Independent 501(c)(3) · Tucson, Arizona
More kids.
More bikes.
Stronger communities.
Using the power of the bicycle to create healthier young people, stronger communities, and greater access to opportunity.
$138M
Raised for nonprofits by El Tour riders since 1983
6,000+
Kids equipped with new bikes and helmets in five years
1,000
Annual goal for new young people equipped with bikes
Under 18
Riders under 18 enter El Tour de Tucson free
Why we exist
Over 6,000 kids, with a path to keep riding.
Since 1983, El Tour riders have raised more than $138 million for nonprofits. Through El Tour Bikes for Change, over 6,000 kids received new bikes and helmets in the last five years.
The El Tour Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity focused on youth cycling. Its pathway connects a first bike with skills and safety, free entry to El Tour de Tucson for riders under 18, continued participation, and opportunities in leadership, competition, or careers.
The youth pathway
From a first bike to a lifetime of riding
01
First bike
A new bike and helmet open the path to riding.
02
Skills and safety
Learn-to-ride, safety, and skills training through local partners.
03
First ride
A first group ride puts the training on the road.
04
First El Tour
Riders under 18 enter El Tour de Tucson free.
05
Continued participation
The pathway continues beyond the first event.
06
Leadership, competition, career
Opportunities to lead, compete, or build a career.
Four priorities
What the Foundation is here to do.
Strengthening community impact
One goal is to equip 1,000 new young people each year in Tucson, Scottsdale, and Palm Springs, with an intentional focus on girls and underserved youth.
Supporting partner charities
More than 110 nonprofits partner with El Tour events. Grant applications begin in mid-2027.
Advancing health and wellness
The power of the bicycle can create healthier young people, stronger communities, and greater access to opportunity.
Preserving and growing El Tour’s legacy
Since the first ride in 1983, El Tour riders have raised more than $138 million for nonprofits. The Foundation is independent of El Tour America.
Ways to give
There are many ways to support this work.
Start with the one that fits you: a one-time gift of any amount, a monthly gift, or a tax-smart option such as a donor-advised fund or an IRA distribution.