View Full Version : Biking advice for Spring Break in FL
KeithS
02-02-2009, 09:16 PM
We are going to a new destination for spring break this year, been on the gulf the last few years but this year we are staying in Vero Beach on the east coast. I am still debating if I am shipping my Fierte (or my friends folding Ritchey cross bike) to an LBS there and having them assemble and I pick up and ride for a week and then drop off for shipping back. I did it last year when we went to Marco Island and I was pretty satisfied with the result. UPS did a great job, the wrench at the bike shop in Florida just tossed all the loose bits in the bottom of the box instead of all the little bags and padded stuff it arrived in, oh well. Luckily the shipping case is pretty well padded and titanium is pretty hard to scratch. This year the instructions for the mechanic will be much more explicit, or the tip larger.
I found some great looking rides on mapmyride.com, looks like there are a lot of options along the ocean north and south along 1 and 1A over and around the intercoastal waterway. We are flying into West Palm. Looking for local knowledge - anyone have any suggestions on rides or specific areas to avoid?
Whether or not the gound hog saw his shadow today, I can guarentee that we will have at least 6 more weeks of winter here in Minnesota. I should have lots of miles on the trainer by then so I'll be very ready to ride outdoors. Can't wait to get out of here, even if it's only 10 days.
Keith
runtimmyc
02-02-2009, 11:15 PM
I was just on Daytona Beach for a week about a month ago. My advice would be to pack extra tubes because there is a lot of debris out there on 1A, I think I had 4 flats that week because staples/glass cut into my tires.
Enjoy the weather
Avispa
02-02-2009, 11:35 PM
Keith,
Call (561-416-9433) The Racer's Edge Bike shop in Boca Raton... They will provide you with good info as they are in the area. You can also ship your bike there...
I live in Miami-Dade and I believe we have better riding down here! :D
..A..
GregL
02-03-2009, 11:36 AM
Cycle Science in Juno Beach (561-627-2453) used to support training rides several times a week. They left from the Ocean Cay Park at the corner of Marcinski Rd. and A1A in Juno Beach. The Sunday 50 mile ride was pretty fast (finished in under 2 hours).
Regards,
Greg
Keith A
02-03-2009, 12:15 PM
Hey Keith -- I can give you some information about Vero Beach as this is only 45 minutes south of where I live. As for a LBS, I would suggest you use Bicycle Sport (http://www.bicyclesport.net/main.html) which is right in Vero Beach. There is also a local bike club which is Vero Velo (http://www.verovelo.org/main.html) and they have a discussion forum on the yahoo groups which is located here (http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/verovelo/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1).
The Vero Beach guys often come up to our Saturday ride which starts in Palm Bay. This is the fastest ride in Brevard County and it will give you a great workout for just under 50 miles. It would be fun if you came up and did this ride as I'm there most Saturdays.
As for other rides that take place or the best places to ride, I would contact the folks at Bicycle Sport or post a question on the Yahoo groups. BTW, this area is flat as a pancake, so make sure you have an appropriate rear cassette.
Feel free to contact me directly for any questions that you might have. My email is dkarbuckle_at_yahoo_dot_com.
saab2000
02-03-2009, 01:11 PM
I spent 3 months in Vero Beach, from November 18, 2003 until February 18, 2004. I rode a lot and had a decent amount of success. That said, what I found was fairly limited to A1A. Back and forth..... But there are some decent riders with more local knowledge and I also went on a Sunday morning ride every week at 7:30 AM from one of the parks. It was a very nice ride and we would sometimes do 50+ miles.
I enjoyed riding there and I think there is more riding north, in Brevard County.
I don't know that area well enough to know that I'd like riding there forever, but I can assure you that a few weeks would be very, very good about this time of year!
KeithS
02-03-2009, 01:40 PM
That's exactly why I like hanging out in this place. There is no end of knowledge and good advice. I think Bill Boves is from somewhere around there too. I will send an email to you too Keith.
Thanks!
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