Selfless Lopez named El Tour’s 40th Dedication Recipient

El Tour de Tucson has named Pat Lopez as its Dedication Recipient for its commemorative 40^th ride.

Lopez, El Tour’s former chairman of the board, retired from the position earlier this year.

“I am honored but I do think there could be other people who be more worthy,” said Lopez. “What it means is the people of El Tour have appreciated what I’ve done through the years. I’m thankful for that.”

For El Tour, the decision on Lopez being the dedication recipient was a ‘no brainer” in as much as he’s been an integral part of it lasting for 40 years and as it moves forward.

“I said this when he retired: he’s an others-first kind of guy,” said TJ Juskiewicz, El Tour’s executive director. “He’s a quiet leader who is also a cycling advocate. When Pat talks, you know he’s serious and passionate about what he says. Cycling is one of those passions. Who better than Pat Lopez for the 40^th El Tour?”

Lopez, an attorney by trade, has been a supporter of El Tour for years, riding in the event starting in 1990.

He’ll be back for another ride this weekend, riding in the 62-mile ride. He’s missed only two or three in the last 30 years.

What is his love for El Tour?

“It’s great that it gets people out riding,” he said. “Their health – physical and mental health is important to those who ride. And El Tour has a mission of helping so many great charities. And it’s great for the community.”

Oscar Lizardi, a partner with Lopez at their law firm, said he’s known Lopez for more than 23 years and said, yes, he’s a humble man, but one who cares. He called him a “confidant.”

“I know he appreciates the honor, but he doesn’t do what he does for the accolades,” Lizardi said. “He’s incredibly selfless. He wants to make a difference. He’s had various interests over the years, but his passion has been Perimeter Cycling. It’s important to him that he’s made a difference over the years.

“He’ll accept the honor with a tremendous amount of gratitude and a tremendous amount of humility.”