Tag Archives: Cycling

Mt. Graham- State Hill Climb Championships

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The Mt. Graham Hill Climb is one of Arizona’s classic tests on two wheels and the Arizona State Hill Climb Championship. Starting outside Safford, the race heads straight up the Swift Trail into the Pinaleño Mountains, trading Sonoran Desert for pine forest and cool mountain air as the road climbs higher and higher.

And when we say climb, we mean climb. The full course is roughly 20 miles with about 5,700 feet of elevation gain, making Mt. Graham one of the biggest sustained road climbs in Arizona. Shorter 10-mile categories are offered for some age and masters divisions.

This isn’t a ride where you’re wondering when the next hill starts. The hill is the ride. Pace yourself, settle into a rhythm, enjoy the changing landscape and try to remember to look around occasionally as you climb thousands of feet above the desert floor.

For racers, there are Arizona State Championship titles on the line. For everyone else, there is the satisfaction of reaching the top of one of the most formidable paved climbs in the Southwest.

20 miles. 5,700 feet of climbing. One very large mountain.

September 20, 2026 | Safford, Arizona
47th Annual Mt. Graham Hill Climb

El Tour De Zona

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El Tour de Zona

April 22–25, 2027 | Sierra Vista, Bisbee & Tombstone, Arizona

If El Tour de Tucson is the big ride, El Tour de Zona is the cycling vacation.

Three days of riding. Three Southern Arizona destinations. Live music, food, beer and wine gardens, camping and plenty of time to sit around afterward talking about the day’s ride.

And perhaps best of all, nobody is in much of a hurry.

El Tour de Zona isn’t about a finishing time or chasing a podium. It’s a fully supported, multi-day cycling tour designed around something that sometimes gets lost when we start putting numbers on bicycles:

Riding a bike is supposed to be fun.

Three Days, Three Very Different Rides

Veterans Memorial Park in Sierra Vista becomes home base for the weekend. Set up your tent or RV, stay at a nearby hotel and then head out each morning for a different Southern Arizona adventure.

The first day’s ride stays closer to Sierra Vista with a beautiful trip toward Ramsey Canyon, historically around 27 miles. It’s a great opening day and leaves plenty of time and energy for the festivities back at camp.

Day two is the big one: approximately 63 miles from Sierra Vista to Bisbee and back. There is some real climbing involved, but the reward is riding into one of Arizona’s most colorful and wonderfully eccentric little towns.

Then on Sunday, point the bike toward the Old West for roughly 36 miles from Sierra Vista to Tombstone and back.

Yes, you really do get to ride your bicycle to The Town Too Tough to Die.

Three rides. Three completely different experiences. And you unpack your suitcase only once.

The Riding Is Only Half the Fun

This is where Zona really separates itself from a traditional cycling event.

When you get back to Sierra Vista, the day isn’t over.

Veterans Memorial Park turns into Zona Town, with live music, food trucks, local craft beer and wine, entertainment and riders hanging out together after a day on the road.

Camp right there and your bike ride basically ends at the party.

There are also showers and swimming available at The Cove, which becomes considerably more appealing after spending several hours riding through Cochise County.

It feels less like returning to the finish line and more like coming back to summer camp for cyclists.

Bring the Family

Zona is also particularly accommodating for families and non-riders.

You don’t have to ride every mile, or even ride at all, to enjoy the weekend. There are youth and non-rider registrations, and riders can historically register for individual days rather than committing to the entire tour.

That makes Zona a great introduction to a multi-day cycling event. One person can ride long, another can choose a shorter day, and someone else can skip the bike entirely and meet everyone afterward.

The point isn’t proving how tough you are.

The point is spending a few days outside, riding bikes and enjoying Southern Arizona with people you like.

Discover Cochise County From a Bicycle

There is also something special about experiencing this part of Arizona at bicycle speed.

The mountains surrounding Sierra Vista, the climb toward Bisbee, the streets and architecture of Bisbee itself, and the history of Tombstone all become part of the ride rather than simply places you pass through in a car.

And unlike Tucson’s Sonoran Desert landscape, southeastern Arizona has its own personality, with higher elevations, grasslands, mountain ranges and enormous views.

You aren’t riding through one destination.

The ride connects the destinations.

A Cycling Vacation on Wheels

That’s probably the best way to describe El Tour de Zona.

Wake up. Have breakfast. Get on your bike.

Ride somewhere interesting.

Come back. Take a shower. Find some food and a cold beverage. Listen to live music. Tell increasingly exaggerated stories about what happened on the ride.

Go to sleep.

Then wake up and do it again.

There are harder rides. There are faster races. There are events with bigger crowds.

But there aren’t many cycling events where having fun is quite this clearly the point.

Three days. Three destinations. One bicycle. And absolutely no reason to hurry.

Tour De Palm Springs

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The 29th Tour de Palm Springs in Coachella Valley is one of the largest and most festive cycling charity events of its kind in America. Every year, we entertain up to 8,000 cyclists from 46 different states and 4 countries. Since 1998, and with the help of 1,500 volunteers, the Tour de Palm Springs has raised nearly $5,000,000 for over 150 local nonprofit organizations.

The first 7,000 registrants will be entered into a drawing for a FREE weekend stay at the Palm Springs Hilton. Each cyclists and walker will receive a Tour de Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley finishers medal. E-Bikes are welcome. Rentals and repairs available at Bike Wheel Tours and Tri a Bike.

Each cyclists and walker will receive a Tour de Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley finishers medal.

E-Bikes are welcome
Rentals and repairs available at Bike Wheel Tours and Tri a Bike.

El Tour De Tucson

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Charity · Community · Health & Wellness

El Tour de Tucson is now preparing to host the 41st year for what we think is one of the premier bicycling events in the country.  We hope you participate in this year’s event on November 21, 2026.  You won’t be alone given that annually over 10,000 cyclists participate in the renowned and popular event.

Charity, community, health and wellness are what Perimeter Bicycling and El Tour are all about. They all go hand-in-hand when it comes to building awareness for a bike ride that has been part of the Tucson community for nearly four decades.

Did you know that El Tour de Tucson enables nonprofit, charitable agencies to raise funds for their respective organizations?  Learn about their programs and sign up to ride on their teams here.  Since 1983, Perimeter Bicycling events have raised over $115 million for local and international charitable organizations.

Willcox Flyer Bike Ride

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14th Annual Willcox Flyer Bike Ride

Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Willcox, Arizona
Ride Start: 7:00 AM | 8, 33 & 66 Mile Routes

Come ride the wide-open roads and high-desert landscape of southeastern Arizona at the 14th Annual Willcox Flyer Bike Ride.

Starting in downtown Willcox, the Flyer is a fun, welcoming community ride with distances for everyone from families and casual cyclists to riders looking for a longer challenge. Choose from 8, 33 or 66 miles, with staggered starts beginning at 7:00 AM.

This isn’t a timed race. Ride fast, ride easy, bring some friends and enjoy a morning on the bike. Of course, that doesn’t stop some of the faster riders from pretending they aren’t racing!

The Willcox Flyer is also a ride with a purpose. Every dollar raised benefits Small Town, Big Dreams, a local 501(c)(3) working toward an ambitious goal: making post-secondary education accessible to every student graduating from Willcox High School. The organization currently provides scholarships to 23 students, many of whom are the first generation in their families to pursue education beyond high school.

Ride Day

The 66-mile riders depart at 7:00 AM, followed a few minutes later by the 33-mile group and then the 8-mile riders. The short ride has traditionally been led by hometown Olympian and Willcox favorite Mike Allen, now 90 years old.

The routes are on roads that remain open to traffic. Police escorts are provided, traffic is generally light, and riders should follow all rules of the road. Riders should also use caution at aid stations, turnarounds and railroad crossings.

Fully stocked aid stations along the routes provide hydration, fruit, snacks and plenty of fuel to keep riders going. SAG support and bicycle mechanics are also available to help with mechanical problems or riders who need assistance getting back.

At the finish, stick around for cold drinks, chocolate milk, watermelon, snacks and some well-earned post-ride relaxation.

Packet Pickup & Registration

Friday | 4:00–7:00 PM
Keeling Schaefer Vineyard Tasting Room
154 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox

Saturday | 6:00–6:45 AM
Railroad Avenue Park
100 S. Railroad Ave., Willcox

Digital check-in is available using your QR code or name. Don’t forget to pick up your Willcox Flyer T-shirt and water bottle.

Parking

Street parking is available throughout the area, along with a large dirt lot east of Railroad Avenue Park. Please pay attention to restricted areas and avoid blocking business gates or driveways.

Rider Support

SAG wagons will be on the course throughout the ride for anyone who needs assistance. Sabino Cycles and Specialized will also provide mechanical support.

Ride for Something Bigger

The Willcox Flyer is possible because of its riders, volunteers, sponsors and the Willcox community.

Come for the ride. Enjoy southeastern Arizona. Experience a great small-town cycling event. And know that your registration is helping a local student pursue a bigger dream.

Every rider matters. Every mile helps. And at the Willcox Flyer, everyone is a winner.

El Tour De Tucson

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Charity · Community · Health & Wellness

El Tour de Tucson is now preparing to host the 41st year for what we think is one of the premier bicycling events in the country.  We hope you participate in this year’s event on November 22, 2025.  You won’t be alone given that annually over 9,000 cyclists participate in the renowned and popular event.

Charity, community, health and wellness are what Perimeter Bicycling and El Tour are all about. They all go hand-in-hand when it comes to building awareness for a bike ride that has been part of the Tucson community for nearly four decades.

Did you know that El Tour de Tucson enables nonprofit, charitable agencies to raise funds for their respective organizations?  Learn about their programs and sign up to ride on their teams here.  Since 1983, Perimeter Bicycling events have raised over $115 million for local and international charitable organizations.

Ride the Arizona Divide

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CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAP

For those interested a group of individuals will be riding the 450 mile Ride the Arizona Divide route starting September 23rd. Why 9/23? It’s  simply the best time of the year to ride the White Mountains and Northeast Arizona! The are no entry fees or registration. The route uses public roads, anyone can join in. This is not an organized or sanctioned event in any way. Each rider is responsible for their navigation and well being. We will be following the current route posted on this page.  For those that want to start at the same time meet at Tall Timbers Park in the community of Heber AZ at 6:00AM on September 23rd. Do not leave your vehicle at the park.

If you own a tracking device (e.g., SPOT, Garmin InReach) and would like friends and relatives to view your progress or have a record of your ride you can register your device with the Trackleaders service. More info can be found on their website: http://trackleaders.com/ They are not affiliated with us, AZ Gravel Rides or Ride Across Arizona.

All updates for the route will be posted here and here only! No emails, texts, FB messages or Instagram messages. If you have anything you would like to share (water sources, camp spots, etc.) please forward them on to us and we’ll get them shared here.

We view RAD as a long, hard unofficial ultra endurance cycling challenge that tests our perseverance, self sufficiency and competence. It’s also a fantastic workout! The idea behind the Grand Depart type of start is to be able to have a like minded group of individuals on the route at the same time to boost camaraderie and safety. However, be advised, this is not a “group” ride. You will be on your own most of the time but might be lucky enough to encounter another rider here and there. It’s that simple. Ride as far as you can as fast as you can and above all try to remain positive and have fun.

Universally Accepted Rider Etiquette:

General:
– Complete the entire route under your own power.
– LEAVE NO TRACE.  If you carry it in, carry it out.  The goal is to keep the area we are rolling through better than we found it.
– Follow all traffic laws. You must use lights when riding at night on any public road.
– Unless you can actually see another rider coming behind you, always close a gate you open
– No trespassing. Please respect private property.

Popular ways to ride the RAD course and accepted definitions from other similar rides:

Self-supported Bikepacking (example: Tour Divide)

Solo Riders: 
– No support crews or caches of any kind.
– No motorized transport along the route.
– Unplanned support from a fellow rider is allowed.
– Gas stations, restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and any other commercial services along the route are fair game as long as they are not pre-arranged.
– If your bike breaks and you wish to continue the ride, you must hike, walk or crawl to the next town to get it repaired. Once fixed, you must return, under your own power, to the exact spot you left the route. This is a completely self-powered ride. If you get in a  motorized vehicle, your ride is over (you may switch to the supported category**).
– You may ride with other people, but drafting is not allowed.

Duo Riders (same as above except):
– You and your partner may share resources.
– You and your partner should stay together for the duration of the ride.
– Drafting off your partner is allowed.

Supported (example: RAAM)

Solo Riders:
– Support vehicles allowed to follow along and provide assistance (high clearance vehicle required, 4wd highly recommended).*
– Any number of bicycles or replacement parts may be used during the ride.
– If a rider makes a wrong turn and rides off the event route, regardless of the reason, the rider must return (either riding or support vehicle) to the exact spot where the course deviation was made, then continue riding.
– No hand offs or mechanical support from a moving vehicle.

Relay Team (same rules for supported riders as above except):
– Riders share and exchange a single tracking device.
– Riders determine when to exchange.
– Both riders can ride at the same time sharing pulls and drafting, you decide what is best for your team.

El Tour De Zona

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ARIZONA’S MULTI-DAY CYCLING TOUR & FESTIVAL!

El Tour de Zona is a three-day, fully-supported bicycle tour during the day and a fun festival at night visiting the towns of Sierra Vista, Bisbee and Tombstone. The ZONA is all about having FUN! Enjoy three-days of destination loop bicycle rides mixed with post-ride festivals featuring live music, great food and a local craft beer gardens.

Come out for just a day or ride all three.

Choose Your Registration *

Thursday March 21, 2024 – Sunday March 24, 2024

Open to ages 17 and under.

$99.00 + $6.94 

Thursday March 21, 2024 – Sunday March 24, 2024

Open to ages 18+.

$219.00 + $14.14 

Friday March 22, 2024

$49.00 + $3.94  

Saturday March 23, 2024

$99.00 + $6.94 SignUp Fee 

Sunday March 24, 2024

$99.00 + $6.94 SignUp Fee 

Thursday March 21, 2024 – Sunday March 24, 2024

$179.00 + $11.74 SignUp Fee 

Thursday March 21, 2024 – Sunday March 24, 2024

$99.00 + $6.94 SignUp Fee 

Thursday March 21, 2024 – Sunday March 24, 2024

$49.00 + $3.94 SignUp Fee 

GABA – Wednesday Loop Ride-St. Phillips B/1/55

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Wednesday Loop Ride-St. Phillips B/1/55

Details

Ride Description:
This full Loop ride will be clockwise with at Decibel Coffee House at the 35-mile point. We will be treated to views of four different mountain ranges as well as the Tucson skyline along the way.

This ride will start near Ren Coffee House in St. Phillips Plaza.

As a GABA Training ride, stops will be about every ten miles for a few minutes. If you are further off the pace than that allows, you may navigate to the coffee shop or finish. This ride is about gaining some fitness, and of course spending time with new and old friends.

Notes:
Start Time: Arrive by 7:45 AM for sign-in, meeting others, and overview. Wheels rolling by 8:00 AM.
Final rolling average- 17+ mph. Rolling speeds may be higher.
Terrain: Relatively flat bike paths, and climbs on open roads.
Total Elevation Gain: 960 ft.
Traffic: Special attention is required along Ajo and Benson Highway
Ride Type: Training
Parking: Ample parking on the south side of St. Phillips Plaza.
Group size: 12 riders

Ride Coordinator: Dave McElwaine (781) 367-8643. If you are running late, give me a call.

Ride with GPS Route
Please be responsible for your own navigation.

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership should be current. If not, please consider joining at www.bikegaba.org. Bring food & fluids for 4 hours. Front and back flashing lights are encouraged on The Loop. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. This ride is unsupported. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.

Ride Codes:
• A 20+ mph
• B+ 18-20 mph
• B 16-18 mph

Terrain Codes:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.