It is less than a week away from the biggest ride in southern Arizona, El Tour de Tucson.
Organizers expect more than 9,000 cyclists to hit the course that winds through Tucson, Oro Valley and Marana on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2016.
The main beneficiary from this year's El Tour the Tucson is the Easter Seals Blake Foundation.
El Tour also raises money for charities, including Tu Nidito which provides grief counseling for children who have lost loved ones.
Rider Steve Morganstern says riding to help kids is extra motivation.
"Often times at the end many of the families and children are there cheering you on as you come across the finish line if you're wearing the Tu Nidito jersey," Morganstern told KGUN9. "It makes it all worth it."
The Tu Nidito team has more than 120 riders this year, they hope to raise at least $150,000.
For the full list of El Tour's beneficiaries, click here.
Cyclists can pedal distances of 106, 76, 54, 37 or 28 miles or choose the Fun Ride of 11 or 5 miles or a fun 1/4 mile activity course.
The main event routes feature vistas of Tucson’s beautiful four surrounding mountain ranges. Course profiles range from flat to rolling or moderately hilly. The new 28-mile route starting in Marana is mostly flat and will be great for families and perfect for first-time cyclists.
All routes offer aid stations with water and snacks spaced about 7-10 miles apart, police support at intersections and plenty of morale-boosting volunteers and spectator.
If you would like to register for the El Tour de Tucson 2016 before Nov. 15, click here. If you are looking to register after the 15, you must register at the El Tour Bicycle, Health & FitnessExpoand Packet Pickup taking place on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Tucson Convention Center.
106 MILE MAP
76 MILE MAP
54 MILE MAP
37 MILE MAP
28 MILE MAP
