I’ll be down in Destin Oct 6-13 vacationing and wondering whether to pack the bike. I’d consider a run over to Panama City if riding the IMFL is doable. No idea of the course or traffic related issues.
It is a crappy area to ride in general. The IMFL course is not the best but there are not too many other options. If you get a chance you must head over to Seaside and Graton Beach. Absolutely spectacular developments. Best beaches in the area by far. Good running over there on the multi use path. The path is no good for cycling though. The problem with riding in Destin is Eglin Air Force Base is in the way. Most folks just ride along the beach back and forth between Destin and Ft Walton. It is not a bad ride. A bit busy but you have a shoulder. Dragon Sports in Fort Walton is a great triathlon store if you need anything. They can probably help you out with routes as well.
Mike
If you like racing the odd sprint, Santa Rosa Island Tri at Pensacola Beach on October 7 still has spots available, and it sounds like they’ve managed to be able to use the old bike course through Gulf Islands National Seashore which as far as I know is still closed to regular traffic because of hurricane damage. When it’s not buried under sand, FL 399 is a startlingly beautiful road to ride, even though you’re always going into a crosswind both ways.
http://www.sritri.org/index.php
Dragon Sports has route maps up on their web site. They also can tell you about group rides in the area. The only one they miss is County Road 30-A in Walton County (the one Mike mentioned) which is generally pretty rideable as long as you’re they’re early in the morning and stay off the bike path.
Once you get north of US 98, it’s probably okay, but I wouldn’t bike along Thomas Drive/Front Beach Road in PCB if it wasn’t race day. Too many cars, too many clueless drivers, too many curb cuts.
I use to live on OKaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach right near Destin. Call Robin’s Bikes at (850) 269-2453. He’s the local LBS in Destin and he leads group rides on a pretty regular basis leaving right from his shop. Call over there and someone will let you know the ride schedule for the week.
You might want to consider riding on Eglin AFB. Specifically, riding the road that takes you to the various range sites. Many miles of roads and you will rarely see a car. Lots of cyclists and runners use the road. The folks at Eglin can tell you how to get to the range road…the range road is near the west gate exit. If your riding on the weekend, you can ride all over Eglin with very little traffic to contend with.
Robins bike shop in Destin used to have group rides but last time I was there in June Robin’s had closed up and moved. Not sure where he relocated to. We go twice a year to Destin, there are decent areas but you need to go very very early before work/construction traffic. I usually start about 5am and can ride about 90 minutes before traffic becomes too much of an issue. There is also a weekly TT somewhere(I’ve never done it). If I can find the number or web address I’ll post it, I can’t find it now.
Thanks everyone. Elgin sounds good as does the TT.
Robin’s Bikes is still open, he moved to a beautiful new building across the street, just west of the Silver Sands Outlet Mall. They have group rides every morning except Monday I think. I would get in touch with them. Dragon Sports is a good resource as well and the cycling club has some good rides near Eglin Air Force Base. Drop in to Dragon Sports for more info. www.dragonsports.net
If you’re thinking of using some of the Eglin roads, and any part of the Timberlake Trail mountain bike area, you’re supposed to have an Eglin Reservation Recreation permit. Stop by the Jackson Guard office on FL 85 in Niceville, and for like $7, a copy of your driver’s license, and a willingness to sit through a ten minute video on “Unexploded Ordinance and You” and you’re legal to ride on Ranger Camp Road in FWB (one of the big bike training roads in the area), Range Road in the Bluewater area, and you also get access to White Point Park on the north side of the Mid Bay Bridge and that pretty little wilderness area just on the east side of the Destin Bridge.
Just got back from my week in Destin. Rode 3 times with the group from Robin’s bike shop. He’s in a new building right on Hwy 98, all of a mile from our condo. Ride takes off at 7:30 a.m. every morning. Experienced and strong riders each day, well-led, I would dare say “professionally-led.” I have no doubt my riding skills were evaluated and such was welcomed. Pleaseant folk, hard rides in the 1:40-45 range, 22 mph +/- avg but this may have been skewed a little high do to the nature of the group. I know we hit 26-28 at times. If your looking for something in the 17-19 mph range I would still go. A no drop policy seemed to be in place, and as I said even the regulars thought the pace was a bit amped for the week. In talking with some of the ride group Robin takes very seriously safety, ride etiquite, obeying traffic rules and has kicked people off the ride for stupidity. Lead rider had a foot-down at every stop sign. It was really done well with little disruption in flow. I’d like to see that policy duplicated in our parts. All in all an excellent experience and one I hope to repeat.
And the gulf was amazing, crystal clear emerald-green water and two days of flat, pool-like conditions. Weather was in the 80’s. In contrast this am it was 39 as I was packing for the ride! Thanks for the referrals!