Tulsas iconic bike race, Tulsa Tough, has become synonymous with the start of summer. This year, the dubbed three-day party on wheels is celebrating its twentieth anniversary.

What better way to celebrate than city and event leaders gathering on the epicenter of fun, Cry Baby Hill.

WATCH: Event, city leaders kick off 20th annual Tulsa Tough

For those unaware, Cry Baby Hill is a massive block party of hecklers that party along the toughest hill along the race route.

For the kick-off event, teams from EMSA, the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office, the Tulsa Police Department, the Tulsa Fire Department, and members of the city council participated in a relay race, carrying childrens tricycles.

Although the Tulsa Fire Department team took the $1,000 prize, the event was more about getting the community excited about the event. For many, cycling is about community. People like Joe Medlin of Project Dudemen, a Tulsa mens riding club dedicated to freeing the stigma of mental illness.

Its been instrumental to me, I spent many of my years changing my life through wellness, said Medlin at the kick-off event. Dudemen helped me carry it on.

Whether attendees are there for fun, friends, or fitness, theyre all going to be eyeing the weather.

Malcolm McCollam, the Executive Director for Tulsa Tough, says theyve seen it all over the last 20 years.

Its an outdoor event, were at the mercy of the weather Gods, he said.

McCollam said they work with the National Weather Service and broadcasters, and form a crisis team in charge of managing any alternative plans.

For example, last year, one of the routes changed at the last minute due to potential floods.

You wouldnt want to know how early our crisis teams are up watching the weather, said McCollam.

Rain or shine, Tulsa Tough starts June 5.

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