Southern California - El Tour de Tucson - Roll Call

Well this Saturday 11/17 is the 25th annual El Tour de Tucson. This year we get to ride with about 11,000 other cyclists. I think about 7,000 are intending on doing the 109 mile route, and the other 4,000 shorter routes.

It's a great ride, 2 dry river crossings that you walk across, controlled intersections (no stopping), lots of pace lines, are for those of you looking for food (M.E.), SAG stops about every 10 miles. The one at the fire station even has fireman making pancakes. As of right now it appears the weather will be in low 50's at the start, into the low 80's.

I know the following BFr's are doing the ride:

scvroadie
nygirl777 & her Nevada Gang
PlanetU

Anyone else?

Soooo on the fence. I've got a couch to crash on, I just have to decide to do it.

I'm in, and goin for platinum status.

Take lots of pics for us... I'm anxious to see what that madness looks like.

I agree, take lots of pics, people and I want to see reports!!!!!! :D

Have fun everyone!
And Lee I know you won't have any problems making your goal time!!

K

Hey, Lee...you aiming for Platinum status for next year's event?

Hey guys look for my friend Curtis. You usually can't miss him - he's 6'7" so kindof stands out in a crowd. Not certain if he is doing the century - he might be opting for the 70. If you see a tall goofy (don't tell him I said that!) looking guy - say "Pam told me to say hi!"

This was my first century ride way back when (when there were about 8500 people). I couldn't believe all the people who do the ride. The "river" crossings were... interesting. The first one really mucked up my speedplay cleats and I couldn't get into my pedal for the next 80 miles. Don't forget your "cafe" covers!!! I met lots of nice people, lots of people doing their first centuries. Well worth the trip to Tucson.

If you're on the fence about going then I say definitely go. It's a great ride. Where else can you ride 109 miles without stopping?
I went the last two years but won't be able to go this year. I'll miss it. Then again I won't miss the freezing cold in the morning, the 50kmh start, nor the nearly 5 hours of pain and suffering. ;-)

No pics, no time to take pics. I'm going for a personal best. My goal is 5 hrs, total time for 109 miles. Lots of pace lines. I am riding with a group of 8-10 riders from all over the country, a couple RAAM teammates from California, couple of guys from Canada, two from Colorado. I can't remember where the others are from.

Since I won't have access to a computer until after Thanksgiving, you will have to wait a while for a ride report.

Take lots of pics for us... I'm anxious to see what that madness looks like.

We'll take pics for sure! We're riding tandem and intend to tootle along like tourists, just to experience the crazy event. We're planning on starting late-ish, behind the massive throngs of riders, and take it all in just for the sake of enjoying a nice day out on the bike with 10,000 or so of our closest friends!
;-)

Deb