Tag Archives: outdoor sports photography

Tour De Scottsdale

Community Bike Events, Cycling, El Tour, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pedals, Pavement, and Pure Desert Magic: Tour de Scottsdale 2025

Check out all the photos at https://thetucsonphotographer.smugmug.com/Sports/Cycling/Large-Group-Rides-Not-races/Tour-De-Scottsdale

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.

Vail Scramble

Running, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Running Wild in the Desert: The Vail Scramble Experience

For all images check out

https://thetucsonphotographer.smugmug.com/Sports/Running/Trail-Runs/Vail-Scramble/Vail-Scramble-2025

There’s something unforgettable about running through the quiet, rugged beauty of the Arizona desert—especially when it’s part of an event like the Vail Scramble. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a half-marathon weekend warrior, or taking on the challenge of the 10K, the Vail Scramble is more than just a race. It’s a true test of endurance, grit, and connection with nature.

Held in the striking landscapes surrounding Vail, Arizona, the course follows the Arizona Trail and offers a blend of sweeping views, rocky trails, and moments of pure stillness interrupted only by the sound of shoes on dirt and wind through mesquite trees and the Sonoran desert. Each distance is uniquely demanding—rolling elevation, unpredictable terrain, and that dry desert heat all add up to a race that leaves a mark on both body and soul.

But it’s not just about the run. It’s about the early morning light breaking over the mountains. It’s about that shared nod between runners on a tough climb. It’s about finishing dusty, tired, and proud.

Through my lens, I tried to capture those moments—the breathless push up a ridge, the determination in a runner’s eyes, the glow of the sun on the horizon as it sets the desert on fire. These photos are a tribute to every runner who showed up, dug deep, and kept moving forward.

Whether you’re here to relive the run or to catch a glimpse of what makes the Vail Scramble so special, I hope these images take you back to that wild and beautiful course—and maybe even inspire your next adventure.