The SMART Ride 8 Miami to Key West

The SMART Ride Returns to the Keys!

Closing Ceremonies slated to begin at approx. 2:30pm at the AIDS Memorial/White Street Pier.

If you can't make the ceremony, stand out on the parade route and cheer them on!!!

The SMART Ride 8 (The Southernmost AIDS/HIV Ride) rides into town on Saturday, November 19, 2011.  Key West is the terminus of the two-day, 165-mile ride from Miami to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS.

The ride has raised over $2.6 million dollars in its eight year history benefiting various AIDS service organizations throughout the state of Florida, including AIDS Help in Monroe County.  This is the only ride of its kind in the country where 100% of what the individual riders and crew raise goes directly to the agencies who receive the proceeds.

The participants will begin arriving in Key West around noon, assembling at the Key West High School for lunch.  Bourbon Street Pub, 801 Bourbon Bar, New Orleans House, Pizza Joe’s and Sysco will host the meal.  Around 1:45 p.m. riders and crew will begin to assemble for a “victory ride” led by a Conch Tour Train through the streets of Old Town, arriving at the AIDS Memorial at the White Street Pier for Closing Ceremonies slated to begin at 2:30 p.m.  The public is invited to attend this moving celebration of achievement and endurance.  If you can’t make the ceremony, stand out on the parade route and cheer them on!!!

Miami to Key West Bicycle Ride

The SMART Ride is a 2-day, 165 mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West. The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness and monies for HIV/AIDS Agencies in Florida. 100% of the monies raised by riders and crew are donated back to the benefiting agencies to be used for direct services for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Because of its participation BIKE It & B.E.A.R. It for AIDS, The Southernmost AIDS Ride 2 and the subsequent SMART Rides 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7, AIDS Help has been able to complete additional units of housing, 50 units which opened on June 1, 2011 and continue to provide services not covered by other grants and resources, such as non-covered prescription medications, alternative therapies and a nutrition/fitness program.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have been invited to take part for the past six years, and look forward to helping make a difference in the lives of so many Floridians again in 2011!

go to The SMART Ride website

SMART Ride 8 is SOLD OUT

September 20, 2011 - For the first time in 8 years SMART Ride has sold out! We have 450 registered riders, over 200 crew, congratulations go to everyone involved in this year's ride. This year we have over 45 people registered from as far west as California to as far East as New York City, from Minneapolis to Atlanta, from Dallas to Denver.

We are still looking for more massage therapists and if you know someone who can lend their time, talent and hands to the cause, I know so many will be so grateful! In the interim, keep training, keep riding, keep your creative hats on (and make a few for the ride) and lets now focus on raising more money they we ever imagined. Margaret Mead says it best "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed; it's the only thing that ever has".

May the wind be at your back and the the road ahead clear.

go to The SMART Ride website