Perimeter Bicycling Announcement: Platinum times for Rides are changing

Perimeter Bicycling is making a change for Platinum cyclists, and what it takes to become one.

Because we changed the course three years ago, we have seen times become much faster in the three years with top finishers – mostly Platinum cyclists – coming in 15-20 minutes faster than in year’s past. Top finishers over the last two years have set records – some beyond our imagination.

We also applaud their accomplishments.

But, in order to keep the top 10 percent as “Platinum” the qualifying times for Tucson will be dropped to 4:30 (four hours, 30 minutes) for men and five hours for women.

The qualifying times for Tour de Scottsdale and the 100km El Tour de Tucson will not change.

Those who are currently in Platinum will be “grandfathered in” if they qualified in the past in under 5 hours of gun time.  That will be good for three years beginning this year. See link below.

The primary reason for decreasing the Platinum Qualifying Time is SAFETY.  The goal is to have qualifying times that reward approximately 10 percent of the riders with a Platinum designation.  It will ensure the more experienced and stronger cyclists will be starting in the Platinum corrals.

Note: it has been several years since the Platinum times have been changed.

Platinum has been associated with the elite-level cyclists that have excelled at the various events of Perimeter Bicycling.  The 102-mile El Tour de Tucson route is said to be the “fastest century in the land.”

The GCN group dubbed it the “largest and fastest century in America.”

The Platinum Committee had been tasked to make changes to make sure the ride continues to be safe.

Platinum cyclists are those in the 102 mile distance and starting in 2023 for the 63 mile distance with extensive experience in riding in a pack/peloton. Cyclists must meet specific criteria to earn platinum designation and must attend a special meeting.

Visit the Platinum Designation 2025 link for full details, including meeting times, how to get the pass required to enter the platinum corral on ride day, etc.

CURRENT PLATINUM RIDER LIST XLXS SPREADSHEET (as of January 27, 2025)  

CURRENT PLATINUM RIDER LIST PDF (as of January 27, 2025)