It's a simple question with infinite answers.
Why is El Tour de Tucson so popular?
"Where do I start?" event registration director Barbara Franklin asked.
As of Friday afternoon, 8,288 riders had registered for this year's perimeter cycling event, and Franklin expects to surpass last year's number of 8,612.
"So long as we match the previous year's total, we're happy," said Franklin, who added the final tally won't be known until today.
Cyclists from 48 states - along with competitors from Germany, Dubai, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Japan and Australia - are expected to ride 111, 85, 60 or 42 miles today.
The list of reasons that draw people from all over the world to Tucson are long.
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The first may be the weather. The hottest it's ever been for El Tour was a comfortable 86 degrees in 1990. The coldest was a doable 54 degrees in 1994.
Today's high is projected to be 75, with mostly sunny skies.
The gorgeous conditions and smooth route - riders rarely have to stop, thanks to authorities directing traffic - are just the start of why competitors love El Tour.
Franklin said she routinely hears how much riders like the support from local fans along the route, as well as the 18 aid stations set up.
"They are staffed by local volunteers and they take such great care of the riders," Franklin said. "They hold their bikes for them while they take a nature break. There are peanut butter sandwiches for them. They have it all covered."
There's also another treat awaiting the riders at about the 11-mile mark. When they are forced to walk across the Santa Cruz riverbed, there will be a mariachi band playing for them.
One hundred miles later at the finish line at Armory Park, there's a ride to win.
The women's competition is expected to be wide open this year. Last year's champion, Erica Allar, is not expected to be here today for the event and has not registered yet.
Robin Farina, the 2009 winner, also isn't expected to ride, opening the door for some new talent.
Former professional figure skater and current elite cyclist Kathryn Bertine is one rider expected to challenge for first. Jennifer Wheeler, a professional rider with Team Tibco, also figures to contend.
Unlike the women, the men's field is filled with past champions.
Last year's winner, Eric Marcotte, of Scottsdale, is back. He finished in four hours, 32 minutes and 34 seconds in 2010 to claim his first title.
The P&S Specialized Team from Hermosillo, Mexico, also will be on hand.
P&S produced the men's champion in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Carlos Hernandez started the run in '07 and finished second in '08. David Salomon won in '08, and Rafael Escarcega finished the impressive streak in '09. All three will be vying for another win today.
Another rider to keep an eye on is Thomas Jondall. The Tucson native finished 12th last year as an 18-year-old and will ride again today.
Coming Sunday
An Arizona Daily Star special section for the 29th annual bicycle race.
