About El Tour, America

El Tour, America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together through cycling, community, charity, health and wellness.

The organization grew out of the original El Tour de Tucson, first held in 1983 with fewer than 200 riders. What began as a single ride around Tucson has grown into a major cycling organization and one of the country’s most successful charitable cycling platforms.

At the heart of El Tour, America is a simple idea: the bicycle can be a vehicle for positive change. Its events welcome cyclists of different ages and abilities, from first-time participants and recreational riders to experienced endurance cyclists. Just as importantly, the events provide nonprofit organizations with a powerful platform to raise money, build awareness and connect with their communities.

Over its history, El Tour and its nonprofit partners have helped raise more than $138 million for charitable causes.

El Tour, America Events

Tour de Palm Springs | February

Tour de Palm Springs brings thousands of cyclists together in California’s Coachella Valley each February. With multiple distances and routes for riders of varying abilities, the event combines cycling, community, charitable giving and the spectacular desert landscape surrounding Palm Springs.

El Tour de Zona | March

El Tour de Zona is a multi-day cycling experience held each March that combines riding with Arizona communities, scenery and the social side of cycling. Rather than a traditional one-day event, riders spend several days exploring southeastern Arizona by bicycle while enjoying entertainment and community activities along the way.

Pima County El Tour Loop de Loop | September

El Tour Loop de Loop is a free community cycling event held each September on the Chuck Huckelberry Loop in Pima County. Riders travel between stations, meet El Tour nonprofit partners and sponsors, and experience one of Southern Arizona’s greatest cycling resources.

Tour de Scottsdale | October

Tour de Scottsdale is held each October and brings the El Tour experience to the Scottsdale area, with routes through some of the Sonoran Desert’s most spectacular scenery. The event combines challenging and recreational cycling with community involvement and support for charitable causes.

El Tour de Tucson | November

First held in 1983, El Tour de Tucson is the organization’s flagship event and one of the largest cycling events in the United States. Held each November, it attracts thousands of cyclists from across the country and around the world.

Multiple distances allow riders of different abilities to participate, while the surrounding Expo, Fiesta, family activities and charitable fundraising turn El Tour into a community-wide celebration of cycling.

More Than a Bike Ride

The impact of El Tour, America extends well beyond its organized events. Nonprofit partners use El Tour events to raise money and awareness for causes ranging from youth programs and healthcare to animal welfare, veterans, education and community services.

Through El Tour Bikes for Change, the organization and its community partners also put bicycles directly into the hands of underserved youth. Since 2021, thousands of new bicycles, along with helmets, locks and lights, have been distributed to young people.

Whether someone is riding 100 miles, completing their first organized ride, raising money for a cause, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines or receiving their first bicycle, El Tour, America uses cycling to accomplish something bigger:

Healthier people. Stronger communities. Meaningful charitable impact. And more people experiencing the joy and freedom of riding a bicycle.