El Tour: Reasons for riding won't change, even in the rain

But the basics of Southern Arizona’s largest participatory sporting event won’t change. The 8,500 or so competitors will ride for competition, for fun — or, in many cases, for others.

Linnea Herbertson fulfilled a personal goal with a first-place finish in last year’s event. This year, Herbertson’s sixth time riding El Tour, she joined Team Colleen. She will be one of eight cyclists helping Jenna Auber finish the 107-mile race. Auber is currently recovering from cancer. The goal is to finish under seven hours.

“We’re going to be her cheerleaders,” Herbertson said. “Her whole family has flown here to help her reach her goal. It just gives hope to anyone with cancer that they can reach their goals too, as long as they have the support of their family.”

This ride hits home for Herbertson, whose aunt recently died of cancer.

“In my heart, I’ll be riding for her, too,” Herbertson said.

Firefighter Brendan Lyons has always considered himself a charitable person. In the past he’s participated in El Tour with Tu Nidito and been a member of Big Brothers. Lyons also supported Jean Gorman years ago to change driving safety laws in Arizona. Gorman’s son was struck and killed by a distracted driver 14 years ago.

A vehicle struck Lyons while he was riding his bike on Oct., 4. He sustained serious injuries that have left him in a wheelchair.

Lyons, founder and president of LOOK! Save A Life Arizona, spends his days educating and spreading awareness for drivers to pay attention to riders and vice versa.

Lyons is currently working to change state laws. Currently, if a driver in Arizona strikes a cyclist, it results in a $500 fine; that fine rises to $1,000 if a cyclist is killed.

“At the end of the day, if I know a life can be spared, or somebody is not going through what I’m going through, I will be successful,” Lyons said. “If I can know that after riding your bike, that individual can go back home to his family without being hurt by somebody else, then I feel justified.”