Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
El Tour de Zona brings hundreds of cyclists to Cochise County; organizers, sheriff advise road closures and safety
Loading...
Summary
El Tour de Zona will route hundreds of cyclists through Sierra Vista, Bisbee and Tombstone this weekend; city organizers and the Cochise County sheriff’s assist team outlined closures, safety measures and an estimated $1 million local economic impact.
El Tour de Zona, a three‑day cycling festival that draws riders from across the region, begins in Sierra Vista with basecamp activities at Veterans Memorial Park and multiple road closures and safety controls through Cochise County, city and sheriff’s office officials said.
Adam Curtis, communications manager for the City of Sierra Vista, said the event brings about 500 cyclists from more than two dozen states and includes free evening entertainment at Veterans Memorial Park. "For local residents, we invite everyone to enjoy the entertainment in the park for free," Curtis said, describing live music, a beer garden and food trucks aimed at families.
John Black, commander of the Cochise County sheriff’s assist team, outlined route and safety details and the team’s role in traffic control. He described the three‑day routes—shorter flatter loops today, a longer 65‑mile ride over the Mule Mountains on Saturday, and a final day to Tombstone on Sunday—and urged motorists to slow down and be considerate. "We're doing all the traffic control for them, and we're familiar with the routes," Black said.
Officials warned of planned road restrictions. Curtis said organizers expected Charleston Road to be closed for much of Sunday afternoon around the Tombstone leg; Black advised drivers to avoid Charleston Road from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and follow posted detours at Mohsen Road. The sheriff’s office said signs and volunteer traffic controls will be in place and emergency access will be maintained.
Black also noted the event’s economic benefit to Cochise County, estimating roughly $1,000,000 in local spending over the three days. He characterized the ride as well‑organized and said the sheriff’s assist team and local police would coordinate to keep riders and motorists safe.
Organizers and commanders emphasized mutual courtesy between drivers and cyclists and urged drivers to heed temporary closures and allow extra travel time. "If you get to talk to them, ask where they're from," Curtis added. "They're visiting, and they like to take positive things back to their neighbors."
