If you ever have the urge to make a trip up to Fernandina, I would highly recommend taking this particular route. Starting at Heckscher Drive off of 9A, head east towards the beach. Here you will ride over numerous bridges along the final stages of the St Johns River. This is a nice comfortable road with rather competent cage drivers. There are some areas where it would be wise to take some blind turns with caution as there are a few folks that like to go fishing off the side of the road, and when it comes time for them to leave, tend to pull out at inopportune times. You will stay on this road for quite some time, but you won't be bored at all. Some of the most beautiful views of the St Johns River can be seen from this road. Fishing boats, "mom and pop" seafood joints, and Mayport Naval center, just to name a few. The bridge crossing over the Fort George Inlet/River offers a rather spectacular view, if I do say so myself. Stay on SR A1A for the entirety of this trip until it pretty much dead ends in Fernandina Beach. This ride is nothing short of beautiful and fun the entire way. If you decide to go two-up, have your passenger bring a camera along for some great pictures.
The trip one way is 31 miles, and takes about 45-50 minutes.
This will be the first ride that I give a full 5 of 5 twists of the throttle due to an altogether fun road with amazing views. Again, highly recommended.
Update:
Not much has changed along this route since I have originally posted it. One of the drawbridges that used to be there is no longer as it has been replaced with a taller bridge that does not need the drawbridge portion. One of our favorite places to eat can be found shortly after you get past Amelia Island State Park. Marche Burette is just off the road between two roundabouts and, to this day, I still can't find a place that had better biscuits and gravy. They also have a little deli and market inside as well to sate your cheese and trinket desires. It is a little pricey, though. Another good place to stop is right at the end of the route called The Sandbar and Kitchen. We went there on a group ride with our local dealership and it was delicious. Even better that it's literally right on the water!
- For more information on Marche Burette, visit their website here.
- For more information on The Sandbar and Kitchen, visit their website here.
- Follow this link to download the .GPX file for this ride from dualsportmaps.com
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