The Lowdown on Tulsa Tough Weekend

Get your spandex or your favorite costume ready! It’s almost time for Tulsa Tough!

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is an annual three-day cycling festival that is located in downtown Tulsa and along the Arkansas River. This unique event, happening June 8-10, is a Tulsa favorite. It is a full cycling experience for everyone, from experienced racers to toddlers on training wheels. There are three days of Criterium races, two days of Gran fondo rides, and the all-ages Townie Ride. The theme this year is “Make Your Own Luck”.

The festival begins Friday night with McNellie’s Group Blue Dome Criterium race that begins at 6:15 and a final race starting at 8:50.

On Saturday morning, racers take on the Tulsa Arts District Criterium at 10. The start and finish lines are at M.B. Brady Street and Boston Avenue. Gran fondo rides begin Saturday morning, taking racers southwest of downtown Tulsa through Jenks, Sapulpa, Prue, Skiatook, and Sand Springs.

On Sunday, Gran fondo participants start their race through Sand Springs and Prattville at 7:30 a.m. near 15^th street and Riverside Drive. The free 5.8-mile Townie ride begins at 2:15 PM south of 15^th Street and Galveston near Riverside Drive. This ride is designed for everyone to enjoy.

A variety of family activities will be taking place throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the Guthrie Green festival will be kicking off at 9 AM. The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis will have a Build-a-Bear clinic open from noon to 2 PM at the Guthrie Green. A popup state fair with rides and activites will be located at a rest stop at Pretty Water-Lake Sahoma in Sapulpa.

On Sunday, Cry Baby Hill will be where the party is. There will be a stage located at the Route 66 bridge parking lot with live music and DJ’s that include Paul Benjamin Band, Count Tutu, DJ Darku, and others. Music starts at 11:30 AM and continues throughout the day to entertain with a view of the race to cheer on your favorite rider. There will also be activities at the River Parks festival located at 15th Street to Lawton Avenue along the Arkansas River.

More information about the races and events during Tulsa Tough can be found on their website and Facebook page.