Memphis to Key West, FL

On August 27, 2013 - I will start another motorcycle journey with a ride on the Honda ST1300 to Key West, FL.

My plan is obtain another IBA (IronButt Assocation)  SaddleSore1000 certificate (1000 miles in 24hrs) with an all interstate route to a hotel in Homestead, FL.  I have a certificate already but since I am going to Key West might as well get another one.  To obtain the 1000/24 you just have to average about 55mph - easy right ??!!!  Well, if I can manage my stops for gas, food, bathroom - then this should not be a problem.  My estimated arrival currently is around is around midnight - if not sooner.  That will make the ride about an 18 hr ride - including breaks.  Once in Homestead the idea is to then take in the sights of Key West on Wednesday.  This ride is "really" about a picture that I want at the southern most point in Key West.   Not sure why this location is one of the hot spots that a lot of M/C riders will go to - just for this picture.

The ride back is going to be more gentle ride heading update the Gulf Coast side of Florida.  I have some friends in Port St. Joe, FL - so I will stop for an overnight visit with them as well.  It will be at this point where I will decide to continue to Dallas or head back home.

This trip was originally planned as a Gulf Coast tip to tip ride - Key West to Port Isabel, TX,  but i didn't want to be away that many days.  I still may ultimately do it one day.

here is the leg planning.  the only hotel is Homestead.

Phase I
Leg 1 - Memphis to Miami (Homestead) - 1012 miles  (ss1000 cert)

Leg 2 - Miami to Port St. Joe - 647
Leg 3 - Port St. Joe to Memphis - 549

total phase I - 2208

Phase II
Optional Legs if going to Dallas

Leg 3 - Port St. Joe to Houston - 726 

Leg 4 - Houston to Dallas - 256

Leg 5 - Dallas to Memphis - 485

total phase II - 1467
total miles (minus leg 3)  -   miles 3126

Here is a picture of the big loop if I decide to go the full route.