The Green Country Cross Country (GCXC) Race Series showcases some of the finest XC Mountain Bike (MTB) courses in Green Country. Each race provides a unique and challenging experience, appealing to the competitive spirit of seasoned riders while also offering opportunities for newcomers to develop and improve their skills. GCXC events feature a variety of terrains, ranging from technical climbs to smooth, flowing singletrack through the forest. This diverse landscape helps cultivate true mountain bikers in Oklahoma. Our goal is to ensure that all racers, regardless of their skill level, have an experience that encourages challenge, acceptance, and personal growth. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to achieve great things; just “Sign Up & Line Up” and give it your best effort on race day. GCXC is committed to elevating our sport to a level of regional and national recognition, ensuring that when you mention being from Oklahoma, it resonates with pride at every race.

Hales Bales

Foundation: SENTIR Racing/Spirit of Youth Cycling Club
Race Director: Chad Sprague

Chad began mountain biking (MTB) in 2012 and competed in his first MTB race in 2013 at the legendary Thunderbird. Shortly after that, he discovered cyclocross and criterium racing—no judgment here! From that point onward, Chad was captivated by bike racing. He believes, “Life is give and take.”

After about ten years of being a participant, Chad decided it was time to give back by becoming a race promoter and director. He was inspired to take this step by several local race promoters, including Jack McNeal, Tanner Culbreath, The Tulsa Wheelmen, Bill Clark, and Ray Hall, among others.

Chad, along with SENTIR Racing and the Spirit of Youth Cycling Club, is committed to creating race opportunities that are only possible through the solid support of his teammates. They take pride in establishing a legitimate race venue that offers a fun, engaging atmosphere at each event.

SENTIR Racing and the Spirit of Youth Cycling Club are dedicated to serving the community while raising funds to support the Special Olympics.

Hollow Hustle

Race Director: Lance Miller

Keystone Klash

Foundation: GCXC Race Series
Race Director: Ryan “SuperFly” Palomba

Keystone Klash is a race designed to promote an underutilized trail system in Green Country. There are two main perspectives regarding the trails at Keystone, which is reflected in the term "Klash." On one side, some riders love Keystone but rarely visit to ride. On the other side, some believe that Keystone trails are too difficult. My goal is to create a racecourse that is both challenging and rideable.

“SuperFly” began cycling in 2012 and found a passion for mountain biking in 2016. Ryan, a former runner and MMA enthusiast, helped direct a criterium race in Okemah, OK and has recently rejoined the ranks of Race Directors with the launch of GCXC.

One notable aspect of Keystone MTB Trails is that it has been around for a long time, yet it remains underutilized compared to newer trails. As the number of riders increases, we hope to boost the popularity of Keystone MTB Trails and encourage a resurgence in their use. Who knows, maybe Keystone will soon host its weekly group rides!

Shoreline Shred

Foundation: Claremore Trail Alliance
Race Director: Rory Peterson

Claremore Mountain Bike Trails is a scenic 17-mile trail system that offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. Each trail is an old-school, hand-built, single-track designed and constructed entirely by local riders and volunteers, guided by the Claremore Trail Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization. The trails meander through the forest alongside Claremore Lake and Happy Lake, featuring beautiful bluff lines and rolling hills. Additionally, local riders have created three progressive jump lines for those looking to showcase their skills and for newcomers to gradually build up to bigger jumps.

Rory's cycling journey began in 2010 to stay active and healthy. This passion inspired him to expand the local trails in Claremore, which initially spanned about 2 miles. News of the new trails quickly spread among Tulsa area riders, who eagerly volunteered to help build more. By 2018, Claremore had approximately 8 miles of trail. Rory then approached Adam Vanderberg of Phat Tire to host a race on the trails, which led to the creation of the annual Claremore “Shoreline Shred” event we know today. Both Rory and David Reynolds of Enduro Especial became race directors, with Phat Tire sponsoring the event to great success.

Trail building in Claremore has significantly contributed to the local mountain biking scene in Green Country over the past 15 years, fueled by Rory's passion. The Claremore Trail Alliance was formed, involving hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours dedicated to creating some of the most sustainable yet challenging trails in the region. Today, Claremore is recognized as one of the best all-weather trails in Oklahoma, a testament to the dedication and skill of the local trail builders, with whom Rory is honored to have collaborated.

Twisted Oak

Foundation: Twisted Oak Foundation
Race Director: Ray Hall

Twisted Oak Trails is just that, a twisted mix of all a MTBer wants while shredding through singletrack. This property was blessed with a valley of opportunity that uses each quadrant to create a unified yet unique trail style. Twisted Oak provides the perfect mix of elevation, technical, and flow that will challenge you, make you a better rider, and ultimately leave you in awe. You won’t ride another trail system that has so much to offer. If the current trail isn’t your thing, just wait… the next section likely will be. You can ride it slow or fast — either way, you’re going to be happy with your choice and grow as an athlete.

As if it couldn’t get any better, owners Ray and Ashlee Hall are as genuine as it gets. Their love and compassion shine through in the top-tier events they host.

Twisted Oak Foundation is a nonprofit that raises money for and brings awareness to various causes important to the Halls, including young-onset colorectal cancer, STEM education, and childhood burn victims. I highly recommend you visit their website to learn more. Even better, attend an event and experience it for yourself.

Cold Turkey MTB Fest

XC Race Director: Bobby Reese

Cold Turkey MTB Fest is a 3-day mountain bike festival showcasing the most diverse and extensive trail system Green Country has to offer.

There isn’t a time that I remember when riding a bike wasn’t a part of my life. Mountain biking was a natural progression from BMX as a youth. Race directing was a natural transition for me, I kept showing up to help with events as a new cyclist and my drive and commitment led me to a position of race promoting.

Cold Turkey MTB Fest is a labor of love, all proceeds from the race go to fund the maintenance of the trails at Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness. Seeing others enjoy Turkey and the trails at a level that I do brings a sense of enjoyment and blessing that makes it all worth it.