Put your speed to the test and race a train in Watonga or sign up for a six-day trip and bike your way through Oklahoma’s friendly small towns. From beginning bicyclists to road hardened warriors, there are plenty of Oklahoma biking events to appeal to everyone, so air up your tires and come along for the ride.
Tulsa Tough Ride & Race
Huge crowds, great courses and an ongoing street festival await you at the Tulsa Tough Ride & Race. This annual, three-day event offers something for all skill levels while showcasing three of Tulsa’s bustling districts: the Blue Dome District, the Tulsa Arts District and Riverside. The Blue Dome District race is held on the first night and takes riders down East 2nd Street by Arnie’s Bar, the Dilly Diner and El Guapo’s Mexican Cantina. This race is super fast as riders weave through crowded streets lined with cheering spectators, live music and tons of vendors. Events include the Men's Cat 3, Women’s Pro 1/2, Men’s 1/2 and Men's Pro 1.
The second day takes riders through the Tulsa Arts District, which is home to Cain’s Ballroom, the Tulsa Theater, and several clubs and restaurants. Bring out the whole family to enjoy the 50K, 100K and a giant 200K races and stick around for entertaining children’s events, interactive games and more. The final day of the race is by far the toughest, taking riders over “Cry Baby Hill” for either a 50K or 100K. The notoriously hilly area takes riders through residential, tree-lined streets and back to Riverside Drive, which runs parallel to the peaceful Arkansas River.
Dehydrator Bicycle Ride
Strap on your helmet and hit the hills in southwest Oklahoma for the Dehydrator Bicycle Ride in Duncan. This 10- to 80-mile race is open to all ages and levels of athletic ability. This fun ride will take cyclists over rolling terrain through Stephens County and over the Waurika Lake Dam. Each recreational ride of 10, 25, 50, 62 and 80 miles will be clearly marked, and participants also receive route maps. Spectators and riders will be treated to a comfortable ride with well-placed stops every 10 miles that provide drinks, fruit and cookies.
Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour
Gently rolling hills, lush vegetation and well-paved, rural roads welcome you to Pryor, home of the Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour. This one-day event features 31-, 55-, 71- and 101-mile routes through beautiful Green Country. This 31-mile tour will wind cyclists through beautiful Mayes and Delaware Counties, while providing amazing views of Lake Hudson off Waterline Road. Longer routes take riders around Chimney Rock Lake, Lake Hudson, Grand Lake and the mile-long historic Pensacola Dam. Bring the family along for family fun rides and a complimentary lunch, and wrap up the big day with the annual Dam J.A.M. Party in the Park, which includes live music, entertainment and delicious food.
Oklahoma FreeWheel
Join over 1,000 riders for Oklahoma FreeWheel, a six-day riding event that covers over 480 miles and takes you through a variety of Oklahoma’s charming small towns. The event begins in Frederick and runs through Elgin, Anadarko, Watonga, Guthrie, Drumright and Ponca City, with fun stops along the way. Check out all the sights and sounds that Oklahoma's small towns have to offer while brushing elbows with friendly and welcoming locals. Visit unique restaurants along the way or check out the lodging options, which might include an authentic Native American teepee in Anadarko, a bed and breakfast in Guthrie or a bunkhouse in Pawnee.
Oklahoma City Pro Am Classic
Dedicate three days to the art of cycling at the annual Oklahoma City Pro Am Classic. Coinciding with the H&8th Night Market on Friday, spectators can grab tasty food truck fare before taking their spot along the sidewalk as riders race through Midtown District. Saturday will center on the OKC Pro-Am Criterium in the Film Row District and Gran Fondo tours of Oklahoma City neighborhoods. On the race's final day, kids and adults can cycle through the Automobile Alley Entertainment District or take a guerilla cycling class for families. Whether competiting professionally or jumpstarting a newfound passion for cyling, be sure to save the date for the Oklahoma City Pro Am Classic held each June.
Whatever your speed or style, Oklahoma biking events offer something for both riders and spectators. For more biking events held statewide, view Oklahoma’s current bike festivals, races and rides online.
