Organizers: Tulsa Tough Promotes City, Healthier Community

The 11th annual Tulsa Tough begins Friday, June 10. The three-day cycling festival includes criteriums and road races, plus a family ride called the Townie. It's designed for anyone who likes to ride - professional cyclists from around the world to the kids down the block.

The action will take place in several Tulsa locations in addition to the countryside. On Friday night, racers do laps on a closed course - or criterium race - in the Blue Dome District. The action moves to the northeastern Oklahoma back roads in Saturday morning's Gran Fondo, and the Brady Arts District for another criterium Saturday night.

On the final day, there's a second Gran Fondo and then the crazy race party that is Cry Baby Hill around Riverside Drive.

The event brings in visitors and tourism dollars to the local economy, but organizers from Saint Francis Health System said the event is not just about a weekend. It's not just about promoting Tulsa or the sport of bicycling.

6/6/2016 Related Story: Local Cyclist Looks To Conquer 'Cry Baby Hill' After Suffering Heart Attack

They're trying to encourage a healthier community.

"Promoting athletes and healthy lifestyles so people see it and say, 'wow, I can do that,'" said John-Kelly Warren, chairman of the Saint Francis Health System Board of Directors.

Interested in learning more about Tulsa Tough events? Click through to the Tulsa Tough website.