Biking for Bucks

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat The 13th Annual Tour De Tucson was held yesterday where 815 bicyclist participated in either a 100k or 50k bicycle ride. The money raised by the event goes to the Arizona Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

"We consider it a family event, so we call it a ride," said Kay Schilling, spokeswoman for the tour. "If we called it a race, then we'd scare off amateur riders."

The 100K and 50K raised money for the Arizona Alumni Association Scholarship fund and the Children's Clinics for Rehabilitative Services.

Last year, 600 participants raised $6,204 for the foundations through the $50 entry fee, Schilling said.

While children had the opportunity to participate in a 4-mile race, more seasoned cyclists like Debbie Schaefer were able to test their skills in the long run.

Schaefer, a 100K participant who does "a lot of tours around Tucson," competed in the event for the second time this year.

"It's a lot of fun - a lot of camaraderie," she said.

The Sierra Middle School's cycling team also strapped on its helmets for yesterday's race - the first for the 10 members of the Sierra Club. Jay Schreiber, teacher and coach of the team, said he started the club to get the youths to get involved.

"It can really bolster self esteem because they (students) accomplish something they never have before," Schreiber said, adding that many of the students braved the 100K ride.

Aubrey Hancock, 13, has been a member of the Sierra cycling team for a couple of months.

"I joined because I was bored at home," Hancock said.

Daniel Aldaz and his mountain bike team traveled from Nogales, Ariz. to participate in yesterday's race.

"This event is training for us," Aldaz said, adding that the 10-man team would rather be riding in the rough terrain than along the city streets.

"With road biking, all you see is pavement," he said.

Roger Collier a Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tucson member competed in the race with his "little bro" Tyler.

"It's a beautiful event," Collier said.