About El Tour
Founded in 1983, the University Medical Center El Tour de Tucson presented by Diamond
Ventures (El Tour) is the largest perimeter cycling event in America, attracting
more than 8,000 cyclists from around the world, 2,200 volunteers and over 25,000
spectators. In 2007, El Tour celebrated its 25th Silver Anniversary, was chosen
as the 2007 National Bike Rally by the League of American Bicyclists, and welcomed
Water For People as an official beneficiary.
Since its inception, over 86,000 cyclists have participated in El Tour and have
raised over $25 million for such charitable agencies as American Diabetes Association,
Arthritis Foundation, Carondelet Rehabilitation Services of Arizona, Tucson Association
for the Blind & Visually Impaired, Tu Nidito Children and Family Services, Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society and other local and national charities.
Cyclists of all ages and abilities can choose among numerous events: 35-mile, 66-mile,
80-mile and 109-mile rides and even an Indoor El Tour sponsored by LeMond Fitness.
Individuals, tandem and recumbent riders, teams and families – all are welcome to
participate. In addition, kids 12 years of age and under can ride in the El Tour
Kids Fun Ride, consisting of a 4-mile and 1/4-mile event. All rides finish at the
Convention Center in downtown Tucson.
El Tour is a fully supported bicycling event, with traffic control, medical and
mechanical assistance, and food and water stops along the entire route. After-ride
activities at the finish line include numerous hospitality tents and the El Tour
Closing Ceremony featuring the Flam Chen Fire Dancers on Saturday evening, concluding
with an El Tour Celebration of Life Ceremony on Sunday morning.
For participants from the Tucson area, the Tucson Chapter of the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association will conduct weekly
El Tour training rides beginning September 7. Check with your own local bike
clubs for similar training opportunities.
Thanks to the national recognition of events like El Tour and the strong bicycling
scene throughout Southern Arizona, not to mention the glorious year-round sunshine,
Tucson has developed a reputation as one of America’s greatest bicycling cities.
The El Tour perimeter route includes urban and suburban settings, river crossings
(maybe dry, maybe wet), unique landscapes of rolling, saguaro-studded hills and
grand Sonoran Desert vistas.
Please join Pedal With Purpose as we celebrate this unique cycling event and help benefit Water
For People!
For more information on El Tour, see the Perimeter Bicycling website.