Happy Critmas! Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is back June 5-7 for its 20th year. I’ve rarely missed the weekend of racing action, and I’ve learned some things along the way.
Here’s a handy guide of things to know and some tips.
Know when to go
Friday’s festivities kick off at 3 p.m. in the Blue Dome District, with races beginning at 3:55 p.m. Friday night racing is slated to end at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday’s racing in the Arts District begins at 9:20 a.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday races on Cry Baby Hill in the Riverview neighborhood starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5:55 p.m. Gates open at 8 a.m.
Underutilized spaces to watch from
I’ve walked the course every day, year in and year out. Here’s where to watch if you want to enjoy the racing and not be crammed elbow to elbow along the fencing.
On Friday evening in the Blue Dome District, there is always plenty of room and shade to enjoy the races starting at the corner of 2nd Street and Cincinnati Avenue and then north to First Street and along it to Elgin Avenue.
Saturday’s racing in the Arts District can get toasty with little shade other than what Guthrie Green provides. As the day progresses, shaded spots become more readily available and it will get crowded near Cain’s Ballroom. Another popular spot is the start-finish line. A good spot to watch racing that’s never crowded is the final turn by Tulsa Theater at Boulder Avenue and Reconciliation Way.
For Sunday’s action, if you don’t want to be in the adults-only party but you want to be on top of the hill near the party, I recommend watching east of South Jackson Avenue on 13th Street all the way to Galveston Avenue, where riders make the turn.
For those with kids
Want to make it a family-fun weekend? On Friday, set up anywhere, but I’d suggest keeping the kiddos clear of the areas around Red’s and Arnie’s because there are a lot more rowdy attendees having a good time that makes it congested — and just a bit crazy.
On Saturday, Guthrie Green is the best space to play, with opportunities to cool off under the shade.
When it comes to Sunday, the family fun zone is along Riverside Drive. No kiddos allowed on 13th Street up on the hill. If they have their bikes, there’s the Williams Townie ride at 2:20 p.m. Bring a bike, helmet and a water bottle. Registration is required on-site. It is open to all ages and all bike types.
Mind the Gap
Long ago there was no fencing, so this rule was imperative. Today, it means only to cross the race track when course marshals open the gate or say it’s OK. You really don’t want to be the person who gets hit by a bunch of bikes.
Street closures
Day one: The Blue Dome District’s streets are mostly inaccessible.
Day two: The Tulsa Arts District is basically blocked off.
Day three: Racing moves into the neighborhood, so here’s a map of what’s blocked off.
Where to park
Street parking, garages and paid lots are your options for Friday and Saturday’s action. If you want to park within a few blocks of the course, the one piece of advice you need to follow: Go early. If you’re drinking or don’t want to deal with parking, use an app like Uber or Lyft for a ride.
For Crybaby Hill Sunday, you’ll want to use a ride-hailing app, ride a bike or talk a friend into dropping you off and picking you up. There’s also a trolley that runs from the Tulsa Community College parking lot downtown and will drop you off at Southwest Boulevard and Riverside Drive, which is also the spot for Ubers and Lyfts.
Crybabies in Space
Every year there’s a theme for Sunday’s party. This year, we’re going to space. That means you can dress up as Katy Perry, Kermit the Frog, Captain Kirk or Princess Vespa like you’ve always wanted to.
Live music
Saturday evening’s festivities include the annual Big Ride concert, with Bowling for Soup as the headliner.
Sunday includes a dance party in the parking lot up the hill on the west side of the course. (This is also where food trucks are stationed.) This year’s music lineup is:
- 11:30 a.m. The Bridge
- 1 p.m. Doc Free
- 2:30 p.m. Knipple
- 3:30 p.m. Petty Fox
- 4:30 p.m. Sydney Lee
Beer for the riders
Racing is hard. Cyclists ride nonstop, hard as they can, pedaling in a tight pack to do their best in an attempt to be the first to cross the checkered line. You’re going to be sweaty just watching them, so imagine how they feel. When the crit race comes to an end, if you have an extra beer you’re welcome to offer it up to passing riders during their cooldown. Someone is sure to take you up on it.
Be weather-aware
It’s a stormy forecast for this weekend, so pay attention to the clouds and what your favorite meteorologist has to say. Storms can develop fast.
Keep the pup at home
It’s really hot and mostly concrete. Some spectating areas get really crowded, so the last thing we need is a dog on a leash or, even worse, getting loose and wreaking havoc on the course.
Take Monday off
It’s a tradition. And it’ll be much needed if you fully enjoy the weekend’s festivities.
Disclosure: Flywheel Tulsa, the event company behind the Big Ride concert, has been a financial supporter of the Tulsa Flyer. News decisions at the Flyer are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
