About 500 cyclists from near and far will visit Sierra Vista next week for El Tour de Zona, a four-day cycling event and festival taking place from Thursday, April 9, to Sunday, April 12.
Hosted by Perimeter Bicycling, this fifth-year event introduces people from at least 24 states and four countries to Sierra Vista and surrounding communities. Over 30 percent of registrants travel to this event from outside of Arizona. They will take three rides beginning and ending at Veterans Memorial Park, the event hub and festival location featuring live music, food trucks, and a beer garden. Called Zona in the Park, the festival will come to life Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Admission is free and the general public is encouraged to attend.
“It's a pleasure to once again welcome El Tour de Zona back to Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca, and Cochise County,” Mayor Clea McCaa says. “We hope cyclist enjoy our premier routes and unmatched mountain views as they explore Sierra Vista, Bisbee, and Tombstone.”
On Friday, April 10, starting at 9 a.m., participants will ride to Ramsey Canyon Preserve as they take in the scenic views of the Huachuca Mountains over the course of the 20-mile Cochise Vista Trail Loop. This route primarily uses smaller roadways and multiuse paths, but motorists should be prepared for crossings at larger intersections including Coronado Drive and Highway 90, Avenida Del Sol and Highway 90, Calle Mercancia and Highway 92, and Cherokee Avenue and Buffalo Soldier Trail.
On Saturday, starting at 8 a.m., cyclists will ride to Bisbee and back, pedaling 63 miles along a clockwise loop heading down Highway 90 and returning along Highway 92.
Then on Sunday, starting at 9 a.m., cyclists will saddle up for a 36-mile ride to Tombstone and back, using Charleston Road both ways. Charleston Road will be closed between Moson Road near Sierra Vista and Louis Road in Tombstone from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12. Motorists should plan to take an alternate route. Only emergency vehicles and residents with active addresses along Charleston Road will be allowed to drive through.
“With strong out-of-state participation, this event has become a showcase for Cochise County,” City Tourism & Economic Development Director Tony Boone says. “It invites participating cyclists to explore our unique area and return for future adventures and world-class biking opportunities.”
El Tour de Zona benefits VeloVets, a local nonprofit organization that supports local military veterans, including many with disabilities, through the physical and mental benefits of cycling together. This year, El Tour de Zona is dedicated to Stu Carter, VeloVets founder and local cycling advocate who passed away this past November.
Enjoy live music at Zona in the Park
The general public is invited to join the festivities in Veterans Memorial Park from Thursday, April 9, through Saturday, April 11, at no charge.
Admission is free for both event participants and area residents. Live music will be featured daily at the Centennial Pavilion. Beer and food will be available for purchase.
Entertainment Schedule:
Corey Spector | Thursday, April 9 & Friday, April 10 | 1 – 5 p.m.
RockUs | Thursday, April 9 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Bloomstone | Friday, April 10 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Pop-Up Rebellion | Saturday, April 11 | 5 – 8 p.m.
