Green Country Gets Ready For Tulsa Tough Weekend

Tulsa Tough organizers held a news conference Monday to remind the community that bikers are coming - in droves - this weekend. The three-day cycling event includes competitive races, tours for recreational cyclists and a family townie ride for everyone.

The event is sponsored by Saint Francis and has become a world-class competition that brings professional racing to Tulsa and a boost to the economy.

The public is asked to use caution and be prepared for the increased number of bicyclists that will be out on the highways of Green Country Saturday and Sunday.

Races start Friday night in downtown Tulsa's Blue Dome district. Spectators can enjoy the sight of professional racers speeding through a closed circuit course or criterium.

6/10/2012 Related Story: Day Three Of Tulsa Tough Moves To 'Cry Baby Hill' And Riverside

Bicyclists are grouped by level of their skill and experience with the action starting at 6:15 p.m. and men's pro racing scheduled to start just before 9 p.m. See the ladies at 7 p.m. in the Blue Dome district.

See race routes and schedules

On Saturday the action shifts to daytime and the Brady Arts District.  The criterium races begin at 11 a.m. and continue through the day with men's pro headlining at 8:30 p.m.

Recreational cyclists will take over Riverside Drive in the morning and go through south Tulsa county on touring rides of up to 100 miles.

Sunday the race turns into a street festival where locals shower racers with song and water as they climb "Cry Baby Hill" in the River Parks district.

It's an event like no other as spectators dress in costume and "encourage" the racers competing for money prizes.

The touring rides on Sunday go through north Tulsa County.

Keep checking back to NewsOn6.com for more information on Tulsa Tough road closures and event times.