The month of November always brings to mind images of turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and families gathering around the dinner table; but in Tucson, it also brings to mind the thousands of cyclists each year that participate in the El Tour de Tucson bicycle ride.
This year’s El Tour de Tucson ride will take place tomorrow, Nov. 21, and if you haven’t already registered, now is the time to do so. More than 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities flock to Tucson annually to participate in El Tour, and this year won’t be any different. Novice, intermediate, advanced and professional riders all participate in El Tour, making it a perfect opportunity to start a new and healthy family tradition, have a fun day out with friends, embark upon a healthier lifestyle or compete against other riders.
Cyclists participating in El Tour may choose between the 109, 80, 67 or 35-mile rides (the 35-mile ride is fairly flat, making a great ride choice for beginners) or the 4-mile or ¼-mile Fun Ride, perfect for kids, parents and friends. The El Tour routes are anything but boring, as they direct cyclists through various scenic areas of Tucson, with views ranging from Sonoran Desert cacti to local mountain ranges, three of which rise over 9,000 feet.
El Tour de Tucson isn’t just a popular cycling event, it’s also a way to give back to the community. Last year, the event raised more than $1.39 million for local charitable agencies, which include: Tu Nidito, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training, The Arizona Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, Ben’s Bells Project, Cope Community Services, the YMCA of Southern Arizona, Arizona Children Association, Tucson Casas Adobe Rotary and much more.
As a part of the El Tour de Tucson—besides from getting in a great workout—you’ll receive an El Tour t-shirt, goody bag, police, route and SAG support, aid station refreshments, published results, an engraved medallion at the finish line and more. In addition to the race, Fox Tucson Theatre will be celebrating the event tonight with a special showing of “Breaking Away,” a classic, cycling-inspired movie which was made in 1979. The showing will take place at 7:30 p.m. and admission will cost only $6-$8.
For more information on El Tour de Tucson or to register for the event, visit www.pbaa.com. For more information on “Breaking Away” at The Fox, call 520.547.3040 or visit www.foxtucsontheatre.org.