Biking for charity – 2 events on 2 wheels

Biking for charity – 2 events on 2 wheels - A close up of a device - Bicycle frame
Canyon Ulimate CF SLX 2016 road bike

The reMARCable Tour de Keys

This is not a race, it’s a 100-mile bike ride to raise money for the MARC House, a Keys nonprofit that serves adults with developmental disabilities. Organizer Jo Socha had already dreamed up a solo ride to raise money when it occurred to her to open up the field. So far, 70 riders have joined.

“And MARC House is so special to so many people. We want not only to raise money, but also raise awareness about the agency that serves the entire Keys, from Key Largo to Key West,” Socha said.

Riders are required to raise at least $100 in pledges above the registration fee ($80 in advance/$90 day of). One participant has promised to match all his contributors’ donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000. The race leaves from the Holiday Inn Key Largo at MM 100 at 8 a.m. and there are eight aid stations along the way. Racers have about 10 hours to complete the course before organizers make a “sweep” for stragglers and cart them to the finish line party at the Westin Key West Resort and Marina.

“We’ll be chasing the sun all day so we can watch the sunset in Key West,” Socha said.

MARC House’s services range from residential long-term care to adult day training to supported employment and community inclusion.

Riders can cover the entire distance on their own, or form a team of up to four people. To register, visit www.raceroster.com.

Ride & Roll Dice Run

There’s another ride set for Saturday, Oct. 3 in the Middle Keys.

It’s similar to a poker run, but it’s billed as the third annual “Ride and Roll Dice Run.”

The ride, which takes place completely in Key Colony Beach, has five stops — Tarpon Creek, Sparky’s Landing, Leigh Ann’s Coffee House, Key Colony Inn and Cabana Club.

This is a benefit the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation which supports locals in emergencies.

Locals often arrive in costume on decorated bikes. They roll the dice at each stop, the totals are added up and the high roller will win a new bicycle. Last year, there were more than 100 participants.

Registration begins at 2 p.m. at Tarpon Creek Bar and Grill and the ride starts at 3 p.m. It ends at 4:30 p.m. at Cabana Club with free burgers and dogs. The pool party (bring a suit!) and awards ceremony starts at 5 p.m.

This is one of the main fundraisers for the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation. Originally designed to provide financial help so locals stay in their homes while coping with injury or illness, its mission has expanded since 2002.

“Now we can help people with things as small as a bus repair, or minor car repair,” said Jamie Martin, president of the foundation. “And we’re also helping a gentleman who lost his teeth due to a cancer treatment with the help of a local dentist to get the cost down.”

The Foundation also works with other local agencies to help meet the needs of lcoals.

Pre-registration for the bike ride costs $25 per person (and comes with a free rental bike, if needed) and day-of registration is $30. Extra score sheets are available for purchase for $5 each.

For more information, call 305-289-6489.

Sara Matthis thinks community journalism is important, but not serious; likes weird and wonderful children (she has two); and occasionally tortures herself with sprint-distance triathlons, but only if she has a good chance of beating her sister.