2024 El Tour de Zona Rider Manual

RIDERMANUAL MARCH21-24,2024

Dear Friends,

Thank you for registering for the Benson Hospital El Tour de Zona, Arizona’s Multi-Day Cycling Tour & Festival, beginning Thursday, March 21 through Sunday, March 24, 2024!

We are so excited to welcome the return of hundreds of cyclists from 35 different states throughout our country to enjoy what will surely be a staple on the bike calendar for years to come!

El Tour de Zona is a three-day, fully supported bicycle tour during the day and a fun festival at night visiting the towns of Sierra Vista, Bisbee and Tombstone. The ZONA is all about having FUN! Enjoy three days of destination loop bicycle rides mixed with post-ride festivals featuring live music, great food and a local craft beer garden by Dragoon Brewery.

Veterans Memorial Park in Sierra Vista will serve as your basecamp with day loop rides to great destinations like the free-spirited, picturesque town of Bisbee and the wild west of Tombstone, The Town Too Tough to Die!

This is a ride, not a race…. So slow down and enjoy all that the area has to offer. If you need anything during your visit, be sure to ask. We hope you enjoy and come back with friends to ride again!

Enjoy the Ride!

Executive Director

Dear El Tour De Zona Participants,

Welcome to the breathtaking landscapes of Cochise County, where adventure awaits around every bend! From the hidden wonders of Kartchner Caverns to the legendary tales of the OK Corral, our region is steeped in history, beauty, and excitement. As if that weren't enough, we boast the Lavender Pit Mine, exquisite vineyards, and renowned birding spots that draw enthusiasts from around the globe. And now, for the third year running, we proudly welcome you to the Tour de Zona!

Benson Hospital is honored to stand as a sponsor for El Tour de Zona once again. As a vital part of our rural health system, Benson Hospital and our network of clinics in Benson and Vail are committed to fostering community wellness. As a nonprofit critical access hospital under the umbrella of TMC Health, we strive to make health not just a priority, but an enjoyable journey shared among friends and neighbors.

Participating in El Tour de Zona is more than just a ride—it's a testament to your dedication to health, happiness, and adventure. Remember to stay safe, stay hydrated, and above all, savor every moment as you pedal through our spectacular landscapes and storied history.

From all of us at Benson Hospital and our affiliated clinics, we wish you an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, joy, and the thrill of the open road. Enjoy the ride!

Sincerely,

Gary Kartchner

Gary Kartchner CEO, Benson Hospital

ARRIVING IN SIERRA VISTA

Thursday – March 21, 2024 (Noon – 8 pm)

Visit Packet Pick-up BEFORE going to the Campgrounds!

Sierra Vista Sports Division Building - 3401 E Fry Blvd (adjacent to Veteran's Memorial Park – see map)

and from Friday morning on, you can pick up at Veteran's Memorial Park (3105 E Fry Blvd) at the El Tour Tent east of Bandshell

Friday – March 22, 2024 (8:00 am – 8:00 pm)

Saturday – March 23, 2024 (6:30 am – 8:00 am)

Sunday – March 24, 2024 (7:00 am – 9:00 am)

PACKET CONTENTS

 Numbered Rider Wristband (Neon Orange)

 Numbered Bike Band (Neon Green). You must put this on your bike to enter the bike corrals in Bisbee and Tombstone while you go enjoy town and not worry about your bike. They will match your wristband and bike band to retrieve your bike from the corral

 El Tour de Zona T-shirts (Extra shirts available for purchase, while they last)

 El Tour de Zona Sticker

 RV Pass IF PURCHASED. If you did not purchase one during registration, you can at Packet pick-up. If you are TENT CAMPING we will give your vehicle a TENT CAMPING PARKING permit.

 El Tour de Zona Jersey or Cycling Cap IF PURCHASED

 Rider Maps

 The Cove Aquatic Center Access (your wristband is your pass)

IF PURCHASED

(If you did not order a jersey, tank or cycling cap, some may be available for purchase, while they last)

El Tour de Zona Jersey, Cycling Tank or Cycling Cap

 Local restaurant maps & information

 Local Business maps & information

 Campground maps

 Swag items

 El Tour de Zona Merchandise for Sale

 El Tour de Tucson Merchandise for Sale

PACKET PICK-UP & VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK MAP

Upon arriving in Sierra Vista, your first stop will be Packet Pick-Up at the Sierra Vista Sports Division Building. After packet pick-up, you will be directed to the campgrounds (if you are RV or Tent Camping)

See arrival maps and directions to Sierra Vista Packet Pick-up and Campgrounds https://www.eltourdezona.org/Race/ElTourdeZona/Page-13

CAMPGROUND HOURS & INFORMATION

Veterans Memorial Park (3105 East Fry Blvd)

Opens: Thursday – March 21, 2024 (Noon)

Closes: Sunday – March 24, 2024 (5pm)

We are anticipating approximately 100 RVs to be parked in Veterans Memorial Park. All RVs will be directed to the appropriate parking locations that surround the park. These are spaces on pavement that your passenger side will allow room for bump outs or awnings in a non-traffic area. There is plenty of space for all RVs that reserved a parking pass. Once your RV is parked, we would expect it to remain in your parking space for the weekend.

If you would like to park RVs next to your friends, we suggest that you arrive together. We can’t save spaces along the perimeter park roads. There is a large, crushed gravel lot for RVs where you can park and save space for friends. These are on a firstcome-first-served basis.

If you are hauling a vehicle with your RV, you can keep it attached. If you detach the vehicle, you will not be able to park next to your RV as we need to keep lanes clear for emergency vehicles. There is a separate lot for additional vehicles that you would be able to come and go from the park.

AREA RV INFORMATION

Parts, Service & Accessories

D&J RV Center

4923 S. Hwy 92, Sierra Vista (520) 378-6945

RV City

20095 N Hwy 90, Huachuca City (520) 456-9292

Dump Locations

Valero

3999 E Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista (520) 458-0300

Circle K

2275 S Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista (520) 458-2722

City of Sierra Vista

RV Dump Station

Behind the Oscar Yrun Community Center (3020 E Tacoma)

Love's Travel Center #460

643 S Hwy 90, Benson AZ (520) 856-8702

 Dragoon Brewing Co.

 El Tour de Zona

 Primal

 Renewal by Andersen

 Julie & Sammy's 33 Flavors

 Gunny’s BBQ

 Sivonn's Asian Cuisine

 Sun & Spokes Cycling

 M&M Cycling

 & Others

Please

These vendors will be in Veterans Memorial Park

SHOWERS, LOCKER ROOMS, AND WAVE POOL

The Cove at Veterans Memorial Park (3105 East Fry Blvd)

All registered participants will receive FREE access to The Cove in Veterans Memorial Park! Your wristband is your access to the Cove. At a pleasant 80-85 degrees, Sierra Vista's indoor aquatic facility, The Cove, features a zero-depth beach style entry at one end, two enclosed tube slides, a warm water pool with jets, sunning decks, shallow water kids’ lagoon with a water slide, snack bar, diving pool, and eight 25-yard lap lanes for competitions or exercise. This 36,500-square-foot facility includes locker rooms for men, women, and families.

COVE HOURS:

Thursday, March 21 (5:30 am - 8:00 pm)

Friday, March 22 (5:30 am - 5:30 pm)

Saturday, March 23 (8:00 am - 5:30 pm) - Showers only from 5:30 am-8:00 am

Sunday, March 24 (5:30 am - 5:30 pm) - Showers only from 5:30 am-8:00 am

 Open Swim with waves will be from 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday

 Showers available anytime during opening hours

 Additional wristbands available for $5 for friends and family for El Tour de Zona Weekend.

KEY EL TOUR DE ZONA LINKS

 El Tour de Zona Routes

https://www.eltourdezona.org/Race/ElTourdeZona/Page-2

 Accommodations/Hotels

 Schedule/Itinerary

https://www.eltourdezona.org/Race/ElTourdeZona/Page-12

https://www.eltourdezona.org/Race/ElTourdeZona/Page-8

 Entertainment/Bands

https://www.eltourdezona.org/Race/ElTourdeZona/Page-10

 Campground Maps https://www.eltourdezona.org/Race/ElTourdeZona/Page-11

 Things to do in Cochise County https://eltourdezona.org/https-www-explorecochise-com

If you did not order El Tour de Zona Merchandise, limited sizes and styles will be available for purchase at Packet Pick-up and in Veterans Memorial Park

Official Cycling Apparel of El Tour de Zona

DAILY SCHEDULES

Thursday – MARCH 21, 2024

12:00 pm El Tour de Zona Packet Pick-up is OPEN!!! (Sports Division)

12:00 pm Campgrounds at Veterans Memorial Park is OPEN!!!

12:00 pm Riders can visit the Cove

12:00 pm Food Vendors Open in Veterans Memorial Park

1:00 pm Entertainment in Entertainment Tent – Corey Spector

1:00 pm Dragoon Beer Garden Opens

5:00 pm Entertainment at Centennial Pavilion Bandshell – BillyChill

8:00 pm Packet Pick-up Closes (Sports Division)

8:00 pm The Cove closes

8:00 pm Entertainment concludes! More tomorrow!

Friday – MARCH 22, 2024

5:30 am The Cove open for Showers, Locker Rooms & Pool

7:00 am Breakfast Food Trucks Open

8:00 am El Tour de Zona Packet Pick-up is OPEN!!! (Veteran’s Park)

8:45 am Rider Safety Meeting at Veterans Memorial Park Centennial Pavilion MANDATORY!

9:00 am Lead Rides by VeloVets to Ramsey Canyon Preserve –meet in front of Bandshell at Veterans Memorial Park Centennial Pavilion

9:30 am Aid Station #1 opens in on Cochise Trail (9:30 am - Noon)

12:00 pm Food Trucks Open for Lunch

1:00 pm Entertainment in Entertainment Tent – New Devotion Motown Revue

1:00 pm Dragoon Beer Garden Opens

5:00 pm Entertainment at Centennial Pavilion Bandshell – RockUS

5:30 pm The Cove closes

8:00 pm Packet Pick-up Closes

8:00 pm Entertainment concludes! More tomorrow!

Saturday – MARCH 23, 2024

5:30 am The Cove opens for Showers, Locker Rooms

6:00 am Breakfast Food Trucks Open

6:30 am El Tour de Zona Packet Pick-up is OPEN until 8:00 am!!! (Veteran’s Park)

7:15 am Rider Safety Meeting at Bandshell at Veterans Memorial Park Centennial Pavilion MANDATORY!

7:30 am Riders can begin leaving for Bisbee following safety meeting

8:00 am The Cove opens for Showers, Locker Rooms & Pool

8:30 am Aid Station #1 open in Palominas (8:30 am-11:00 am)

8:30 am Aid Station #2 open in Bisbee (8:30 am – 11:00 am)

9:30 am Bike Corral opens in Historic Bisbee at the coming site of Legion Bar & Grill (Tombstone Canyon & Subway Street). Bikes must have an orange bike band to match your green wristband to enter (9:30 am – 2:00 pm).

Due to FIRE last month. Bisbee, this is subject to change. Follow Signs Day of.

Please carry cash, as many Bisbee vendors do not accept credit cards

11:00 am Aid Station #3 (bathrooms and water) open top of Mule Mountain (11:00 am-2:00 pm)

Noon Aid Station #4 open San Pedro River (Noon – 3:00 pm)

4:00 pm Route closes for the day

4:00 pm Beer Garden & Food Trucks Open

5:00 pm Entertainment at Centennial Pavilion Bandshell – Ritmo de Sanchez

5:30 pm The Cove closes

8:00 pm Entertainment concludes!

Benson Hospital El Tour de Zona

Sunday – MARCH 24, 2024

5:30 am The Cove opens for Showers, Locker Rooms

6:00 am Breakfast Food Trucks Open

7:30 am El Tour de Zona Packet Pick-up is OPEN until 9:00 am!!! (Veteran’s Park)

8:45 am Rider Safety Meeting at Bandshell at Veterans Memorial Park Centennial Pavilion – MANDATORY!

9:00 am Riders can begin leaving for Tombstone following safety meeting (Please note that most businesses do not open before 10am in Tombstone)

Please carry cash, as most Tombstone vendors do not accept credit or debit cards

9:30 am Aid Station open at San Pedro River Battle of Bulls historic site – Rest stop serves as morning and afternoon aid station (930am-2pm)

9:30 am Bike Corral open in Tombstone at Tennis Courts (Allen Street & 6th). Bike must have orange bike band to match your green wristband to enter (930am-2pm)

3:30 pm Route closes for the day

5:30 pm Campgrounds close

5:30 pm The Cove closes

5:30 pm

Thank you for coming to El Tour de Zona!

SPONSORS

El Tour de Zona could not happen without the support of these generous sponsors!

EL TOUR DE ZONA DRAGOON BEER GARDEN

Dragoon Brewery will be serving up many of their favorite cold beers to thirsty riders at Veterans Memorial Park’s Centennial Pavilion.

Dragoon Brewery Beer Garden Hours:

Thursday & Friday 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

BIKE PATROL ON EL TOUR DE ZONA

Bike Patrol is the helping hands, eyes and ears of El Tour! Bike Patrol helps cyclists on the route with minor mechanical aid, first aid and moral support. Bike Patrol cyclists bring enthusiasm for cycling and a deep pool of experience to ensure the success of thousands of riders every year. Theyride all or part of an event’s route stopping to assist other cyclists and report their activities to headquarters during the event.

In the case of an emergency, the Bike Patrol can call for assistance. Bike Patrol is also responsible for guiding the riders along the routes.

Bike Patrol cyclists bring enthusiasm for cycling and a deep pool of experience to ensure the success of thousands of riders in Perimeter’s events every year.

Each Patroller must be certified to ride an event – a short class ensuring that you know what to expect and what is expected of you during an event. Certifications must be renewed every two (2) years. This has been extended to three (3) years since events were not held in 2020.

Bike Patrol will be easily recognized wearing bright yellow T-shirts or bright yellow jerseys imprinted with crosses like the images above.

EL TOUR DE ZONA SUPPORTS VELOVETS SIERRA VISTA

Riding and being together to improve Veteran’s health and well being! VeloVets Sierra Vista is one of the non-profit beneficiaries of El Tour de Zona!

DOWNLOADING MAPS TO DEVICES

TO DOWNLOAD ROUTES TO MOBILE DEVICES/GARMINS

Friday – Sierra Vista to Ramsey Canyon

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45362087

Saturday – Sierra Vista to Bisbee

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45362079

Sunday – Sierra Vista to Tombstone

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45362081

AID STATIONS, SAG WAGONS & BIKE CORRALS

AID STATIONS

We have aid stations throughout the ride to help replenish your body with fluids and fuel. All stops will have portable toilets as well as water, fruit and snacks. Some will have electrolytes. If you need special items, please bring them with you.

SAG WAGONS

We will have several SAG wagons running during the ride on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We will transport you and your bicycle if you can’t complete the ride or if you are having mechanical issues that can’t be repaired on the road. Most people catch the SAG from the aid stations, but you can signal the SAG by turning your bike upside down. Event Hotlines: call (520) 225-9430 for SAG support during the event or (520) 745-2033

BIKE CORRALS

We will have bike corrals in Bisbee and Tombstone so you can enjoy the towns without worrying about your bicycle. Your wristband and your bike band match and you will need to show your wristband to retrieve your bike from the corral.

THANK YOU TO THESE WONDERFUL AID STATION VOLUNTEER GROUPS!

We have aid stations throughout the ride to help replenish your body with fluids and fuel. A BIG thank you to these businesses and organizations for volunteering to help!

 Long Realty

 The Church of Palominas

 First Baptist Church

 4.San Juan Diego Institute

 VeloVets of Sierra Vista

ABOUT PERIMETER BICYCLING ASSOCIATION

Perimeter Bicycling Association of America is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that produces bicycling events for community, charity and wellness.

El Tour de Zona is one of Perimeter Bicycling’s new events. It joins with El Tour de Tucson and Tour de Scottsdale as some of the best bicycling events in America.

Held annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, El Tour de Tucson attracts over 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from around the United States and beyond bringing together cyclists and members of the greater Tucson community for a cycling celebration.

Perimeter Bicycling wants to emphasize all components are catalysts in driving it to help raise money for more than 100 nonprofits throughout the year. El Tour de Tucson enables nonprofit, charitable agencies to raise funds for their respective organizations. In 2019, we reached a significant milestone in being the facilitator for helping charities raise over $100 million through Perimeter’s decades of charity work. In 2023, charities raised more than $8 million, moving the overall total to $121 million since El Tour started in 1983.

El Tour has come a long way, given in that 1983 with fewer than 200 cyclists, El Tour raised $4,500 in its first ride. Since then, more than 280,000 cyclists have ridden in Perimeter events. El Tour, of course, has grown considerably since its inception, but the message has long been constant: charity, community, health and wellness through a strong and committed group of nonprofits, thousands of dedicated cyclists and volunteers who know the power of teamwork.

Board of Directors

PERIMETER BICYCLING ASSOCIATION STAFF

 TJ Juskiewicz, Executive Director

 Christiana Smith, Director of Business Development

 Jessica Davis, Event Director

 Steve Rivera, Media & Public Relations Director

 Tim Escobedo, Route Director & Logistics Operations

Office

3400 East Speedway, Suite 120 Tucson, AZ 85716

Event Hotlines:

(520) 225-9430 for SAG support during the event or (520) 745-2033

Questions?

info@eltourdetucson.org

Look for the Staff/Crew in the Red Shirts for questions or if you need help in any way.

There are no refunds, transfers or deferments at this point.

Thanks for understanding!