El Tour de Tucson
Encyclopedia
El Tour de Tucson is one of the largest road bicycling events in the United States. 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 10,000 cyclists will attend. Because the Tour is so big, people in the bike industry are exposed to Tucson, and they know it's a good place to ride. El Tour de Tucson helps put Tucson on the cycling map. Bicycling Magazine gives three initial reasons for ranking Tucson as the second-best place among cities its size for riding a bicycle: "Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine."
There are several routes of differing lengths ranging from 109 miles (175.4 km) to 0.25 mile (0.402335 km). The event offers fun and cycling tests for all levels of riders. The route weaves through and around the city of Tucson, which is surrounded by 5 mountain ranges, three of which rise over 9,000 feet. The courses range from rolling to moderately hilly, with the 35 mile route being fairly flat and the perfect course for beginners.
El Tour de Tucson cyclists raise funds for Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, the American Parkinson Disease Association
, Water For People
, Ben's Bells Project, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
, Diamond Children's Medical Center, other Perimeter Bicycling charities, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
. For the children and families at Tu Nidito, El Tour is much more than a ride. “El Tour is our livelihood,” said Executive Director Liz McCusker. More than 8,000 cyclists participated in the 2008 El Tour de Tucson, raising more than $200,000 for Tu Nidito Children and Family Services.
Perimeter Bicycling
Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc. is a 5013 non-profit, tax exempt organization in Tucson, Arizona, responsible for the production and promotion of four major cycling events: El Tour de Tucson, El Tour de Phoenix, Cochise County Cycling Classic and Tour of the Tucson Mountains. Each...
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 10,000 cyclists will attend. Because the Tour is so big, people in the bike industry are exposed to Tucson, and they know it's a good place to ride. El Tour de Tucson helps put Tucson on the cycling map. Bicycling Magazine gives three initial reasons for ranking Tucson as the second-best place among cities its size for riding a bicycle: "Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine."
There are several routes of differing lengths ranging from 109 miles (175.4 km) to 0.25 mile (0.402335 km). The event offers fun and cycling tests for all levels of riders. The route weaves through and around the city of Tucson, which is surrounded by 5 mountain ranges, three of which rise over 9,000 feet. The courses range from rolling to moderately hilly, with the 35 mile route being fairly flat and the perfect course for beginners.
El Tour de Tucson cyclists raise funds for Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, the American Parkinson Disease Association
American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association strives to provide individuals with Parkinson's disease support and education, increase the awareness and boost research on the disease. It was founded in 1961.-External links:*...
, Water For People
Water For People
Water For People, founded in 1991 by the American Water Works Association , is a nonprofit international development organization, which helps people in developing countries improve their quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation...
, Ben's Bells Project, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a 501 non-profit organization whose mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that try to have a measurable impact on youth....
, Diamond Children's Medical Center, other Perimeter Bicycling charities, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , founded in 1949, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of...
. For the children and families at Tu Nidito, El Tour is much more than a ride. “El Tour is our livelihood,” said Executive Director Liz McCusker. More than 8,000 cyclists participated in the 2008 El Tour de Tucson, raising more than $200,000 for Tu Nidito Children and Family Services.
External links
- 26th El Tour de Tucson video clips, Nov 23, 2008
- El Tour de Tucson draws second largest attendance, Kold 13 News, Nov 22, 2008
- Mexican rider wins 26th El Tour de Tucson (with video and slide show), Arizona Daily Star, Nov 22, 2008
- Tucson cyclist comfortable being a pack animal - Event newbie giving 109-miler a spin, TusconCitizen.com, Nov 20, 2008
- El Tour de Tucson - America’s Largest Perimeter Cycling Event - Tucson, AZ, GoFurnished.com, November 22, 2008
- El Tour de Tucson:A Century Road Bike Race, YardBarker.com, Feb 12, 2008