photo courtesy Perimeter Bicycling
One day a year, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, more than 9,000 cyclists from here and across the country hit the streets along Tucson’s outskirts in an impressive stream of tires, spandex, bike chains, and helmets.
This year, November 19 marks the 29th annual El Tour de Tucson—the infamous cycling spectacle and America’s largest perimeter event of its kind—put on by Perimeter Bicycling and The University of Arizona Medical Center.
And there’s good reason for all the hype. Not only do participants pedal through what Outside Magazine dubbed the best road-biking city in the country, but for great causes. Last year’s El Tour de Tucson raised more than $1.6 million for local nonprofits. Beneficiaries for the upcoming ride include the likes of Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, Ben’s Bells Project, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, and Casa de los Niños, to name just a few.
“Without the support of El Tour, our organization might not exist today,” says Liz McCusker, Executive Director of Tu Nidito, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children who’ve been seriously impacted by illness or death. The local group has been the primary beneficiary of El Tour since 1997, totaling nearly $3 million. “The partnership has ensured our ability to grow and thrive, making our services available to all eligible children who so desperately need them,” she explains.
The local economy can also look forward to benefiting from El Tour, with a bump of an estimated $16-$20 million the week of the event, thanks to thousands of out-of-state participants. California resident Marc Perry can testify this event is worth the trip, having impressively participated in El Tour for the last 20 years (possibly 21, but who can blame the guy for losing track).
“I was told early on by cycling buddies that most century rides (100 miles and over) pale in comparison…and they were right,” he admits. Exchanging with fellow riders what Perry dubs “war stories”—a dropped water bottle here, falling out of the pack there and carb-loading the night before—are all in the fun spirit of the race. But the real draw? “The organization and support of the ride,” Perry answers, “It’s just fantastic.”
For those not able or interested in riding outdoors, LeMond Fitness offers the chance to skip the potholes, hills, and sun, with the sixth annual Indoor El Tour. “This option is modeled after the main event, so you can be involved even if you can’t hit the streets or even be in town,” explains director of LeMond Fitness Indoor El Tour, Michele Wyatt.
During the week leading up to the Saturday event, participants in this alternate tour can log minutes instead of miles on stationary bikes from anywhere in the country—still competing and riding for charity—and even go ride together at the finish line November 19.
“Last year we had a great challenge between five soldiers stationed in Afghanistan riding on stationary bikes against a participant here,” Wyatt recalls. “It goes to show you can ride from pretty much anywhere, if you want to be involved.”
There’s no need to be a professional, but why not ride among them? Different starting points on the route offer cyclists 111, 85, 60, or 42-mile rides through Tucson’s surrounding terrain. For anyone looking to provide moral support and going to cheer on cyclists along the way, a route map is available on the Perimeter Bicycling website.
Kids can also get in on the action, choosing from shorter starting points for the El Tour Fun Ride. The finish line remains downtown, but has moved this year to Armory Park, across the street from the Tucson Children’s Museum at 221 S. 6th Ave. There, all-day festivities and a special medallion await participants.
For more information or to register for any of the tours mentioned, visit PerimeterBicycling.com or call 745-2033.
