Over 400 cyclists rode in Tucson’s Tour de Cookie yesterday benefiting the Tucson Kids' Try-athlon.  Riders chose from the 9-mile or 25 mile course; and some designed their own routes to shorten or lengthen the ride.  Treats along the way ranged from tame sugar cookies to wild and crazy chocolate covered bacon, courtesy of Tucson Rollerderby.

After singing the Cookie Monster song, cyclists started with a cruise down the U of A mall. Homemade recumbents with complicated fairings, racing bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, and kids’ bikes made for quite a parade.

Team in Training hosted the first cookie stop at Himmel Park. Next came Janice Meyer and Family’s excellent selection of cookies at McCormick Park.  Miles away on the Golf Links bike path, cookie stop #3 ran out of cookies, much to the dismay of children and adults alike.

It was a long way to the next cookie stop, but a pleasant ride along the Aviation Bike Path. Cyclists enjoyed the Basket Bridge and Rattlesnake Bridge, which really does rattle! After weaving through downtown, Tour de Cookie cyclists enjoyed the oasis of Armory Park.

An oasis of grass, trees, and an overabundance of cookies thanks to Tucson Rollerderby Team! Treats included muffins, cinnamon rolls, chocolate covered bacon, sausage rolls, cookies, and liquid ambrosia: chocolate milk.  Rollergirls removed their skates and hopped on their bikes to join in the ride to the finish at the U of A mall.

There, the final cookie stop was hosted by Trisports.com. “I finished in 1 hr, 2 minutes,” bragged Phil Roper who said he stopped at all the cookie stops. “But my cyclocomputer said it was only about 18 and a half miles.” Perhaps a short-cut, Phil?  Roper also had the fastest time at last year’s Tour de Cookie.

“It was great to start and finish at the U of A,” said Laszlo Otvos, event organizer from Blue Pants Racing. “I really appreciated the volunteer efforts by the U of A  Student Health Advisory Committee.” Trek Bicycles of Tucson also supported the event with packet pick-up and mechanics on hand at the beginning of the ride.

Kerri Clower made the trip from Surprise, Arizona, to join in the event on her mountain bike. “It’s a great way to see Tucson, I’ve never really explored the city before. People are so friendly here.” Tour de Cookie gave locals and visitors a great way to see Tucson—by bike—with sweet and savory treats along the way!