Move over, Tour de France, Boca Raton has its very own bicycle race.
The inaugural Tour de Friendship charity bike ride is taking place Nov. 9 to benefit Friendship House of Boca Raton. Founded by husband-and-wife team Rabbi Sholom and Itta Kessler in 2020, the nonprofit supports kids and young adults with special needs in the South Florida community.
“This ride gives our community the chance to support children with special needs while doing something they love. It’s about turning passion into impact,” the rabbi said in a press release.
Bikers will kick off the race at the Chabad of Central Boca Raton, 17950 N. Military Trail, ride up A1A to Palm Beach, then return to the chabad to blaze through the finish line. The race begins at 8 a.m. (including a light breakfast) and finishes around 11 a.m. with a celebration.
Event organizers are hoping to raise $75,000 with each rider committing to raise at least $1,500. Each registered rider will receive a Tour de Friendship jersey; throughout the race, there will be pace groups, support and gear vehicles, and stocked rest stops every 15 miles. To guarantee a jersey, riders must register by Sept. 15.
Proceeds benefit programming at Friendship House, which hosts community events, pairing volunteers with those with special needs, a drop off program, young adult meet ups, and after-school sports programs.
For more information, visit tourdefriendship.com.
