There’s something electric in the air when the sun rises over the McDowell Mountains and hundreds of cyclists clip in and roll out—hearts pounding, wheels humming, chasing the horizon. Tour de Scottsdale isn’t just a race. It’s a celebration of the ride, the road, and the stunning Arizona landscape that never fails to take your breath away.
This year’s event delivered everything we’ve come to love: perfect desert weather9as long as you were in the lead group and finished before it hit triple digits- makes me think there may be something to this thing they call climate change), smooth winding roads, and a passionate community of riders from all walks of life. From seasoned pros hammering out watts to weekend warriors grinding through every climb, the energy was undeniable.
The course itself is a journey—through saguaro-studded terrain, golf courses and manicured entries to communities, past sweeping desert vistas, and into the heart of Scottsdale’s cycling scene. Every twist and turn reveals something new: a sunlit ridge, a cheering spectator, the quiet camaraderie of a paceline pushing together toward the finish.
Behind the lens, I focused on the moments in between. The laughter before the start. The fierce determination on the climbs. The quiet focus before the descent. And of course, the post-race joy—sweaty, dusty, and beaming with pride.
These photos are more than just snapshots of a ride—they’re a reflection of the community, effort, and spirit that define the Tour de Scottsdale. Whether you rode, cheered, volunteered, or are just discovering the event, I hope this gallery transports you to the road, the rhythm, and the ride.
Here’s to the miles behind us, and the many more ahead.
If you are looking for photos from the 2025 El Tour De Zona, the link is below. Past years’ images are also available in the gallery. I’m working on a word press glitch and you might need to copy and paste the link;-(
This year, my El Tour de Zona experience started a little differently—I missed the first day while waiting for my new camera, the Nikon Z6III, to arrive. It’s my first mirrorless setup, and I made the switch to ease the strain my old rig was putting on my neck and back during rides. There’s always a learning curve with new gear, but I was thrilled with how well the images turned out for my first event with it.
Even though I missed Thursday’s ride, I still got plenty of miles in over the weekend. On Friday, I joined the PeopleForBikes Leadership Conference group for a ride up Mt. Lemmon, one of the most iconic climbs in Arizona. Instead of staying overnight in Sierra Vista, I decided to sleep in my own bed back in Tucson. One of the best things about El Tour de Zona is its flexibility—if you live in Tucson and just want to join for a day, it’s only about a 90-minute drive.
Saturday: A Fast Ride to Bisbee
Saturday’s ride was a little different this year, with the route reversed to go clockwise from Sierra Vista to Bisbee. While the 3,200 feet of climbing over 67 miles might sound tough, my recent mileage made it feel pretty manageable.
The ride started fast. Normally, I drop from the lead group early to take photos, but the scenery near Sierra Vista isn’t as dramatic as it is further down the road. So, I made the call to suffer a bit on my gravel bike and hang in with the front group. It had been a while since I rode in a peloton, and it reminded me how much fun fast group riding can be. There’s an art to it—staying in position, responding to surges, holding your line—but the thrill never fades.
As always, the landscape was stunning. The geology of this region is fascinating—rolling grasslands transition into rugged mountains, with exposed rock formations that tell stories millions of years old. The botany shifts just as dramatically, from high-desert scrub near Sierra Vista to the oak woodlands and piñon-covered hills surrounding Bisbee. This constant change is one of the reasons I love riding here—you feel like you’re moving through different worlds in just a few miles.
Once in Bisbee, I took some time to explore and then grabbed lunch and a beer with the crew from Cirrus Visual Communications. They had absolutely crushed the ride into town, and on the way back, I happily sat in their draft. Every time I passed another rider, I’d have to sit up, get dropped, and sprint to catch back on—turning the ride into an even better workout.
At one point, I noticed a rider struggling against the wind and peeled off to give her a tow. A few miles later, I caught back up with the Cirrus crew at an aid station and rode with them—until I saw a small pond with ducks and couldn’t resist stopping for a photo. Water in the desert is rare, and moments like that make every ride unique.
The wind on the way back was unpredictable. At times, I was grinding away at 10-12 mph, working hard just to keep moving. Other times, I was barely pedaling and cruising at 25 mph. It was a ride full of effort, variety, and fun—a perfect reminder of why I love cycling.
Sunday: The Must-Do Ride to Tombstone
The Sunday ride to Tombstone is one of those must-do rides. And I’m not just saying that as a board member of El Tour in hopes that you’ll sign up—I truly believe this is a special day in the saddle.
What makes it so unique? The road from Sierra Vista to Tombstone is completely closed to traffic, creating a safe and peaceful riding environment. The route takes you through rolling high-desert terrain with mountains and hills on all sides, making for an unforgettable ride.
The day starts with a downhill stretch to the San Pedro River, then the rolling hills begin. Over 36 miles, the route gains about 1,600 feet of elevation, but thanks to the momentum from the descents, many of the climbs feel easier than they sound. And as you crest each hill, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Arizona’s high desert.
Tombstone is best known for the O.K. Corral, but its history runs much deeper. Originally a mining town, it has a rich past worth exploring beyond the famous gunfights. If you have time, it’s worth wandering beyond Main Street to take it all in. But even if you just stick to the center of town, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—shops, restaurants, and locals in Old West costumes add to the charm.
I ended up at the bar with Team Cirrus, and before I knew it, we were rolling out for the ride home. The return trip was fast—just about an hour, capping off an incredible weekend on two wheels.
