Today’s ride would take us through the major metro area of Miami . .  . in fact, right through downtown!!!

But first we would have some nice riding along the beach . . .

. . . what a difference daylight makes!!!

. . . as you can see from the palm fronds, today we would have a SE wind . . .

. . . that translated into a headwind for most of the day.

The paved trail turned to hardpacked in some semi-private areas . . .

. . . but didn’t really slow us down.

 Once we got into the metro area the paved paths ended. We had to ‘4-wheel’ up this embankment to get to the Hwy A1A . . .

. . . and this is where Greg’s tire problems started. He sliced his new rear tire, probably on some glass, walking up the embankment  . . .

. . . resulting in the start of his tire problems and his first flat . . . of course TommyH and I were on hand to give lots of unsolicited advice.

As we biked along the highway, on the left of the photo, we passed the Miami Boat show site, in the process of being set up for the 2018 event. Over 1,300 boats were on display. The ‘Grace E’ had a sushi bar, a salon, Jacuzzi, sleeping for 16 and went for a cool $92 million.

Some of the bars were already set up and open. Our rule . . . no drinking while riding!!

Soon we were rolling again and riding through downtown Miami.

Our rule in urban areas . . . don’t get doored or hit by someone pulling out of a parking spot.

As we rode south, soon I recognized the ‘CourtYard by Marriot’ Hotel where emJay had come for a meeting two years ago (i tagged along of course). A block away was the hotel where we stayed. Part of it was being refurbished when we were there and now the other half (blue netting to prevent falling debris from hitting tourists) is being completed. The palm trees at the top of the blue netting is where the pool is located. Spent a lot of time there. Swim up bar!!!

It took us most of the day to get through the greater Miami area and as we neared the southern part of the city the Chamber of Commerce rolled out the ‘green carpet’ for us, having heard we were members of the Midwest’s ‘premier biking and bowling’ group, mbbt!!!

. . . and here we were on our own version of the infamous Gina sponsored ‘V ride’.

About 3/4 of the way through Miami we picked up the ‘M’ bike trail. A 25 mile trail running under the elevated metro commuter rail. Nice riding on paved surfaces but there was a street crossing about every block and a half!!!

About 15 miles down the trail we ended our day in Cutler Bay, after a LONGGGGGGGG metropolitan ride.