The Sun City streets were alive with bicycles overnight July 17-18 in the Sun City Cycling Club’s first “12 Hours of Sun City Challenge.”

Participants started riding at 7 p.m. an eight-mile bicycle loop in Sun City and continued to ride overnight until 7 a.m. the next morning. Twenty cyclists rode the loop one to multiple times depending on their individual preference. Through the event, the club raises $400 for local groups.

Participants were starting and finishing all night as each rider cycled the loop as many times as they desired. The last cyclists finished their loops at about 6:50 a.m. July 18. Two riders did 13 loops (referred to as a baker’s dozen century) to record a century of 100 miles or more. Each participant received an event medallion to recognize their accomplishment.

Riders were required to wear masks and practice proper social distancing at the staging area and did not ride in groups larger than five. In most cases, group size was two or three riders. 

All together, the 20 cyclists rode more than 900 miles during the event. The $400 raised in the event was shared between the Sun City Posse and the All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church Outreach Program.

The challenge was staged at the All Saints campus, 9502 W. Hutton Drive, and the Sun City Posse provided onsite security overnight so everyone felt secure and safe.

Sun City Cycling Club is committed to promoting safe and enjoyable cycling for the community and to partner with local groups and organizations to better the Sun City community.

Visit suncitycycling.com.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Smock is Sun City Cycling Club president.