Ok, I’ll grant you that Tucsonans are less inclined to wear costumes in public than, say, Los Angelenos, or the Tucsonans in 2023 but the skeleton riding on the back of the bike at the top of this page was the only hint that the ghosty season was nearing. On the plus side- while there were few costumed riders/cyclists — maybe they showed up later in the day–there seemed to be a lot more of them. (Idea: maybe set a theme for the next Cyclovia, like the Pet Parade has.)
Another disappointment: few tricked out bicycles. In L.A. a junior branch of the low rider community has gone crazy about turning ordinary old Schwinn bicycles into 21st Century works of art. C’mon — Tucson has more artists per capita than virtually any other place in the U.S.. Surely, some are interested in fabricating fabulous bicycles.
Enough complaining. Here is what I saw at the October 2026 Cyclovia.
At the newly renovated Santa Rosa Park, there were some fashionistas roaming free, starting with these two on roller skates looking very nicely turned out for the event:
And this woman with more than a dozen badges expressing her political views on her back.
In the Santa Rosa Park there were a group of dancers I’d never heard about before. I think their name is Esperancia Dancers.
And a couple of other groups at the park were new to me. One was Wild Arizona which had a man sawing thin slices of a log as giveaways. The group focuses on preservation and restoration of the wild world of Arizona.
And under another canopy with the name ‘Epic Rides’ on top were shoppers looking at tin mugs and canvas shopping bags.
Coasting down Meyer Street were a group of cyclists who passed a couple playing guitar and singing hymns on the corner. As I walked downhill I noticed the chalked letters ‘BIKES!” on the street. Despite my comments at the beginning of this post those letters, big and bold, express my enthusiastic feelings for Cyclovia. Can’t wait until the next one!
Take a look at the two new 2027 calendars before you leave today!
There are also journals and mousepads — very Southwestern
Sign up for a free subscription to I Saw it In Tucson.
Never miss out on discoveries around the city.
