I wasn't quite ready for participating in El Tour de Tucson yet (108 miles!), but my husband and I really enjoyed watching a portion of it yesterday. We rode to a spot 6 miles from our home, and perched at the crest of the first real hill on the route. We had a great view of the first pack as they rounded a corner and proceeded en masse up the hill toward us.

After a gap, a 2nd pack swept through and eventually there was a steady stream. The 80 mile riders starting line was just a couple of miles before the turn to the hill, and after they entered (with a later start time), the two groups mingled as they passed us. It was really fun to smile and wave the riders on- and I hope to join in next year.

My husband also was able to get to the finish line and has pictures of the winners (The 1st and 2nd place riders, both from Hermosillo, Mexico, were just a few seconds apart, and were 5 minutes ahead of the 3rd place rider).

Pics are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/dadgad1/...on?feat=email#