Finish the challenge
I was really whooped from the first day's ride. I actually felt a little loopy. I slept real well. A little too well. I slept right though my 0530 alarm.
I woke up on my own at 0630, slapped myself a couple of times and got going. I wasn't worried since I still had 11 hours to make the approx. 8 hour trip to Key West. It was still cold, mid 40's, but there was no rain. In fact the skies were totally clear. Perfect.
I chose to take the route down the middle of the state on Hwy 27. Yeah there were more towns to slow me down, but I would rather travel that way if I have the time, and I had time. I was not disappointed. I rode the Turnpike for a while then paid the troll $1.25 and turned off onto the free road. Several small towns for the first 100 miles then open country with a town every 30 miles or so. Saw oranges...
and sugar cane harvesting.
27 took me to 997 which goes south towards the Overseas Hwy and completely avoids the greater Miami mess. Also along this road and many tree farms and nurseries that supply tropical plants to Miami and who knows where else. Lots of scenery to look at and traffic was flowing along at around 60. Lots of Sunday drivers/riders out just cruising around.
I thought US 1 would be boring but it was quite enjoyable. I kept changing from overland through brush....
Several towns such as Marathon....
and of course the bridges.
And lookey hear. This odometer reading made me smile a little bigger.
The old bridge...
And finally the money shot; Key West, FL.
I found my B&B with no trouble. I had been told when I made the reservation that I would be able to park in the driveway. That's a huge perk in Key West as there is almost no parking available except in the city garage. One of the reasons I chose this place. Bad new was that they planned on tearing up and replacing the driveway Monday morning. But the guy at the desk told me I could park on the front patio without me even having to ask.
My home for three nights...Westwinds. That's my room in the upper left corner.
Looks nice after dark too.
On recommendation of the manager I walked a couple blocks over the Conch Republic for supper. I started with tempura conch with horseradish marmalade and finished with blackened catch of the day (mahi mahi) sandwich. Washed it all down with a couple of Key West Ales.
I got back to find my bike right where I left it. Always a good thing.
I'll wake up with the jackhammers in the morning and walk around this end of the island to see what I can see.
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Good luck, keep going. The ride should get a little more interesting from here on out. I10 across the panhandle of Florida is super boring and seems to take forever!!!
But the wind will be gusting to 40, maybe. I'l hunker down tonight and try to do a better update. Good internet connection here at the B&B. 
Excellent. Have fun down there tonight too!
