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 and current president of the
Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Richard DeBernardis. The ride takes place every November in
Tucson, Arizona
, "(at the) base of the black ill
, nicknames = "The Old Pueblo", "Optics Valley", "America's biggest small town"
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. The first El Tour attracted nearly 185 riders while in recent years between 7,000 and 10,000 cyclists have attended.
There are several routes of differing lengths ranging from to . The event offers cycling tests for all levels of riders. The route weaves around the city of Tucson, which is surrounded by five mountain ranges. 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 is a premier fundraising ride in the United States. El Tour de Tucson cyclists raise funds for
Tu Nidito Children & Family Services, the
American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a grassroots advocacy organization for sufferers of Parkinson's disease and their families.
Founded in 1961, the APDA aims to "ease the burden" for Americans with Parkinson's disease, as well a ...
,
Water For People
Water For People was founded in 1991 by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) as a response to the increasing water scarcity in developing countries. It is a nonprofit international development organization that helps people in rural parts ...
,
Ben's Bells Project,
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to "create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth". Adult volunteers are matched with children from ag ...
,
Diamond Children's Medical Center, other Perimeter Bicycling charities, th
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundationand the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1949, is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer in the world. The LLS's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's l ...
. 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.
26th El Tour de Tucson 2008 Recap
, Tu Nudito 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.
References
External links
* {{official website, http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/
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
TucsonCitizen.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
Cycle races in the United States
Recurring sporting events established in 1983
1983 establishments in Arizona
Road bicycle races
Sports in Tucson, Arizona
Events in Tucson, Arizona