Yes, cowbells were out and used loudly and proudly for fans lining the start/finish line.
One of those using the cowbells supplied by Encantada Living, luxury apartments in Tucson and Phoenix, was Roberta Frey. She parked herself near the starting line at 5:30 a.m. to support her husband, James, and other riders. James was riding his seventh El Tour, and Roberta was prepared for the day.
“I did this last year,” she said. “I have my drinks, food, IPad with me—everything to keep me busy.”
As the temperature started to rise, she took off another layer, her flannel jacket. She started cheering and ringing her cowbell for yet another child finishing the Fun Ride.
“I love it,” she continued. “I really like how the kids light up when they come by here.”
Another woman, who was waiting for her husband, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, well, you get it—basically most of her family—was sitting in a chair doing homework.
“There are not many times when I have time without my six year old,” said Angela Tenace, who is studying to be a medical assistant to give her more time to spend with her daughter, Adalynne.
After crossing the finish line in a tandem bike with her dad, Adalynne ran into Angela’s open arms to celebrate her finish.
