Hi all, Long time listener first time caller.....

I'm the gal who came over from Arkansas to ride Tulsa Tough - thanks for the shout out, BabyBlue! All in all it was a good choice for my first multi-day endurance effort. Finished strong, only lost 5 minutes on the second day despite the greater difficulty. I risked a lot taking my new bike over--upgraded to a Ruby Pro last Thursday. Fortunately my bike shop takes good care of me and set it up just like the old bike. However lesson learned - when you go from Shimano to SRAM, practice the double-tap on BOTH sides before heading out for a 100k jaunt

The rides were different both days - there was no overlap so you saw different parts of the countryside with lots of good scenery. The first day was rolling with a few long, gradual ascents but no significant climbs that hit you in the face. The second day, however, two short STEEP climbs were tucked in the middle of the route like a cute little secret from the organizers - but the joke is on them: I like to climb!

If you can ever make it to Tulsa, I recommend this event! Folks were very nice - ride support was everywhere, rest stops very well stocked. (For future reference, if you ever man a rest stop in hot weather, DO put towels in the ice chests - it was like heaven on the back of my neck!) Also, ladies, if you haven't tried it, put some of the ice down the front of your sports bra. Some may look at you funny, but it made all the difference in the world on the first hot ride of the year!

Watch out Tulsa, this lady may go for the Deuce in the next couple of years (If only to have my name announced during the men's professional race )