I’ve Got A Plan!
Well, at least I have a little more clarity on the plan to ride to St. Augustine. I’ve studied up on the route, and I know where the campgrounds are located. I have put together a tentative plan for my ride north. 6 days should do it, without too much stress, and no horribly long days.
| Date | Start Town | End Town | Daily Miles | Total Miles | Stay | Address | Phone | Route and Cue Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/05/2015 | Lakewood Ranch | Arcadia | 56 | 56 | Arcadia Peace River Campground | 2998 NW Highway 70 Arcadia, FL 34266 | (863)-494-9693 | Day 1 Cue Sheet |
| 10/06/2015 | Arcadia | Lake Wales | 61 | 117 | Lake Wales Campground/RV Park | 15898 Hwy 27, Lake Wales, FL | 863-638-9011 | Day 2 Cue Sheet |
| 10/07/2016 | Lake Wales | Winter Garden | 71 | 188 | Stage Stop Campground | 14400 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, Fl. 34787 | 407-656-8000 | Day 3 Cue Sheet |
| 10/08/2015 | Winter Garden | DeLand | 62 | 250 | Hoonton Island State Park | 2309 River Ridge Rd DeLand, FL | (386) 736-5309 | Day 4 Cue Sheet |
| 10/09/2015 | Deland | Flagler Beach | 56 | 306 | Gamble Rodgers State Park | 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd Flagler Beach, FL | (386) 517-2086 | Day 5 Cue Sheet |
| 10/10/2015 | Flagler Beach | St. Augustine | 34 | 340 | Anastasia State Park | 300 Anastasia Park Road St. Augustine, FL | (904) 461-2033 | Day 6 Cue Sheet |
So What Will Really Happen?
I’ve toured enough to know that the ride I plan, and the ride I do, are usually different, sometimes very different. But this seems like a good outline to work from. But I also know that it’s important to stay flexible and be willing to change the plan as circumstances require.
- I may want to add a rest day into the mix, perhaps in DeLand.
- I may want to power out the last day and do 90 miles right to the end.
- I would prefer that the 3rd day be a little shorter, but there doesn’t seem to be much out there in the way of campgrounds. Still, I may stop a few miles short
- I might stay in hotels a night or two, if the camping is uncomfortable, unavailable or too expensive.
What’s The Weather Going To Do?
A lot of my success will depend upon the weather. If it rains a lot (always a possibility here in Florida), then I’ll likely camp less and hotel more. If it’s really stinking hot and humid, then I’ll ride early and get out of the sun in the afternoon. That might mean a few extra, shorter, days. If it’s cool and sunny, I might take some longer days and get there more quickly.
When?
I’m thinking of leaving on October 11th – which would put me in St. Augustine on October 17th. Nancy will drive out to meet me there, we’ll spend a few days eating and drinking our way through the city,, and will likely return home around October 21st. A few days more/less are possible, depending on the weather and how much fun we’re having.
We Still Need Your Advice
We continue to seek advice on the route, places to camp/stay along the way, things to see/do in St. Augustine, places to eat and hotels to stay in. There’s much more planning to do, and time is running short. Please send us your ideas and advice ASAP!