My little bike group (4 of us) have ridden the El Tour de Tucson six times now and it is one of the best maintained and supported bicycle events we have been part of. They have multiple ride distances including a fun ride, 32 miles, 62 (metric century), and 100 mile century each staggered starting times. The ride is supported with separated bike lanes and multiple well stocked aid stations. Riding in AZ in November is great as it is cooler and allows you to see the nice southwest terrain. I wouldn't hesitate doing this ride. You might want to come in a day or two early and ride the Tucson loop path as a warmup ride. Hope to see you on the ride in a future year read more

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El Tour is a fantastic ride, I will be doing it for the sixth time this year. Course support is fantastic! There are officers directing traffic at every intersection, and lanes are set up to keep cyclists safe from cars. Aid stations have plenty of water, lots of snacks, and fantastic volunteers! The race directors have been very responsive to feedback regarding route changes and other planning. While I understand the frustration it may cause for drivers on this one day a year, the benefit to the community is tremendous, and it's one of my favorite athletic events ever! read more

El Tour De Tucson - Riders waiting at the start line for the 60mi distance - Tours Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

They should call this tour de traffic- all it does it cause traffic in the small towns that don't have the infrastructure for a race like this. It is called Tour De Tucson, not Tour De Pima County- keep your race in your city. read more

There were a couple of people I knew that were in the race. They said there could have been more signs about where to go because groups of cyclists were lost and had gone down the wrong roads for hours. Towards 4:00 pm, they shut everything down and started removing the barricades blocking off the street although there were still cyclists being waited on by families. This caused a panic myself included. I asked one of the guys why were they announcing the last cyclist when there was still some out there and he said the agreement with the city was that the race was done at 4:00 pm. Two hours rolled by and finally the cyclists I was waiting on showed, exhausted and breathless. They told me that it was sad, but there were probably still cyclists out there lost or trying to make it back. I do think there should been more precautions taken to make sure everyone was safe. read more

If you don't already know--The Tour de Tucson is the best cycling event in the United States. If you are a century road cyclist and have not participated in this event, you are missing out big time! Really. It's a timed ride--they give you a timing chip for your bike. In 2017, I completed my 3rd Tour since 2009 and had the best performance with a Silver Metal finishing time. Its just very expensive--$200.00 to enter it. And I do not like the part carrying your bike across the wash--it damaged my $500 cycling shoes, and caused me excessive cleaning. There has to be a better way. It's also unsafe having 100's of people close together carrying bikes on uneven pavement. But the memories will last a lifetime, I promise you. They had what seemed like 20 water/bathroom/food/rest stops along the way and I stopped at very few of them. The ones I did stop at, the nice folks ran over and filled my water bottle, gave me food, and I was off like a NASCAR race car at a pit stop. But you are welcome to hangout there, eat a ton, and sit on the porto-potties all day. I met so many professionally accomplished people that came here to ride from all over the United States. So many people dedicated to cycling and so successful in their business life. The community and police departments really turn out and protect the cyclists the best they can. I have ridden in dozens of century events all over the West Coast and never have I seen one produced as well as this one. I wish that I could get Perimeter to produce the Tour de Palm Springs in February--boy can the City of Palm Springs use it. Tucson is a great community and before and after the Tour, if you have time to ride more, lot's of great places like up to Mt. Lemon, or the circle bike trail around the city. Tucson people are so nice (or at least seem so compared to LA people.) Hope to be back again next year and finish in Gold Timing. Can't wait. PS Video of the National Anthem Before the Start 2017 Tour de Tucson: https://www.facebook.com/454956984704865/videos/666917876842107/ read more

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Last April talking to some friends, I said I would ride the Tour de Tucson 109 mile version. And some demented part of me felt like I had to follow through with my words. WTF?! The longest ride I had ever done prior to the now committed 109 mile was the 50 miles I had ridden during the Rosarito/ Ensenada Ride and that was just so I could burn enough calories to justify my eats and drinks at the marjor post ride party! I started to train and ride regularly. I even managed to ride 100 miles before the actual race date. I was feeling good then I caught the flu that was going around a week before the race date . . . my family and I decided to go down regardless, not knowing for sure if I would ride the next day. 5am day of the ride, I woke up and decided WTH, let's do it~ I've trained for this ride, what's a little flu? The first 35 miles I rode smoothly and things were going great. I thought to myself, I'm so glad I'm out here riding. I was totally inspired by all the riders in all shapes and sizes, young, old, handicapped. At mile 41 I heard a loud pop. I looked around wondering what that sound was . . . until someone riding next to me says to me, "hmm, I think you've blown your tire! You need to stop and change your tire!" What?! I had brought 2 intertubes but I never in a million years thought I would blow out my tire! SO I did not bring any spare tire! No choice I stopped by the side of the road. There I was stranded and I thought my ride was over when 2 seconds after I stopped, a guy stops also. Naturally I asked him if he also had bike issues. When he told me he had stopped to help me, I was shocked. I was like, "really?! you stopped your race to help me??" I couldn't believe it. When I told him I had blown a tire and didn't have spare, he pulled out his own and gave it to me. Again, I couldn't believe it! In my dazed state, he changed my intertube and tire wished me luck and rode off . . . Bike working again, I rode on thinking how kind and generous our fellow bikers are . . . By now my flu had started to affect me and by 51 miles I hit a major wall. I felt like I couldn't go any further and at the aid station, I basically sit in a chair and started crying. I just thought this was the hardest thing I had ever done and I was ready to throw in the towel. So many people around me were so encouraging and supportive that I sniffled my last tears and go on my bike and continued. I won't lie and I'm not too proud to write that the going was hard. My coughing was so hard that I sounded asthmatic. Fellow riders were slowing down asking me if I needed the medic. I said no and was glad that I had brought plenty of tissues and flu medicine. Slow and steady I told myself. At 71 miles I told myself I was 60% over with the ride when I heard another pop! Once again, I thought it was another rider and needed to be told that it was me who had blown my tire~ this time my front one! Totally discouraged, I stopped and was getting ready to pull out my cell phone to call my husband to come and pick me up when 2 riders from Team Challenge Lymphoma Society stopped to help me. For the third time during this ride, I was speechless. I couldn't believe it that I started to cry again. The two guys were so nice they probably weren't expecting to have to fix my tire and calm me down too! They asked me if I was riding with anyone and when I told them that I was riding by myself but my husband and son were waiting for me at the finish line, they offered to ride with me . . . so we rode together until the next aid station when I had to stop and rest and they continued to ride on. At this aid station was when I hit my second wall. I just felt like I couldn't go on. By this time, I had less than 30 miles left . . . but when I'm tired and exhausted those 30 miles seem like a LONG ways away. Plus, by this time, I was experiencing head wind with every pedal. And the head wind was STRONG~ around 35mph~ no exaggeration. I must have sat in a chair for 10-15mins thinking about whether or not I would go on. I don't know what I thought about~ maybe how if I didn't finish, I would disappoint the people that helped me or disappoint my family or disappoint myself. And what about that rider who was riding with a metal skull brace . . . he was finishing! Once again, it was my fellow riders who encouraged me to continue so once again, I told myself one pedal at a time. The last stretch facing head wind and going one pedal at a time was really just about finishing and was I ever happy to see the faces of my husband and son! Needless to say for this ride, I did not stay for the post race party~ I was just glad to be with my family! And this ride will stay with me forever for the spirit and generosity of the riders that I came across. read more

This was my third and final time doing El Tour. My first two experiences were amazing. It has always been a pricey ride, but now up to $150, it just isn't worth it. For $150, I would think something besides water, oranges, and bananas would be possible at the aide stops. Granted they have them every 6-8 miles over the 104 mile course and I only stopped at four, but that was because they were all armed with the same thing unless a sponsor stop had something different. For example the Girl Scouts had cookies. Pretzels, pbj sandwiches, and cookies are pretty standard at the other rides I do during the year to help replace electrolytes and calories burned, and those are usually in the $40-$50 price range. Previous editions had people to hold your bike while at the aide station. Maybe a couple random folks doing it this year. The biggest problem I saw was the new course. In the years since doing it, they have changed the last 20 miles. Instead of going down rural roads to the finish, the plop you on a frontage road to the finish. The result was massive groupings of tired riders doing 20+ mph. Often times, people not used to riding in large groups. I saw some of the most horrific crashes I have ever witnessed in my 25 years of riding and doing cyclo sportiffs. Things as simple as the wide seam in the frontage road catching narrow tires and taking down five to six riders. I witnessed six crashes in the last 20 miles alone. The older route took you over rattlesnake pass and it strung the riders out a bit more. Much safer than the packs of riders packing it in to the pavement. The second area of terror was the second creek crossing. People who don't know how to ride off road should not be encouraged to do it for the first time on a road bike. There were people falling all around me. They were told when the entered the area to stay on their bike and keep riding, so they did. I saw one over the bar crash, two people who fell in loose sand, then one person crash as they were exiting and people in front of him had stopped. I am by far not a novice rider. I raced as a licensed Cat 2 road racer and Expert MTB racer in my past. I was OK with my ride, but am concerned for the safety of those around me who are attempting their first centuries. Overall I got the feeling that El Tour is starting to cater more to the corporate groups than the individual riders. At the finish area, multiple areas were roped off for special groups. I have no idea who they were, but I am sure they helped pay the bills. It has turned the event into something that used to be for everyone, to playing in their party. Half the park at the finish area was covered with their tents and roped off areas. read more

El Tour de Tucson is a great event! It brings thousands of visitors and millions of dollars to the local economy. The fees paid by riders pay for police officers' overtime and the rest is donated to various charities. Drivers often have to wait, but if they had spent a few minutes reviewing the route, they could make alternative routes (in most cases). read more

Rode the el Tour de Tucson 42 mile event for the second time yesterday and had a wonderful day. When else can you ride with 7000 of your closest friends through the streets of Tucson? It seemed like almost every available police office i. The area was an duty controlling intersections to allow riders to pass in safety. What was even more appreciated was the number who were offering encouragement to riders as the passed. A tip of my hat to all the officers involved. The is a great event that has been going on for 30 years. I wish we had discovered it a long tie ago. It is extremely well organized and offers a variety of distances for riders of all abilities. There are numerous aid stations and a large contingent of volunteers who are riding the route to offer assistance as required. Last year two such volunteers changed my flat tire and provided me with a replacement tube. I was capable of doing the repair but they we so willing to assist that I couldn't resist. This is an enjoyable event with charitable objectives. If you enjoy cycling this is an event you should definitely consider read more

Had a awesome time. This was my second TDT and look forward to doing it next year. I did the 54 miler and I got dropped off at the start. We stopped at the first water station for breakfast. Thank you firefighters for pancakes and sausage! This is my favorite break station. My crew of 4 women continued along the route. My crew and I got 3 flats and Bike patrol was amazing. Got us back up and running in no time! My only complaint would be that there no bike check at the finish this year. read more

El Tour De Tucson - At the finish!!! - Tours Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

First time participating in the El Tour de Tucson 2022. At 72 and a previous bicycle event participate around the country, I wasn't sure how I would fair but I finished with a decent time. The whole registration and keeping participants informed was totally awesome! It really was a good idea someone had to have everyone start and finish at the same location. Location made participating EASY. It was apparent the planning team did a lot of work to make this event an enjoyable and stress free event. The volunteers and bike patrol folks were AWESOME!!! Police were johnny on the spot for traffic control in most locations. I only have three inputs for future El Tours. 1) Stopping for lights is not a cool especially for those folks who are riding for time. The last 10 miles for all riders is a burn run and stopping when you are spent is not good. I am not sure why the police didn't hold traffic/lights for the riders. It also causes too many riders to bunch up. 2) I believe there was only one photo stand...with 7000+ riders who would like to have their picture taken at the photo stand it was not fun to stand in the long lines. 3) Booth maps would have been nice to know where each vendor was located. Walking around is fun but when you are trying to locate a particular vendor it can be frustrating. Summary...it was very well done! I can see why it has become one of the premier bike events. Thanks for the memories. read more

Update to review below as a result of TDT contacting me.. Thanks, I did have a nice conversation with Sally and advised her of my issues. She told me what is supposed to happen in case of an incident. TDT may need to take some corrective action with respect to insuring aid stations (at least covering the first 30 miles) have a supply of bandages and such. I would also recommend these be in the SAG vehicles too. As regards the parking matter, Sally told me this was in the hands of the city which does not surprise me at all. I suggested TDT at least provide some advanced communication about the parking situation. The worst thing is showing up and getting a nasty surprise gouging at the parking lot. Somehow I think forewarned is fore-armed and if nothing else eliminates the surprise frustration. ========================================================= Original Review Comment I have ridden TDT 3 times, 08,09 and 12. My experience this past year has me highly disappointed in the oversight or lack thereof over the event. I crashed at mile 25....bike was too damaged to continue. I was beat up and bloodied and a little confused. I was promply picked up by a well attended SAG vehicle containing 3 other bloddied and beat up riders from other incidents nearby. They took us to an "aid" station. The folks there were very nice but were mostly focused on tending to the riders who were stopping for food and water. When asked by our SAG driver where the first aid supplies were, the few who heard the request shrugged their shoulders. The SAG driver was obviously surprised and irritated. I received some bandages from a rider who stopped for water. We then rode back to the start finish area with our bikes stacked in the back of the vehicle. Once reaching our destination we all got and were left like walking wounded to get ourselves and our bikes to wherever we were headed. I had made arrangements via cellphone to meet up with my wife. But I still had to schlep my non-rolling bike a few blocks while the pain of my bumps and considerable bruising continued to intensify. No idea what I would have done if my wife had not been there to help. I month or so after the event I wrote an email to the organizers addressed to Elaine Mariolle - public affairs, complaining about the lack of first aid. I was looking for a reply saying something like "OMG, we will look into this and correct it". BUT NO REPLY AND NONE TO THIS DATE 8 MONTHS LATER. I won't do TDF again until I hear things have changed or that the organizers do have focus on safety. I have seen many indidents at TDF caused by lots of riders trying to occupy the same space and so I know accidents are common. I want to know if I'm injured I will be looked after. A non-reply speaks volumes about the event supervision's lack of attention on participant safety. In addition to the safety concerns, I also gave a 1 star due to the unacceptable parking situation at the convention center (I also mentioned this in my email). All riders have to come to the CC to pick up registartion packets, ID, timing chips. There is almost no parking other than the city parking lot. They charge about $10 to park there even though you may only be there a few minutes.....flat rate price...no timer. This is a huge ripoff of folks coming into town to support a charity event and spend LOTS of money in the city. read more

This is one of the bike races that is primarily to support various charities. I happened to ride for a child through Tu Nidito. The 40 mile is mostly flat with the slight elevation gain but a great course for first time riders. It's a very scenic route and goes through the majority of Tucson and is well patrolled by cops at major intersections so I'd say safety is pretty covered. My only gripe is that there is a lack of clear direction of where to go for parking, the start line, and the general chaos that ensues once you find the bike valet and the shuttles. Several folks had to leave a member of their party behind to stay with the bike since the valet closes at five. The shuttles take about 40 minutes to get back to the start line so you really need to plan accordingly, especially if you don't finish before 3pm. The free massage tents are a great touch but there's not much from a food perspective. The rest stops scattered throughout the race consisted mostly of water and some bananas. It's actually pretty helpful that there are some major intersections where you do you have to stop and you can drink some water. All and all a fun event that I'd do again! read more

Great course, the shuttle service was terrible. When I finished ride I could not find bike park for the shuttle, finally found shuttle bus, staff working there told me I had to leave my bike at designated location but did know were it was. Finally found it off grounds hidden behind portable potties. A tired, exhausted old man walked around to get the shuttle. On the shuttle a man indicated he was an executive and asked all if things ok. I told him about my shuttle problem, a chorus of riders chimed in. People coming from out of town should think twice about this ride. read more

Rode 2015 El Tour and finished in about 9 hours. Better than last year when I started late and didn't finish. (Rode about 80 mi.) Tucson has many great places to ride, but this course for this event doesn't utilize them because it must accommodate thousands of riders. If you need to do a "century" bucket list event, maybe do El Tour once. Then return to Tucson to take advantage of many more pretty and interesting rides such as Sabino Canyon, Saguaro Nat. Park loop trail, etc. The El Tour course runs on streets and roads, sometime next to traffic. The course is patrolled and intersections are policed, but parts of the course are frontage roads along I-10, including most of the last 20 miles. Aid stations are plentiful, but some have minimal food. Boy Scouts and other volunteers will hold your bike. A few aid stations do lots more. The highlight this year was getting to ride alongside former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and wave to her. (The event was dedicated to her and husband Mark Kelly). Glad I finished this one this year. read more