I mostly cycle in a group

Its much safer and the camaraderie is great fun

Today the rest of the group were unavailable

So I did the ride to Key Biscayne on my own

I have done the same route many times before

It never gets boring

There is always something new to see

I left late to avoid the morning rush

Carefully negotiating heavy traffic at the start

Valet parking for breakfast diners at Sadelle’s restaurant

Expensive cars and expensive coffee and bagels

Next challenge was crossing the roundabout on SW27th

Miami drivers don’t seem to know the rules of the road

Ignoring the cars already in the circle and just entering at high speed

I see near misses ever time

Today I waited for a big gap before sprinting across

Then onto a deserted Tigertail Avenue

Slowing to let a flock of peacocks walk across

I swear one of them winked at me

The short section of South Bayshore thankfully had light traffic

I turned towards Alice Wainwright park on a quiet street

Passing the former homes of Madonna and Sylvester Stallone

Its has become a Billionaires row with huge mansions

Some of them have security guards parked outside 24/7

I must be stressful to be so ultra wealthy

Pedaling onto the Rickenbacker causeway

Breathtaking views of Biscayne bay and the Miami skyline

I pushed hard up the bridge hugging the cycling lane

Cars speeding by just a few feet away to my left

My only protection is the white painted line on the roadway

I wear bright colored clothing to make myself visible

My bike has strobe flashing lights front and rear

I worry that drivers may be distracted and veer into the bike lane

Its not just the Miami skyline that might distract them

To my right there is a pedestrian walkway full of joggers

Mostly supermodels in skimpy outfits plodding up the bridge

I tried hard to keep my eyes firmly on the road ahead

I sped down the descent at an exhilarating 35mph

Thankfully all the cars stayed in the roadway

After a fast ride towards the village, I looped back

Onto the safety of Virginia Key

No cars on this uninhabited section

Just bikers enjoying the sunshine and cool December air

A large truck passed me hauling a smelly cargo

Heading towards the sewage treatment works

I reached the rest stop at the beach

Unfortunately no model photoshoots were in progress today

The beach was deserted apart from the yawning beach patrol guys

Although devoid of any wild human activity around the beach

There was plenty of of natural wildlife to see

Its amazing how close you can get to animals on a quiet bike

Raccoons were out playing in the roadway

Scurrying away when they spotted me approaching

The massive iguanas stood their ground as I got close

Miniature dinosaurs claiming the roadway for warmth after a cool night

A flock of white ibis were running along the side of the road

Pecking the grass in search of sustenance

They totally ignored me as I pedaled by

One more loop of the key and I turned for home

The Peacocks were still wandering around Tigertail

Watching the construction of new large contemporary homes

Which are progressively taking over the old neighborhoods

More expensive cars for the peacocks to dance on

I sped round the surprising empty roundabout on SW27th

Soon I was back home and taking a shower

I reflected on the 30 mile ride

Even when riding solo you are never alone