El Tour de Tucson 2009

Last weekend my wife and I went to Tucson to participate in the El Tour de Tucson. I had written in September about training and getting ready for the ride, and how I had forgotten how fun it is to ride. Well we did it, the 66 mile ride, and it was a blast. We have done the ride in the past, but it’s been a long time, and after this ride it was easy to see that it was way too long.

What hit me during the ride though was a simple thought. What a great country this is. I can’t think of anyplace else in the world where people voluntarily give up their time, money and effort to be a part of a huge fundraiser like this, and enjoy it in the process!

There were 8,200 registered riders this year, with the proceeds going to fifteen different groups. The tour was originated in 1983, and since it’s inception it has raised over $26 million for various charities. Now remember, this is just one ride, one weekend, in one state. It doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of American charitable work. Look at all of the breast cancer walks and runs, bike rides, marathons and half marathons, Iron man competitions, golf tournaments, softball games, for MS, Aids, Leukemia, ALS, local and national charities. I can’t even begin to guess what the number of participants and volunteers would be to cover this massive endeavor. Google American fundraising and take a look.

Our event, the 66 mile ride had a little over 1,200 riders in it. Lining up at the start we could see the Catalina Mountains in front of us, and it was a beautiful, warm morning. As start time approached they hoisted a basket on a crane above the balloon arch which was the official starting point. Various safety announcements and housekeeping items were being announced, with little attention being paid by the crowd.

Next, the National Anthem was being sung. You could see the wave of silence move through the riders as we all heard it, and within the first few lines of the song there was total silence in the entire crowd. And we were off.

Five hours and 66 miles of hills, up and down, smooth roads, roads made entirely out of patchwork, wind in your face and at your back, Riders from their early teens to their ‘80’s. Bikes of all types, mountain bikes, tandems, folding bikes, old and new bikes.Riders of every shape, size and description. People along the route cheering us all on with signs, claps, bells and whistles. Aid stations with volunteers to hold your bike, give you food, water, a smile and an encouraging word. Thanks from everyone along the route. Police and fireman along the entire route directed traffic and kept us safe. There was also the bike patrol along on the ride, to help out with any type of mechanical difficulty.

Reaching the end of the ride they funnel you along a street lined with barricades, and hundreds of people, again all clapping and cheering, making us feel like champions. You cross the finish line to more pats on the back and handshakes. Go collect your medal for taking part in the ride, and realize that you were just a small part of something great. Getting out of yourself by giving to others. What a way to spend a day!