The dual carriageway section is very busy with lorries and RVs, but there is always a good hard shoulder for us. The first section is a long arching bridge over Surprise Lake, from where we look down onto Pelicans sitting in tree tops. From there the road passes through untouched swamp and mangroves. A warning sign tells us to watch out for crossing crocodiles!!
As we approach Florida City, we wave to a group of 6 American touring cyclists going the other way. So we are not the only mad ones! They don't look so happy, as they are weighed down with 5 panniers each and 2 trailers between them. Also they are heading into our tail wind.
We are amazed to make the 30 miles to Florida City in 2 hours. From there it is cycle path all the way to Downtown Miami, with the rain worsening all the time - about 1 mile from home a large black cloud appears, the wind suddenly increases, and there is a storm! We shelter under a road bridge, everyone runs for cover - the water comes up through drains, flooding the road and paths. We arrive back at the apartment, to form two large puddles on the kitchen floor. Today's 64 miles is the most we have ever done in one day on folding bikes!
Location:The Keys to Miami
