BubbaFest - Florida Keys

This event is still in the planning stages, will officially be advertised and priced soon!

Long before Rum Runners were cooling off thirsty tourists in the Keys, pirates thirsting for other treasure sailed the coastal waters.

The Florida Keys are known for their laid-back vibe with an emphasis on fun, and the Florida Keys Premier BubbaFest annual week-long bicycle tour of the Keys, fits right in.

The scenery is incredible, and the short riding days provide plenty of time to sample the varied cuisine, dip a toe or more into the turquoise water, swim with dolphins or kayak a secluded shoreline.

Most of the bicycling is on the off-road paved Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Bike Trail, separate from cars but never far from the action – stunning ocean vistas sometimes populated with glimpses of dolphins, sharks, turtles, manatees, egrets, herons and the ubiquitous, oddly shaped brown pelicans.

You will cross 41 bridges as you ride from Key Largo to Key West, all the while enjoying the 360-degree water views.

The sounds of live music, clinking glasses and laughter spill out the open doors of countless Duval Street bars, hinting at the good times to be had inside. Mallory Square hosts the biggest nightly sunset party in the Keys, a multi-ring circus of flame jugglers, tightrope-walking dogs, Houdini-like escape artists and more, all vying for your attention with a steady comedic patter.

The Keys were discovered and charted in 1513 by Spaniard Ponce de Leon, best known for his search for the Fountain of Youth. De Leon thought the Fountain was never found, but he was wrong – it’s everywhere in the Keys, a destination that will have you peeling off the years like so many layers of unnecessary clothing.

The Spanish wrecked many a ship on the reefs looking for gold, those wrecks ultimately becoming treasure for scuba divers and marine life. The Spanish called these chains of islands “keys,” from the Spanish word “cayos,” which means “small islands.”

Florida became U.S. territory in 1812, with settlers first arriving in Key West in 1822. Pirates still prowled the waters then, so the Navy established a special fleet tasked with controlling the buccaneers. Early residents found rich fishing grounds and some even grew rich salvaging shipwrecks.

When early entrepreneur Henry Flagler decided to run a railroad the length of the Keys, it got the islands on track and chugging toward the future. Enamored of south Florida and its potential, Flagler started work on the 156-mile Over-Sea Railroad in 1905. The last section was laid in 1912 and Flagler, one of the original partners in Standard Oil and a hotel magnate, spent a week celebrating the completion with Key West locals.

To visitors, it appears the celebration never stopped. Key West remains a magical place of spectacular sunsets and unparalleled nightlife. The same is true for all the other islands.

Legend has it that early BubbaFesters used to travel the Keys in search of the best Key lime pie, asking the locals for recommendations and rating each pie on a scale of one to five based on flavor, crust, texture and presentation. The results were recorded in a Key lime-colored notebook to serve as a guide to future flavor-fests. While the location of this book is as closely guarded as a pirate’s treasure, and worth its weight in gold, you can start your own list.

Just think, Early-November in the Florida Keys. That alone should be enough, but there is plenty more.

Florida Keys Premier Bicycle Vacation BubbaFest is really more of a bicycle vacation than a normal bike tour. The Florida Keys are beautiful, offering a variety of non-biking activities. Swim with the dolphins. Snorkel. Dive. Key Deer. Deep-Sea Fishing. Museums. Conch Fritters. Key Lime Pie.

The Seven Mile Bridge just might be the most beautiful seven miles you have ever biked. For those who are uneasy biking on long bridges, shuttles are available.

Florida Keys Premier Bicycle Vacation BubbaFest has the friendliest SAG drivers you will find. This is a bicycle vacation. Everyone is encouraged to ride. That said, if for any reason after getting started you feel you cannot continue, just flag down one of the SAG vehicles and hop in. No questions asked. After all, this is your vacation. Unless there is a medical condition, all riders are expected to start the day on their bicycle.

Florida Keys Premier Bicycle Vacation

BubbaFest – Florida Keys Schedule

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Those seeking the extraordinary find it here at Oceans Edge, a place straight out of your get-away-from-it-all dreams. Surrounded by the clear and tranquil sea, this secluded resort offers a setting in which to unwind and recharge.

Exquisite rooms, six heated swimming pools, on-site dining, and an array of complimentary water activities.

Fantastic views are guaranteed here. Built in 2017, Oceans Edge was designed to offer you an experience of profound beauty.

Every room looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean and has a private balcony with seating allowing you to take full advantage of this special location.

Inside, the accommodations are the most spacious in Key West, with elegant furnishings and amenities.

Even though Thursday is a non-riding day allowing you to explore all Key West has to offer, quite possibly the only exploring you will be doing is right here at the Oceans Edge Resort.

This is a smoke-free resort.

Friday

Saturday

Meals Included:

What else is included?

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and register ASAP!

Pricing is based on receipt of registration and deposit. Mail-in registration/payment must be postmarked by the stated early bird date. Online payment must be received before date the date stated.

Note: Double/Triple/Quad rate is only available to those sharing a single room with two beds.

Bicycle Rentals

Bike rentals are available for use on Florida Keys Bicycle Tour BubbaFest from a local outfitter. These bikes are very well-maintained top-quality bicycles that are perfect for this event. Please contact Backcountry Cowboy Outfitters for details and pricing at 305-517-4177

Remember, a rental bike will not “feel the same” as the bicycle that you ride at home.

If renting, it is strongly suggested you bring the bike seat and pedals that you normally use. The bike mechanic will assist in switching them out, if needed.

EBIKE rentals available at keyselectricbike.com

Other Information

Flying into a south Florida airport?

Shuttle service can be arranged through Keys Shuttle. Check their web site for pick-up locations and pricing information. Make sure to inform them if traveling with your bicycle.

If there is more than one in your group, it might be less expensive to rent a vehicle for the week. Check prices to determine if this is something you might wish to consider.

If you are flying out the ending Saturday, to assure making your flight, DO NOT book a flight before 5 PM if using the Miami airport and not before 7 PM if using the Ft. Lauderdale airport.