Tour de Keys 2026 will return to the Florida Keys on November 21, giving cyclists the opportunity to take part in a 50-mile bike ride and race or a 100-mile scenic charity ride while raising money for the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens, or MARC.
Chris Sloan, who is participating in the ride for the second time, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the event.
“It is magical. It is by far and away my favorite ride,” Sloan said. “The cause is just super special, super important. You definitely feel like you’re making an impact.”
The ride returned last year after taking several years off and is expected to attract participants from throughout the country and around the world.
Approximately 300 people participated last year, and the event organizers are hoping to build on that participation this year. The overall fundraising goal for Tour de Keys 2026 is $200,000.
The ride benefits MARC, which has served people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Florida Keys for more than 60 years.
Sloan said the organization provides services that extend well beyond basic care, including housing, social skills development, employment opportunities, job skills, arts and crafts, community kitchens and other programs.
“They consider these folks as their clients and their family,” Sloan said. “So this whole 360 wraparound life cause is everything from housing to social skills to providing professional opportunity, jobs, skills.”
The organization also gives the people it serves opportunities to actively participate in their communities.
“These people are really not only taken care of, but they get to contribute to being part of the community,” Sloan said. “So for us, just to be a little bit of propellant and fuel for them is super joyous.”
Participants can choose between the 50-mile ride beginning in Marathon or the 100-mile ride beginning in Key Largo. The century ride begins at 6 a.m., while the 50-mile ride begins at 9 a.m.
Sloan said organizers have worked to make the event accessible even for people who may initially be intimidated by the distance.
Transportation assistance is available for riders and their bicycles, and organizers provide rest stops with bathrooms, snacks and other support. Roadside assistance is also available along the route.
While the ride takes place along the Florida Keys and portions of U.S. 1, roads are not closed specifically for the event. Sloan said riders are provided with support and, in some areas, can use trails adjacent to the highway.
At the conclusion of the ride, participants will gather for a “party with a purpose” at Truman Waterfront in Key West, where there will be food, prizes and medals.
Sloan is also raising money individually and said he is matching donations of up to $250 per individual donor. He said his fundraising total was approaching $10,000, including matching funds, with approximately 25 to 30 donors having contributed since the fundraising campaign began.
“Get out there and support,” Sloan said. “And even if you can’t donate or you’re not necessarily up to riding, they definitely need volunteers to show up at a lot of these water stops and pit stops and bring snacks and things. That stuff’s really important.”
Sloan also thanked the businesses and sponsors that support the event, including Baby’s Coffee, which serves as one of the ride’s stops.
The Tour de Keys website allows people to register for the ride, donate to the event or support individual riders such as Sloan.
Sloan encouraged people to participate in whatever way they can, whether by riding, donating or volunteering.
“At the very end, the party starts,” Sloan said. “So come down and show your support. Have some hamburgers, and you’ll really, really enjoy it. It’s a great event.”
More information about Tour de Keys 2026, including registration and fundraising opportunities, is available here: https://tourdekeys.donordrive.com/events/504