The Strange Story of the First Key West Zombie Bike Ride 🧟‍♂️

Though the Official Zombie Bike Ride site claims We Cycle Bike Shop's Zombie Bike Ride was created in 2009 by Marky Pierson of Wonderdog Studios and Evan Haskell and Chris Needham of WeCycle Bike Shop, the very first Key West Zombie Bike Ride, in fact, has dark origins dating back to 1887.

The Great Fire burned most of Key West’s business district the previous year, but a single zombie crawled from the ashes and unintentionally created a monster. For more than one hundred years, Key West’s secret voodoo society passed down the story in verse, and now, each year on Zombie Bike Ride Eve, the supernatural forces of the Florida Keys unite to bring the island’s dead back to life.

The Key West Tale of Joe Zombie.

Old Joe Zombie felt empty inside - and decided to go for a ride.

Grabbed a tutu to look ladylike, - But then realized he didn’t have a bike!

So he laid on a grave and he stared -‘til the scent of fresh flesh filled the air.

Said, “I’ll just build a bike of my own, but I’ll make it from fresh human bones!”

Grabbed a tourist and asked them their name. Tore their arms off to build a bike frame.

Used their head as a bicycle seat, - with a padding of fresh tourist meat.

Hands for pedals - a nose for a bell. When he picked it he knew it went well.

And despite all the bite marks and scars, - their ribcage still made sweet handlebars.

Rolled the spine in the shape of a tire. - Knew a second one must be acquired.

Grabbed a lady and stole her backbone - as she snapped selfies with her smartphone.

But the bike was more dead than alive - and Joe needed some thrust and some drive.

So he crafted a bicycle chain, which he powered with fresh human brains.

The sun set and Joe started his ride - as the town zombies cheered by his side.

Heading down to the Fantasy Zone. - Each one building a bike of their own.

Now the town warns, each Fantasy Fest - If you plan to come down to Key West.

Dress like zombies - whatever you do. - Or Joe might make a bike out of you!

For more on Key West’s Zombie Bike Ride, go here.