Every November over 9,000 cyclists from around the world arrive in Tucson to compete (or simply just complete) one of four El Tour de Tucson races. Each race is divided by mileage: 35, 67, 80, and 109. Click here for map.
We, the DesertFamily, have stood on the sidelines cheering for the cyclists over the years and I just love the excitement of watching the athletes take on the challenging quest.
But this year is different because DesertDaddy has registered to ride the full 109 miles. The training has been intense and at times grueling, but he is very focused and we are all anxious to cheer for him on November 22.
The race is only days before Thanksgiving, and if you are going to be one of the 30,000 El Tour de Tucson spectators here are few tips to help you get through the day:
1. Wear layers. The mornings this time of year start out cool, even cold, but as the sun rises the day will warm up, which brings me to…
2. Sunscreen and shade. The desert sun is intense which means only minutes in the sun can scorch your skin. Remember to reapply the sunscreen often, bring an umbrella and wear a hat.
3. Water. Water and food stations are set up all along the route – but they’re not for spectators. Pack an ice chest of snacks, sandwiches and water – lots of water.
4. Know the course. Some streets are closed to thru traffic, so know the course before venturing out and make sure the spot you plan to camp out at is available to spectators, especially if you have “refills” for your riders – like their preferred brand of electrolytes.
5. Never enter the course. It is very unsafe to run into the course for any reason. Be sure to keep the little ones at bay so they don’t get the urge to run into the road with those flying bikes.
6. Know what your athlete is wearing. Part of the entertainment of watching the tour is viewing some of the fun outfits and decorated bikes. I’ve seen cyclists wearing capes, chicken heads and clown costumes. However, if the person your cheering for isn’t dressed like Big Bird have an idea what time he or she will reach your spot and be sure to know what colors her or she is wearing.
7. Cheer for everyone. Not everyone riding has a support team so be sure to cheer the riders on by clapping, yelling, whistling or use noise makers. The fans’ support is what keeps the riders going.
8. Bring signs. Waving signs is a fun way to show support and can give your arms a break from clapping. Just make sure you have a special sign cheering for “your” cyclist.
9. Plan the finish. The finish line area is absolutely nuts as the race ends so have a meeting place planned out. You might want to bring some Action Wipes for your athlete to refreshingly cool off (my husband loves these after a ride for his sweaty bald helmet head and neck).
10. The day after – give your cyclist a break. 109 miles – enough said.
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DesertMama, your tips for spectators of El Tour are right on. While you’re cheering DesertDaddy, be on the lookout for the Jr. El Tour riders who will be wearing turquoise shirts from Canyon Ranch. This group of under-active, out-of-shape middle schoolers started training for the race in September (some of them have never ridden a bike until now). They’re all hoping to finish the 35-mile portion of El Tour. My article about them appears in the November issue of Oro Valley/Marana Magazine.
Go DesertDaddy! 109 miles is a long way to ride. You better be cooking him lots of quality carb meals, DesertMama.
Always love your postings, DesertMama. I’ll be in CT, not Tucson, the day of the race (and hence won’t be needing any sunscreen); but your comment about colorful costumes and decorated bikes brought back a vivid memory of being 5 or 6 years old and weaving red, white & blue crepe paper through the spokes of my Raleigh in preparation for my town’s Memorial Day parade.
Best of luck, by the way, to DesertDaddy!
Wow. 109 miles is faaaaar! Best of luck to DesertDad! Will be thinking of the whole family that day.
I’m impressed! Tell DesertDad good luck and I want to know how it all turned out!
Very nice tips for travelling.Thanks to nice read!
I think this race will be difficult for all athletes but it is not too difficult as other people expecting.
I think you are lucky you are watching such type of events.
In current situation the race is difficult but not so much as people thinking.
The race is difficult but no much as people thinking.
The race is difficult now.
Good luck to DesertDad. We’ll be cheering for him from down here in Louisiana.
I’m on vacation right now so couldn’t resist dropping by. I’m gonna be a regular.
Carolyn
http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com
Wow! I gotta say that is one of those great travel blogs I've read and commented. Thanks for the tips you've shared. =)
Good tips. And thanks to all of the spectators who do cheer on riders they don’t know–it is great. I came out from L.A. for the 2nd year now with no support team. It’s nice to hear people encouraging me on.