A1A Coastal Run

A1A Coastal Run follows Ocean Shore Boulevard north out of Ormond Beach, known as the Birthplace of Speed since AAA timed cars on the hard-packed sand here in 1903. The road tracks the barrier island as a long, straight run with no real curves — ocean on one side, dune scrub on the other. Pavement is well-kept state highway; the draw is open distance, not technical work. North of Granada Boulevard (SR 40) it joins a 30-mile stretch of A1A running to Matanzas Inlet, with 20-some miles logged without a traffic light. Weekend and Bike Week traffic backs up through Ormond Beach and Daytona, so ride it early or on a weekday. Head north toward Flagler Beach, an old beach town without Daytona's skyline. Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area and North Peninsula State Park sit along the way. Pair the run with the Ormond Scenic Loop, splitting off at Granada Boulevard for the day's canopy half. Riding it, start to finish: 1. Start in Ormond Beach and head north on Ocean Shore Boulevard. 2. Ride hard-packed sand and open barrier-island stretches — the Birthplace of Speed where AAA timed cars in 1903. 3. Cross Granada Boulevard (SR 40) to join the 30-mile stretch to Matanzas Inlet. 4. Continue north without a traffic light for 20-some miles. 5. Head north toward Flagler Beach or split at Granada Boulevard for the Ormond Scenic Loop.