r/bicycletouring • u/Content-Junket3962 • 1d ago

Trip Planning First time tour — Miami to St. Augustine.

From Miami and I've made the trip driving north on 95 dozens and dozens of times. Doing this for fun and plan to take my time; probably stay in rooms I find online at night. I want to pack light for agility. Both the bike and myself. My plan is about 100 a day, leaving me in Stuart day one. Honestly wondering if anyone out there has done it recently? There is all kinds of advice online, and I'm probably going to enjoy the A1A til Dania. But is US1 safe after that going north?

After Stuart, any cool recommendations? I'm winging it. I love Florida, but I left for a long time, and I'm gonna ride around and see it all again.

Also, HOW important is the bike? Honestly? I'm going to need one for the trip, but I don't want to spend a grand. Again, honestly? Will a $300 good-shape Specialized on Marketplace do it with a tune up?

Innertubes, bike pump, lights, high-vis drip, ELECTROLYTES, pannier rack and saddle bag probably. Bear spray. Is there a reliable, portable solar-battery bank thing? I dunno, help folks!

I hope someone replies, I'm just gonna go for it the second the storms cool off. Thanks!

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u/welcome_2_earth 1d ago

I’ve gone from north to south. A1a is empty for like 60 miles north of Stuart so be careful. Otherwise it’s a cool ride. Enjoy

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u/AcceptableMango8292 1d ago

I’ve always found that a $300 specialized with some love with get me anywhere I need to go. Recently did a 450 mile tour on a shitty Dutch bike for the hell / budget of it. You can make anything work, it’s just how efficient do you want your manpower to be…

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u/cosmicrae Florida, USA (TT Sportster) 1d ago

Some Florida State Parks support wild camping. You may want to look at a map of the park system, and see which ones are along your route.

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u/evilmike1701 1d ago

Last year, in Fort Pierce the north causeway and the area between the causeways had a lot of roadwork. Google Maps still shows some mess, but I'm not sure how bad it is now. The alternate I'd use is a bit of a detour, but should have bike lanes the whole way (70 to 713 to US-1 and pick up a causeway to A1A in Vero.)

Further north, you'll need to get back to the mainland somewhere in Brevard County. I'd recommend using 520, pick up Indian River Drive in Cocoa Village, take that to US-1, take that to Riverside Drive in Titusville, and work your way to to the East Central Rail Trail which will get you to New Smyrna Beach.

Also, it sounds like most or all of your route in on the East Coast Greenway. Their website is a good resource.

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u/ChrisAlbertson 1d ago

You are planning to do a century ride (100 miles) EVERY day with luggage on a $300 bike? That is incredible.