El Tour de Tucson

El Tour de Tucson stands as one of the largest and most impactful cycling events in the United States, attracting nearly 11,000 cyclists annually for a celebration of cycling, health, community, and charitable giving. Founded in 1983 by cyclist and Perimeter Bicycling president Richard DeBernardis, El Tour has evolved from a local cycling event into a nationally recognized celebration that raises substantial funds for multiple charitable organizations while promoting cycling as a healthy and joyful form of recreation. The November event offers multiple route options ranging from 32 miles to 102 miles, allowing riders of varying fitness levels to participate. Whether you're completing your first cycling century or setting a personal record, El Tour creates an inclusive community where thousands of cyclists unite around shared values.

The event's charitable component distinguishes it from many other cycling events. El Tour de Tucson cyclists raise funds benefiting 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, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Many participants train for months, fundraise actively, and approach El Tour with genuine commitment to both personal athletic achievement and community contribution. This dual purpose transforms the event from simple recreation into purposeful community action.

Beyond the cycling itself, El Tour creates a complete festival experience centered around cycling culture and community celebration. The El Tour Expo & Fiesta features live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and numerous exhibitors, creating a festive gathering before and after riding. The route itself showcases Tucson's landscape and cycling infrastructure, taking riders through spectacular Sonoran Desert terrain. For Tucson residents, El Tour represents one of the year's most significant community gatherings — a moment when thousands of cyclists, their supporters, and community members unite around shared commitment to health, fitness, charitable giving, and the joy of cycling through Arizona's distinctive landscape.