isn't far but maybe we can ride to Punta Gorda out to Arcadia. Something like that then get into Sarasota early so we can get stoked up for the $13.99 Der Dutchman Amish Buffet. Thurs isn't as crowded or congested as Friday night so maybe we can enjoy the marina area or something after dinner. Again, it depends on what the group wants to do.

Jeff

[Cobia]

Hey Jeff,

I'll try my best to meet you guys on the way down from Daytona to Stuart.
Maybe even ride down to FL City the next day as well.
Local knowledge suggestion... Once you get south of the KSC around Cocoa head out to A1A and ride along the beach. It's a much better ride than US1.
It'll bring you right into Stuart except for having to get around the Ft. Pierce Inlet. That's where I'll probably meet up with you.
Have you plotted the route to FL City from Stuart yet?

[JeffH]

Hey Jeff,

I'll try my best to meet you guys on the way down from Daytona to Stuart.
Maybe even ride down to FL City the next day as well.
Local knowledge suggestion... Once you get south of the KSC around Cocoa head out to A1A and ride along the beach. It's a much better ride than US1.

That's where I'll probably meet up with you.
Have you plotted the route to FL City from Stuart yet?

EXCELLENT ......
We missed you last time by two years ago. Sure hope you can meet up with us this time, we look forward to it.

Sun Feb 9th: Looks like we have some group interest in stopping at NASA on the way from Daytona to Stuart. So, from Daytona south out to north end of N Merritt Island to stop at the manatee place on the Haulover Canal between Indian River and the lagoon, then Titusville and NASA. After NASA if the public is allow access southbound on Hwy3 Courtaney Pkwy/S Tropical out to A1A Indian Harbor we will do that. (depending on what the group feels like doing and when / where we can meet up with you). Last time in 2012 there was a mechanical in Fort Pierce that took and hour to fix so we didn't ride South Ocean Dr so we plan to do that into Stuart as you recommend.

As for leaving Stuart on Mon 10th, we really enjoyed the Martin Highway that you recommended in 2012. That was a great ride plus Pahokee overlook park is a nice rest stop and overview of Okeechobee that we like. Will probably stop at Sawgrass park (alligators & birds) on US27 just north of I75 to meet up with Jonathan if he can join us.

South of Jupiter road choice is limited to turnpike, I95, US441 and congestion and nobody wants ride that mess if they can avoid it. Plus the US27 Sugar-Cane run from Belle Glade to FL997 is always entertaining.

Riding the Martin Highway, that was a great suggestion!! want to do that again if we can


Jeff

[thumperjsa]

Hello from the heat

Glad you guys are making it down my way and looking forward to meeting up. Thanks to Jeff for PM' me and let me know as I haven't been on the site for a while.

I sent Jeff an option. When we did a ride where we spent hours riding down from Florida City, spent the day in KW and flew back north to the hotel, they may recall how exhausting that was. And I know KW for some reason is really expensive to stay. So I was thinking that we could stay first night in Key Largo as you planned, then ride down and stay the day in KW. Then instead of riding all the way back up, an overnight maybe in Marathon Key. It's about halfway up and less than half the price of Key West.

I saw rooms starting in the mid 80's up at Looe Key which is about 30 miles north of KW. http://www.hotels.com/hotel/details....02-12-14&rooms[0].numberOfAdults=2&roomno=1&validate=false&previous Dateful=false&reviewOrder=date_newest_first

Then up in Marathon there is a hotel for $109 (about 45 miles north of KW) http://www.hotels.com/hotel/details....02-12-14&rooms[0].numberOfAdults=2&roomno=1&validate=false&previous Dateful=false&reviewOrder=date_newest_first

Just wanted to throw that out there as an option. I am pretty sure we can make arrangements with one of them to stow gear as we head south as they are on the way down.

-Jonathan

[JeffH]

I saw rooms starting in the mid 80's up at Looe Key which is about 30 miles north of KW.

-Jonathan

Thanks jsa, I alway zoom by Looe Key / Ramrod Key and the island is so small I never saw this place as a Motel.
I recall the big Red & White Divers Sign but this joint wasn't on my radar screen as a Motel.

OK, Here's the Deal, what they still have available as of TODAY for Tuesday night Feb 11th.

They have two (2) rooms (remodeled) with two beds each for $115 a night
They have two (2) rooms with a single bed for $75 a night
They have one (1) queen suite with two beds and sofa for $140 a night

So, splitting the cost of $115 is say $65 each with tax vs the $55 each if we went back to Florida City.
If 3 guys split the $140 then that's like $52 each with Tax.


This place ain't the Ritz, however it is my recommendation that we stay here for the convenience. Looe Key (actually on Ramrod Key) is at Mile Marker 27.5
which saves us 100 Miles & 2+ hours of Riding on Tuesday night to get back to the originally planned Florida City. It also gives us more time in Key West if we want.

So, the folks at Looe Key Reef Resort are holding their remaining rooms (as I have listed above) for today only. If we want to BOOK those rooms then they will need a Credit Card to hold the rooms until you call and confirm your room with your credit card. I am willing to do that hold on my credit card since I think this a better option. (There are not many options left in the Keys within our price point and availability is almost non-existent).

If we do this then we will just stay in Florida City Travelodge on Mon Feb 10th, drive the 130 miles to Key West on Tuesday for a day of entertainment, then return to Looe Key Reef Resort for Tues night. I think that's a WINNER. Let me know ASAP if you think this is OK. I will email Ted.

Jeff

[thumperjsa]

Jeff,

This sounds good to me. Is there someone who wants to split a room at Florida City with me? I haven't reserved a room down there yet. Do I need to call about the room at Looe Key or just pay when the time comes?

Hopefully you guys are planning on taking US 27 I assume down so we can meet in west Fort Lauderdale for the ride down.

Who else local will meet there? Phil, let me know your plan.

-Jonathan

[JeffH]

Jeff,

This sounds good to me. Is there someone who wants to split a room at Florida City with me? I haven't reserved a room down there yet. Do I need to call about the room at Looe Key or just pay when the time comes?

Hopefully you guys are planning on taking US 27 I assume down so we can meet in west Fort Lauderdale for the ride down.

Who else local will meet there? Phil, let me know your plan.

-Jonathan

OK, we got the Motel Rooms for Tuesday February 11th.
I guaranteed them under XS11 Group and the 5 rooms are being held with my credit card.

If you want a room then you should call Looe Key Reef Resort and Confirm your Booking on your credit card.
Mention XS11 Group since the place is now sold out. we got the last 5 rooms.
Office Hours are 8AM to 6PM EST. Phone # is: 1.877.816.3483

Call Katie in AM or Kara in PM will help you claim the room of your choice.
Remember: 2 rooms with 2 beds, 2 rooms with just 1 bed, 1 room queen suite 2 beds plus sofa. That's what we got. Check previous post for $$.
I'll be satisfied with whatever is left over at the end. (as long as there are none of those monster iguana's around, yuck!)
Place is: Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Center http://www.diveflakeys.com/resort.html
Tiki Bar too and Boat Rentals although those two certainly don't mix.

ALSO, good news and unusual for peak snowbird season in the Keys, you can claim your room NOW and still be able to cancel up until Feb 8 if your plans change. So a Win-Win. Spend whatever time we want in Key West then easy 27 miles to the Motel. Also eliminates the pitch dark run on 7 mile bridge at night. I don't like that run after dark, especially in a cross wind.

So make the call and get your spot. Reminder: if you had booked two nights in FLA City (10th & 11th) remember to change that to just one night, the 10th.
Thanks again Jonathan for pointing this place out. I just thought I was a scuba dive joint.

Hey, this is going to be FUN .............
Jeff

[JeffH]

Jeff,

This sounds good to me. Is there someone who wants to split a room at Florida City with me? I haven't reserved a room down there yet. Do I need to call about the room at Looe Key or just pay when the time comes?

Hopefully you guys are planning on taking US 27 I assume down so we can meet in west Fort Lauderdale for the ride down.

Who else local will meet there? Phil, let me know your plan.

-Jonathan

Meet Point for Monday Feb 10th?
I'm thinking at the Sawgrass Park (on the canal) which is 1 mile north of I-75 on US27.
That place has coke machines and restrooms and neat birds flying around plus alligators & picnic tables.

Last time we met you 1 mile south of I-75 on US27 on the western frontage road, Recreation Road.
There was nothing there so Sawgrass Park a couple miles away up US27 is better place + we get a pit stop & photos while we rendezvous.

ROOMIES PLAN:
In the past Don & I have been roomies so I guess we will do that again this trip.
Not sure of who else is planning what just yet for the South Florida & Keys portion of our Winter Rolling Rally.

Jeff

[thumperjsa]

I called and reserved a single for Looe Key. I'll probably book a double bed room at Travelodge Florida City later this week. If anyone wants to split on that, let me know.

The spot at 75 and 27 works out good for me. You guys will probably get their later in the afternoon if I know you well enough.

I've been to Sawgrass Park a few times. They have airboat rides and a small zoo as well as an alligator show if I recall correctly. Everything pretty much closes up there around 5 PM. It is on the east side of 27.

-Jonathan

[bikerphil]

I think my plan will be to meet up with the group in Stuart Monday AM, ride with the group to Florida City and stay there Monday night. Then down to KW and stay overnight at MM 27.5 Tuesday night. Wed, head home at some point. I'm not sure yet of Cobia's plans, he's up near Stuart.

[Cobia]

Phil and I just got off the phone and we plan on meeting you guys at Martin Hwy and 95 on Monday morning as you head out from Stuart. Phil will be spending Sunday night at my place to make it easier. Plus he likes to ride the Martin Hwy as much as I do.
We'll be along for the ride down to KW and back, and will part ways when you turn off 997 for the west coast of FL. Phil was nice enough to handle the hotel reservations for us.
I'm looking forward to riding and hanging with you guys. It's been a few years since I met you at the last SE Rally at TWO.

[bikerphil]

Cobia and I have rooms booked now for Mon and Tues nite, this is going to be a good time with everyone Mon thru Wed. Jonathan, I'll meet up with you at the 27 and 75 that day, haven't seen you in a while.

[JeffH]

Ready to Ride in Florida??

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Get that bike out and come join the FUN. Here is a refresh ........
FYI: Motels for the upcoming Florida Ride Feb7 to Feb14 or 15. Rates may have crept up a little but should be close.

Friday Night February 7
Days Inn $49 + tax
Kingsland GA
I-95 exit 3 just north of FLA state line (mention if you need to park truck/trailer)
1353 Highway 40 East, Kingsland, GA, US, 31548
http://www.daysinn.com/
Direct phone is: 912-729-7666 or Days Inn toll free @ 800.225.3297
Most of ride group will assemble here Fri night. If you prefer, Microtel and many other motels near by.

Saturday Night February 8
Super 8 Daytona Beach Oceanfront $60+ tax
Daytona Beach FL
700 North Atlantic (near end of FL Hwy 430) Daytona Beach FL
http://www.super8.com/
Call motel direct at: 1.386.872.5201 or Super8 toll free 800.454.3213

Sunday Night February 9
Monterey Inn and Marina $79 + tax (king room is $89)
Stuart FL
300 SW Monterey Road • Stuart, FL 34994
Office: (772) 283-3500
http://www.montereyinnandmarina.com/
4 Doubles and 1 Kings held under XS11 or hall/xs11
Can cancel up to January 15th if you need to cancel

Monday Night February 10
Travelodge Florida City / Homestead $99 + tax
Florida City FL
* we’ve stayed here a few times before
Direct phone is 305.248.9777 or Toll Free (800) 525 4055
http://www.travelodge.com or direct link: http://www.tlflcity.com/#axzz2k3uiAZou

Tuesday Night February 11
Looe Key Reef Resort http://www.diveflakeys.com/resort.html
Mention XS11 Group since the place is now sold out. we got the last 5 rooms.
Office Hours are 8AM to 6PM EST. Phone # is: 1.877.816.3483
27340 Overseas Highway
Ramrod Key, FL 33042
-or if you prefer CAMPING @ www.leoscampground.com/wp
Key West, FL
Phone 305.296.5260

Wednesday Night February 12
Super 8 $75 + tax
Fort Myers FL
2717 Colonial Blvd (4 story with outside doors, ask for bottom floor parking lot side)
Direct Phone 239.275.3500 or toll free (800) 454.3213
http://www.super8.com

Thursday Night February 13
Knights Inn Sarasota $80 +tax
Sarasota FL
5340 North Tamiami Trail / US41
Direct Phone 941.355.8867 or toll free (800) 477.0629
www.knightsinn.com

As mentioned before, the group will decide the northbound ride route and motels for Friday & Saturday nights Feb 14 & Feb 15.
Once out of south Florida rates and availability are not that big a problem.

Jeff

[Brent]

Ride south, weekend ride for me.

I have made reservations at Kingsland Fri. and Daytona Beach Saturday. I will likely be heading home Sunday while Y'all head south into sub tropical warmth./ Sorry to miss friends in the Far South this year, but glad to hear of you joining in on ride!

[Brent]

Cu

Started booking motels
Ted and Heather

CU at kingsland, GA & ride to Daytona. Glad y'all are going to make the ride again this year. I heard the Ranger at the Everglades National Park say "Welcome to the thirteenth Province"

Florida riding must look good to Canadiens this time of year.