Amateur Cyclists Pedal Alongside Pros on Eve of Tulsa Tough

Recreational cyclists in Tulsa got the chance to share the road with professional racers on Thursday night, as the city prepared for this weekend's Tulsa Tough races.

Organizers estimate that roughly 500 people turned out for the 25-mile group ride, which is now in its tenth year. The event began on a far smaller scale.

Zachary Pfaff, owner of Spokehouse Bicycles, recalled the early days. "Second year, I opened the store, we did it at our Tulsa location. And we had thirty-two people show up, total," he said.

Pfaff has been cycling for many years and has competed in his share of Tulsa Tough races. He said he wanted amateur riders to be able to meet the professionals and to add to the atmosphere surrounding the race weekend.

"It brings so much energy into the city. There's already huge community here for cycling in town," Pfaff said. "And it just helps build it more and more every year."

Several professional cyclists took part, and a couple of them spoke with 2 News about why Tulsa Tough stands out among the races on their calendars. Monica Merced, who is from Austin, Texas, pointed to the crowds and the way the community gets behind the event. "The atmosphere, the crowds ... the way the whole city rallies, it's unlike a lot of other races," she said.

Daniel Holloway, of Boulder, Colorado, has a particular history with the event. He won the first edition of the race, and he said the victory shaped his career. "It's been a staple to my career," Holloway said. "I think that win, that year, basically launched me professionally."

The two riders also reflected on what the sport has given them. Holloway said cycling has allowed him to travel widely at someone else's expense, and he encouraged young people to pursue it. "I've traveled the world on someone else's dime. So, if you're young, you should try to figure that out," he said.

Merced described bicycles as a gateway to new places. "There's a reason why bikes are called the freedom machine. It takes you anywhere, almost anywhere, we get to see really beautiful places in the country and even around the world," she said.

When the ride ended, participants were treated to burgers, hot dogs and cold beverages.