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.