El Tour de Tucson

[Tucson Uni]

Yes, it was a little sketchy at the start. The cyclists were moving so slow, I was having to sneak between them to keep going fast enough to stay upright. Luckily, I was up far enough that I didn't have to do that for long.

El Tour is a huge event. There are people from all over the country and even some from Europe. There were a lot a large Team in Training groups from a number of states including Illinois, Texas, and Georgia. The Georgia riders had peaches attached their helmets! I actually got an e-mail from the team leader for the Illinois group congratulating me on my ride! He was on the course 11 hours getting his whole group across the finish. Bill Walton and Barry Bonds road in this year's race. I think I finished before Bill Walton.

I finished number 2661. 3169 cyclists completed the course. I believe there were over 3500 registered for the ride.

[Tucson Uni]

This is close to the half way point on the ride.

[scotthue]

Originally Posted by Tucson Uni

Italy sounds like fun, but how do you get a 36'' unicycle to Italy without spending a fortune on shipping?

Believe it or not, you can get a 36er on international flights for free. While it is technically "oversized baggage" I have only gotten charged that fee out of 15+ times flying with my 36er. Also, on international flights, they don't usually charge the silly $25 or $50 baggage fee. All you have to do is make a bag for the wheel and but the frame and handle in your suitcase. Come to Italy! We always need more competition.

[knoxuni]

I'm on my way! Jk jk

[Tucson Uni]

Probably not too hard a sell to the wife to take a trip to Italy!

[Tucson Uni]

There are a lot of powerful riders out there, I think I would get killed in the marathon. If there was a metric century race, I might do OK.

[napalm]

there IS a metric century race at the next UNICON TucsonUni. Time to start schmoozing the wife.

[Uni_Brian]

Hey, thought I'd also give some congrats on the ride. I thought I might jump on the forums here, as I haven't in a while, and am really glad I happened to catch this. Nice job on the time despite conditions, as well as an awesome, inspiring write-up.

[PBOly]

What a great place to ride, Tucson. I was there a month ago and really enjoyed the crystal clear mornings and the excellent paths for unicycling. Enjoy it!!!

[Tucson Uni]

Thanks Brian.

PBOLy, let me know next time you are in Tucson.

[PBOly]

Hey, think I saw you when I was therein Early October. I was on the bike path (riding a mountain bike) on the south side of the river bed near silverbell golf course and a guy went by on a 36'er all packed up with water bottles for a long ride, I think it was a Saturday. Anyway, I like you website and I will look forward to my next visit to Tucson! Maybe I'll have a 36'er by then, if I can decide which one to get.

[Tucson Uni]

Doing some searching on the web, I discovered that the Hoover's did the 66 mile distance of El Tour in 2004. Fun to see their pictures, Beau was a wee lad back then!

[Icecream]

Originally Posted by Tucson Uni

Picked up my registration packet today for this year's El Tour de Tucson. I am riding the full 111 miles on my 36 guni. The ride is this Saturday, and of course, the weather forecast is calling for wind - uggh.

I usually fly to Tucson every year and ride this, but I missed out this year.

I didn't know they let you ride Unicycles, and I'm super stoked, because I'd like to try that some time!

[Tucson Uni]

Originally Posted by Icecream

I usually fly to Tucson every year and ride this, but I missed out this year.

I didn't know they let you ride Unicycles, and I'm super stoked, because I'd like to try that some time!

Heck, they let people ride elliptical trainers with wheels What distance would you do? I will ride it again. Not sure I will be doing the whole 111 though.