Approximately 30 employees from Tucson Electric Power (TEP) support charities every year by participating in the El Tour de Tucson bicycling event.

Donations from TEP cover the employee registration fees for the event, while the riders raise money for non-profit organizations such as Ben's Bells, Easter Seals and Tu Nidito.

El Tour de Tucson, founded in 1983, is one of the city’s best known sporting events. Its has a full 106-mile course, making it the longest perimeter cycling event in the entire country. More than 9,000 participants from around the world ride in the event held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving every year.

“El Tour de Tucson makes Tucson unique and exemplifies what Tucson is about. Being a part of an event like El Tour demonstrates TEP’s commitment to the community,” Steven Eddy, TEP’s supervisor of government affairs, said. “Whether you do the whole 106 miles or a shorter ride, you’re surrounded by cycling enthusiasts who are out there for the sheer joy of riding. It allows you to share your passion for cycling. Just being a part of the event and riding with so many cyclists is an overwhelming experience.”

Eddy has participated in the event for many years and often rides his bike to work.