Perimeter Bicycling & El Tour de Tucson preparing for 5th El Tour de Zona, April 9-12

Hundreds of cyclists from all over Arizona and beyond will once again enjoy the cool climate of Cochise County April 9-12, beginning in Sierra Vista.

This is the fifth consecutive year of the event, which has seen nearly 2,000 cyclist ad campers take part of the event over the last four years.

Temperatures during the day are expected to be in the mid-70s to lower 80s throughout the three-day event. Nights will be very comfortable.

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: El Tour de Zona: Routes

“El Tour de Zona is now celebrating our 5th 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.”

Zona helps support VeloVets of Sierra Vista, one of the rides beneficiaries.

This year is dedicated to the late, great Stu Carter, a former president of VeloVets of Sierra Vista and who was instrumental in helping create and run El Tour de Zona. Carter passed away in November. The Southern Arizona cycling community misses Stu. Dedicating this year’s ride to him was an easy decision.

“It’s great, wonderful they are doing this,” said Stu’s wife, Anne. “He loved the cycling community and the ride. He’d be very happy (for the dedication). Humbled but very happy.”

Stu loved the event – leading the pack in so many ways when hundreds of cyclists made their way to Sierra Vista for the three-day event. He loved cycling and he loved his veterans. He founded VeloVets of Sierra Vista.

Said Juskiewicz: “Stu lived and breathed cycling.  I met him about 20 years ago when he was coordinating the Air Force Cycling Team at RAGBRAI in Iowa and have been friends since.  He helped bring El Tour de Zona to his hometown and worked passionately to make it successful.  We will all miss our friend Stu.”

It all begins on Thursday, April 9 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.

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 a bike corral at Legion’s American Bar & Grill.

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.

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 ride is very important, and we consider ourselves an integral part of Tour de Zona,” said Ken Kingsley, Vice President of VeloVets of Sierra Vista. “It’s a major event in Sierra Vista, Bisbee and Tombstone. Every cyclist in the community knows about it. Participation is huge. People look forward to it. From a tourism perspective, its big. And it’s a fun thing. There is something for everyone.”