El Tour de Tucson is the largest bicycling event in Tucson and one of the largest biking events in the USA. In fact, people travel from coast-to-coast to Tucson every November to participate in this annual bicycling competition!
First held in 1983, El Tour de Tucson is truly a signature Tucson event. Put on by Perimeter Bicycles (a nonprofit that produces bicycling events for community, charity, and wellness), the event raises money for more than 100 nonprofits throughout the year.
El Tour de Tucson will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
Other similar bicycling events in Arizona include El Tour de Zona (March 21-24, 2024 through Sierra Vista, Bisbee, and Tombstone) and El Tour de Mesa (taking a year off for 2023).
El Tour de Tucson is an event for riders of every category - from novice to professional. There are rides for the fiercely competitive and rides for the laidback, rides for kids and rides for older adults. Pick your route, pay your fee, and find your starting line. REGISTER.
There are also routes specifically designed for kids and families, all of which are in the Downtown and A Mountain region. These rides begin at 8:00am.
The El Tour de Tucson registration fees are as follows:
Online registration closes on November 17, 2023 at 5:00pm. After this date, the last chance to register is in-person at the El Tour Expo & Fiesta.
Save money by planning ahead! Fees are lower if you register in advance.
All rides begin and end at the newly renovated Tucson Convention Center in Downtown Tucson, the location for the day-of-the-event party as well as the two-day packet pickup (Thursday, Friday). Most of the Expo & Fiesta activities will be held outdoors on the newly renovated Historic Eckbo Plaza of the Tucson Convention Center.
There are expected to be 7,000+ participants this year.
Over 100 charities benefit from El Tour de Tucson, including:
There are a number of different parking options in Downtown Tucson - including garages, private lots, and street parking. Some of the parking options are free; others are fee-based. More information about parking can be found here.
Use of public transportation is encouraged. Both the SunTran bus system and the SunLink street car provide convenient alternatives to bringing your car downtown for El Tour de Tucson.
Temperatures in this region in mid-November range from 49°F to 71°F, often with blue skies and lots of sun. The temperature is rarely below 39 degrees or above 82 degrees. Athletic clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, UV protectant clothing, light layers, hats, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Don't forget your bike helmet - wearing one is required to participate in any event!
Plan for a day in the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and light layers. You will also want to bring enough water, along with healthy snacks and electrolytes to give you energy along your route.
Many riders also like to come prepared for any possible biking "emergencies." If desired, you can bring the following along with you: 1-2 spare tubes, tire levers, and/or a tire patch kit.
There are aid stations every 7-12 miles, which are staffed by volunteers who will offer you bananas, oranges, and water. Each aid station will also have porta-potties. Some stations may also serve raisins, cookies, or pretzels.
All aid stations will close at 4:00pm.
Cyclists collect a commemorative finisher’s medallion based on distance and/or finish time. Conclude your ride at the post-ride party with family and friends at the party complete with music, the Ten55 Brewing Co. Beer Garden, numerous food vendors, El Tour merchandise zone, kid’s activities and the Award Ceremony.
Congrats on taking the challenge of the 102-mile ride!
The 102-mile ride begins at 7:00am.
Line up according to your expected finish time in one of the four medallion categories. Posted signs will identify each area.
If you need to stay warm prior to to the race, wear an old sweatshirt and/or pants. A few minutes before the start, toss them over the railing. A crew will pick up all of the tossed clothes, which will be given to a local thrift store.
There are lots of wonderful restaurants in the Downtown Area!
Some favorites include:
Yes! In fact, there are three routes created specifically for kids. Choose 1-mile, 5-miles, or 10-miles - depending on your child's interest and stamina.
Check out our resort guide for a number of excellent options! Arizona Inn would be an especially good pick since it is less than 4 miles from the Tucson Convention Center.
Congrats on finishing this epic ride! Your time will be recorded when your chip on your bib number crosses the finish line and unofficial results will be posted within an hour of your finish. Look for the results board near the beer garden at the finish line.
If you are cheering on a friend, family member, or coworker, you can view El Tour de Tucson results here.
Absolutely! There are several ways you can be part of the fun of El Tour de Tucson:
Note that El Tour de Tucson is Tucson's largest bicycling event so you can expect there to be traffic delays along and near the route. Be mindful of riders throughout the weekend and drive cautiously.
Yes! You can follow El Tour de Tucson on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
This is a popular event! Crowds can be thick and traffic can be crazy. We've listed our top ten tips below to help you maximize your experience.
1. Dress in layers. Weather in November can range from sunny and warm to chilly and breezy, but usually it's just plain beautiful. Expect temperatures in the 70's, but layer just in case.
2. Hydrate. You'll have more fun and more energy if you hydrate well throughout the day (and the days before!).
3. Bring snacks. Food will be available for purchase at the after-ride expo, but you may want to bring some fuel for during your ride as well. Trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit, and beef jerky are good options.
4. Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time to drive downtown and find a parking spot. Being rushed never feels good. Plus, the earlier you arrive, the better chance you have of scoring a great parking spot!
5. Be prepared to go with the flow. There are typically over 6,000 riders in El Tour de Tucson. Bring your best attitude and a ready smile, along with an ample supply of patience, joy, and gratitude.
6. Lather on sunscreen and wear UPF clothing. The Tucson sun can be intense, especially toward mid-day. Plan ahead with sun-protectant gear and wear (including sunglasses!).
7. Register the kids. El Tour de Tucson is a family affair with three routes designed just for kids.
8. Stay for the EXPO! Visit vendors, enjoy live music, and stay to celebrate your success!
9. Stash some cash. It's likely you'll want to buy something at the Expo after the race - a cold drink, a souvenir, perhaps a new jersey? Bring some cash or another method of payment.
10. Say thank you. Be sure to express your gratitude for volunteers and law enforcement officials alongside the route!
That just about covers it. Have a great time at El Tour de Tucson!
