The coast is only part of the opening section on this stage. From the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze area, the route turns north across the Garcon Point Bridge. The long crossing over East Bay sets the tone for the start: water on both sides, little shade, and attention needed in wind and traffic. After that, the route reaches the Milton area and follows US 90 east. The Blackwater River area sits close to the route; farther on, the day is shaped by woodland, town edges, wider roads and long connecting sections. Crestview is the main place on the way and works best as a planned stop. Beyond it, the route stays in the US 90 and I-10 corridor, rises gradually and finishes in DeFuniak Springs, with its historic centre and Lake DeFuniak.
