Blackledge, Pima Street Bicycling & More part of El Tour’s Bike Shop program helping to generate El Tour Buzz

Paul Blackledge loves Tucson and he loves cycling. He’s back in the Old Pueblo because of the two.

And, he wants to help the local cycling community by being a part by doing his part. In fact, 13 bicycle shops are doing the same.

Blackledge, who owns Pima Street Bicycling, is part of El Tour’s bike shop program to help generate participation from the cyclists, giving them a place to go register for the upcoming El Tour de Tucson on Nov. 22.

The native Tucsonan is back and has been for about 20 months with his new venture after living in Portland, Oregon for nearly 30 years.

“I wanted to come back and have my own business, and I wanted something that was healthy, and not something for myself but for the community,” he said. “The bike shop fits Tucson pretty well because cycling has always been a big deal here. When I was a kid and El Tour was going on it was a big deal.”

And it still is – and he’s glad he’s part of it.

“It’s fantastic for the city of Tucson,” he said. “It brings in all these people from the county and the world. It puts Tucson on the map in a sense. It’s great for the city.”

Since joining the bike program, Paul has been handing out El Tour flyers, making the posters available and talking all things El Tour. The bike shops have become great ambassadors.

“We’re excited to have over a dozen local bike shops participating in our El Tour bike shop partnership program. Our bike shop partnership program is a great way to support our local bike shops AND save some money!” said Noe Gamez, who is in charge of the program. “Sign-up through your favorite local bike shop and get a $25 discount off registration. Get yourself and your bike in the best possible shape to ensure success at this year’s ride!”

To see what bike shops are participating, visit Bike Shops Program for details.