Cycling Partnership Solidifies OV's Reputation as cycling destination
Published on March 24, 2025
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (March 24, 2025) — Explore Oro Valley is proud to continue its partnership with Project Echelon and Discover Marana for a weekend of fundraising events supporting cycling programming for veterans, taking place April 5-6, 2025.
Project Echelon’s Gran Fondo charity ride will welcome veterans, their families, supporters, and cycling enthusiasts for a scenic, social ride. The event is not a race, but a group ride that promotes safe cycling and community-building.
Registration ($110) for the Gran Fondo ride is available at Project Echelon’s registration web page.
Event details
On Saturday, April 5, the packet pickup and pre-ride celebration with local food trucks will be held at Steam Pump Ranch (10901 N. Oracle Rd.) from 5 to 8 p.m. The ride starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, followed by a celebration from noon to 4 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch. Local cyclists will have the opportunity to ride in a non-competitive race alongside the professional riders of Project Echelon for a 50- or 75-mile group ride through Oro Valley and Marana.
A strong regional partnership
Explore Oro Valley and Discover Marana have partnered to provide a training route that explores the unique beauty that spans these two scenic communities. Both the medium and long routes will also feature a stop at the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park and the Fallen Marine Memorial at the Marana Regional Airport.
“Project Echelon is thrilled to return to the cycling friendly communities of Oro Valley and Marana for our professional training camp and community focused Gran Fondo “said Eric Hill, executive director of Project Echelon. “The community has welcomed us with open arms, worked collaboratively to host a successful event, and the terrain offers some of the best riding in the country.”
Information for motorists
No road closures or traffic restrictions — cyclists will follow regular traffic laws, including riding on the shoulder and obeying all signals. Drivers are encouraged to use caution in areas with cyclists. Click here to view the route maps.
Media contacts
About Project Echelon
Project Echelon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans’ health and well-being. The organization fosters relationships between veterans, their communities, and professional athletes through mentorship and endurance sports. Members of its professional cycling team competed in February’s Tucson Bicycle Classic, a portion of which was held in Oro Valley.