Tucson, Az Nov 19, 2011 — The 29th Annual El Tour de Tucson took over the streets today to raise funds, have fun, and bring great competition to the Old Pueblo. Pictured above is the starting line-up. Participants pictured here includes Barry Bonds, Phoenix AZ, of the San Francisco Giants. Photo by Lynne Purcell
Tucson, AZ — Saturday November 17 will mark the 30th El Tour De Tucson attracting thousands of cyclists enabling funds to be raised for great charities and giving the photographers of the area a great venue to capture bicycle racing.
Tucson is known for bicycle riding. With over 700 miles of bike lanes, paved bikeways, and bike routes it is no wonder that Forbes called it one of America’s best cities for bikers, and Outside Magazine said that it is the best road-biking city in the country. Bicycling Magazine ranked the Tour as one of the top fundraising rides in the United States.
The race attracts over 9,000 cyclists from novices to professional athletes. The starts are staggered beginning at 7:00 AM. The rides span distances from ¼ mile to 111 miles. The 42-mile route is basically flat and great for the first-times. The longer routes include dry but sandy river crossings. All routes offer aid stations with water and snacks.
The finish is located at Armory Park, 6th Avenue at 13th Street. Immediately following the race is a fiesta!
Coverage for the day can be found at ESPN Tucson at 1490 AM, and 104.9 FM from 7 AM. Highlights from the race can be seen Saturday, November 24 on KGUN 9 in Tucson and AZ-TV statewide.
Founded in 1983 the goal was to make this bicycling event the nation’s largest for charity-fundraising while educating the community of the benefits of cycling. With a start of 198 riders the first year which raised over $5000 for the Amrican Diabetes Association the race has grown much. In 2010 over $1,600,000 was raised. Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, the American Parkinson Disease Association, Water For People, Ben’s Bells Project, Big Brother Big Sisters of America, Diamond Children’s Medical Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are some of the organizations which have benefited from El Tour de Tucson.
Bicycling laws Maps for the race Street closures More Information
____________________
