February 5, 2021 – Homestead, FL – Pedaling the Florida Keys wrapped up with a brief visit to the Everglades.
Questions about two snake carcasses led me to Conservation Ranger Olivia and her answers confirming a Burmese Python really made me want to camp with the reptiles.
There was a smidge of anxiety and some false sightings of crocodiles… and some real ones.
I did take some precautions and set my tent zippers in the “high position” just in case there was a clever python in the mix.
The Everglades also featured some colorful foliage and hiking trails.
In an attempt to pedal 500 miles and share stories from the road I’m also throwing down a challenge to raise $10,000 for Alzheimer’s music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend; 100% of the money raised will go to Cedar Community so you will be able to see your donation at work.
HOW TO GIVE:
Cedar Community is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is therefore supported solely by the gifts and contributions of friends like YOU. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
Thanks to Lee and Sandy Stehling from Ace Canvas for kicking in the first $200. I’m currently working on a $10,000 match should the challenge goal be reached.
Thanks, also, in advance for your kindness and support; adventure suggestions are welcome on the 2021 tour of the Florida Keys.
February 4, 2021 – Miami, FL – Heading towards Miami after a great Cuban sandwich and, yes, another piece of Key Lime pie.
Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
February 3, 2021 – Florida Keys, FL – “If a snake slithers into your tent to snuggle, just treat it like a massage,” was the advice given to me today.
Judy Steffes is reporting live from the Florida Keys with a wildlife update you won’t want to miss.
Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
February 3, 2021 – Florida Keys, FL – Today I’m pedaling on County Road 905 (C905) to North Key Largo. Spent the night at John Pennekamp State Park. Met Joe and Janet who were traveling by boat and invited me in for coffee. They appeared to be retired and their plan was to have no plan.
In an attempt to pedal 500 miles and share stories from the road I’m also throwing down a challenge to raise $10,000 for Alzheimer’s music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend; 100% of the money raised will go to Cedar Community so you will be able to see your donation at work.
HOW TO GIVE:
Cedar Community is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is therefore supported solely by the gifts and contributions of friends like YOU. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
Thanks to Lee and Sandy Stehling from Ace Canvas for kicking in the first $200. I’m currently working on a $10,000 match should the challenge goal be reached.
Thanks, also, in advance for your kindness and support; adventure suggestions are welcome on the 2021 tour of the Florida Keys.
February 2, 2021 – Islamorada, FL – One of the benefits of cross-country touring on a bike is the people you meet.
Everyone is so genuine and has a great lust for life and adventure.
I met Zach Bray, 25, as I was flying north on Highway 1 out of Marathon and he was slogging south. Mother Nature and her crafty winds are always part of the tour.
Zach had been on the road nearly five months and was having a great time biking, enjoying the food and the scenery. It’s always great to meet someone from my tribe.
Brett ran his own antique shop. He specialized in rare bottles and once found a brown bottle in a riverbed worth thousands of dollars.
I normally find a license plate from the state I’m pedaling through. He said that’s almost impossible these days. I did find a Pennsylvania plate on the return trip over the 7-mile bridge. Nobody is stopping for anything on that bridge so I had a perfect vantage on the bike. Brett was kind enough to swap me out for a Florida plate.
Met Tom and Jeannie at a bike shop. We chatted about touring. They had fat tire battery assist bikes. Turns out they were from Wisconsin. Jeannie recently retired from a marketing job at SC Johnson and knew my brother-in-law who also works at SC Johnson. Small world.
We met later in the day in Key West for supper and then they fixed up a great spot in their camper for me.
One of the more unique characters on the trip has been Doug. He’s been on the road since July 5, 2010. He walks with his gear tied with a rope and slung over his shoulder. He carries a gallon water jug and is eager to share his story.
February 1, 2021 – Marathon, FL – Early morning start to the day as I head back up the Keys towards Key Largo and, hopefully, a ride on the African Queen.
In an attempt to pedal 500 miles and share stories from the road I’m also throwing down a challenge to raise $10,000 for Alzheimer’s music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend; 100% of the money raised will go to Cedar Community so you will be able to see your donation at work.
HOW TO GIVE:
Cedar Community is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is therefore supported solely by the gifts and contributions of friends like YOU. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
Thanks to Lee and Sandy Stehling from Ace Canvas for kicking in the first $200. I’m currently working on a $10,000 match should the challenge goal be reached.
Thanks, also, in advance for your kindness and support; adventure suggestions are welcome on the 2021 tour of the Florida Keys.
February 1, 2021 – Key West, FL – A special treat in Key West is the Butterfly Conservatory. Walking into the greenhouse was like stepping into a Disney movie although all the special effects were real.
Colorful butterflies, pink flamingos, Polyphemus moths and an array of pupae.
It was worth the visit.
Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
January 31, 2021 – Florida Keys, FL – Currently headed north to Marathon on the Heritage Trail which runs all along the Florida keys parallel to Hwy 1.
Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
Fresh, heavy on the meringue with more meringue on top. Tart key lime with a super think graham cracker crust.
Great with a hot cup of coffee.
Served in a to-go box and plated for presentation.
Lovely outdoor atmosphere. Bicycle rack for safe parking out front. Wait time on a Sunday morning was 45 minutes.
A quick peek at the rest of the menu is below.
Judy Steffes is currently on a road trip in the Florida Keys, raising contributions for music and exercise programs at Cedar Community in West Bend in honor of her late dad, Al Steffes, who suffered from the disease.
CLICK HERE to donate securely online. (In “comments” section” add the note “Judy’s Bike Ride”)
I did take some precautions and set my tent zippers in the “high position” just in case there was a clever python in the mix.
Fresh, heavy on the meringue with more meringue on top. Tart key lime with a super think graham cracker crust.
