Another successful Marana Segment of El Tour de Tucson

Over 1,000 cyclists and their supporters showed up at Heritage River Park on Saturday, November 17 for the 25-Mile Marana Segment of the El Tour de Tucson Event. It was the third year Marana has hosted their own segment of the race, and the shorter distance has proven to be an attraction for less experienced riders, or those riding with their families.

Marana Parks and Recreation helps to put on the event and believes it helps represents the Town’s strategic goals of Community and Recreation.

“This was an outstanding event,” said Marana Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy. “It is exciting to see so many people getting out and exercising.”

The Town also believes that the race is not only a great way to get residents to experience the Marana Heritage River Park, but is also a great attraction for people to visit Marana.

“It was a perfect day for our visitors to enjoy Heritage River Park and learn a little more about our great community,” Conroy said.  

The first two years of the event saw the race begin near the playground and splash pad portion of the park. This year the race began in front of the farm portion of the park and actually had riders leaving the area in the opposite direction. The idea was to create more room for the riders and spectators.
 
Marana Parks and Recreation staff worked with Perimeter Bicycling Association of America Inc. (PBAA).staff to organize this event at Heritage Park, while Marana Police Department and Town Traffic Engineering staff did an outstanding job with traffic signage, signals and point control keeping cyclist safe while riding on Marana roads.  

“As always it was a total team effort by Town of Marana staff to execute this exceptional community and fitness event,” Conroy said.

Things to do in Marana in November and beyond

November and early December is a busy time in the Town of Marana. Over the next month, the Town will host one of their biggest signature events, their annual Thanksgiving road race, a Marana specific leg of the El Tour de Tucson, and another edition of the Marana Game Day Cornhole Tournament.

On The Horizon

Dec 8 - Dispose-A-Med
Dec 15 - Electronic Recycling Event
Jan 1 - Egg Nog Jog

Marana 28-Mile El Tour Segment Drone footage

HawkView Aerial Aerial was on-hand at the Town of Marana’s 28-Mile Segment of the El Tour de Tucson. Their drone captured the start of the race at Marana Heritage River Park.

The video below has the full start of the 28-Mile Segment:

HawkView Aerial Solutions is a Marana-based company.

El Tour de Tucson Marana 28-Mile Segment Photo Gallery

On Saturday, November 18 the Town of Marana hosted their second 28-Mile Segment of the El Tour de Tucson. The race drew well over 300 riders, who began their journey at the Marana Heritage River Park and winded their way through north Marana before heading south on I-10 and finishing the race in Downtown Tucson. 

Photos by J.D. Fitzgerald/JDFitzgeraldphotography.com

Marana News: Marana prepares for El Tour

The Marana News previewed Marana's 28-Mile Segment of the El Tour de Tucson. 

On Saturday, Nov. 18, Marana’s Heritage River Park will be host to food trucks, music and event booths in a festive send off for hundreds of cyclists beginning one of the largest bike-riding events in the nation, El Tour de Tucson. 

“Recreation is an important part of a healthy community,” said Interim Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta. “And we take having fun very seriously.”

While Marana has always been involved with the larger El Tour de Tucson process, it only began hosting its own leg of the race two years ago. The section fits well with Marana’s health-conscious, outdoorsy ethos, as all new roads built in the city are equipped with bike lanes.

“It’s just a great event for our community,” Marana mayor Ed Honea said. “People wear colorful outfits and helmets, and even if they don’t plan on finishing the whole event, they ride their bikes for a little while just to join in the fun.”

In addition to the thousands of pedaling legs, there are multiple legs to the event: cyclists can choose to ride distances of 106, 76, 54, 37 or Marana’s stretch, the shortest, of 28 miles. 

“I feel fortunate we have the shortest leg of the race,” Honea said. “It makes things available for families and non-professionals. Moms, dads and kids can all ride together.”

There will be booths run by a local bike shop, healthy food options and a craft station for families to make signs supporting the cyclists.

Read the rest of the story at the Marana News

Marana represented at El Tour de Tucson press conference

For the third consecutive year the Town of Marana is sponsoring the El Tour de Tucson Perimeter Bike Race. It also marks the second year that the Town is hosting their own 28-mile segment of the race.

It is the 35th edition of the race, which according to race organizer Richard DeBernardis is the “longest running bicycle event in the state of Arizona.”

The annual press conference was held at the Mexican Consulate and DeBernardis said the idea is to make the race not only the pride of Tucson and Arizona, but Mexico as well.

“This is going to be the start of a long, great relationship,” DeBernardis said.

The race traditionally honors a person or persons who have contributed to the sport of cycling, philanthropy, or other positive endeavors. This year they honored Lila and Totten Warfield, who have been volunteering for 33 years and have celebrated over 70 years of marriage.

The Town of Marana shared the stage with race sponsors and community partners including Casino Del Sol, Easter Seals/Blake Foundation, Pima County Department of Transportation, and Tucson Medical Center.

“I want to express my excitement for this year’s El Tour De Tucson, and particularly for Marana’s 28-mile segment starting at the Marana Heritage River Park located in the heart of our Gladden Farms community,” said the Town of Marana’s Communications Manager Vickie Hathaway.” For the second year in a row, cyclists will see amazing views of the Tucson Mountain range, as well as discover Marana’s scenic open spaces as they ride toward the finish line."

Last year Marana welcomed over 350 racers to the Marana leg. The Marana leg boasts the shortest distance of any leg of the El Tour and was a major draw.

“Our shorter distance makes participating in the El Tour De Tucson more attractive for both younger and older riders, making it the perfect family experience for those seeking a less rigorous option, or for those wanting to test the waters for their first ride,” Hathaway said.

Marana’s proximity to Interstate-10, the Pima County Shared Use Path, and several great areas to ride, has allowed them to position themselves as a perfect “El Detour” before, after, and during the El Tour.

“Venture north onto Dove Mountain Blvd and take in the beauty of the Tortolita Mountains for your next training ride,” Hathaway said. “Enjoy music, food trucks and entertainment at our 28-mile Marana start, and celebrate your big finish by quenching your thirst with a locally brewed craft beer. Whether you’re a rider, spectator, or visitor, there are many things to do in Marana to prepare for and celebrate the race.”

Hathaway encouraged people to see DiscoverMarana.org/ElDeTour for hotel, restaurant, and after-party information.

Make Marana your El Detour from the El Tour

It does not matter if you are riding the full length of the El Tour de Tucson, taking advantage of the Marana start to the race, or just watching the cyclists ride by. Make Marana your El Detour before, after, and during the race.

With access to the Pima County Shared Use path, Tangerine Road and Silverbell Road, Marana has a number of great places to stay, eat, drink, train, and celebrate that are accessible by bike. 

Loop

The Pima County Shared Use Path, affectionately known as “The Loop”, is a great way for cyclists to get all over town. Although construction has cut off the southern portion of The Loop from the northern portion, there are still plenty of great places to bike in both directions.

After a training ride on the southern portion of the Loop or as the home to a post-Tour after party, the Catalina Brewing Company is a place to check out.

Catalina Brewing Company is no stranger to cyclists. In fact, they cater to them. Heck, their moniker is “We Bike, We Brew.” The brewery already has a mountain bicycling theme, and then embrace “the incredible outdoor spirit that exists in the Arizona Southwest.”

The Catalina Brewing Company considers themselves a small (nano) craft brewery, and they manufacture and distribute a variety of craft beers designed and created from local ingredients with the southern Arizona market in mind. Their local-inspired brews range from the unique and popular Mesquite Agave to their lighter prickly pear fruit infused La Rosa de Catalina as well as seasonal favorites such as Mesquite Smoked Pecan Dopplebock and Teacher's Aid Scottish Ale.

They are also cyclist friendly. They’re accessible off the shared-use path, making them a perfect destination for those who like to cycle and enjoy a craft beer.  

Marana is becoming a haven for craft beer, with Dove Mountain and Button Breweries coming to town, and the recently opened Growler’s.

Cortaro/Silverbell Road

With the Loop affected by construction, Silverbell Road is a great way to bike from the Marana area to Tucson. The road twists and turns with several hills, making a great training ride. Add a variety of desert scenery, and you have a uniquely Southern Arizona opportunity.

Between Silverbell and the adjacent Cortaro corridor, there are a variety of places to eat, drink and stay.

From local Mexican restaurants and historical steak houses, to familiar national chains, this area of Marana has just about any type of food you can want.  

Nothing tastes better after a long ride than a cold, creamy ice cream cone, especially when that ice cream is made with all-natural ingredients. If that sounds good to you, then the Screamery would make a great destination.

The Screamery’s goal is to not only provide the best tasting hand-crafted ice cream to people, but to make it the old fashioned way using simple natural ingredients. Not only does it taste great, but it fits into the lifestyle of those who care what they put into their bodies.

If you make your way down to the Ina/Thornydale and still want some ice cream made from fresh, all natural ingredients, then check out La Garrafa. They serve Nieves de Garrafa, traditional ice cream from central Mexico. They make everything fresh in house, and don’t rely on a lot of extra sugar and fat, keeping the flavors fresh and pure.

Dove Mountain

hether you live, stay or train on Dove Mountain, there are plenty of things to do in and near the area. The mountain itself is perfect for both intense training rides and leisurely joy rides. From the back of one’s bike they can see the statuesque Saguaros, the great views and, more than likely, a desert critter or two.

A quick ride down Dove Mountain Boulevard. will lead you to Twin Peaks Road and a straight shot to Marana’s Tucson Premium Outlets. There, you can just get your morning coffee fix at Starbucks or do some serious shopping. The Premium Outlets feature all your favorite brands, but with the 25-65% savings that outlet shopping can provide. Deals like these are sure to please casual shoppers all the way to the most diehard shop-a-holics.

Looking for a good cup of coffee or tea on Dove Mountain? Then Savaya is your place. Savaya features a prominent green coffee roaster that is used weekly to roast coffees from around the world, giving true coffee lovers a wide variety of flavors to choose from.

Savaya invites their patrons to sit back, relax and spread out with the cup of joe. They have a mesquite wood bar, covered outdoor seating and even a children’s playground patio area.

Discounts for early registration for Marana stage of El Tour

Early registration is now underway for the Town of Marana’s 28-mile segment of the El Tour de Tucson. Cyclists who wish to participate in the segment can act now for discounted entry fees.

Marana debuted the 28-mile segment last year and it was an instant hit. More than 350 riders participated in the 2016 El Tour in the Town of Marana. The third year of the Town of Marana’s partnership with the El Tour de Tucson promises to be even more popular.

The shorter distance proved to be an attraction for both younger and older riders, as well as riders experiencing their first El Tour de Tucson. At just28-miles the Marana stage appeals to those who want to participate in the race, but find the longer distances too daunting.

Starting in the heart of the Town of Marana at Heritage River Park, cyclists travel south through the Gladden Farms area to downtown Tucson along the base of the Tucson Mountains with awesome views of the Catalina and Rincon Mountain ranges. It will provide great views of Marana’s scenic open spaces.

The special early bird pricing is in effect from now until October 31. Riders 15 and over are just $125, while those 14 and under are just $44.

After October 31 the rate climbs to $175.

The special rates are only available through the Marana Segment webpage: http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/register-marana/

Marana Honors Roher Family with 2016 Marana El Tour Family Award

Last November, more than 300 cyclists participated in the first ever Marana segment of El Tour de Tucson. This brand new, 28-mile distance gave riders of all ability levels the chance to participate in one of Arizona’s most popular cycling events. Marana prides itself as a family-friendly community with a variety of amenities that serve kids and adults alike. This shorter segment of El Tour fit perfectly within Marana’s all-inclusive appeal.

To celebrate this inaugural event, Marana invited participating families to post pictures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from their ride day. Town staff then selected one family as best representing the spirit of this event. At last night’s Town Council meeting, the Roher family received the Marana El Tour Family Award.

Ryan Roher first began cycling in group events with his two sons, Aiden, age 15, and Elim, age 12, in early 2016. They participated in both the Cochise County Cycling Classic and El Tour de Mesa before they were finally able to ride in an event in their hometown of Marana.

Ryan has always seen cycling as an ideal activity for the whole family. “Riding is a sport that anyone can do, no matter their age, fitness level, or body composition. Even non-athletes can ride a bike, so it’s a great way to spend time together doing something that is a healthy lifestyle choice.”

The Roher family, who live in Gladden Farms, moved to Marana in 2012. With easy access to several new bike paths, families like the Rohers enjoy plenty of outlets for healthy living. Throughout the year, Marana offers a variety of runs, rides, and swims, all offering participants the chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful community. To keep up with all Marana’s events, be sure to visit www.MaranaEvents.com.

Submit Photos for the #MaranaElTour Family Award

Next week, for the first time, Marana will host an official start of El Tour de Tucson. The Town is incredibly excited for this opportunity to showcase the outstanding bike paths, spectacular views, and energetic community spirit that make Marana special. 

Embodying all of these values is the Town of Marana Family Award. Through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, using #MaranaElTour, the Town encourages families who bike in our community to submit photos of themselves. After the event, one of these families will be selected to receive the Family Award. 

To qualify for this award, at least one family member must be registered in the Marana El Tour start and at least one family member must live in Marana Town Limits. 

All cyclists in the photo must be wearing helmets and obeying all traffic laws.

Deadline for submission is November 20, 2016, and the winning family will be notified by December 1.

New El Tour Kickoff: Pima County Loop the Loop

The Town of Marana will be participating in the kickoff to the 60-day 2016 El Tour Season:  Pima County El Tour Loop the Loop, scheduled for Saturday, September 17. The event will go from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will be held on The Loop. There will be a post-ride party after the event.

As part of this activity, riders can stop at a station in Marana, west of I-10 between Orange Grove and Ina Roads. At this location, Marana will host informational materials from the Marana Community Food Bank, Catalina Brewing Company, HMS Bikes, and Discover Marana, the Town’s tourism portal. Between now and ride day, the Town welcomes requests from other community partners to participate at this station.  At this location, participants will also be able to sign up for the 28-mile Marana Start of El Tour on November 19, 2016.

Loop the Loop is a FREE, easy, casual, fun ride open to individuals of all ages and abilities.  It’s a cycling celebration encouraging everyone to take up cycling as a means to better physical and mental health and to use The Loop to get from one end of the County to another. While on The Loop you can meet as many as 30 of the 50 non-profit organizations that will benefit from the 34th El Tour held on Saturday, November 19.

Starting and finishing anywhere on The Loop at any time during the festivities, cyclists are invited to ride any distance on the route at a leisurely pace along the multi-use paths of the Rillito, Santa Cruz, Pantano and CDO River Parks , and the Julian Wash Greenway, avoiding motor vehicle traffic on the streets.  There will be a post-ride party from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Trident Grill (2900 North Swan), El Tour’s official restaurant. There will be live music, prizes, drawings (including a Merckx San Remo Ultegra bike valued at $3999 provided by Tucson Endurance Performance Center), bicycle-valet parking, and taste the new El Tour Ice Cream created by The Screamery of Tucson. 

To earn entry into the prize drawings, cyclists will visit any or all of the 12 stations along The Loop to pick up tickets. (go to website for maps and location details here: http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/loop-the-loop/ ) Turn in all your tickets for entry into the drawings beginning at 11:15 a.m. and continuing every 15 minutes until 2 p.m.  The Merckx bicycle will be drawn at 2:00 pm. You must be present to win!

Loop the Loop will provide the chance to learn what’s new on The Loop, find out about social events on and off the bike, visit with experts who can get you geared up and ready to ride, join a charity team, sign up for El Tour or Indoor El Tour and find out about the different group rides or training events that will prepare you for El Tour. Look for free swag and advice at the 12 stops along The Loop.

For more information please call 520-745-2033, email info@perimeterbicycling.com visit www.perimeterbicycling.com, follow on Twitter @tourdetucson or find us on Facebook ElTourLoopTheLoop/

Tucson Medical Center 34th El Tour de Tucson presented by Casino Del Sol, Arizona’s largest cycling event and one of the ten largest cycling events in the United States, is produced and directed by Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc and is scheduled for November 19, 2016. Cyclists of all ages and abilities may ride 106, 76, 54, 37 or 28-miles or a Fun Ride of 11, 5 and ¼-miles. The 34th El Tour is projected to raise over $20 Million for over 50 non-profit agencies including Easter Seals – Blake Foundation and 50 supporting beneficiaries (including JDRF, Rotary – Polio Plus, Susan G. Komen for the Cure).  For a complete list of all non-profits and El Tour Information & Registration, go to perimeterbicycling.com.

The theme of this year’s El Tour is Come Together, Ride Now.  “El Tour gives all the cyclists, sponsors and charitable agencies a chance to celebrate together, to ride together,” said Richard DeBernardis, founder and president of Perimeter Bicycling. “No matter where we come from, what age, what ability, we like to have a good time and show our community how we come together year after year for a terrific event. It is about reaching across all the boundaries that separate us from each other. We come together, ride together, share together and succeed together.”

Town seeks vendors for Marana start of El Tour de Tucson

On November 19, the Town of Marana will host its own official start for El Tour de Tucson.  This new leg of the route will begin at Heritage River Park in north Marana.  The Town expects approximately 500 riders to register for this start, and will host a small community event where we expect approximately 1000 attendees. The event will begin at approximately 12:00pm and conclude at 2:00pm.

In order to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere, the Town is seeking 3-5 vendors. Due to the small nature of the event we are seeking one vendor for each of the following categories:

• Coffee
• Dessert (ice cream, soft serve, funnel cake, etc.)
• Lunch entrée (burgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.)
• Bike shop
• Other vendors may be accepted based on capacity

Vendors will be accepted as paperwork is submitted. The first vendor in each category to provide all required documentation will be selected for this event.

If you are interested in participating in this event, please complete a Vendor Request Form. These forms are due by 5pm on August 22.

For a complete list of the information required of vendors, please visit www.MaranaEvents.com.