Cyclists Gather For 'We Ride With The Pros' Tradition Ahead Of Tulsa Tough

Hundreds of cyclists hit the streets Thursday evening ahead of this weekend’s Tulsa Tough.

They all met up at Spoke House Bicycles Tulsa for the traditional "We Ride With The Pros" event.

The cyclists said you can give it your all or just take it easy. But no matter where they ride, the community feels like family.

Whether competing or just riding for fun, the roads are filled with life-long friendships.

"I think they're great. You can form long lasting friendships through cycling. You go through some sort of event together and you have a bond," cyclist Michael Boedigheimer said.

He is from New Orleans and said out of the five times he's been to the event, this will be his second time racing in the Tulsa Tough.

"It's just a good turnout. A lot of folks come to the races. It's really enjoyable and it's like the atmosphere and vibe is great. It's definitely a destination race,” Boedigheimer said.

Tulsan Lisa Vanschoyck said it's not an easy race. "Tulsa Tough -- they live up to the name. They choose hills around the area and add them in,” Vanschoyck said.

"I'd say it's probably the heat. It's a big part, the factor and also there's big crowds and if you're racing you usually have to line up about 45 minutes before the race to get a good spot. And so you're sitting in the sun and you got ice packs,” Boedigheimer said.

No matter how tough the ride may be this weekend, Vanschoyck said it's all about getting out and enjoying the ride.

"Bicycling is just like a rolling celebration. I can go on night rides and it feels like I'm sneaking out and just having fun with my friends or going really, really fast down a hill. It's like racing a car. It's just a rolling celebration. It's an absolute delight,” Vanschoyck said.

Some things drivers need to consider this weekend is that most of the roads the race will travel will not be closed to traffic. So, make sure you are keeping an eye out for cyclists on the road.