El Tour de Tucson

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Held annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, El Tour is a fund raising adventure ride attracting over 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from throughout the United States and worldwide, consisting of novice, intermediate, advanced, and professional cyclists.

Cyclists pedal main event distances of 100, 75, 50, or 25 miles or choose the Fun Ride  of 10, 4, 1 miles or a fun 1/4 mile activity course.  

Main event routes feature beautiful vistas of Tucson’s four surrounding mountain ranges – three rise over 9,000 feet- against the backdrop of the majestic Saguaro cactus, icon of the Sonoran Desert. Course profiles range from flat to rolling or moderately hilly.

The 25-mile route is mostly flat and is great for families and perfect for a first-time event! An often dry but sandy creek crossing will greet 100 and 75-milers in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.  

All routes offer aid stations with water and snacks about 7-12 miles apart, police support at intersections and plenty of morale-boosting volunteers and spectators. The Fun Ride offers easy and scenic routes along the Santa Cruz River-part of The Loop, Pima County’s famous multi-use path.