Updated November 6, 2024
Imagine pedaling through the heart of the sun-soaked Arizona landscape, surrounded by the allure of historic towns and the camaraderie of fellow cycling enthusiasts - this is the promise of El Tour de Zona, a three-day cycling extravaganza that's as much a rolling festival as it is a bike tour. The team at Strambecco considers it to be one of the Best Road Cycling Event in the Southwest and one of the Best Cycling Race Events in Arizona.
El Tour de Zona isn't your typical cycling event; it's a fully-supported tour from the team at Perimeter Bicycling Association, that emphasizes fun and exploration over competition. With Sierra Vista as the basecamp, each day offers a loop ride to either Ramsey Canyon Preserve, the bohemian haven of Bisbee, or the Wild West town of Tombstone. The unique aspect of this tour is the blend of physical challenge during the day and festive relaxation by night. Each evening, riders can revel in live music, local cuisine, and craft beers — a perfect way to unwind and share tales of the day's adventure.
Event & Course Info
Each route in El Tour de Zona is meticulously planned to showcase the beauty and history of Southeastern Arizona while providing an invigorating challenge for cyclists.
Day 1: Sierra Vista to Ramsey Canyon Preserve and Back
Starting on Friday, cyclists kick off from Veterans Memorial Park in Sierra Vista, embarking on a 26-mile journey that introduces them to almost 1,300 ft of climbing on their way through Ramsey Canyon Preserve. The ride starts at 9 am, with the option for guided rides by Velo/Vets, or the freedom to ride solo after the official start time.
Day 2: Sierra Vista to Bisbee Roundtrip
Saturday heats up with a 63-mile roundtrip that adds 3,500 ft of climbing into the mix. Departing at 7:30 am, riders can immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Bisbee, taking breaks to explore landmarks such as Warren Ballpark and The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum.
Day 3: Sierra Vista to Tombstone and Return
The final day on Sunday presents a 36-mile route with 1,600 ft of elevation gain, beginning at a leisurely 9 am start time. This ride offers an authentic taste of the Old West as cyclists push their pedals toward the infamous town of Tombstone.
The organization of El Tour de Zona ensures that every rider is well taken care of. Fully stocked rest stops dot the routes while support, including SAG (Support and Gear), mechanics, and medical teams, are on standby. Upon completing each day's route, cyclists can secure their bikes in the corral and dive into the festival atmosphere at Veterans Memorial Park.
The El Tour de Zona festival associated with these daily rides provides entertainment each day starting at 4 pm at Centennial Pavilion in Veterans Memorial Park. Two bands perform on Friday and Saturday nights with dinner and drinks. This includes headliner bands like Badlands and Gigi and the GLOW. Breakfast is served each morning in the same location from 7 am-9 am.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The BaseCamp at Veterans Memorial Park for El Tour de Zona opens for RV and tent camping at noon on Thursday, offering essential amenities like showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms. It's the central hub for the event, hosting the start and finish of the rides, a variety of food options, a craft beer garden, and live entertainment throughout the event, providing an immersive and convenient camping experience right in the heart of the action. Alternative camping options can be found at Sierra Vista Village RV Park nearby or at one of the many unique camping locations in the area.
Alternatively, some of the hotel options include Comfort Inn & Suites, Sierra Inn, and the Candlewood Suites. For those that prefer a more home-like experience, can explore one of the many vacation rentals in the area that suit a variety of needs from poolside homes to country club retreats.
Sierra Vista, Arizona, boasts a diverse culinary scene that reflects its rich cultural tapestry, offering everything from authentic Mexican eateries and traditional American diners to exotic international cuisine that promises a delightful gastronomic journey for food lovers. Whether you're craving spicy Southwestern flavors or sophisticated global dishes, Sierra Vista's restaurants offer myriad taste experiences to satisfy any palate. Local favorites include wings as Native Grill Wings or Mexican food at La Casita Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.
El Tour de Zona takes place in Cochise County, nestled in the southeastern corner of Arizona. Sierra Vista is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts with a penchant for adventure and fitness. As March brings a temperate climate and blooming nature to the region, it's an ideal time for athletes to explore the offerings of this scenic locale. Sierra Vista is a mountain biker's dream with its expansive network of trails weaving through the Huachuca Mountains. The month of March presents perfect riding conditions—cool mornings and comfortable afternoons. One of the must-ride trails is the Brown Canyon Loop, an approximately 14-mile ride that offers a mix of challenging ascents and thrilling descents. The trail weaves through canyons lined with oak and juniper, opening up to breathtaking vistas of the San Pedro Valley. It's a test of both technical skills and endurance, providing an invigorating workout with the reward of stunning panoramas.
For those who prefer outdoor foot pursuits, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area offers an exceptional hiking experience. Covering about 57,000 acres, it's home to the meandering San Pedro River and a wealth of wildlife, especially during the migratory season in March. Hikers can choose from a variety of trails, but the San Pedro Trail stands out as it spans over 20 miles along the river, allowing for customizable distances depending on your fitness level. The riparian ecosystem is lush with greenery, a stark contrast to the typical desert landscape, making for a serene and healthful hiking excursion.
March's mild weather is also ideal for rock climbing, and Sierra Vista is in proximity to one of the premier climbing destinations in the state: Cochise Stronghold. Located in the Coronado National Forest, this area was once a refuge for the Apache Chief Cochise, and now it beckons climbers with its high-quality granite domes and spires. The Stronghold offers routes ranging from single-pitch climbs to multi-pitch adventures, catering to various skill levels. 'What's My Line?' at 5.6 A0 or 5.9 is one of the classic routes, offering climbing joy and historical reverence. With the stronghold's east and west sides providing different sun exposures, climbers can chase the shade or the sun depending on the day's temperature.
Related Events
The Perimeter Bicycling Association produces the El Tour Series of events which include El Tour de Zona, El Tour de Tucson in November, and El Tour de Mesa in April.
If you are considering other event options this Spring, look no further than the Belgian Waffle Ride in Arizona on March 2. The Second Annual Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona is a unique desert and mountain gravel experience known as the Hell of the North Desert. The Arizona event is the kick-off to the largest gravel series in the world, the Belgian Waffle Ride Series, as well as the Tripel Crown of Gravel. Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona takes place in Cave Creek, Arizona, on the fringes of the Valley of the Sun. In a unique collaboration, BWR AZ is teaming up for the prestigious Specialized Cactus Cup MTB event/race to create a thrilling back-to-back off-road cycling extravaganza, the "Duel in the Desert." Taking place on consecutive Saturdays, March 2 and March 9, 2024, this combination event of mountain biking and gravel racing promises an unparalleled celebration of cycling prowess, camaraderie, and the breathtaking Arizona landscape in and around the magnificent McDowell Mountains Regional Park. The Cactus Cup is a Best-in-Class event on Strambecco's Best Mountain Bike Events rankings in the Southwest.
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Arizona and the broader Southwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides.
