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Cyclomesa: Draft Your Way to One of Mesa's Top Events

Mesa, Arizona, offers an abundance for activities sure to fill up a Southwest vacation, from taking in rare art collections at the Mesa Arts Center to mountain biking on the miles of scenic trails within the Tonto National Forest. The city’s downtown area is a sight to behold with more than 200 unique sculptures dotting the sidewalks in front of ample restaurants, shops, and art galleries. After a few days of warm weather, sunshine, events, and scenery, your next short getaway might turn into an extended adventure.

 

Cyclomesa is a family-friendly bicycle spectacular that’s become one of the top events in the Mesa area, in only six years. It will take place April 1 at the Mesa Convention Center, which is located right in the heart of the city. The event is a celebration of all things biking, offering activities for every fan of cycling. The Adventure Zone is ideal for all ages and contains BMX shows, zip lines, a climbing wall, and games. The Mesa Adventure Challenge is an adventure race featuring groups of two to six riders competing in a series of riddles and physical challenges. Last, but not least the El Tour de Mesa is an all ages and abilities bike race through the streets of Mesa (prizes awarded). We got the opportunity to interview Courtney Garrity, Marketing Coordinator for the Downtown Mesa Association, to learn about this massive biking celebration.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

CG: CycloMesa is celebrating its sixth season!

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

CG: This event draws 8,000-10,000 people into Downtown Mesa.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?

CG: CycloMesa targets families and we try to make sure we have something for everyone from our kid zone to the BMX Freestyle Show.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

CG: CycloMesa is a free event that encourages families to get outside and have fun while exercising with their children.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.

CG: We have a great selection of activities including:

  • El Tour de Mesa

  • Custom Bicycle Competition- All bikes entered must be unique/not straight from the display room. The competition will be judged by members of the community and awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers. Categories include Best Custom, Best Vintage, People’s Choice and Best Kids Bike.

  • Adventure Zone: Free access to the zip line, rock wall, bungee jumps and watch the BMX Freestyle show.

  • Kids Zone: Free access to inflatables, carnival games, circus performers and kids aerial workshops.

  • Bicycle Rodeo: Kids will learn safety lessons and receive a free helmet while supplies last.

  • Historic Bike Tour: Attendees can sign up for a historic bike tour throughout downtown, the cost is $5.

  • Roller Derby Bouts

  • Adult Fun Zone

  • Mesa Adventure Challenge: A family-friendly Amazing Race style event that takes people on a scavenger hunt while riding their bike around downtown.    

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

CG: The event will feature seven food trucks including Queso Good, Different Smokes BBQ, Burgers Amore, Yellowman Fry Bread, Cheese E Wagon, Wild Wolf Kettle Korn, and Kona Ice.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

CG: We encourage people to stay at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa. It's located in the heart of downtown and offers discounts for El Tour de Mesa riders.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

CG: CycloMesa draws people from all over the valley. The event showcases how “local” our downtown area is from our restaurants to shopping. Our businesses find event attendees return after the event to shop and dine.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

CG: El Tour de Mesa benefits Uphill into the Wind, Marc Community Resources, and The Winded Foundation.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

CG: CycloMesa is a great event to get families out of their house and try something new! We encourage attendees to bring their bike and participate in the fun ride, Historic Tour or Mesa Adventure challenge!


For more information about Cyclomesa, please visit the event website.