Southwest Florida Cruise
Having lived in Florida for the last 30 years and being an avid adventurer, I consider myself an expert on touring the Sunshine state. It is rare that I hear about a Florida route that I haven't traveled at least once. I first got Florida sand in my shoes in 1961 traveling with my family from Indiana on summer vacation. When we first unloaded our 57 Buick on Jacksonville Beach, I knew somehow, someday I would call Florida home. It was one of those magical moments that I'll never forget. Several vacations later, upon returning for the first time as an adult, I convinced my new wife Cindy that we were only a u-haul rental away from tropical paradise. Two weeks later we were Floridians having moved to bustling Ft. Lauderdale near my favorite aunt and where jobs were plentiful. Today I've finally settled in Central Florida, Lakeland. Cindy and I are proud parents of four grown daughters (three ride) and five handsome grandchildren. Living only two hours from the Atlantic, one hour from the Gulf, and two hours from motorcycle Mecca, (Daytona) we enjoy the diversity that Florida offers motorcycle riders. Within an hour of my driveway I can ride the Oak canopied winding roads near Brooksville and Floral City or the rolling hilled orange groves of Clermont and Howey-in-the-Hills. I can reach the vacation capitol of the world (Disney) or air boat through the great Cypress swamp. Having said that, I admit to being bias and always preferring a meandering ride along a quiet west coast waterfront blvd. at sunset. As far as Florida beaches are concerned the "west is always best" because of both the quality of white powered sand, fewer tourists. My favorite area of Florida for one day cruising is the west coast from Clearwater south to Naples. Those one of a kind casual ocean front seafood places are plentiful, where the fish are fresh, the sun is warm, and the beverages cold.
Chapter Central Florida Tour: Sarasota, Everglades, Key West, and Miami
In this chapter, I will outline my personal favorite four or five day cruise that covers some of the best of what Florida has to offer for touring on two wheels. This particular ride is one that I have taken many times and I have never returned disappointed.
As always I have four rules of touring:
- Do as little Interstate riding as possible.
- Never have a strict schedule, and always be flexible.
- Search for those unique out of the way places.(no chain restaurants)
- Always ride safe and have fun
The length of this ride is between 800-850 miles which makes it a comfortable four of five day cruise for most riders. I have found if we travel 200 to 250 mile a day the group usually has more time to accommodate everyone's wishes on where to stop and how long to stay. It is important to stop often. Nothing wears on a riders attitude more than needing to make a rest stop and not being recognized by the leader. As always the attitude of all the riders in the group is paramount to a fun filled adventure. Try to give everyone the opportunity to be part of the decision making process. Get to know your fellow riders and make new friends.
This favorite tour of mine will take us from Central Florida and the vacation capital of the world to the beautiful beaches of Bradenton beach and Longboat Key stopping for lunch at my favorite open air restaurant on earth at ST. Armands Circle, then through the Everglades on Hwy 41 (Tiamiami trail) where you are always guaranteed more gators and wildlife than you'll see anywhere else in the continental US. If that is not enough we will then travel the beautiful 115 miles of overseas Hwy connected by islands consisting of sand, coral, and mangroves to the tip of Florida and romantic Key West. Artists and dreamers have congregated at the tip of Florida in this exotic Island town since the days of Pirates. After experiencing one of what is admittedly the most spectacular sunsets on earth at Mallory Square, and a sample of Key Lime Pie extrodinare, we will travel to Miami's trendy Coconut Grove and eventually Miami's South Beach to enjoy the international" art Deco flair" of one of the "hottest spots" on the planet. The final four hours of riding will be through the beautiful Sugar Cain fields of Central South Florida and around the perimeter of mammoth Lake Okeechoobee with maybe a stop to throw a few casts for some of the biggest largemouth bass anywhere on earth.
I like to begin many of my Florida tours in Central Florida near Walt Disney World because so many touring Cruisers are not only familiar with this area but many make this stop on their Florida touring vacations. It is also a great place to fly in to if you are renting motorcycles. Interstate 4 runs from Daytona to Tampa from north east to southwest and intersects the Florida Turnpike in Orlando near Disney.
Leaving from the Disney area which is in the southwest part of Orlando go west on Interstate 4 towards Tampa. Don't get discouraged because we are embarking on this journey on the "forbidden Interstate". It will only last about 35 min. and it will get us to the real departure point of Lakeland Florida. When you get to Lakeland exit on exit # 18. At the ramp on 18 you will turn south or left (Hwy 98) continue south for about a mile where Hwy 98 turns left. Don't turn when 98 turns left, go straight. You are now on Florida Ave that will also become Hwy 37, the Hwy that we will be on for several miles.
Lakeland
Lakeland Florida is a beautiful mid size City of around 100,000 with many beautiful lakes and Palm lined Boulevards that I believe make it one of the finest cities in the south to live in. Lakeland has a fine hospital, all the major cycle shops (listed at end of chapter), with anything you need to reload your and supply saddle bags. With an early A.M. departure, Lakeland has two great restaurants that serve Breakfast and lunch in a down home atmosphere. Reese Cliff restaurant at 940 South Florida ( on your direct route) is in it's third generation of family management and is always a great choice with good prices. The home made pies are something special and shouldn't be missed. Another great place for home cooking is Clara's Restaurant at 940 So. Combee (a few blocks off your path) is a favorite for locals that keep Clara's busy daily. Ms. Clara is always there and the meals are always right. Either is as great choice. Of course Lakeland has all the regular chain establishments that I personally like to avoid but traveling on Hwy 37 for about 8 miles ,in town, you will find all the regular suspects from Walmart and Walgreens, to Hooters and McDonalds. Stock up on supplies at either the Walmart or Kmart you will pass on Florida Ave. (Hwy 37)before leaving Lakeland. You'll be spending much of this trip in the woods where discount stores are few and far. Florida has an abundance of uninhabited land and we are going to spend at least two days traveling in the great Cypress Swamp and in the sparsely populated areas of Central Florida and Lake Okeechobee.
After traveling 20 or 25 minutes south from interstate 4 ( 8 or 9 miles) you will leave Lakeland and head south on 37 toward a wide spot(approx. 5 miles) in the road call Mulberry Florida (intersection of Hwy 37 and Hwy 60). Mulberry has two important designations. Number 1, it is the home office of Scooter News, the MRA, and yours truly. More importantly Mulberry is the last sure chance to buy fuel for about 35 or 40 miles. You are always welcome to visit our offices for a cup and to meet the gang. We love company, and it's an excuse to hang with bikers and goof off, but even if you miss the Scooter News, don't forget to top off your tank at the local Texaco. (Corner of Hwy 60 and 37).
After leaving Mulberry heading south on Hwy 37, you will be entering a rather deserted area of Florida. You will be traveling through Phosphate mining country. After tourism and oranges, phosphate is the third largest industry in Florida. For the next 24 miles you will understand why, phosphate mines everywhere. It is also an area where the Bald Eagle is very abundant. A few years ago 60 minutes did a feature commending Florida's efforts in the preservation of this endangered treasure in this Central Florida Area. Keep your eyes open, you'll probably spot at least one or two. I always have my best luck around Bradley Junction.
This is also an area where you are not likely to see many passing vehicles. Mining business traffic is sometimes heavy during weekdays but if you are traveling on the week-end you may only see an occational fisherman or hunter. This is as good a place as you will find in the eastern U.S. to air things out. Other than a couple of rough rail road crossings, the road is smooth and straight and your not likely to see much law enforcement. For that reason alone I would not recommend traveling this road alone at night. Passer bys will be seldom and cell phones don't work well. This is also good area to have some water for drinking along. It can be very hot in Central Florida during the summer. Also be prepared for a tropical shower with lots of lightning in the afternoon around 3 or 4. It's almost for sure during June, July, and August. Lightning is a real hazard in Florida for riders and a great time to find shelter. Oh, by the way, don't stop under a tree, Florida leads the nation in lightning deaths yearly and many of these occur while unsuspecting victims take shelter under a tree.
Traveling south on Hwy 37 approx 24 miles from Mulberry you will come to a T in the road at Hwy 62. Turn Rt. go approx 20 miles to the small town of Parish. Along this 20 mile stretch of road you will pass at least two small service stations. Although they are usually open during the daylight hours, you can't always count on them, however once you reach Parish and Hwy 301 you will have plenty of chances to fuel.
At Hwy 301 go left (South to the town of Ellenton). As you enter Ellenton you will notice a shopping area just east of Interstate 75. The Prime Outlet Shops are one of the best outlet Malls in Florida, according to my daughter who claims to be the resident guru on this type of thing. On the corner of Hwy 301 and 60th Ave Southwest ( next to the Shell station) turn North and you are there. After your shopping bonanza, continue west under I75 toward the beautiful Sun Coast. If you continue west on 301 for about 3 miles in Ellenton you will come to Hwy 41. Turn Left, or south, cross the Manatee river and go right on Hwy 64 headed west toward the beach.
If you are not familiar with draw bridges, a warning might now be in order. Florida has hundreds of draw bridges that connect the mainland to the barrier islands. These bridges usually have a steel grate that raises and lowers to accomidate tall ships traveling up and down the intercostal waterways. If you have never crossed one of these structures, the first trip on two wheels can give you a thrill. Their are only two things to remember. Don't hit the gas and don't hit the brakes. Continue over the bridge at a constant (coast) speed much like you would on any slick surface. For the first couple of passes, go slowly and get the feel. The grate is not easy to stop on and it many times will guide you two wheeler much like a grove in the road to the left or right. Just let it go it's own direction and don't fight it. You will be over it before you know it. Mishaps only occur when riders try to over react and stop suddenly or try to correct a slight pull to either side.
You are now in one of my favorite city areas of Florida, Bradenton. As you get to the waterway you will enjoy the beautiful bridges over Sarasota Pass and arrive on Anna Maria Key. At Hwy 789 turn left and get ready for one of the finest city beach drives in Florida. The first few miles you will discover budget priced beach hideaways that are great for any get-away but when you pass over the bridge into Longboat Key hold on to your credit card. This Palm lined Blvd. is what "up scaled" Florida living is all about with beautiful manicured condos and exquisite beach front homes stretching all the way thru famous Longboat Key and ultimately to St. Armands Circle.
St Armands is a trendy shopping area great for relaxing at the local coffee shop or a terriffic spot for lunch at the famous Columbia for Cuban cuisine or at my favorite open air restaurant in all the states, Tommy Bahamas. The Tommy Bahamas clothing store is just west of the circle on the south side of the street near Lido Beach. The restaurant is up-stairs. At Tommy's you can get a terrific lunch for 8 or 10 bucks with satisfaction I personally guarantee. I love their mango / raspberry tea and chicken salad plate. You can sit on the balcony during the beautiful winter days or enjoy the cool A-C during the sweltering summer. Dress is casual and bikers are always welcome. This is a special place and I always feel like I'm "livin' large" when I'm on Longboat drinkin' raspberry tea. Don't miss Tommy's.
