DeBernardis: 'El Tour This Year Was Just Wonderful … The Weather Couldn't Have Been Better' They came from all over the world once again. El Tour draws riders and fans from all corners of the world, making the event truly international. But that's how it's been for most of the 33 years of its existence. The Tucson Medical Center 33rd El Tour de Tucson presented by Casino Del Sol Resort wasn't any different. In fact, it was more spectacular than ever with numerous records being set by the riders and the many participants. "El Tour this year was just wonderful. The weather couldn't have been better, in fact it may have been the best weather in 33 years," said Richard J. DeBernardis, founder and CEO of Perimeter Bicycling Association. "I was amazed a rider was able to break the four-year mark but it happened. Even if the ride were 100 miles I never thought it would happen. That's incredible. Cyclists are more educated than before and people are taking care of themselves." It was highlighted by the return of former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut and Navy captain. The two rode in the 11-mile Fun Ride in 2014 and rode in the 40-mile event in 2015. "Gabby and Mark are truly what El Tour is about," DeBernardis said. "It's about people who are making positive changes in their life and want to take care of themselves physically and mentally. Gabby and Mark are the example for that." A great day of cycling and weather doesn't begin to describe what nearly 7,000 riders experienced on Nov. 21.
El Tour XXXIII All results become official February 1st on our Website PerimeterBicycling.com EVENT...................................................................PARTICIPANTS 104-Mile................................................................................. 2,937 75-Mile...................................................................................... 700 55-Mile................................................................................... 1,329 40-Mile................................................................................... 1,292 Bike Patrol ................................................................................ 109 Fun Ride................................................................................... 671 Indoor El Tour ........................................................................ 2,016 Total Cyclists...............................................................9,054 Volunteers.............................................................................. 2,716 Spectators ........................................................................... 25,351 Grand Total Participants............................................ 37,121 RECORDS Total Cyclists ........................................................... 9,122 104-Mile .................................................................. 5,077 75-Mile ....................................................................... 700 55-Mile .................................................................... 1,700 40-Mile .................................................................... 1,540 Bike Patrol .................................................................. 184 Fun Ride.................................................................... 671 Indoor El Tour .......................................................... 3,091 Adventure Run ........................................................... 502 Volunteers ............................................................... 3,000 Spectators ............................................................. 35,000
...2007 ...2007 ...2015 ...2012 ...2008 ...2007 ...2015 ...2014 ...2003 ...2011 ...2011
Money Raised For: Air Guardians..................................................................... $40.00 ARSOBO .................................................................... $10,500.00 Arts-Express ................................................................. $4,000.00 Az Multi Housing Charitable Foundation................. Not Reported Beads of Courage ................................................... Not Reported Ben's Bells .................................................................. $27,035.75 Boys & Girls Club ......................................................... $4,715.05 Cakes for Causes.................................................... Not Reported Coalition to Salute American Heroes ........................... $1,882.00 DM-50 .............................................................................. $445.00 Donate Life Arizona ................................................................... $Easter Seals - Blake Foundation .............................. $196,365.80 El Grupo...................................................................... $53,000.00 Girls on The Run........................................................... $1,109.00 Habitat for Humanity ..................................................... $1,905.37 INTO AFRICA ............................................................. $22,000.00 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation .................. $900,000.00 Look Save a Life ......................................................... $16,261.60 Make Way for Books ..................................................... $1,390.00 myTeam Triumph - Run.................................................... $500.00 Platelet Disorder Foundation ...................................... $14,120.00 Rotary International - Polio Plus-Dist. 5500......... $14,000,000.00 Shay's Vision................................................................. $3,100.00 Susan G. Komen for the Cure ................................... $41,000.00 The Haven ....................................................................... $200.00 Tucson Jewish Community Center .................................. $375.00 Tucson Medical Center .................................................... $375.00 Tu Nidito Children & Family Services ......................... $93,875.00 Twilight Wish ............................................................... $13,000.00 Uphill Into The Wind.................................................... $12,000.00 Water for People ........................................................... $9,000.00 World Care .............................................................. Not Reported Wright Flight............................................................ Not Reported Sub Total.............................................................$15,428,194 Other Perimeter Beneficiaries Americans for Responsible Solutions........................... $1,500.00 AZ1-DMAT .................................................................... $1,000.00 Armory Park Senior Meal Program ................................. $500.00 Bahati Foundation......................................................... $1,000.00 Bike N Box ....................................................................... $500.00 Boy Scouts Troop 739...................................................... $250.00 Children's Miracle Network .............................................. $100.00 Children's Museum Tucson .......................................... $3,000.00 Community Food Bank ................................................ $1,000.00 Cyclovia ........................................................................... $500.00 Downtown Tucson Partnership...................................... $4,000.00 Fred G. Acosta Job Corp .............................................. $1,000.00 Molly Starr Foundation..................................................... $700.00 Safford K8 Middle School ................................................ $200.00 The Gregory School ........................................................ $500.00 Tucson Fire Department .................................................. $300.00 Other Perimeter Beneficiaries .................. Subtotal $16,050 Grand Total ............................................................. $15,444,244
* Donate life AZ had 60 people sign up to donate organs and tissue this will save 3,000 lives.
P.K. Weis Photo
Riders Robert Frank (862), Matt Sadowsky (2843), Wayne Bennett (2524), Luis Chacon (1311) and others set out to conquer a short hill on El Tour. Damion Alexander Photo
2015 El Tour
"(It was) a great ride with some great people cheering us on the entire way," Kelly said after the event. "When Gabby told me after she did 11 miles in last year’s Tour that she wanted to do 40 (miles) this time around, I wasn’t sure it was possible. But once again, she showed what determination is all about."
“Not many cities this size embrace events like El Tour,” said DeMarchi. “The city of Tucson gets behind the event and Perimeter Bicycling does a phenomenal job. This event is unmatched based on any other place we’ve cycled.” Easter Seals' Carrie Durham, who was able to get to every start with DeBernardis, said being able to do that gave her a different perspective on the magnitude of the event. She said it gave her "goosebumps" thinking about it. "It was astronomically beautiful," Durham said. "I was extremely impressed." Up Hill into the Wind's Kathy Griffiths always is impressed. She's been part of El Tour since 2001 and Up Hill into the Wind has ridden since 2009. This year 18 cyclists participated. Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (1), Capt. "It was Mark Kelly (2) and a contingent at the El Tour finish line. even better Damion Alexander Photo this year From El Tour's per(than in the spective it was the second consecutive year of fantaspast)," she said. "I don't know if it was tic weather where the morning started off a bit brisk because the weather was so good or the and by the afternoon the temperature was in the camaraderie was good. It was just beautiupper 70s. ful." The Fun Ride saw a record number of particiKaren Weise, the executive director of pants as they enjoyed a great atmosphere and a fun Arts Express, said it "was huge" after expetime at Armory Park. Music was played throughout riencing it for the third time. the day as the cyclists came through the finish line. The group played a big part of the El "We had a great time this year," said Emma Tour Indoor and had a number of particiKammeyer, CEO of Easter Seals Blake Foundation. pants at the start/finish line. Easter Seals was the 2015 primary beneficiary for El "That was dynamite and we want to Tour. do a lot more with that next year," Weise The main event was filled with a host of talented said. "Any way we can get kids turned on riders with defending first-place finisher Philip to cycling is a good thing." Tintsman riding in a tandem with Chris DeMarchi Lisa Mach had her child with her, but Gabriella has long been her constant companion. The two rode in the 40-mile event. "For the first time I rode the 40 mile route with my 10year-old daughter Gabriella along with about 14 other Team Twilight riders and it was the best weather and best ride," said Mach, assistant director of Twilight Wish. "There were about seven new riders that had the best experience ever . We had a great day together and it was such a great experience to cross the first finish line together as mother and daughter." The McGrath family showing off their medallions. Damion Alexander Photo
Dedication Recipients
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Navy combat veteran and NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly. Crossing the finish line for Erica Clevenger had a different meaning and feeling. The 21-year-old was the first-place female finisher in the 104-mile ride. She is from Tempe, Ariz., and a student at the University of Arizona. She finished in a time of four hours, 18:57 minutes. "Initially, I was just relieved to finish, I had a rough day out there," she said. "I was sick to my stomach and having a hard time keeping food down. The best part about finishing first, however, was getting to represent the University of Arizona's college of engineering, cycling and triathlon teams. I'm proud to be on those teams and I want everyone to see what we can accomplish even without the support of an NCAA program."
Riders travel on the east side of the El Tour route. Damion Alexander Photo
Perimeter Bicycling wishes to thank the following sponsors for making the 33rd El Tour so successful! Ajo Bikes...............................................................................Official Kids Bicycle Provider Alvernon Optical ................................................................................Supporting Sponsor Arizona Daily Star .......................................................................Official Media Partner & El Tour Coloring Contest Sponsor Arizona Stagecoach ............................................................Official Shuttle Transportation ASARCO...........................................................................Official Food and Fruit Sponsor Ausenco ..................................................................................Official Bike Patrol Sponsor AZDMAT...............................................................Official Emergency & First Aid Provider Banner – University Medical Center ..........................Official Health & Wellness Advisors Bohac Consulting Services ........................................Official Internet Solutions Provider BroadPath...........................................................................................Supporting Sponsor Canyon Ranch ..........................................Sabino Creek Crossing & Supporting Sponsor Carpenters Union 408 .......................................Official Builders of the 40-Mile Start Line Casino Del Sol Resort .............................................................Presenting Event Sponsor Casino Del Sol Resort ................................................................................Featured Hotel Casino Del Sol Resort....................................................................Dedication Dinner Site Cenpatico Integrated Care ..............................................................Ride Day Radio Show Century Park Properties.....................................................................Supporting Sponsor CEP Timing ...................................................................................El Tour’s Official Timers Children’s Museum Tucson .........................................................Start-Finish Line Partner CITI ..................................................................................................Official Rider Number City of Tucson..................................................................................................Hosting City City of Tucson Water .................................................................Official Hydration Provider Community Food Bank Southern Arizona.....................Official Food & Water Distributors Community Partners, Inc. (CPI) ............................................Official TV Program Sponsor Compass Bank .........................................................................................Bronze Sponsor COPE Community Services..............................Official El Tour Pathways to Better Health Cortiva Institute........................................................El Tour’s Official Massage Therapists CP Graphics ...................................................Official Poster & Perimeter Journal Printer Creco Rentals...........................................................................................In-Kind Sponsor Crest Insurance............................................................................Official Results Sponsor
Cushman & Wakefield/Picor Commercial Real Estate Services ................................Man & Woman of the Year Award Dakotapro.biz ............................................Official Telephone & Internet Service Provider Dark Horse Media ..................................................................................Media Consultant Desert Mountain Insurance Services...........................Almost El Tour Award Co-Sponsor Diamond Ventures ...............................................................................Community Partner Downtown Tucson Partnership .....................El Tour Downtown Start-Finish Area Partner Enterprise Rent-a-Car ...............................................El Tour’s Official Rental Car Agency Epic Rides .................................................El Tour’s Official Mountain Bicycle Association and Event Production Company ESPN Tucson ............................................Official Media Partner / Ride Day Radio Show Evaero ................................................................................................Supporting Sponsor Fair Wheel Bicycles......................Official Mechanical Support for El Tour 104-Mile Event Fred G. Acosta Job Corps.......................................................Official Packet Stuffing Site GABA............................................................Official Bicycle Education & Safety Sponsor GEICO ................................................................................................Supporting Sponsor Genesis OB/GYN, P.C..................................................Almost El Tour Award Co-Sponsor Golden Eagle Distributors .............................................................Official Beer Distributor Harkins Theatres ................................................................................Supporting Sponsor HSL Properties / Encantada Living ..............................El Tour Downtown Fiesta Sponsor Hudbay – Rosemont Copper Project .................................Official 75-Mile Event Sponsor IBEW Local 570 .......................................................Builders of the 75-Mile Starting Area KGUN9 ............................................................Official Media Sponsor – El Tour TV Show Kola’s, LLC ......................................................................................Official T-shirt Printer Madden Media ................................................................................Official Media Partner MarathonFoto........................................................................Official Cyclist Photographer McDonalds ..............................................................El Tour Fun Ride Presenting Sponsor Michelob ULTRA .............................................................................................Official Beer Operating Engineers 428 .........................................Builders of the 55-Mile Starting Area Oro Valley Bicycle...................................................................Official Supporting Sponsor Pactimo ....................................................Official Custom Cycling Clothing Manufacturer
Performance Bicycle ............................................................Official Late Night Bike Shop Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc. .........................Official Event Producer Pima County .............................................................................................Home of El Tour Pizza Hut .......................................................................................................Official Pizza Pizza Hut..................................................................................Treasure Chest / Fun Ride Pizza Hut .................................................................................................Coloring Contest Prospering Thoughts .......Official El Tour Start-Finish Line MC & DJ and Voice of El Tour RBar Energy.......................................................................................Supporting Sponsor Rio Nuevo ........................................................................Official 104-Mile Event Sponsor Rio West ....................................................................................Official El Tour Contractor Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC ..........................................Official Dedication Dinner Host Sabino Cycles ...........................................................Official 55-Mile Mechanical Support Sandy Alter.................................................................................Official El Tour Supporter Sanofi.................................................................................Official El Tour EXPO Sponsor Sanofi................................................................................Official 40- Mile Event Sponsor Scripps Media – KGUN9 .......................................................................Official TV Station Supply One Tucson ................................................................El Tour Supporting Sponsor Tail Winds .............................................................................................Official Newspaper TAZ Entertainment.................................................Producer / Director El Tour TV Special Town of Marana......................................................Official Gateway to Health & Wellness Trisports.com ......................................................................................Supporting Sponsor Tucson Fire Department....................................Official Downtown Starting Ladder Stage Tucson Lifestyle Magazine...............................................................Official Media Partner Tucson Medical Center........................................................................Event Title Sponsor Tucson Medical Center ..................................................................Fun Ride Title Sponsor Tucson Subaru.........................................................................Official Car & Pace Vehicle Type & Graphics .......................................................Longest Running Sponsor of El Tour .............................................................................................with over 31 years of support Visit Tucson...............................................................................Official Visitor Information Xango .............................................................................................Official Wellness Drink
Results become official February 1, 2016 and are posted on our website www.perimeterbicycling.com. Contact the El Tour office with changes or corrections: (520) 745-2033; E-mail registration@perimeterbicycling.com J A N UA RY / F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 6
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