That's a heck of a trip you're trying to do in 2 days. I'm in Naples, Florida, 170 miles south of Tampa. And, I have biked from here to Houston, Texas.
I could give you a lot of info but it would all come back to a couple of basic points.
A. Don't try and do that trip in 2 days because you're dealing with the wrong part of the year. The days aren't long at that time of the year.
B. Take the bypass and go around Pensacola Bay {10 mile poorly-grated bridge)
that was torn-up by hurricane and not repaired yet. If you do, you'll wish you had not after going 1/4 mile and you can't turn around.
C. Leave at a time at night that will put you on highway 10 east when the sun comes up. No deer, trees close to the road, etc, on highway 75.
D. Forget Mississippi and try and make it as far over into Louisiana as possible by 9:00 P.M.
E. Face the facts and realize that you're dealing with a 3 day trip.
F. You will have to do ALL interstate. No if's and's or butts!
What by-pass around Pensacola Bay? I just looked at my map program. It looks like the only "by-pass" is not really a by-pass, but just taking highway 90 that runs to the north. Is that what you mean? I'm going through there tomorrow from Houston, and if that's the best plan, thanks for the help! B)
Jim
Hope I am not too late. I will try and be more direct:
When you are traveling EAST on highway 10 thru Pensicola, you have to travel across Pensicola Bay. And, that bridge {10 mile stretch} was knocked out during a hurricane. It presently sports a make-shift grated span that is as un-even as hell. PUCKER FACTOR 10.
It's that span that I think you should by-pass and to do so you do this:
1. Right before you go across the bridge {about a mile before} you will see a sign saying that this is the LAST exit befor going across the Bay. It also might say something about motorcycle-grated bridge or so.
2. You take that exit and go around the bay {LEFT} about 15 miles or so and cross at a span of bridge that was not torn up.
3. After you get across the good bridge, you stop and look at your map {you'll be on highway 90} and see where you get back on I-10.
To find out if the bridge is still out/still have the grated stuff, just ask someone working at the 1st Florida Rest stop which is located just over the Alabama line.
You say that you are going to the Keys so I would like to tell you this about that trip. Get off 75 by Naples/easier route
1. Go down 75 and keep going until you get to Naples, Florida
2. There will be at least 3 Naples exits
3. The last Naples exit will have a 10 X 10 foot YELLOW sign with BIG BLACK LETTERS saying: NO SERVICES FOR 50 MILES/ LAST EXIT
4. That's the last Naples exit and get off there and go to your right on 951
5. Keep going right and pass WALMART, PUBLIC FOOD STORE and then keep going for about 4 to 6 miles until you get to the intersection of 951 & 41
6. Fill up your tank somewhere close to that intersection
7. Now go SOUTH on 41 thru the Everglades and on down to {90 miles} Krome Avenue. Which will have the BIG Indian Casino on your left.
8. Turn right on Krome avenue and don't get off of it until you are in the KEYS
9. Krome Avenue runs down to Homestead, then thru downtown Homestead and out the back of Homestead, then into highway 1 going down into the Keys.
10. Your next cheapest gas will be in downtown Homestead and from there on, gas up as much as you can before you get wayyyyyyyyyy down into the Keys because the farther you go the more the gas goes up. It's gotta be 3 bucks a gallon in Key West at least.
XXX When going down 41 you will have to go thru the Indian Reservation and when the sign says you are entering it, drop back to 55 and when you see a sign saying 45, drop back to it. Them Indians have a speed trap there better that the ones you find in Louisiana. And, they will nab you for going 1 mile over the limit.
XXXX There are lots of places to stop and view the Gators on 41 South but be careful cause iffin you get toooo close, they will spring-up and catch a fellow like you, then drag your butt into the water and have a snack.
You Gotta Cell # I will ride with you down to Homestead if you like. 239-732-6267
Vinni Madog Daniels/LSUBOY Naples, Fl
