KEY WEST, Fla. — Apparently, 54 miles wasn’t enough for Chris Sloan.
The part-time Key West and Miami resident, longtime supporter of Florida Keys nonprofits and one of last year’s top Tour de Keys fundraisers is returning Nov. 21 for what he calls his longest ride ever — 99 miles from Key Largo to Key West.
“Apparently, 54 miles last year wasn’t enough and trying to put my fitness to good use,” Sloan said. “I’ve got 99 problems, and I’m really hoping my knees aren’t one of them.”
This year, Sloan is riding for MARC Inc., the Monroe Association for reMARCable Citizens, which has served adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities throughout Monroe County for 60 years. MARC is receiving $207,516 through Monroe County’s Human Services Advisory Board grant program in FY2026, but the county is discontinuing that program for FY2027 and replacing it with a new funding system. Sloan was referring to the loss of MARC’s existing HSAB grant when he said, “With county grant funding cut to zero, they need us.”
Last year, Sloan raised $7,545 and finished third among individual fundraisers. His Key West Mile Markers team raised nearly $94,000, while about 300 riders helped generate more than $190,000 for Keys nonprofits.
This year, Sloan is asking supporters to help him top that total and is again matching tax-deductible donations dollar for dollar, up to $250 per donor.
His connection to the Keys started long before he began riding for charity. He first came to Key West in 1990 after driving south from Miami, bought a bicycle and started exploring the island on two wheels.
A television producer and videographer, Sloan later created the TimeFlies in Key West video series, using drone, time-lapse and hyper-lapse photography to document the island. He donated the project for use in promoting the Florida Keys.
The Tour de Keys gives him a slower and considerably more strenuous view of the island chain. Riders leave Key Largo Community Park around sunrise and head south along the Overseas Highway, crossing the Seven Mile Bridge and continuing through the Lower Keys before finishing at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West.
Sloan has already mapped out some of the landmarks — and possible distractions — along the way.
“I’ll cross the Seven Mile Bridge, wave to Fred the Tree, watch the road for roosters, and try very hard not to develop a sudden case of Keys Disease somewhere near Lorelei’s or The No Name Pub,” he said.
The humor helps, but the purpose of the ride is serious. MARC provides residential, training, employment and other support services for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities throughout the Keys.
The Tour de Keys is a ride, not a race. Riders contend with heat, wind and traffic on an Overseas Highway that remains open during the event, while support vehicles, first-aid teams, bicycle technicians and rest stops are positioned along the route.
For Sloan, it is another chance to put a long day on a bicycle to work for a Keys organization.
