Bicycle riding in the Florida Keys can be wonderful...if you know what to expect.

Would you rather bike in a downpour or in sunshine? Breathing exhaust fumes or the sea air?

Here are some things to consider when planning to bicycle in the Keys.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike)

Outside of Key West, you won't find a lot of bike rentals available. While some of the resorts outside of Key West have them, don't count in it.

If you really want a bicycle "fix" while you are in the Keys, best to bring your own to enjoy.

Florida Bike Trail

There is a Keys Historic Trail that you can follow in fits and starts. It begins in Key Largo, at about mile marker 100, and ends in Key West.

Although the trail is mostly along US 1 (the main road in the Keys), there are places where you won't really want to ride -- the bike lane is too narrow or non-existant. Some of the older bridges are definitely too narrow -- barely enough room for two big cars to pass each other.

If you want a long and fairly arduous ride, try the 7 Mile Bridge that links the Middle and Lower Keys. It's a tough ride, as the bridge is pretty high, but it's not a terribly steep incline. There is a nice bike lane.

Key West Riding

There are bikes everywhere in Key West! It seems that all the resorts and plenty of places rent them by the hour and the day.

If you are staying at an inn or a bed and breakfast in Key West, ask if they have bicycles you can use for free -- quite a few include use of a bicycle in with your room rate.

Do be aware -- the roads in the old part of Key West are very narrow, so cycle carefully.

Weather

Summertime is hot and humid -- both up in the 90's. It's not the greatest time, because thunderstorms are likely to come and go as well (although thankfully they seem to be short-lived). However, summer crowds and traffic aren't too bad.

Winter is great bicycling weather in the Keys, but there is a trade-off is that there are more crowds and traffic.

Two good times where the heat and humidity aren't too bad and the crowds relatively thin are April and October.

What Else?

Consider bringing your bicycle to two of the Florida State Parks -- Dagney Johnson in Key Largo and Bahia Honda in the Lower Keys. Both offer some nice biking.

Bicycle riding in the Florida Keys can be a wonderful experience, and a great way to get out and explore!