Tombstone Enhances Cycling Experience for El Tour de Zona

City offers transportation for cyclist purchases to improve welcome and boost tourism.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Tombstone officials are taking steps to enhance the experience for cyclists participating in the annual El Tour de Zona event. In the past, cyclists have felt unwelcome in Tombstone as they were unable to easily transport purchases from the town's shops back to Sierra Vista. This year, the city is providing a vehicle to transport items purchased by cyclists back to the event's staging area in Sierra Vista, making it easier for participants to enjoy shopping during the ride's Tombstone leg. The city is also planning to have a Discover Tombstone tent set up at the Sierra Vista staging area the night before the event to get riders excited about visiting the historic town.

Why it matters

Tombstone relies heavily on tourism, and the annual El Tour de Zona event brings hundreds of potential visitors to the town. By improving the cycling experience and making it easier for participants to shop and engage with the community, Tombstone hopes to leave a more positive impression and encourage riders to return with friends and family.

The details

In the past, cyclists have been unable to easily transport purchases from Tombstone's shops back to Sierra Vista, where many participants are staying in RVs. This has led to a lack of sales for Tombstone merchants and a perception among some cyclists that they were not welcome in the town. To address this, Tombstone is now offering a city vehicle to transport items purchased by cyclists back to the event's staging area in Sierra Vista. The city is also planning to have a Discover Tombstone tent set up at the Sierra Vista staging area the night before the event to get riders excited about visiting the historic town.

  • The El Tour de Zona event takes place over a three-day period, with the Tombstone portion occurring on the final Sunday.
  • The Discover Tombstone tent will be set up at the Sierra Vista staging area the night before the Tombstone portion of the ride.

The players

Charissa Presti

Tombstone City Clerk, working with the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce to improve the cycling experience.

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What they’re saying

“First impressions make a huge impact. To hear that we weren't very welcoming is very detrimental to us because we thrive on tourism. We are the Town Too Tough to Die, we are a bucket list destination and we want them to come back with their family and friends.”

— Charissa Presti, Tombstone City Clerk (myheraldreview.com)

“Because we didn't seem very welcoming, the night before the ride we're bringing Tombstone to Veterans Memorial Park. We're hoping to bring our Discover Tombstone tent to the park to get riders excited about coming to Tombstone.”

— Charissa Presti, Tombstone City Clerk (myheraldreview.com)

What’s next

The Discover Tombstone tent will be set up at the Sierra Vista Veterans Memorial Park the night before the Tombstone portion of the El Tour de Zona event.

The takeaway

Tombstone is taking proactive steps to improve the cycling experience and welcome participants in the annual El Tour de Zona event, recognizing the importance of tourism and making a positive first impression. By providing transportation for purchases and promoting the town's attractions, Tombstone hopes to encourage riders to return with friends and family, keeping the Old West spirit alive.