El Tour de Tucson is a fixture on the calendar, particularly with the cycling community. With 10,000-plus riders on the three top distances (Century, Metric Century, Half Metric Century) plus the shorter rides and running events, this is an immersive event for the city and county.
The 2025 edition of this event was a turning point for me. While in the past I had always ridden hard and fast on a narrow-tired road bike, this year I dialed it back. And that was ok. Between the large number of riders, the potential for rain and riding a fat-tired, slower bike, it was time to just lean back and enjoy the ride.
My personal experience can be found here on my Substack page.
Otherwise, this is a must-do ride if you are a cyclist of any level. Riders come from all over the world ride, many coming early to train and stay late to play tourist. It is a great place to meet people and learn something.
And it is always my hometown ride.
Relentless
