First, let's cover some Keys terminology. Everything goes by mile markers in terms of locations. The county line starts at the 113 mile marker and ends in Key West at 0 mm. The bayside is on the west side and the oceanside is on the east. The 18 mile stretch is the road portion of US 1 that starts in Florida City and ends in Key Largo. There is two ways to get into the Keys, one is the Overseas Hwy or US 1, the other is Card Sound Road. It's an alternative route into the keys and about an extra 11 miles. I suggest you start in Key Largo, but if you insist starting up in Dade County, you have two choices. A lot of cyclists choose Card Sound because of it's scenery of the water and mangroves. I must warn you, the shoulder of the road is narrow, so use caution. The reward however is going over Card Sound Bridge right after the toll booth. There is a place called "Alabama Jacks" you can stop at on the way for food and music. It sits on a dock next to a canal that leads into Card Sound Waterway. A scene from the James Bond movie " License to Kill" was shot there.

You will end up at a three way stop once you go over Card Sound Bridge. You will take the right hand turn and ride in a very scenic wooded roadway. The bike path will not start until you get to Key Largo. You will know you are in Key Largo when you come to a stop sign and see the Shell gas station. This is the 106 mile marker and where the path begins. 

First, I want to say, do not be discouraged when you first get to Key Largo regarding the scenery. Key Largo is not very scenic from the highway. They are known for their diving and off shore waters. I promise it will get better as you go south. The bike path is on the oceanside of the highway and remains so for 6 miles until you get to the 100 mile marker. Along the way, you will pass John Pennekampe State Park which is at the 103 mm on the oceanside. As you continue south, you will mostly see businesses and roadside residences. Be mindful of cars pulling in and out. You will arrive to the 100 mile marker where there is a traffic light. The highway splits at this point with a wooded medium for about 4 miles (commonly known as the "split"). You will have to cross over from the oceanside to the bayside at this point to remain on the bike path. If you have questions, you can always google map this and get a satellite photo. A great place to eat nearby here is Mrs. Mac's Kitchen, around the 99 mile marker accross the street from the bike path and a Wyland Wall. Very keysy roadside place to eat. Most people from up north don't understand how people in the Keys will leave their bikes unlocked outside when they go to eat. You can do that with the exception of Key West.   

As you continue south, you will get to the end of the split at the 96 mile marker. The bike path then jumps back over to the oceanside where you will have to cross the road again. The path remains on the oceanside until the 92 mile marker which is Tavernier. This segment is all residential until you get to Tavernier. There is a place called "Sunshine Market" at the 92 mile marker. It has Cuban coffee and cuisine there. My favorite place to get a Cafe Con Leche (a strong version of a latte). Can't be shy when you go to the coffee window, elbow your way in with a bill in your hand and act like you own the place.

The bike path turns into a sidewalk at this point. Stay on the oceanside and you will approach Tavernier Creek Bridge. The path resumes here and takes you over Tavernier Creek where you will get your first glimpse of the ocean on this bike ride. The nice part is once you get on the south side of Tavernier Creek you will l on what is referred to as the "Old Road". This is where I will stop and resume later. Call Mark at 305-879-0390 in the meantime if you have questions.