‘Ride for Mike’ set to roll in El Tour; Michael Barr was a staple in the annual ride

Michael Barr won’t be at the 42^nd El Tour de Tucson, but he will be there in spirit. The Barr family is sure of it in as much as the family will have his memory with them and his strength to help them get through the ride.

Michael passed away on May 7, 2025, from cancer. More than 10 – likely more – family and friends from across the country and a plethora of friends will be there Nov. 22 to get through the day, honoring Michael’s memory and commitment to the ride and family.

“I feel honored to ride the 2025 El Tour de Tucson race for my father, Michael Barr, after spending the last 36 years of my life supporting him at the finish line with the exception of one year, when I rode 50 miles with my dad, and cherish that memory forever,” his son, Jeremy, said.

The thought of honoring Michael began earlier this month when – at his celebration of life – someone saw his sister wearing a “Ride for Mike” t-shirt and listened to his wife’s speech about how much Mike loved El Tour.

So much so that when family or friends passed away, Michael rode El Tour in their honor, wearing a memento of them.

“Two friends – Jeff Bridge and Ricardo Ruiz – organized the ride of approximately 15 riders including his wife, son, friends, to participate in the El Tour de Tucson November 22, 2025,” said Joy Barr, Michael’s wife.

Simply, it’s “Ride for Mike” and more importantly, it’s a “Ride for Mike.”

“Mike would be thrilled to know that we are all on the bicycle and in the race,” Joy said.

Michael began riding in El Tour in 1989 and continued that tradition. Joy rode with Michael in 2007 and 2023. The two have lived in Tucson for 48 years.

“Michael loved the route and how well the El Tour de Tucson race was organized including the routes,” Joy said.

Michael’s impact has been tremendously felt since his passing a few short months ago.

“Michael not being around has been difficult for many,” Joy said. “Michael’s passing has left a huge void in our hearts and lives. Michael had four passions in life:

• family
• founding the MadMen on the Mountain
• mental health advocacy
• and bicycling.

“Mike was a dedicated mental health professional in Pima County, and his greatest passion,” Joy said. “Michael was an avid bicycle rider and began road bicycling in 1989 with the El Tour de Tucson. With everything Mike did, he always included others to ride with him on the Tucson Loop and local bicycle races. I,  Jeremy,  and friends have ridden the race with him over the years. It’s going to be more challenging to ride the bicycle without him as he was the leader and looked out for all bicycle riders.

“Additionally, our daughter and her family have been dedicated support crew at the finish line for years. So, it will be difficult to cross the finish line without Mike, but we know his legacy, commitment, and enthusiasm for bicycling continues.

“Ride for Mike”