Thousands of cyclists and spectators turned out to participate in Epic Rides’ 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo bike race this weekend.

Event director and president of Epic Rides, Todd Sadow, said from his perspective, the event was a smashing success.

“It was fantastic,” Sadow said. “It was really an exceptionally good weekend. I don’t think we’ve ever had that perfect of a Saturday as far as the weather goes.”

According to Sadow, 1,800 cyclists registered to participate in the event and another 1,200-1,900 people came out to watch the race and assist riders during the weekend.

In addition to the weather, Sadow said he was extremely pleased with the way the participants took care of the land.

“This is the cleanest the 24 hour town has ever been left initially by its participants,” he said. “It looks great. We are fortunate to have an awesome group of people that attend the event. They don’t look at it as a junkyard, they look at it as their playground that they need to keep clean.”

This year, Sadow was honored by the owners of the land where the bike race is held for his commitment to putting on a great event and being a good steward of the land.

The recognition is something he said he doesn’t feel comfortable with.

Todd Sadow

“That was completely unexpected,” Sadow said of the award. “I am not a huge fan of being acknowledged like that, but I appreciate the ranch seems to feel the same way about us being out there.  I’m lucky man, I’ve got an awesome crew. Everybody thanks me, but it’s the whole crew. I probably sleep more than anybody out there these days because we have such an awesome group of people that make the event go.”

Check out the results and other interesting facts from the race.

By the numbers:

Number of riders registered: 1,800

Record breaking lap count by a solo single speed rider: 18 by Michael Melley

Laps ridden by a female solo single speed rider: 15, a tie by Melissa Liebling and Lauren Frisk. Liebling completed her laps slightly faster, however.

Most laps ridden by a team: 23 by the Epic Endurance P/B The Gear Movement four person team

Most laps ridden by a duo: 22 by the El Grupo Duo team.

Fastest complete lap (the first lap is shortened and uses extra jeep roads): 56:01 by Chris Baddick.

Here are a few photos from the race. I’m compiling photos taken by other racers and spectators. If you would like to submit your own photo, send it to tucsonvelo@gmail.com with information about how you would like the photo credited.

Results:

Check out the full results here.

If you were on the fence about participating in the New Belgium Urban Assault ride this weekend, the Arizona Daily Star’s Groupon knockoff, Get it Today, has a deal for two entries to the race for half off.

Normally the entry would be $120 for a team, but the offer knocks it down to $60.

The primary beneficiary of the event is Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, a group advocating for mountain bikers in Arizona.

Check out the deal here.

Here are few photos from the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo that wrapped up yesterday.

Having slept only a an hour or two in the last two days, I can’t bring myself to edit photos and video all night. Be sure to check back for more photos, videos and stories from the race.

Beers and bikes mark the race.

Combining the two isn't always a great idea.

Meet professional riders from various trek squads tonight.

Trek Bicycles of Tucson is hosting several professional athletes at their store in Oro Valley from 6-9 p.m.

Brian Matter (Trek Regional Team Athlete) Linsey Corbin (Trek Pro Triathlete), Sam Schultz and Emily Battey (Subaru/Trek Pro MTB) will all give brief presentations, participate in an short Q&A session and a meet and greet with the athletes.

Learn more about the event here.

Bicycling Magazine's gear editor, Andrew Bernstein, tweeted this photo from yesterday's ride.

Editors from Bicycling Magazine are in Tucson this week testing bicycles for their annual “Editor’s Choice” awards.

Bicycling Magazine’s Nick Sowards wrote in an email that the Editor’s Choice award is the highest award a product can receive.

Last year the editors tested gear in Austin, but selected Tucson this year.

“Last year, our team traveled to Austin, TX for testing, and this year Tucson was selected. Warmer weather is certainly a factor, but the quality of local rides, along with gorgeous backdrops for photography, are big factors as well. And of course, food,” Sowards wrote.

I’m working on an interview with a few of the editors, but in the meantime, you can follow the testing using the Twitter widget below.