Perimeter Bicycling & El Tour de Tucson preparing for 4th El Tour de Zona March 20-23 

Hundreds of cyclists will once again enjoy the cool climate of Cochise County March 20-23, beginning in Sierra Vista.

Perimeter Bicycling and El Tour are back in what will be ideal conditions for the event, with the weather projected to be low-to-mid 70s.

Like previous years, it’ll all be about cycling, fun, music and relaxing in the cool climes of Sierra Vista and Cochise County. Nearly 500 cyclists are expected to participate in the three-day event, which will take cyclists in and around Sierra Vista (Day 1), Bisbee (Day 2) and Tombstone (Day 3).

Maps can be located here: Routeshttps://www.eltourdezona.org/Race/ElTourdeZona/Page-2

“El Tour de Zona is now in its fourth year, and it is unlike any other Perimeter Bicycling event, given it’s a multi-day cycling festival,” said TJ Juskiewicz, El Tour’s executive director. “Cyclists have enjoyed this laid-back style of riding. There is no rush for time. It’s about being with like-minded cyclists who enjoy the camaraderie, the weather and the sights.”

It all begins on Thursday, March 20 at Veterans Memorial Park for Zona in the Park, where a free festival takes place with food, beer, wine, and beverages for purchase.

The public is invited to attend activities in the park.

“We’re thrilled to welcome El Tour de Zona back to our bike-friendly community,” Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa says. “We hope cyclists enjoy our temperate climate and striking landscapes as they explore our city and the historic communities of Bisbee and Tombstone.”

The first of three rides is in and around Sierra Vista for a nearly 30-mile ride that highlights the community.

Day 2 cyclists ride to historic Bisbee, where they can visit shops and eat a great meal before returning to Sierra Vista. It’s a 65-mile ride. There will be scheduled event at Legion’s American Bar & Grill during the ride

Day 3 is to Tombstone, the town too tough to die. It’s a 36-mile ride where cyclists can visit the popular small town for gunfight reenactments and fun shopping.

Cyclists come from all over the country with more than 30 percent from out of state. More than 100 RVs are expected to park in Veteran’s Memorial Park with many cyclists staying at local hotels.

For cyclists or participants, RV, camping spaces and showers will be provided at the park. Riders will also have full access to The Cove, the Sierra Vista Aquatic Center located at the park. The center has a pool and other amenities available to participants.

“The annual El Tour de Zona event has a large positive economic impact to our hospitality industry,” City of Sierra Vista Tourism & Economic Development Director Tony Boone said. “We look forward to continuing to host this event and introduce people from across the United States to our extraordinary county.”

El Tour de Zona Festival on Friday and Saturday night will feature live musical acts, food trucks and beer selections by Dragoon Brewing Company. The festival takes place from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The festival’s title sponsor is TMC Health through Benson Hospital, a crucial and needed part of Southern Arizona and its residents.

“TMC Health is committed to caring for our community,” said Julia Strange, TMC Health Vice President of External Affairs and Brand. “Not only in the four walls of our hospitals, but in fun and engaging events and activities. El Tour de Zona is not only unique to southern Arizona, but an excellent partner to promote health and wellness in our region.”