Jim Click named 2024 El Tour Dedication Recipient: ‘I’m honored’

Cycling has been in Jim Click’s life for nearly 50 years, going from a runner to a cyclist in the mid-1970s to today. He still rides and has had an impact on the Tucson community and beyond all these years.

It’s a reason why Perimeter Bicycling and El Tour de Tucson have named him the 2024 Dedication Recipient for this year’s ride on Nov. 23.

“I’m honored,” said Click, one of Tucson’s most-visible people in as much as he does so much for the community.  “El Tour has been able to raise so much money for local and national charities and has done a great job of giving back. El Tour has taken it to a whole other level. It’s been very successful.”

Last year, more than 9,000 cyclists rode in El Tour and helped raise nearly $6 million, bringing its overall money raised to nearly $121 million in 40 years.

That too impressed Mr. Click, given his generosity when it comes to philanthropy throughout the city and beyond. Mr. Click has been a been advocate for adaptive sports athletes through the years, including the University of Arizona’s Adaptive Athletics program as well as the Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports program (an El Tour nonprofit) behind Mia Hansen.

“They have done a wonderful job, bringing the adaptive cycling team on board. They are amazing,” he said. “Mia has done a fantastic job with it.”

He praised Tucson for becoming one of the go-to destinations for professional cyclists where they come and train.

“It’s helped tremendously with the economic impact,” he said.

He added: “What the race has done for the community and the millions of dollars it’s raised is phenomenal. I’m glad to be a small part of it.”

Actually, a big part of it, especially when it comes to El Tour’s Bikes for Change Program, one that has given more than 3,500 bicycles to under-served children throughout southern Arizona and beyond. It’s a catalyst for helping the Boys & Girls Club of Tucson, one of the organizations near and dear to him.

“It was an easy selection to name Jim our Dedication Recipient,” said TJ Juskiewicz, El Tour’s Executive Director. “He’s done so much for cycling and youth programs through the years and continues to do so through various programs.”

A former athlete/runner, Mr. Click turned to cycling a number of years ago after feeling it was less wear and tear on the body, joining longtime friends to stay fit.

“We went across the street to one of the bicycle shops and we all bought road bikes – and that’s how it all started,” he said. “It was part of exercising and a great part of my life. It helped me because I was able to stay in pretty good shape.”

He rode in El Tour a few times earlier in his cycling career, and now cycles on his indoor bike and off road when on his ranch.

“It’s exhilarating and a great way to stay in shape,” he said.

Throughout his career, he and his family have taken numerous bike trips throughout the world.

“Biking became part of the Click family,” he said.

And the Click family has been a big part of the community for so many years.

“I’m a grateful man here in Tucson,” he said. “Vicki (his wife) and I moved here 53 years ago. This community welcomed us with open arms. I love Tucson because of the support that our businesses have received from this community. It’s an honor for us to give back.”