Cyntergy Hurtland brings tailgating fun to town

November 12, compete in fun Parkathlon activities while cheering on Cyntergy Hurtland cyclists.

Having Tulsa Tough withdrawals?

Get your fix at this weekend's Cyntergy Hurtland cyclocross event. The cycling events are of course the main attraction, but this year's festivities continue to grow. 

The third annual event will take place November 12 at Owen Park. More information is available at hurtlandusa.com. 

The big addition to this year's Hurtland is the Parkathlon event. Parkathlon (a.k.a. "park" plus "decathalon") will feature a range of active, all-ages activities, including cornhole, giant Jenga and more. Cheer on the cyclists between your own competitive rounds of Connect4. Spectators and racers alike will also enjoy food and libations from local food trucks and breweries.

“Parkathlon will be a fun, tailgating-like atmosphere for the whole family. There will be games, food trucks and beers,” says Robert Carnoske, co-owner of MASA truck and Fuel 66. “It was a natural fit for Fuel 66 to host Parkathlon and be part of the Cyntergy Hurtland event.” 

According to Cyntergy, the title sponsor of the event, Hurtland is a natural match not only as part of Tulsa Tough's overall mission, but also the company's goals within the community.

“At Cyntergy Hurtland, our goal is to bring awareness to Tulsa Tough’s organization as a pillar in Tulsa for their commitment to community and active lifestyles,” says Cyntergy CEO Gordy Guest. 

Cyntergy Hurtland will include cyclocross races on Sunday, November 12, beginning at 8 a.m. with the Women’s & Men’s Elite races concluding the event in the late afternoon. Prize money for the race will total $18,500, making it one of the largest single-day cyclocross purses in the United States.

Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing which takes place in the fall and winter. Riding specific bicycles, cyclists’ complete multiple laps of a short course (1.5-2 miles) which may feature a mixture of pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike over the obstruction and remount. Races generally last between 30-60 minutes. 

There will be no admission charge for spectators. Registration for racers is open at http://hurtlandusa.com/race-cyntergy-hurtland/.

USA cyclocross champion Jeremy Powers assisted in the original course design in 2015. Obstacles like La Culebra, a serpent-shaped run, will challenge racers new to the course with steep inclines and off-camber areas. Additional obstacles will return including a flyover, the multi-cross creek section, among others.

So, bring the whole family, and turn it into an exciting day of heart-pumping cyclocross fueled by delicious local food and fun. It's free for spectators, and dogs on leashes are welcome!

And don't forget to register for the cornhole tournament in advance... he tournament will closely follow the American Cornhole Association tournament rules but you'll have to "hold your own" because each team gets (4) 16 oz. beers from Dead Armadillo Brewery or Marshall Brewing Co. It will be an epic throwdown! Are you in? Registration required. Rain or shine. Prizes will be awarded to the top placing teams with a photo opportunity on the official Cyntergy Hurtland racer podium. 

November 12 — Cyntergy Hurtland Cyclocross and Parkathlon

Owen Park, 560 North Maybelle Avenue

Races begin at 8:30 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. Enjoy Parkathlon festivities throughout that period.

For all things social, follow the action on Facebook (Tulsa Tough), Twitter and Instagram (@tulsa_tough). Use the hashtags #HurtlandCX and #HurtlandUSA.