Bicycle Diaries

Bill Baggs Lighthouse

Monday January 18, 2021

Finally made it to the lighthouse at Bill Baggs State Park.

Sunset glowing behind the lighthouse.

Made it back to the beach to catch the sunset sky.

distance 32.29 miles

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Virginia Key Bicycle Club

Sunday January 17, 2021

Rode into Key Biscayne on my usual ride, but something made me take a left at Virginia Key, I am so glad I did.

Virginia Key Bicycle Club

The Virginia Key Bicycle Club was holding events and maintaining trails.

Little kids were riding the beginner trails in a one lap race, replete with numbered bicycles, so official. While I’m watching the kids enter the trail, I start talking to volunteers guarding the entrance. Michelle says I need a helmet and finds out I’m a mountain biker from NC with plenty of free time.

One thing leads to another and I’m introducing myself to Frenchy, President of the Virginia Key Bicycle Club. All I say to him is that I want to volunteer and that was it, I spent the day as a VIP.

Frenchy drove me around in his Polaris, showing me the 8 miles of trails he has been in charge of creating and maintaining for the past decade, and introducing the new volunteer to his current crew.

The American flag marks the spot of base camp, the VKBC is responsible for 50 acres of city land. Stewards to a choice piece of property, and my new home, I plan on being here as often as possible.

After a long day, I came upon a private beach as I wondered around the trails. This private beach is just across the way from the priciest real estate in South Florida, Fisher Island. I may not have a fancy yacht, but I got me a Fuel 70, and it has taken me to some choice spots this weekend.

distance 25.41 miles

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Key Biscayne

Saturday January 16, 2021

10 minutes from my place in Little Havana is Key Biscayne, my sanctuary.

Key Biscayne

At the end of the key is Bill Baggs Cape Coral State Park.

Saturday is weekend warrior day and they were out in full force and with the latest equipment. Biking, running, walking, activities galore along the key.

There is money in this town and it shows in the bicycles they ride, thousands of dollars of equipment under most riders. Never seen this kind of inventory with my own eyes, other than when I salivate to new equipment online.

This is where I end my ride on Key Biscayne, at Felipe’s Tree.

distance 23.37 miles

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South Beach

Friday January 15, 2021

After a few years hiatus, I’m back on the bike.

Little Havana

Currently residing in Little Havana, the heart of Miami. It’s a 15 mile ride to any part of this town from my location. Bicycle paths are more in abundance these days, cars for the most part honor them.

South Beach

Took off in the afternoon, no particular direction, ended up in South Beach.

The above picture is courtesy of Night Sight mode on my Pixel 4a. The Pixel is an incredible phone, the camera is amazing, the shots I’ve been taking with it are just breathtaking.

The Police closed all roads leading onto South Beach, so it was like a carnival along Ocean Drive. The roads were filled with tables, under huge tents and fire breathing heaters. A cigar girl hawking her wares at each entrance, the people inside sitting in front of oversized fruity drinks.

Pandemic, what Pandemic?

distance 27.11 miles

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Ocean Reef

Saturday July 8, 2017

Found my training route, a 24 mile round trip to Ocean Reef via 905.

Staying on the east side of the road, heading north, it’s a shady ride due to the wall of mangroves. On the way back, I’m opposite traffic, but there’s not much activity on this road.

Even though this is the first post in almost 2 years, I’ve been riding my mountain bike all over South Florida. This is the first true training ride worth even mentioning, or else you’re hearing about when I go get groceries at Publix, which is only a 5 mile round trip.

Key Largo is my new home, I do miss Charlotte and the McAlpine.

distance 23.73 miles, average speed 14.2 mph.

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