First-timers in El Tour Luke5Adventures Tucson has a strong team in event, ready to make an impact

Luke5Adventures Tucson is part of El Tour de Tucson for the first time, and its purpose in joining is to let “people know we are part of the community and what we do,” said Fran Emmerling, Assistant Director, Luke5Adventures Tucson.

Well, Luke5Adventures Tucson is a nonprofit that is dedicated to empowering individuals with physical disabilities to experience the joy of hiking. Utilizing a specialized one-wheeled, rickshaw-like device known as “Rosie,” volunteer “Sherpas” guide “Hikers” along scenic trails throughout Tucson and surrounding areas in Arizona. Since its inception in 2022, the Tucson chapter has facilitated over 140 hikes, fostering inclusivity and community engagement in the great outdoors.

“We go hiking with those who can’t go hiking by themselves,” he said.

Participating in El Tour de Tucson aligns with Luke5Adventures Tucson’s mission to make outdoor adventures accessible to all, promoting health, wellness, and community involvement. Funds raised through events like El Tour support the organization’s efforts to provide adaptive hiking experiences, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the beauty of nature.

As of recently Luke5Adventures has nearly 30 participants ready to ready to either ride or run in El Tour next month. El Tour also has a 5K Run. To join their team visit Luke5Adventures Tucson.

Their goal is to raise $10,000.

“Most of our volunteers are pretty athletic so it’s a natural transition to get folks out there to enjoy it all,” he said.

While watching the race last year – out on the eastside where he lives near MaryAnn Cleveland Way – he saw a cyclist had trouble with a flat tire.

“I got to help him fix the flat,” he said. “That was my claim to fame.”

You see, Bob Roll is a former pro cyclists turned TV commentator for cycling. He’s part of El Tour’s Prologue group.

“I didn’t know it was him at first because he had the helmet on and everything,” he said. “But somebody else recognized him before I did so we were able to take pictures.”

He also knows a lot about El Tour given he’s ridden in it before, after all, he calls himself a “a cycling enthusiast.”

“I enjoy cycling and everything about it,” he said.

His time riding in El Tour?

“It was awesome,” he said, “a wonderful experience.”

He’ll be back this year riding in the 62-miler with his big group, hoping “to finish and have fun. My son will be coming from New Mexico to ride with me and push me if I need it.”