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Report Type |
Full |
Peak(s) |
Key West, FL
|
Date Posted |
02/12/2020 |
Date Climbed |
01/09/2020 |
Author |
oldschool |
Motorcycle ride to Big Bend & Key West, FL |
It's winter time again which means I'm off work and heading out. I work seasonal as a Guide (rock climbing, hiking, mtn biking, Jeep/UTV, Indian rock art, geology) at Gateway Canyons Resort in Gateway, CO. I get winters off (Dec 1st - Feb 29th..an extra day this year with leap year!) After doing 2 sections of the Hayduke Trail (see my last Trip Report) I spent Christmas with my son in Grand Junction then loaded up my 2 motorcycles and headed to Phoenix. I had made plans to ride one of my bikes to Key West, FL, with a 3 day stop in Big Bend NP. Total trip was 6041 miles and I took 18 days to do it.
Took back roads all the way..no Interstate except for very short sections where needed. Stopped for a night in Pancho Villa State Park in New Mexico (sweet little Park with chill camping for only $8), then camped at La Cuesta campground along the Rio Grande River in Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX before 3 nights at Cottonwood campground in Big Bend National Park, TX. Hiked to the highest point in the Park, Emory Peak @ 7825 ft. Big ass Park!! Utilized Bunk-A-Biker website that has bikers that let you crash at their place as you travel across country. Never know what you're gonna get that's for sure! San Antonio TX, Lufkin TX, Hattiesburg Mississippi , Thomasville Georgia, Lakeland FL, and finally 4 days in Key West. Took a boat ride one day (2 1/2 hrs west of Key West) out into the Gulf to see Dry Tortugas National Park (awesome). Key West was all about fish tacos, beer, and Key Lime pie..every day!
Observations....west Texas is HUGE! The big Wide Open...damn. The hill country of Texas is a motorcycle rider's paradise. Rude ass drivers in Louisiana and Florida. Back roads of Alabama were amazing..so green and pretty and way more cows than I had ever thought would be in Alabama. Florida too...lots of cows. I saw at least 500 Baptist churches. Once you get out of west Texas it's so green and lush. Humidity..yuck. Key Lime pie...not yuck! Only about 100 miles of rain during the whole trip. Stay away from Crystal River, FL during the Manatee Festival....I didn't know and it took me a long long time to get through town. Key West is touristy but a cool place with interesting history, great food, and roosters and chickens all over the place. Don't expect to sleep in if you're staying in Old Town as they are up early and everywhere. A good adventure.
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