"The El Tour de Tucson was started in 1983 by cyclist Richard DeBernardis, current president of the Perimeter Bicycling Association of America. The ride takes place every November in Tucson, Arizona. The first El Tour attracted nearly 185 riders while in recent years between 7,000 and 9,000 cyclists will attend. The 109 mile century ride attracts the most bikers but there are also 80 mile, 67 mile and 33 mile options along with a few shorter, kid friendly family rides.

Fundraising Efforts

El Tour de Tucson is a major fundraising event for charity organizations including Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, American Parkinson Disease Association and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society trains cyclists from all over the country to ride in this event as part of their Team in Training fundraising program.

Scenic Ride

The ride starts and ends at the Tucson Convention Center which is located in the heart of the downtown area. The first few miles of this ride are spent circumnavigating the downtown area as cyclists work their way to the outskirts of town to do the rest of the ride in and around the perimeter of Tucson. Tucson is surrounded by the Tucson Mountains, Rincon Mountains, Santa Catalina Mountains and Tortolita Mountains which make for a very scenic ride. Memorable points of interest throughout the tour include riding past the Pima Air & Space Museum, cycling alongside portions of Saguaro National Park and a rest stop at the entrance to Catalina State Park which is at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains"

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