Take the challenge

Fellow Tulsans… I understand we lack some infrastructure and safe passage for everyone to ride to work but did you know Tulsa has an excellent “Complete Streets” plan and needs your support. Surrounding communities are moving quickly with updates, changes and improvements to make pedaling from place to place easier for all. I challenge you to visit the INCOG or Tulsa Health dept. website and you will find great effort being put into getting Tulsa on TWO wheels.

Help make the best better

So next week, do some planning and ride to work, ride to a restaurant, ride to get groceries, whatever it takes to show our support for this move toward better access for cyclists. Wear your SFTT gear, tell people about the best weekend in Tulsa, Tulsa Tough weekend, invite folks out to see our city at its best and healthiest!!!!!!

Eric is the Corporate Programming Consultant for The Holmes Organisation.  His professional goal is a dynamic and multifaceted approach to helping people and businesses achieve success through better living and ‘lifestyle’ choices. Creating synergy through Health and Wellness creates positive results in any business as well as at home.

The post Getting Tulsa On Two Wheels appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Picture this: 

Take a broom stick, and cut it into about 8 little one-inch pieces.  Stack those up, then very carefully balance an 8 pound bowling ball on top.  Don’t worry…if you’re quick about it, I’ll even let you hold it all together with some string and glue.  Impossible?  Well, that’s basically what your neck is doing: holding up your head with just the aid of some muscles and ligaments.  Pretty impressive, right? 

Ideally, your neck should have a gentle curve in it, called a lordosis, but with time and poor posture, we have a tendency to straighten out that curve which causes unnecessary stress on the discs between your neck bones.  This can cause pain, numbness and tingling into your shoulders and arms, and eventually arthritis and permanent changes.  Add to this a cyclist’s typical and proper posture on a bike, you have the potential for big problems.

So when you consider the biomechanics of your neck, it’s no wonder why you sometimes have some neck pain when cycling or nearly any other activity.  Let’s talk about what you can do to fix some of these problems before they take you off your bike. 

The Fix:

First and foremost: BIKE FIT IS KEY.  A bike fit specialist will make sure that your handlebars are the correct width, that your reach is not too stretched, and your hoods are at the proper place for you.  Also note, if your hamstrings are tight, it can make your reach seem even shorter, and can cause some problems as well.

Next, stretching is important.  You want to make sure to hit all the major muscle groups in your neck and upper shoulders.  Stretch your upper traps, levator scapulae, suboccipitals, and scalenes. 

Then you want to work towards restoring the appropriate alignment by performing chin retraction.  You’ll find that just doing some of these exercises every day will loosen you up quite a bit and relieve neck stress, headaches, and shoulder fatigue.

Next, let’s round out our program with some simple strengthening of the deep neck stabilizers.  We use isometric exercises for this.  An isometric contraction engages your muscles, without moving the joint.  For these exercises, you will use two fingers against your head to gently resist motions in each direction: forward, back, side ending, and rotation:

Finally, there is some soft tissue work that will relieve symptoms.  You didn’t just get your head-forward posture in a day, so during the time it took for you to get your poor, albeit very aerodynamic form, your fascia and muscles have selectively shortened and  adhered in that shortened, painful situation.  A skilled therapist can reduce those adhesions through soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release.  Choose someone who understands cycling and work specifically with athletes to make the most of your time and money.

Nicole is a physical therapist and owner of Athleta Sports Massage, catering to athletes and their recovery.  She races road, mountain, triathlons, trail runs and likes to have FUN!  Cycling and running is all about meeting new people, seeing new sights, and sharing knowledge with new athletes.  She will be sharing her expertise on flexibility, injury prevention, muscle balance, and recovery.  You can also find Nicole at Athleta Sports Massage.

The post Take the Pain in the Neck out of Cycling appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

As I look at the calendar, a little bit of anxiety is creeping into my gut.  I feel like I’m running out of time to train and will I actually be able to ride the 27 miles on my Townie?  And how bad will the hills be?  And will I be the last person to cross the finish line?  And how sore will I be?  Fortunately for me (or unfortunately, depending on where you stand) once I make up my mind to do something, there’s really not a lot that will persuade me otherwise.  So – 27 miles it will be.

With a little help from my friends…

Since we last chatted, I’ve explored a few more trails and continued to meet the goals I set for myself – mainly riding my bike all the way to another town!!  One chilly Saturday I took the Katy Trail into Sand Springs.  I had never been on this trail before but it looked easy enough on the map.  And the map was right – it was a very easy ride.  However, what the map failed to mention is that it wouldn’t be the most pleasant or scenic route.  All I’m saying is, it would have been better had I not been riding solo.

A fellow cycling enthusiast biked with me one evening after work.   She calls herself my “trainer” and has taken it upon herself to make sure my form is correct and that I’m cycling “properly”.  I’m not entirely sold on her qualifications but I will say, riding alongside her, I had my best time to date – 20.87 miles in 1:53.  Now, maybe it was her coaching or maybe, just maybe it was the relatively level trail and an almost complete lack of wind but either way, I’ll take it!

Becoming legit

I even took the advice of my fellow Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Ambassador, Stephen Lassiter and rode my bike to work a couple of times.  This took a little advance planning on my part but it was well worth the effort!  It was such a huge stress reliever to bike home after work.  I got a little exercise, enjoyed the beautiful afternoon, and I felt so environmentally friendly by not using any fuel.

And, holy goodness, I even broke down and purchased my first official pair of cycling shorts.  I think I can honestly say they are probably the least attractive thing I’ve ever worn in my life and I will also agree that it’s made all the difference in the world on my….booty.

So now – I’m off to ride.  See you on the trails!

Ginger is a long-time Tulsa resident who just happens to think Tulsa is one of the coolest places to live and enjoy life.  There is always something happening and she’d like to share a few of the fun, great things she enjoys and loves about this city!  In the upcoming weeks she’ll be spreading the word on how much Tulsa has to offer for those who enjoy an active lifestyle – whether it’s cycling, running, hiking, or just walking.  Hopefully she will inspire you to get out, get some fresh air, and get moving.  You can also find Ginger on her blog, Keep Tulsa Local.

The post One More Month To Go To Saint Francis Tulsa Tough… appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

What to Expect:  

• Costumes →   Start hitting up your local thrift shops now to join the crowd at the top of the hill.  Over the years the costumes have gotten really good so bring your A game.

• Witty Signs →  You know you’ve been waiting to impress the world with your cleverness; slap it on a poster and be ready for a receptive crowd. Posters on Cry Baby Hill almost always guarantee a laugh.

• Water → Tulsa can get hot in the summer, really hot. The hill the racers ride up adds to the heat so naturally the fans do their best to *cough* cool them back down. Water cannons, hoses, water buckets, cups of ice cold water are all directed towards the racers.  People don’t always have the best aim so be prepared to get wet.

• Babies → With a name like Cry Baby Hill, you should pretty much bet on seeing baby doll homage all over the place. Fans wave these mini-mascots wildly as they cheer on the riders.  (You can bring a matching costume for your baby doll too!)

• Live Music → Not quite sure where these people come from, but they are always there and they are always jamming.  Wear your dancing shoes. There will be dancing.

What NOT to Expect: 

• Normal Spectating Fanfare → … this is meant in the best way possible.  If you’re looking to have a routine, cheering and spectating experience you’ll want to go down the hill. Cry Baby Hill rivals the running devils of the European Grand Tours and all the drama that frenzied fans and hard-working riders bring to what has got to be the most memorable race in the country.

And of course you can always watch this….

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In case you hadn’t guessed yet, you do both of these things when you ride.  Cyclists are a little unique though in how they’re hamstrings are used, though.  Look at the picture:  you can imagine the hamstrings running from your sits bones to the back of your knee.  Because of the way cyclists ride, the hamstrings are actually quite long as they wrap around the hip joint, but quite short where they cross the knee joint.  This is called selective length and shortening.

Why does this matter?

Well let’s start with what your hamstrings can do FOR you:  They can make your pedal stroke more efficient.  We all know that our pedal stroke should look like perfect little circles, using our quads (next article) to drive over the top of the pedal stroke and using your hamstrings (and gluts) as hip extensors from the top of your stroke to the 5-o’clock position, and then your hamstrings as knee flexors from there around the back side in that “scrape the mud off your shoe” motion.  A good pedal stroke utilizing your hamstrings is efficient all the time, but especially on hills.

Now let’s talk about what the hamstrings can do TO you.  In a word: OUCH.  You should know that proper bike fit is important, but so is how your muscles are balanced when on that perfect fitting bike.  If your hamstrings are tight, you’ll find yourself pulling yourself forward on your saddle until you’re riding on the nose…OUCH.  Or, if you’re one of the folks who have hamstrings that have not yet adapted to the cycling selective lengthening and shortening, you may feel increased pain in your lower back as your hamstrings pull on your pelvis.  Your hamstrings also attach to your “sits bones” and if you have tight hamstrings, you’re sitting right on those tendons and might start feeling an aching tendonitis coming on.

HELP?

Don’t worry, the doctor is in and the doctor says: STRETCH.  Let’s go back to the anatomy for a moment.  Remember I told you that you have three muscles back there?  You have to stretch all three, and you have to do it without just pulling your low back into a curve.  The best way to stretch hamstrings is to grab a stretch strap, dog leash, belt, or towel and lay flat on your back.  Loop the strap around your foot, straighten your knee as much as you can and then pull your foot straight towards your head. That’s hammy #1.  To hit hammys #2 and #3, you’ve got to pull your leg towards the opposite shoulder at a slight angle, and then out from the same shoulder at a slight angle.  You should stretch for 30 seconds, three times in each direction, 3-5 times per week.  Research shows quick stretching immediately before your activity can actually decrease your performance, so a consistent stretching regime is important.

What else can you do?  Really tight hamstrings might need some additional help.  Consider a sports massage.  You may have some scar tissue, myofascial adhesions…aka…knots that might need some working out.

Nicole is a physical therapist and owner of Athleta Sports Massage, catering to athletes and their recovery.  She races road, mountain, triathlons, trail runs and likes to have FUN!  Cycling and running is all about meeting new people, seeng new sights, and sharing knowledge with new athletes.  She will be sharing her expertise on flexibility, injury prevention, muscle balance, and recovery.  You can also find Nicole at Athleta Sports Massage

The post What is a hamstring anyway? appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

i love my bike

The Reasons I Ride…

First there is the fitness aspect.  I love staying as active and as healthy as possible.  I am a physical therapist and I believe in leading by example.  Who am I to advise my patients to take up an exercise program if I’m not proactive in exercise and fitness?

Second there is the competition.  I race road, mountain, and triathlons.    Without this outlet, I would find non-productive ways to be competitive.  Ask my husband and children: a racing Nicole is a happy Nicole and one that everyone likes to live with.

Last but certainly not least, there is the social aspect of riding my bike…and I can tell you for certain that this part is my favorite.  There is nothing quite like riding along with your friends and solving the problems of the world while the asphalt is humming beneath your tires;  A good ride with your teammates, surging and recovering for fun, then sharing a couple of brews afterwards in the parking lot.  Teaching a new rider how to use her gears as she tackles the Biggest. Hill. She. Has. Ever. Seen.

Although many of my future posts will focus on injury prevention and recovery, I just wanted to introduce myself by telling you why I love to ride my bike.  Why do YOU ride?

 Nicole is a physical therapist who races road, mountain, triathlons, and trail runs.  She strives to be an example of a balanced, healthy lifestyle to effect  a positive change in the health status of the community.  Plus, she likes to have FUN!  Cycling is all about meeting new people, seeng new sites, and sharing knowledge with other riders.  She will be sharing her expertise on flexibility, injury prevention, muscle balance, and recovery.

The post Why do YOU ride a bike? appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Welcome back!  For those of you who read my first post, you know I’m training for my very first Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Gran Fondo.  My goal is to do the Petite 27, which will be the furthest I’ve ever traveled on my bike at one time.  Last week I managed to squeak out 15 miles in 1:32.  My goal for this outing was to do at least 17 miles.  Now, for all you professionals out there chuckling at my time – keep in mind I’m attempting to do this on my Electra Townie 3-speed.  Let’s be honest, this is a bike built for cruising – not speed.  The tires are whitewalls and they are so wide and fat, the brand name is actually Fat Franks.

The Route

My planned route would take me south along Riverside Drive to 71^st Street, up to Turkey Mountain, along the west bank of the river to the 31^st street bridge to the Midland Valley Trail, taking the trail to 3^rd street downtown.  I would then take 3^rd through downtown until I reconnected with the Riverside Trail and eventually back to my starting point.  According to my riding partner, it made much more sense to travel clockwise because of the southern wind.  I still think he was yanking my chain but considering he owns spandex and I don’t (yet) I took his word for it.

And Then There Was Wind…

We set off and almost immediately we were hit with the wind out of the south.  Seriously – when will it let up?  It almost had me wishing for those hot, humid days in July when nothing moves…..almost.  But as someone very wise once said – “the wind is nature’s trainer” – so we persevered.  We finally made it to the 71^st street bridge and my one and only goal at this point was to make it to the top of Turkey Mountain without having to get off and push.    AND I DID IT!!!  Sweet goodness, I did it!!  Granted, it’s a much more gradual climb than the “north face” version but still, it’s a climb!  By the time I got to the top I wanted to lie down in the cool grass and die, but I was too overjoyed (and winded) to do much more than gulp down some water.

We headed down the mountain to the west bank and sadly, it was at this point that I would reach my top speed for the day.  The ride along the west bank is spectacular.  It’s not as crowded as the east side and some of the views are absolutely stunning.  Plus that wonderful, wonderful wind was now at my back.  Now this was what cycling was all about!  Between you and me – when I’m riding into the sunshine and the wind is at my back, I swear I feel like I’m 9 years old again.

We crossed the pedestrian bridge and started on the Midland Valley Trail.  This trail has undergone a recent renovation and the bike path is wonderful.  We took this trail all the way to 3^rd and Madison and then cut through downtown to reconnect with the Riverside Trail at SW Boulevard.

The last part of our route was not quite as pleasant.  I was tired, my legs were burning, and that ridiculous wind would not let me be.  But I finished and I felt so accomplished and victorious.  Making it up that hill at 71^st street was so exhilarating – I had a celebratory beer at the end of my ride.  Okay, maybe it was two beers, but I earned them.  My final tally for the day was 18.08 miles in 1:58.

Lessons Learned

And I’ve learned a few things in my two short training sessions –

1. Sunscreen is your friend!  Don’t be foolish and think because it’s a cloudy day you’ll be okay.  You won’t!  You’ll get a sunburn and it’ll hurt and you’ll be cranky to all your friends and loved ones.  And then you’ll peel.
2. Hydrate!  Hydrate!  Hydrate!  Water is your friend!  You are not a camel.
3. Even though my bike seat is very cushy, it’s not nearly cushy enough.  I now see the appeal of padded bike shorts.

Next week my goal is to actually ride my bike to another town!  So if you see me out riding, give me a shout of encouragement.  I’ll be the one on the baby blue Townie with white tires that could possibly fit a small car.

 
- Ginger Rose

Ginger is a long-time Tulsa resident who just happens to think Tulsa is one of the coolest places to live and enjoy life.  There is always something happening and she’d like to share a few of the fun, great things she enjoys and loves about this city!  In the upcoming weeks she’ll be spreading the word on how much Tulsa has to offer for those who enjoy an active lifestyle – whether it’s cycling, running, hiking, or just walking.  Hopefully she will inspire you to get out, get some fresh air, and get moving.  You can also find Ginger on her blog, Keep Tulsa Local.

 

The post Training for My First Gran Fondo: Week 2 or How I Managed To Not Get Off and Push! appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

All GranFondo rides will have chip timing and a 7:30 a.m. start time both days. You’ll finish each day at the GranFondo Celebrazione where you‘ll have secure bike parking and a giant tent with food and beverages. Kick back with friends, refuel, and tell stories about your day. You’ll be right next to the racing action with the crowds and energy that is Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.

The toughest among you will want to test yourselves against the clock in any or all of our GranFondo Challenges.

This year we are excited to announce the new women’s qualifying times for the Ace and Deuce jerseys!

• Deuce Challenge – two fast Grand 100+ mile days – men under 5:00 hours each, women under 5:40 each
• Ace Challenge goes to the fastest Mondo 127 riders – men under 6:00 hours, women under 6:45
• Double Tough Award goes to any rider who completes both Grand 100+ rides in any time
• King and Queen of the Mountain competition on Saturday
• 5-mile Tough Time Trial on Sunday

If you’re not up for these extreme challenges, you’ll still get a personal measure of your ride to use as motivation each year or to remind everyone who is the fastest in your riding group. The 2013 Jerseys for those that make the time cut are as follows:

The Deuce Jersey

The Ace Jersey

Timed results for every rider will be posted at the finish line and here on our website.

Don’t forget!

• You must pre-register… There is no ride day registration!
• Will ride rain or shine. Modifications or cancellations for severe conditions made by directors at their sole discretion.

The post 2013 Ace and Deuce Jerseys for the GranFondo Challenges Revealed! appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

After my bruised ego (and sore derriere) recovered, I realized there was still something about it – even with all of my mechanical troubles and fear of the speed – that I liked. A lot. I felt so young and free, and strong! I had ridden my bike 24 miles! In running shorts and tennis shoes, no less!

From that day forward, I was hooked. I will tolerate group exercise classes, running and boring ol’ walks to stay healthy. But riding? That’s my joy. It’s exhilarating.

I sometimes feel like this on a bike.

I love riding with a group. I love the sound of everyone clipping into their pedals. I even love spandex shorts.

One of my favorite quotes goes something like, “live the healthiest life you can enjoy, not the one you can tolerate.” I don’t know about you guys, but I want to spend my life doing things I love, even if those things bruise my ego now and then (such as the 2012 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough – stay tuned!)

See ya on the road.

Steph
Stephanie is a Wellness Analyst for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.  After teaching spin class for a year and noticing how passionate (obsessed?) the spandex-cladded people in her class were about road riding she decided to try it out for herself. She bought her first road bike in 2004 and entered a cycling event the very next day! She’s been hooked ever since.

The post That Feeling You Get When You Ride a Bike appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Where else do you get two full days of Gran Fondo camaraderie on two distinctive, scenic courses for a total of 8 route options for everyone from beginners to endurance junkies, with timing, awards, and first-rate support the entire way! Plus afterward, you get a terrific meal, wine, beer, soft drinks, and an exciting top-ranked criterium racing show with thousands of partying spectators!

So, register before the May 1 price increase!

Register Now >>

FEES, REGISTRATION, PACKET PICK-UP

Fees and Registration Options:

• Now till April 30 — $40 per day / $70 both days
• Price increase May 1 till June 3 — $50 per day / $90 both days
• Price increase again June 4 till June 6 — $70 per day/$130 both days
• Friday June 7, On-Site Only — $80 per day / $150 both days

Late registration for Sunday Only GranFondo will be available at the racer’s registration booth, Brady Village Criterium, Saturday. Same price increase as Friday’s on-site registration.

NO REGISTRATION ON RIDE MORNINGS, JUNE 8 OR 9.

PACKET and TIMING CHIP PICK-UP:

• At the Blue Dome Criterium Friday between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Pick up your GranFondo rider packet and timing chips or register in person for the GranFondo.
• Registered rider must sign their own waiver.
• Packets and timing chips may also be picked up Saturday and Sunday mornings before the GranFondos begin. (Long Lines, Not Fun)

You must pre-register… there is NO Ride Day Registration!

Register Now >>

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If You Train on A Bike, Why Not Commute on One?

You’ve spent months putting in miles and miles of training through fierce headwinds and brutal hills to get ready to ride in one of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough’s GranFondo rides. You’re comfortable with the idea of riding a century. Twenty-seven miles? Piece of cake. You live 10 miles from the office. The grocery store’s a mile or so away. So what’s keeping you from riding a bicycle just to get around?

Forty percent of all trips made in the U.S. are two miles or less, yet most of these trips are made by car. How many times have you thrown your bike on your car rack to drive it to the trail just a few miles away? When it’s time to go somewhere, our default mode of transportation is usually the automobile. Many of us only think of using a bicycle for training, competition or recreation. But the bicycle is also a true transportation machine that just so happens to make getting from point A to point B a whole lot of fun. Since you’re already an expert at riding long distances by bike, it’s not that tough to begin riding for local everyday trips.

The Health & Economic Benefits for Bicycle Transportation

There are considerable health and economic benefits to incorporating bicycling and other forms of active transportation into our daily routines. The cardio exercise you get from a number of regular short bike rides throughout the week can be more effective than the exercise so-called “weekend warriors” get by only working out on Saturday and Sunday. Federal guidelines recommend a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, with bicycling listed as one of the safest methods. Bicycling for transportation can also help your pocketbook. AAA recently reported the average cost of owning and operating a car is about $9,100 per year. The more you can rely on a bicycle to get to work and run local errands, the more likely your family may be able to get rid of at least one car and effectively give yourself a nice raise. And even if it’s not practical to reduce the number of cars you own, you’ll definitely save a ton of money on gas and often get to park right in front of your destination.

The Key to Bicycle Commuting

The key to riding a bike for transportation is getting comfortable riding on streets around cars. Sure it’s easy riding on streets with cars when you’re in a pack of bicyclists and you know the SAG wagon is on standby. But since just 0.2% of Tulsans bike to work, chances are when you venture out you’ll be the only bicycle on the street. Being out there alone can be a scary thought, but it doesn’t have to be. If you follow the same rules of the road you follow when you drive a car, other drivers will intuitively know how to behave around you.

Bicycles are legal street vehicles under the Tulsa Traffic Code. In fact, you may be surprised to know there’s an entire chapter dedicated to bicycles. Ride your bike on the right-hand side of the road in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. You’re only required to ride as far right “as is safe.” Riding so close to the curb that motor vehicles try to squeeze by in the same lane is not safe, so it’s perfectly fine to ride a few feet away from the curb toward the center of the lane, even if it requires cars to change lanes to pass. Although it may seem counterintuitive, riding out in the middle of the lane actually makes you more visible and less likely to be hit. Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic control devices, so this means you must stop at all stop signs and red lights. Riding in a predictable manner so motorists can anticipate your next move is the best way to stay safe, so remember to signal your turns.  If you’re riding at night, you are required by law to have a front white light and a red rear reflector. But it’s also a good idea to use a bright rear red light to ensure motorists approaching from behind can see you easily.

How I Made the Transition

Two years ago I drove everywhere. I hadn’t ridden a bike in years and never even considered that it would be possible to get most places by bicycle. More than 6,000 miles later, I can say riding a bicycle for transportation is one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m healthier than ever. My family was able to sell one of our cars. We’re saving a ton of money, and I feel more connected to my community. And it was way easier than I ever thought it would be. If you’re riding in a GranFondo or Criterium at Saint Francis Tulsa Tough this year, you definitely have the skills necessary to get around town by bike.  If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, sign up for the free Tulsa Townie ride to experience the joy of riding on city streets. Then think about the short trips in your neighborhood you could switch from car to bike, and give it a try!

Stephen Lassiter is an analyst at Magellan Midstream Partners, LP who rides a bicycle as his primary form of transportation. As a member of Tulsa’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, he is working with city staff and elected officials to make Tulsa streets safer and more appealing for biking and walking. You can follow Lassiter on Twitter @bikewalktulsa.

The post Bicycling for Transportation Not That Tough appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

How I Became A Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Ambassador

It was a Thursday.  I received an email from Saint Francis Tulsa Tough about general goings-on and among all the tidbits was a little blurb asking for Ambassadors.  Oh my goodness!!  I literally could not apply fast enough.  And holy moly – I was accepted.  Now, I’m not exactly sure what the judging criteria was but really, that’s not the point.  The point is – I WAS ACCEPTED.  And then reality hit – hard!  The blogging would be the easy part.  I love Tulsa, I love riding my bike on the numerous trails, biking to brunch is one of my favorite things to do, and I lead a semi-healthy lifestyle.  The part that made me sick to my stomach was the fact that as an ambassador for Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, I would be expected to participate in an event – and not just the Townie Tour – but a real live, honest-to-goodness event.  Like a race or a Gran Fondo.  Holy crap!  Up until this point, the furthest I had ever biked was 14 miles, and that was stopping for beer – twice.  Now all of a sudden I was looking at biking a 27 mile Gran Fondo event alongside professionals.  I mean – for pete sake, I ride a townie bike and I don’t own anything made of spandex.  What had I gotten myself into??  So after my mini-breakdown, I put on my big girl pants and decided I could do this.  I may not finish first (well, let’s be honest, me finishing first would be a miracle) but I would finish.

Training for My Gran Fondo Begins

Sunday was my first “official” training day.  I made a game plan, I mapped out a route, and I packed a bottle of water.  My plan was to bike north along Riverside to the 11^th street bridge, cross to the west side of the river all the way to Turkey Mountain, up around the mountain, down 71^st street and finally, finally, make my way back to my starting point on the east bank.  It would be 15 miles in all.

The first part of my ride was easy-cheesy.  The wind was at my back, the sun was shining on my face, and it was a glorious afternoon.  Then I crossed at 11^th and everything changed.  No longer was I the elite athlete I imagined myself to be just a few moments ago.  I was pedaling into a strong wind.  So strong, there were a couple of times I honestly felt like I was pedaling backwards.  But I kept going, not giving up.

I eventually reached the base of Turkey Mountain.  Now, if you’ve never experienced this climb, it’s like scaling the north face of Mount Everest.  Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but that’s how I felt.  I pedaled as hard as I could but eventually I just had to get off my townie and push the bike the remainder of the way.  And to add insult to injury, two men on unicycles passed me.  That’s right – unicycles!

The rest of my route was fairly easy.  It was mostly downhill and once I crossed back over the river, the wonderful wind that, just moments ago had been my worst enemy, was now my ally, pushing me along.  I made it back to my starting point exhausted but exhilarated.  I set a goal and I completed it.  Granted, it took me 1:32 to go 15 miles and somehow I don’t think that’s a very good time, but it’s not bad for just starting out.

So I hope you will follow along with me as I prepare for my very first Gran Fondo!  Hopefully you’ll be inspired to dust off that Schwinn and take it for a ride around the block.  The beauty of riding a bike is that you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy it; you just have to step outside and get started.

- Ginger Rose

Ginger is a long-time Tulsa resident who just happens to think Tulsa is one of the coolest places to live and enjoy life.  There is always something happening and she’d like to share a few of the fun, great things she enjoys and loves about this city!  In the upcoming weeks she’ll be spreading the word on how much Tulsa has to offer for those who enjoy an active lifestyle – whether it’s cycling, running, hiking, or just walking.  Hopefully she will inspire you to get out, get some fresh air, and get moving.  You can also find Ginger on her blog, Keep Tulsa Local.

The post Let’s Get Rolling. Time to Train for My First Gran Fondo. appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

We’re looking for people who are willing to blog on our website, attend the event, ride the Gran Fondo and promote cycling in general. This is a fun way to get plugged into a fantastic organization and advocate cycling and a healthy lifestyle. For more details email info@tulsatough.com and write “brand ambassador application” in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you and giving you the full details.

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Attendees will learn essential road and racing skills. They will also be presented with in depth information about sports nutrition, training, racing, bicycle maintenance and how balance a career/active lifestyle and family life.

Schedule of Events

Thursday June 7, 2013

• 4:00PM – Sign in and snacks with the Primal Team
• 5:00PM – Team and attendee introductions
• 5:30 – 8PM – Workshop (tiered to attendees cycling level)

Friday June 8, 2013

• 8:00AM- Breakfast with Primal Team
• 9:00 AM- Morning Group Ride
• 10:30AM- Skills Practice
• 11:30AM – Q&A discussion
• Friday Evening time TBA
• Join the Primal Team for a post-race dinner and reflection after Stage 1 of the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough

Remember this clinic is only available to women who join the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Diva Program. Hope to see you there!

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1. Tulsa is in fact a cool place to visit

If you’re not from here you’re probably thinking Tulsa, OK is all about cowboys and Indians..maybe Garth Brooks and if we’re lucky you’ve conjured an image of Woody Guthrie but the following images of Tulsa’s downtown are going to blow your mind.

Hodges Bend on 3rd in the Blue Dome

McNellie’s Pub…a favorite for burgers and beer

Blue Dome Mural

The Blue Dome, Tulsa

This is what we call the Blue Dome District and it’s where the first night of the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough festivities begin. You don’t want to miss this night because last year they somehow managed to have fireworks at the end of the Pro/1 Men’s Race! The fireworks will be back this year thanks to the neighboring Tulsa Drillers Baseball Team. Baseball, cycling and fireworks..food and drink? In one spot?  In the same night?! God bless America.

Photo by Cycling Illustrated:
http://cyclingillustrated.com/tulsa-tough-blue-dome-district-round-2-by-danny/

The Blue Dome is home to a bike shop, a running store, a bowling alley, a retro video arcade, a cool printing press and numerous good places to eat and drink. It’s fun to hang out down there after the races and revel in what feels very much like a street party a la Mardi Gras.

2. Tulsa has hilly roads and scenic countryside to ride

Saturday is day one of the Saint Francis Gran Fondo and it’s your first day to get your miles in and take in the surrounding OK scenery. If you’re picturing wide open spaces you’ll be in for a shock. Tulsa surrounding areas have believe it or not hills…lots of them so make sure you’re ready to climb.

Riding Gran Fondo style in Saint Francis Tulsa Tough

3. Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Gran Fondo has amazing SAG support and food stops!

The Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Gran Fondo is known for its awesome support throughout the ride so don’t worry if you have a flat or if you need a break and something to eat. The food stops have all the right things to get your blood sugar back up and back on the bike.

Paul Gray-

“Many thanks to Brad Huff for changing my flat tire on the Sunday ride…that was pretty darn fast!”

Curtis Payne ·

“I participated in the sunday granfondo piccolo, had a flat just after entering the time zone. Had great support, and a good laugh when the support team recognized me as the person who told them I had not had a flat since getting the bike the year before, so he gave me a spare tube, I asked if he was trying to jinx me? I will be back next year and hope to improve on my 68th place finish. Met some very nice people.”

 

Richard Davis ·

“I did the two 100 Mile + rides and had unbelievable support the whole time. Great job by the Tulsa Tough volunteers, OHP, & TPD! Awesome job Tulsa Tough for an extremely well run event.”

4. You earn your right to join in the festivities Saturday & Sunday

Put another way, you’ve put in your ride for the day and now it’s time to party. The Saturday festivities and races are in the Brady District. The Brady district in the last year alone has added 6 or 7 new bars and restaurants!  It’s a very up and coming part of downtown Tulsa that sports red-bricked buildings, red-brick roads and Tulsa icons like the Cain’s Ballroom, The Tavern on Brady and the Soudpony Bar (THE cycling bar of the weekend by the way…you’ll know it by all the people wearing spandex pouring out of the place).

Soundpony Bar during Tulsa Tough, photo via Stefan Rothe

5. Experience Cry Baby Hill

There are no words to describe the experience for what now has its own cult following including a dedicated Facebook page, Twitter address and costumes…Cry Baby Hill. You just have to experience it for yourself. Wear a costume if you want, but forget what you think you know…because unless you’ve been there you don’t know.  The closest we can get to show you is this:

Tulsa Tough: Cry Baby Hill (2012) from Keith Walberg on Vimeo.

We’re kicking things off big this year by offering $1000 to the person who refers the most new Gran Fondo participants in the month of March. Go to the registration page and make sure they put your name in the referral box during the registration process.

$1000 Gran Fondo Challenge

Register Today! >>

If you’ve got a bucket list lined up for Gran Fondos around the world, add this to it! You will not be sorry. But you don’t have to take our word for it….

“I’ve been racing at the top level since 1986 and I’m the director of two well known cycling films, ( www.thehardroadmovie.com & www.prothemovie.com). The point is I’ve been to pretty much every major event in this country and many in other  countries and Tulsa Tough is as good as it gets! 

 Keep up the good work and thank you.”

 Jamie Paolinetti

Monster Media Racing 

Writer/Director – *RACE DAY – *The Series

The post 5 Reasons to Try the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Gran Fondo appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

It’s that simple! We want to ride and want you to ride and have fun with us!

Register Now >>

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Divas Offers:

• 2 Organized Weekly Training Rides
• Support at Area Organized Cycling Events
• Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Divas T-Shirt
• Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Divas Jersey
• Free admission to Primal Pro Women’s Cycling Clinic
• One day of Riding the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough 2013 Gran Fondo or One Race
• Exclusive Offers

For more information and to sign up register here today!

Register Now >>

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It’s time for another Sponsor Spotlight and we’re excited to share our interview with Executive Director of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, Elizabeth Frame Ellison, Esq.

What is the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Mission?
Unlocking the door to education and innovative sustainability for all of Tulsa.

How many years has the Lobeck Taylor Foundation sponsored Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
This is our third year.

What was the motivation for the Lobeck Taylor Foundation to sponsor the event?
In 2010, we sponsored the fan zone at the Route 66 Marathon.  Our entire family volunteered together to help fans of marathon participants decorate posters to cheer on their runners.  After the marathon we knew we wanted to be involved in other athletic events because they bring commerce to our city, encourage a healthy lifestyle and give our family an opportunity to work together for the better of the community.

What do you like about Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
It is so great to see the community come together to participate in Saint Francis Tulsa Tough!  The Townie Ride has unicycles, tandems, mountain bikes, road bikes and beach cruisers.  The bikes are as varied as the people who participate—all shapes, sizes and ages have fun riding through Tulsa and enjoying delicious popcicles from Borden’s and fun at the river after the ride.  Don’t forget that the Townie ride is completely free!

What’s been some of your favorite moments of the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
Our entire family volunteered one year at a water stop at mile 86 on the Gran Fondo route.  It was hot,  but we had so much fun handing water to the riders when they zoomed by (while trying not to get run over) and talking with other riders who took a break in the shade at our stop.  There were riders from all over the place, from the bearded man who did the whole race in Chuck Taylor tennis shoes to the TATUR running group who decided to train for the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough when one of the people in their group sustained an injury that prevented her from running.  It was great to know that we were a part of  Saint Francis Tulsa Tough because it was bringing people together and helping them live a healthy lifestyle and accomplish fitness goals!

It’s so great to see people outside supporting the crit races in the Blue Dome and Brady District and riding in the Gran Fondos!  There literally are people everywhere who come out to watch and ride, it’s such a great event!

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Touted as one of the country’s best cycling events, Saint Francis Tulsa Tough features two days of Gran Fondos and some of the most exciting professional men and women’s races available this side of the pond.

It all kicks off Friday, June 7 when – as Velo magazine said in its 2013 Buyer’s Guide – we send “the pro field ripping through the hip Blue Dome district of Tulsa just as the sun begins to go down and the bars begin to fill up.” Saturday and Sunday feature Gran Fondos ranging from 24 miles to 127 miles and include unique elements for riders like timed course segments and the famous King and Queen of the Mountain hill climbs.

Because we aren’t all cycling monsters, Saint Francis Tulsa Tough also offers children’s races and family events like the 8-mile Tulsa Townie ride.  Let’s get the next generation in the saddle and ready to take on the cycling world!

Early bird registration is currently open through April 30.

Register today.

The post Gran Fondo Registration is Now Open appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Created by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, and opened in September 2012, it’s a one-of-a-kind urban garden and performance space in the heart of the Brady Arts District dedicated to community events like concerts, yoga in the park, and big, bad cycling events like Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  Seriously, you have to see this place to believe it.

Join us as we introduce Guthrie Green to the cycling community.  Features such as a pavilion, tree-lined paths, shade structures, water features and a large lawn will be welcome additions as Gran Fondo riders wind down with food and drink after tackling northeast Oklahoma’s hills. Come see what the fuss is all about, whether you’re riding or just watching

To check out Guthrie Green, click here.

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Women work as hard as men and deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their efforts. At the annual Event Promoters Summit hosted by USA Cycling, promoters of many of the top-tier races in the country discussed adopting this long-overdue policy. Saint Francis Tulsa Tough wholeheartedly supports this policy.

Female racers finishing on the podium in every amateur and professional category will now get purses which match their male counterparts.

“I think it’s fair to say Tulsa has been one of the leading events in the country in supporting women’s racing,” said Malcolm McCollam, executive director of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  “We appreciate the support we get from the women and are proud to take our support of women’s racing to the next level.”

The post Equal Podium Purse appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

“Many of us have been trying to get doping control at national calendar events for years. It’s very expensive. This fall we event promoters, the team managers and USA Cycling all agreed to contribute to an anti-doping fund and USADA did its part by making the tests a bit more affordable. It was a huge breakthrough,” said Malcolm McCollam, executive director of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.

On-site, USADA will act independently and follow strict protocols in testing winners and carrying out random tests. Everyone, amateurs and professionals, are subject to doping control at USADA’s sole discretion.

USADA follows the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List in identifying substances and methods prohibited in sport. Athletes can access the list at www.usada.org and smart phone users can download an app by searching for World Anti-Doping Agency. Ride clean!

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Saint Francis Tulsa Tough isn’t above begging for volunteers – in April.  This, however, is January, so now’s the time to explain all the fun.  Pass out water and food at a GranFondo rest stop; rub elbows with the pros at registration; marshal the courses or use your mad HAM radio skills to keep everyone organized and safe.  You’ll get a super cool T-shirt and more.  Recruit your friends (especially the ones with portable barbecue grills) and make a day or weekend out of helping to produce one of the best cycling events in the country.

“Volunteers get to experience the inner workings of an established, well-organized event that attracts the gamut of cycling enthusiasts.  Volunteers set the tone for the event as ambassadors who interact with both professional and amateur athletes from around the world as well as our own friends and families who watch and participate in a multitude of Tulsa Tough activities,” said Tonja Pitzer, volunteer director for Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  “Volunteer for a few hours or jump on board every day, all day – you’ll be Tulsa Tough too!”

Check out the multiple volunteer opportunities and registration information here.

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We asked Dr. Levinson a couple of questions about her involvement in Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  We’ll ask these questions of all of our Sponsor Spotlights this year, so stay tuned for some fun answers.  Questions answered by Dr. Levinson herself.

Is Levinson Dentistry more like a racer, GranFondo rider or a Townie rider?
I would be classified as a GranFondo rider, but I love to watch and cheer for the racers.

Are we more likely to spot your company peeps on Guthrie Green, in the Blue Dome District, or at RiverParks?
You will spot myself and my team at all three locations! We will be involved the entire weekend.

 If you could dress up as anything to cheer at Cry Baby Hill, what would it be?
The tooth fairy, of course!

Most fun part of SFTT for you/your company?
The most fun part of SFTT are the crit races for me! They are so fun to watch! It is also exciting to see everyone in the community supporting the event and local businesses!

If you could ride a bicycle anywhere in the world, where would you ride?
My husband, Andy, and I had the opportunity to go to France and watch the Tour de France in 2010 as well as ride parts of the course! We climbed the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet. If I could cycle anywhere else it would be in Alps.

The post Sponsor Spotlight: Marti Levinson Dentistry appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Q: How many years has Nadel and Gussman sponsored Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
This is our fourth year for the Adelson Family and Nadel and Gussman Energy to be a sponsor of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.

Q: Reason for sponsoring the event?
Both the company and the family like this event because it promotes healthy lifestyles through activity, especially the Saturday and Sunday GranFondo rides. The emphasis is on the family in the Townie ride on Sunday. And these types of events support and benefit the Tulsa community.

Q: What’s the greatest reward in sponsoring Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
It’s just nice to be a part of a great event.

Q: Highlight of the 2011 event or most anticipated event/activity for 2012?
The Saturday and Sunday GranFondo rides are great.

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But some Deuce competitors told us they didn’t get to enjoy the festivities or watch the racing action because they had to go home and recover from Day 1 to get ready for Day 2. We get that.

So we created the Ace Challenge; a one-day ride of 120 (or so) miles ridden in less than six hours gets you the Ace jersey. Just like the Deuce jersey, you must earn it the hard way, on the road.

Which brings us to the point of this article. Some of you have been asking whether you can have both jerseys if you successfully complete the Ace on Saturday then turn around and do a sub-five century on Sunday. Really? Come on.

No.

At least not this year.

However, we want you to know our Executive Committee has discussed adding this new challenge in future years. The problem we’re having is what to call it.

These are just a few of the ideas we’ve come up with so far:

The Excess is Not Enough Jersey
The Divorce Lawyer’s 401k Jersey (good sponsorship potential here)
The Obsessive-Compulsive Jersey
The Work-Life Imbalance Jersey

We’ll keep working on this and welcome your ideas. And after this, we’ll be offering the Double Ace; two days of sub-six hour Mondo Fondos! (Just kidding.)

Enough sarcasm. Let’s be serious for a moment. Sometimes more isn’t better. Subjective as it may be, we have to draw a line somewhere and this is where we chose to draw our line. Whatever your challenge, whether it’s one of our time-based challenges or whether it’s the challenge of going the distance regardless of time, we hope you will enjoy the weekend.

Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Executive Director Malcolm McCollam

The post We’ve Created a Monster appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Make sure to visit the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Facebook page and give it a “like.”  We’ll let you know as soon as the app is available for download from our website or your friendly, neighborhood app store.

Tour Tracker is only available at select events worldwide. You may have heard of some of them: Le Tour de France, Giro di Italia, AMGEN Tour of California, Tour of Utah and Colorado’s USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

“The use of Tour Tracker at our event literally puts Saint Francis Tulsa Tough at your fingertips,” said Malcolm McCollam, executive director of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough. “It was first developed for the biggest and best events in the world.  We are truly in elite company with the use of this app for our event.”

Among other things, the app will include a full schedule of all the events for the weekend, complete course details for the races and the GranFondos including course maps, descriptions and profiles showing the locations of aid stations and your mileage. Perhaps most exciting is the “show me” feature, which tracks your progress on the course in real time. By selecting “show me” on the course map you will see your exact location on the course and get an ETA across the finish line or find out exactly how far it is until the next aid station.

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The Ride documents Keoghan’s 40-day, 3,500-mile journey from Los Angeles to New York.  He put his 41-year-old body to the test, brought awareness to MS and raised $500,000 during the ride for the MS movement, which has now increased to over $1 million.

“Not only is this a local event benefiting the National MS Society in Oklahoma, we are thrilled at the fact that this documentary has raised funds and awareness for the MS cause,” said Cristy Racy, senior development manager at National MS Society, Oklahoma.  “Anytime you’ve got Phil Keoghan riding a bike on a national stage, it helps raise awareness of the entire organization.  We are grateful to Saint Francis Tulsa Tough and Circle Cinema for this benefit.”

 The showing, set for the night before Saint Francis Tulsa Tough’s opening day, benefits both the National MS Society and Circle Cinema, Tulsa’s non-profit and independent movie theater. Tickets, set at $10, go on sale on Thursday, May 31 at www.circlecinema.com, by phone at (918) 585-3504 or at the Circle Cinema box office located at 12 S. Lewis.  Limited seating available.

 “We at Circle Cinema love documentaries and opportunities to partner with other local nonprofits to present unique film events,” said Stephanie LaFevers, executive director of the Circle Cinema Foundation Inc.  “The Ride creates a three-fer: support and awareness for multiple sclerosis, a kick-off of Tulsa’s 2012 premier cycling event, and support for the historic Circle Cinema. Many thanks to Saint Francis Tulsa Tough for bringing us all together!”

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Meeks Group, formally Meeks Litho, is the visual marketing specialist of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  Employees of the Meeks Group are the geniuses behind the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough welcome travelers receive at Tulsa International Airport, as well as all of the trophies, signage and design.  Jerry Crocket, president of Meeks Group, provided us the following kind words about sponsoring the event:

“Meeks Group has supported Saint Francis Tulsa Tough for the last couple of years.  As a Tulsa-based company for over 52 years, we recognize the importance of giving back to a community of which we’re extremely proud. This three-day cycling festival is a prime example of an event that successfully promotes health and wellness, family, the scenic beauty of Tulsa, and the spirit of our city, and Meeks Group couldn’t be happier to participate. Further, it’s great to see how popular this event has become with the professional cycling community and the attention it brings to Tulsa.

While the entire event should be fantastic, Meeks Group is most excited about Friday’s race in the Blue Dome District and the opportunity to “Ride with the Pros” –26 professional cyclists who have committed to riding with the public in the GranFondo rides.”

Vintage 1740 is sponsoring Saint Francis Tulsa Tough for the first year.  Matt Sanders of Vintage 1740 said that the greatest reward in sponsoring the event is getting in touch with the community.

“We’ve seen this event grow every year. It has been incredible to see our city embrace not only this event but also the cycling community as a whole,” Sanders said.  “At Vintage 1740, we felt like if there was anything we could do to make this a bigger success, we would do it.”

Sanders continued, “it’s incredible to see some of the top professional cyclists from not only around the country but around the world participate in this event. The event brings some amazing spectators as well, and we are proud to show off how great Tulsa really is.

The post Sponsor Spotlight appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

The future Brady Park.

Practice may make perfect, but around Tulsa, we think progress makes perfect as well.  And boy howdy, is there some progress going on in the Brady Village.  With all of that progress, we are getting lots of questions whether or not the Saturday races will take place as in previous years.  Simple answer: yes!  We’ve got all the room and roads needed to host a great race in the historic Brady Village.

“It’s exciting to see all of the activity in the Brady Village and to envision what the area will look like a year from now,” said Brad Thurman of Wallace Engineering.  “There are five blocks in Brady with projects currently under construction – ranging from adaptive reuses to new buildings to parks – and they will all help transform the area into an even more thriving arts district.  It’s a great time to come down and see everything that’s happening.”

As Tulsans and as event organizers, we humbly ask you to pardon our dust as we move forward.   Come on down to the Brady Village on Saturday, June 9, to see our professional riders compete, but also check out what’s going on in downtown.  We think you’ll be impressed with both.

To read more about what all is happening in the Brady Village, check out this article by our friends at Tulsa People.  Great detail and great excitement!

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The kids’ races will take place on both Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10.  The first race of each day is set for kids ages 5 and younger, who race approximately one block.  Most kids ride alone, but parents are permitted to accompany the racers.  Training wheels are permitted.  The second race of each day is reserved  for kids ages 6 to 9.    They will race approximately two blocks, and typically race without parental support.  Kids’ races are free, and all participants receive finisher ribbons.

The Saturday kids’ races will start at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Brady Street at Main.  The Sunday kids’ races will start at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Riverside Drive, prior to the start of the Townie Ride, set for 2 p.m.  The Townie Ride is for kids, adults and entire families.

Kids from 18 months to 5 years (and under 48 inches tall) can also face obstacles and fun in the Strider Adventure Zone.  This 30 feet by 80 feet closed area, presented by Spoke House Bicycles, is reserved exclusively for the little guys and girls who want to attack ramps and zig-zag courses.  Strider bikes will be provided, which are training bikes that are void of pedals.

“As a family-friendly bike store, we are happy to get the younger kids interested in the sport of cycling,” said Zach Pfaff, owner of Spoke House Bicycles.  “Children don’t even have to know how to ride a bike.  The Strider bikes, without pedals, teach kids about balance and coasting and how much fun biking can be.”

Kids participating in the Strider Adventure Zone will get plastic numbers to take home, as well as a prize.  The Strider Kids Zone will be located near the GranFondo finish tent each day. Helmets and bikes will be provided so the little ones can simply show up and ride.

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Meeks Group has again provided Saint Francis Tulsa Tough with great art to promote this event to the city while also making visiting cyclists feel welcome.  Additionally, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will proudly display Art Bike Tulsa 2012 at the airport.  This installation of colorful, uniquely-designed bicycles, transformed by some of Tulsa’s leading artists, brings awareness to the incurable, progressive disease of Multiple Sclerosis.

“ With the art bikes on display in the Tulsa International Airport during the time that Tulsa Tough participants will be arriving, we hope to create more awareness of biking and the two organizations – Tulsa Tough and National MS Society,” said Brandi Moore of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  “We want viewers to see how Tulsa supports the cycling community and we are showing this in a fun and new way with these art bikes.”

Art Bike Tulsa 2012 will be on display from May 9 to May 21, at the Williams Towers in downtown Tulsa, which coincides with Tulsa International Mayfest, set for  May 17 to May 20, 2012.  See the bikes there, or  check them out during their display at the Tulsa International Airport from May 21 to Sept. 14, 2012.

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Volunteer registration and more volunteer details are located here.

The post Volunteer Launch and Reception appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Ron LeMieux, regional manager for Saris Cycling Group, is working to offer the largest women’s  prime in the world at the 2012 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  Additionally, organizers of the Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic heard about LeMieux’s goal for the 2012 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, and decided to challenge the Tulsa race by also trying to raise the largest women’s crowd prime in the U.S.

The new support from Topéca Coffee Roastery puts Saint Francis Tulsa Tough in an even better position to grind down the competition in Oklahoma City.

“I love Tulsa, I love Tulsa Tough, and I love cycling,” said John Gaberino, president of Topéca Coffee Roastery USA.  “It was an easy decision to not only sponsor the event but to add to the women’s prime challenge.”

Gaberino and Topéca are brewing up support via the company’s website and in-store purchases.  The Tulsa and cycling communities can help add to the Saturday prime by visiting www.topecacoffee.com, purchasing a bag of coffee and designating “Saint Francis Tulsa Tough” in the comments section of the order form.  For every bag sold, Topéca will donate $1 to the Saturday women’s prime.

Additionally, all participants will receive a Topéca flier in their event packets.  For every participant that brings the flier into either Topéca location, the company will donate 10 percent of their order to the prime for the women’s race on Sunday.

Topéca is the official coffee  of the 2012 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, and organizers – as well as the women racing for the prime – are thankful for their support.

*A prime (pronounced preem, an abbreviation of “premium” after the French word for “gift”) is an intermediate sprint within a race, usually offering a prize. In a criterium like Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, a bell is sounded on the lap preceding the prime sprint and the winner of that lap wins a prize.

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For Deuce and Ace riders, all rest stops will include an express lane. Riders can grab fuel and fluids at a special table located about 200 yards past the main rest stop to avoid congestion.

Volunteers will maintain bottled water and a cooler of Gatorade at the express lanes. Ace and Deuce riders may serve themselves and more personalized service will be provided at the main rest stop located further off the roadway. Saint Francis Tulsa Tough organizers request that riders who are not competing in the Ace or Deuce challenges not use the express lanes. Express lane service will end after the fastest riders have cleared the rest stop. Please be respectful of volunteers and other riders. Regardless of a rider’s personal goals, this is a mass-participation ride where every rider is welcome. Don’t make us crack that whip on you!

All GranFondo riders, will benefit from course safety, thanks to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Troop MC/Motorcycle Division. As in the past, OHP troopers will patrol the course and assist lead riders. The troopers, some of them cyclists, are excited to be part of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough for 2012, and they all deserve a nice pat on the back. Make sure to yell your thanks as you ride with them in June.

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Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, being held June 8-10, 2012, announced today a unique opportunity for cyclists called Ride with the Pros.  Twenty-six professional cyclists, who are traveling to Tulsa to compete in the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough races, have now committed to also ride with the public in the GranFondo rides.

Elite Pro team riders will roll out in GranFondos on both Saturday and Sunday.  The 26 confirmed pros can choose whichever distance and pace they like. The GranFondos offer distances ranging from 24 to 127 miles.

“We created Ride with the Pros to offer a unique experience for both our professional racers and our amateur riders,” said Malcolm McCollam, Saint Francis Tulsa Tough executive director. “Not many sports allow amateur athletes to participate with their professional counterparts. It’s not like you can take batting practice with the New York Yankees. But you can line up and go for a ride with some of this country’s top bike racing professionals.”

Brad Huff, back-to-back overall winner of Tulsa Tough in 2009 and 2010 and a top professional cyclist for the Jelly Belly p/b Kenda team, is excited to ride with Tulsa’s GranFondo riders.

“The Ride with the Pros program at Tulsa Tough’s GranFondos helps show aspiring cyclists that riding a bike is the same for everyone – pedaling and more pedaling,” Huff said.  “Ride with the Pros helps other cyclists realize that just because a rider is a ‘pro,’ it doesn’t mean that he or she isn’t human.  I can’t wait to ride with the GranFondo riders during Ride with the Pros at Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.”

Robin Farina, NOW and Novartis for MS, 2011 U.S. National Road Champion, is also committed to the Ride with the Pros experience.

“I am extremely happy about having the opportunity to participate in the Ride with the Pros and represent NOW and Novartis for MS at Saint Francis Tulsa Tough this year,” Farina said. “My team and I love coming to this race because the fans and the atmosphere around the race in Tulsa are some of the most exciting in the country. We look forward to participating in the rides and meeting all the riders.”

The pros are not expected to compete for time, segment contests or distance.  These athletes will simply be warming up their legs and enjoying the Tulsa scenery, with amateur riders alongside them.

Confirmed pros and teams include:

Female Team                                                          Female Pros

FCS/Rouse p/b Mr. Restore                             Rachel Byus, Anna Sanders
NOW and Novartis for MS                                 The Entire Squad!
Primal/MapMyRide                                             Emily Kachorek, Jen Weinbrecht
Team KENDA p/b Gear Grinder                      Elizabeth Lauer, Shailie Sanbrooks
Vanderkitten – FOCUS                                      Jennifer Reither, Starla Teddergreen

Male Team                                                                 Male Pros
Jamis/Sutter Home                                                  Fernando Antogna, and Peter Van Dijk
Jelly Belly p/b KENDA                                              Brad Huff, Sean Mazich
Team Exergy                                                              Kai Applequist, Sam Johnson
Team Mountain Khakis p/b SmartStop                Chris Monteleone, Jerome Townsend
Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies         Ken Hanson, Tom Soladay
Wonderful Pistachios                                               Victor Riquelme, Taylor Bertrand Barrett

To join the Pros at the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough GranFondo register here!

The post Saint Francis Tulsa Tough Announces Ride with the Pros appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Strava – Don’t forget to snap up the free Strava upgrade when you register!  Use this social app to see how you rank in the GranFondo rides.  Click here for more info.

Townie ride – it’s free this year, but make sure to register and sign our handy waiver.

Free bike inspection – These free inspections start May 14.  Click here to learn more and make sure your bike is in top form.

 Early bird registration – Registration prices go up May 1, so make sure to register by April 30 to save.

Tough Wheel Express – SFTT and Free Wheel have partnered up to give riders the opportunity to participate in both events.  The deadline to sign up for the special Tough Wheel Express bus is May  10.

Rest easy –The Holiday Inn Tulsa City Center, the host hotel for SFTT, is filling up fast.  Reserve by May 17 for a discounted room.

The post Race to the Calendar appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

All of our cyclists need you: professional and amateur racers, Gran Fondo touring cyclists, and Tulsa Townie kids of all ages.  Saint Francis Tulsa Tough participants couldn’t cover their thousands of collective miles without you.

“The Saint Francis Tulsa Tough volunteers create this event from start to finish,” said Tonja Pitzer, volunteer director for Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  “Not only is there a race or ride for every age and skill level, but there are volunteer opportunities for every level of commitment.  Help out for a few hours, or dig in and dedicate all three days to make it happen.  Either way, you’ll be a part of one of the nation’s top cycling events and the only one of its kind in Tulsa.”

Volunteers can pick the date and time commitment that works best for them.  Volunteers help with race registration, setup and teardown, kids’ races, rest stops, medical needs and more.  Have fun, get a T-shirt and support the riders and racers descending on Tulsa.  Click here for more information or to register as a volunteer.

The post Get Your Volunteer On appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Tulsa locals can ride down to Dwelling Spaces at 119 S. Detroit in Tulsa to purchase one of the very limited pieces of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough history.  Both the jerseys and bibs are available in men’s and women’s styles and in very limited quantities.

The official race jerseys are $75 and the bibs are $75. Jerseys and bibs can still be ordered during the registration process, for any race or ride. Click here to register.

The post Ride Down to Dwelling Spaces appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

“Everyone knows about the yellow jersey at the Tour de France. It serves as a wearable trophy recognizing the achievement of one rider and lets spectators and other racers know who the current leader is,” said Malcolm McCollam, executive director of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  “It was time we brought this great tradition to our event and we’re excited to debut our own unique design in 2012”.

The leader’s jerseys will be presented to both the male and female racer with the most points.  Points are awarded based on the racers’ finish times, and the points accrue with each race.

This year, racers have more ways to win than ever before.  In addition to the new leader’s jerseys, Saint Francis Tulsa Tough will also offer omnium awards and U23 awards for the first time.  The omnium award is an overall winner for the weekend, and will be presented to a Pro 1 men category racer and a racer from the Pro1/2 women’s category.  The U23 purse is reserved for the top male and female under the age of 23.  This award recognizes up and coming riders with a special distinction.

The first leader’s jersey will be presented at the awards ceremony Friday, June 8, 2012, after completion of the McNellie’s Group Blue Dome professional races.

The post Follow the Leader appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

This year, McNellie’s Group has invested more into Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, including offering full meals and beer to GranFondo cyclists finishing their rides.  Restaurants in the McNellie’s Group, including McNellie’s, Yokozuna, Dilly Deli, Fassler Hall, Brady Tavern, and El Guapo, will provide meals for the riders and food for purchase for spectators.  This offering brings Saint Francis Tulsa Tough up yet another level in the cycling world, as celebratory meals are tradition in GranFondo events.  We recently asked the group a few questions about their sponsorship, and they lent us a bit of an insight into why they have been involved with Saint Francis Tulsa Tough since the beginning.

 Q: How many years has McNellie’s group sponsored Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
We’ve been involved with Tulsa Tough since the inaugural event.

Q: Reason for sponsoring the event?
It’s a great all-ages event that brings a lot of people into downtown Tulsa. The communal aspect of the races is impressive.

Q: What’s the greatest reward in sponsoring Tulsa Tough?
Seeing more people show up every year.

Q: Highlight of the 2011 event or most anticipated event/activity for 2012?
The Friday night crits, which take place near several of our establishments in the historic Blue Dome District, are always a highlight for us. It’s amazing to see the [cyclists] race under the lights while thousands of fans cheer them on.

Answers provided by Jim O’Connor, chief operating officer for McNellie’s Group

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Turns out he’s got some competition.

Organizers of the Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic heard about LeMieux’s goal for the 2012 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, and decided to challenge the Tulsa race by also trying to raise the largest women’s crowd prime in the U.S.

According to those behind Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, “challenge accepted.”

“Saint Francis Tulsa Tough has always been a strong supporter of the women’s peloton. Last year the Brady Arts District crowd offered an $850 prime in the women’s pro race and we’re out to beat that in 2012. I’m glad to see OKC showing some love for the ladies, and hope the rest of the country will take notice of the quality cycling Oklahoma has to offer,” said Malcolm McCollam, executive director of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.

The Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic is set for June 2, 2012, only a week prior to Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  Organizers of both events hope the large women’s primes will attract additional professional female teams to enter both races and enjoy Oklahoma for a week.

“Saint Francis Tulsa Tough’s crowd does an incredible job of putting together a rather substantial prime for the women.  We felt that by issuing the challenge it would provide the people of OKC another opportunity to be involved and get the crowd into the race,” said Chad Hodges, race director of the Oklahoma City Pro-Am.  “We also hope to develop a friendly rivalry between the two races that not only encourages women’s racing but also takes it to a level not yet reached – putting the women’s payout at a level closer with the men’s.”

LeMieux, regional manager for Saris Cycling Group, is excited about this challenge from another race in Oklahoma.

“What a good year to be a woman racer in Oklahoma,” LeMieux said.   “Our industry can do a better job of catering to both genders.  My little sister and I have been helping with the crowd prime and Tulsa has gotten behind it.  It’s great that OKC has now joined in the fun, and it’s all about Oklahomans supporting the women’s field of racers.”

Saris Cycling Group is supporting LeMieux in his quest for the largest crowd prime to be located in Tulsa.  The company is offering LeMieux seed money to get the crowd engaged.

“My goal is to raise $1,500 this year for the women’s race at Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.  The seed money from Saris will allow me to match anything the Tulsa crowd gives, and I’m happy to work for a company that’s supportive of efforts such as these,” he said.

More than 2 dozen women’s teams are expected to race in Oklahoma in June between these two events.

If you would like to show the Pro Women of Tulsa Tough some love while at the same time kicking some OKC butt, you can donate to the SFTT Pro Women’s Prime here.

For more information, visit www.tulsatough.com or www.okcpac.com.

The post Challenge Accepted appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Riding the Tulsa Townie for free.

Along with the exciting, heart-pumping and adrenaline-inducing events Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is known for, Sunday also features a family-friendly Townie Ride presented by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation.

The eight-mile Townie Ride encourages everyone, no matter skill or fitness level, to dust off their old bikes and be a part of the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough excitement on Sunday, June 10.

The fully supported Townie course is free for anyone with a bike and desire to ride.

While the ride is free, participants must still register and sign a waiver. For complete details, course map and answers to FAQs, click here.

The post Free Ride appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

This year’s two days of GranFondo rides offer participants several options to earn a coveted and redesigned Deuce jersey or the brand new Ace jersey both featuring the “Certified Tough” seal on the back.

The exclusive Deuce jersey is awarded to individuals who complete two GranFondo 100-plus mile rides on Saturday and Sunday in less than five hours each. Each year, only about 20 Deuce jerseys are awarded.

The Ace jersey will be awarded to individuals who finish the Mondo 127 ride in less than six hours. This new challenge gives riders another way to prove their toughness and score some sweet swag as a result.

Other competitive events and awards include:

• Double Tough award goes to any rider who completes both Grand 100+ rides in any time.
• Saturday – Tulsa Tough King and Queen of the Mountain
• Saturday – Strava Time Trial male and female champions
• Sunday – Tulsa Tough Time Trial male and female champions
• Sunday – Strava King and Queen of the Mountain

If you’re not up for these extreme challenges, you’ll still get a personal measure of your ride to use as motivation each year or to remind everyone who is the fastest in your riding group. Timed results for every rider will be posted at the finish line and on tulsatough.com.

The post Jerseys Revealed for Tulsa’s Toughest appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Combined, these two have lent their time, skills and talents to more than 100 events in multiple states including Tour de Georgia, Tour of California, Tour of Missouri, Larry Miller Tour of Utah, Dempsey Challenge in Maine and USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado among many others.

In 2012, they will experience Tulsa, Okla., for the first time when they visit the city in June to volunteer for the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.

“Our motivation is to give back to our community,” the couple said. “Our community is wherever we are or the event is located. We feel that if everyone gave back to just one event, they would be making a contribution to their community.”

They have done everything from race director to course marshal to hosting racers and transition areas for a 200-mile running event across Georgia. Whether they are setting up, tearing down, passing out, bagging, clipping or distributing water, information or instructions, this couple does it with a smile and appreciation for endurance events.

“We are looking forward to Tulsa Tough so that we may see Tulsa, encourage the participants, support the local committee and just have a great time having fun,” said the couple. “What better way to have a great time than being at a sporting event!”

Unassigned as of yet, the couple isn’t sure of their exact role as first time Saint Francis Tulsa Tough volunteers, but they are sure it will be a memorable and enjoyable one.

If you’d like to join Pauline and Larry at the 2012 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, volunteer positions are still available. Click here to signup.

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Foundation name:
Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation

Foundation mission:
Unlocking the door to education and innovative sustainability for all of Tulsa

Number of years sponsoring Tulsa Tough?
2012 will be the second year of a three-year sponsorship agreement.

Reason for sponsoring the event?
In 2010, we sponsored the fan zone at the Route 66 Marathon.  Our entire family volunteered together to help fans of marathon participants decorate posters to cheer on their runners.  After the marathon, we knew we wanted to be involved in other athletic events because they bring commerce to our city, encourage a healthy lifestyle and give our family an opportunity to work together for the better of the community.  When I volunteered at Kendall Whittier Elementary’s after school bike club, I learned about the program Tulsa Tough sponsors that provides new bikes to kids who attend safety courses and satisfy other safety requirements.  We helped Kendall Whittier participate in that program in 2009.  Since the Townie ride is a fun event for families, we were delighted to enter a three-year sponsorship of the ride which will be FREE this year for all participants!

What’s the greatest reward in sponsoring Tulsa Tough?
It is so great to see the community come together to participate in Tulsa Tough.  The Townie Ride has unicycles, tandems, mountain bikes, road bikes and beach cruisers.  The bikes are as varied as the people who participate—all shapes, sizes and ages have fun riding through Tulsa and enjoying delicious popcicles from Borden’s and fun at the river after the ride!  We hope that this year even more of the community will come out to participate since the Townie Ride is completely free!

Highlight of the 2011 event or most anticipated event/activity for 2012?
Last year, our entire family volunteered at a water stop at mile 86.  It was hot,  but we had so much fun handing water to the riders when they zoomed by (while trying not to get run over) and talking with other riders who took a break in the shade at our stop.  There were riders from all over the place, from the bearded man who did the whole race in Chuck Taylor tennis shoes to the TATUR running group who decided to train for Tulsa Tough when one of the people in their group sustained an injury that prevented her from running.  It was great to know that we were a part of Tulsa Tough because it was bringing people together and helping them live a healthy lifestyle and accomplish fitness goals!

Additional comments:
It’s so great to see people outside supporting the crit races in the Blue Dome District!  Even with the rain last year, there were people everywhere.  And when one rider fell, there were four spectators who rushed to his aid.  What a great event!

The post Sponsor Spotlight – Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Tour Tracker is only available at select events worldwide. You may have heard of some of them: Le Tour de France, Giro di Italia, AMGEN Tour of California, Tour of Utah and Colorado’s USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Tulsa Tough’s Tour Tracker mobile app, which will be available free for download from Apple and Android soon, will be your best friend event weekend.

Among other things, the app will include complete course details for the races and the GranFondos including course maps, descriptions and profiles showing the locations of aid stations and your mileage. Perhaps most exciting is the “show me” feature, which tracks your progress on the course in real time. By selecting “show me” on the course map you will see your exact location on the course and get an ETA across the finish line or find out exactly how far it is until the next aid station.

“The use of Tour Tracker at our event literally puts Saint Francis Tulsa Tough at your fingertips,” said Malcolm McCollam, event director. “No other event like ours has anything close to the sophistication, customization and functionality this mobile app brings to our event.”

The app is being developed by the premier, go-to app developer for cycling events, Tour Tracker, who is responsible for developing the apps used by the world’s premier events.

“We are excited to partner with Saint Francis Tulsa Tough in creating an app that is unique and customized to fit their needs,” said Allan Padgett, CEO of Tour Tracker. “We had several meetings with the event organizers leading up to the development phase and are excited to release an app that will be beneficial to the community and participants.”

The post SFTT Reaches Elite Status with Mobile App appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Before buying her first road bike in 2010, vonRumpf sported a beach cruiser along the Tulsa River Parks trail system.

“Cyclists would fly by me on the trails, and I started to get really jealous,” vonRumpf said.  “I wanted to go fast.  So I bought a road bike, thinking I would do some sprint triathlons.  I haven’t gotten off the bike since.”

Last fall, she decided to make The Deuce her first cycling goal.  She’s hired a coach, and is spending 12 to 15 hours per week on her bike.

“My goal is lofty, but not unreachable,” she said.  “I’ve got no doubt I can ride back-to-back century rides, but the time limit is daunting.  I’m working really hard to make myself stronger in preparation. I want to take my fitness to the next level and I’m experiencing what it feels like to be an athlete.”

vonRumpf credits the Tulsa cycling community for getting this far.

“Every group ride I attend includes helpful people and someone is always explaining something to me.  The community is so awesome, and they want to see the new guys succeed. I couldn’t ask for better people to surround me.”

To accomplish The Deuce, vonRumpf must complete Saturday’s Grand 109 ride and Sunday’s Grand 104 ride in less than five hours each.  More information about the GranFondo rides can be found here.

The post The need for speed appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Mondo-sized thanks to Mark TeRuki of TeRuki Training for providing these plans. Check out the links for the individual training guides. Each requires a different base level of fitness, so check out multiple guides if you aren’t sure what distance is right for you. Included at the bottom of each plan is a list of the terms used throughout the guide and their definitions.

The plans begin in early March, so click, read and choose your plan and ride. We look forward to seeing you in June.

Petit Fondo – 24 miles
Piccolo Fondo – 40/35 miles
Medio Fondo – 68/63 miles
Grand Fondo –109/104 miles
Mondo Fondo – 127 miles

The post SFTT training plans appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

How long have you been a sponsor of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough? 
This is the first year that ICEdot is sponsoring Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, but we have previously sponsored under our former company name, Invisible Bracelet. Included in our sponsorship is the ICEdot event service. Every rider will get an ICEdot profile that is connected with their bib number. If they have an emergency, a first responder can text the bib number to ICEdot and get back critical medical information. We’re also the title sponsor of an elite cycling team that’s participating in the race.

Why did you choose to sponsor Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
On the event level, ICEdot for Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is a very important service. The service cuts down on paperwork for emergencies, and emergency responders can find pertinent medical information. The service can be a real life-saver. On a personal level, it feels really nice to offer this service. Many of us here at ICEdot are athletes, so an event in our backyard makes sense to us. Providing this service to make sure that people are safe and protected is always important; either we or family members all participate so being protected hits close to home.

Members of the team are brand ambassadors for ICEdot as well as leaders in the cycling community. They are a very competitive team and compete against pros across the nation. It’s an honor for us to support these athletes.

What are you most looking forward to in the 2012 Saint Francis Tulsa Tough?
I’m most looking forward to watching our cycling team race; to support the team at their home event.

The post Sponsor spotlight: ICEdot appeared first on Tulsa Tough.

Registered Saint Francis Tulsa Tough riders can simply print off their registration confirmation and this inspection form then present it at any of the listed bike shops to receive a free bike inspection and a 10 percent discount on in-stock items for tuning or repair of the ailing bike. Mark your calendars – discount period runs from May 14 to June 10, 2012.

“At the core of any cycling community are local bike shops. New riders quickly learn that the shops are a community hub of cycling activity where they get acquainted with the employees, meet other cyclists and learn about their bicycle and area activities. Local bike shops provide a huge amount of support to area events and clubs, usually with no direct compensation,” said Jim Beach, GranFondo director for Saint Francis Tulsa Tough.

“At Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, we believe in fostering strong local relationships and we’re always looking for ways to support those who support cycling. Partnering with area bike shops to provide free bike inspections serves that purpose and helps our riders too. It gets people into the bike shops where they may decide to buy some new cycling essentials. It also provides an incentive for our riders to make sure their bikes are in good shape so they have the best chance of completing their GranFondo rather than taking a SAG back to the finish line,” Beach said.

Participating bike shops include Bicycles of Tulsa, Lee’s Bicycles, Mid-Town Bicycles, Sun & Ski Sports, Superleggera Cycling, T-Town Bicycles, Tom’s Bicycles (two locations), Trek Bicycle Store and 360 Sports Bike Shop.

“We are happy to be involved in Tulsa Tough by doing bicycle inspections because at Tom’s we want cyclists to have a worry-free ride,” said Tom Brown, owner of Tom’s Bicycles.

Inspection points include wheels, tires, sprockets, cranks, chain, saddle, brakes, derailleurs, pedals, forks and handlebars.

“Bicycle safety is paramount in riding on the road – and the mechanical part is something we know. Our mechanics are trained and often times see things that many riders go weeks and months without noticing,” said Adam Vanderburg, owner of Lee’s Bicycles and Trek Bicycle Store. “Don’t let mechanics ruin your experience or risk possible injury. Get checked!”

Regular tune-ups can seriously reduce the chance of injury or mechanical failure during a distance ride. Get fondo ready by visiting one of these partners. Give ‘em a big thank-you from all of us, while you’re at it.

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