Use your legs!

OK Freewheel is long and hot, but worth it

“The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew, and live through it.”
    — Doug Bradbury

Every year during the first or second week of June, around 400 cyclists converge near the Red River for Oklahoma Freewheel, a weeklong bike tour that winds about 500 miles from Texas to Kansas. 

The 2017 path (June 11–17) will follow the Chisholm Trail, a historic cattle drive that ranchers steered from Texas to Kansas 150 years ago. From Wichita Falls, Texas, cyclists will cruise through Comanche, Duncan, Chickasha, Kingfisher, Enid, and Ponca City, and at the end of the week find themselves in South Haven, Kansas. 

“I didn’t really think I was gonna be able to do it,” Tulsan David Duncan said about the 2016 Freewheel, which was his first. Previously, his longest push was a daylong 24 miles, and that had been an intense physical trial. 

Freewheel’s daily average—close to 70 miles—makes for a week’s worth of long, hot rides. It’s tough, but Duncan said he was surprised by his own strength and endurance. The camaraderie of all those men, women, and children pedaling across the prairie together is strong. 

It sounds like all you need for your first Freewheel is muscle memory and a little encouragement. But, here’s what Duncan wishes he knew before his first trip: the only thing worse than the heat is the stray dogs. For this, different experts recommend different methods: retaliate with canine mace, or kill them with kindness and carry dog treats. Also, Oklahoma is much less flat than you think, and because the weather is unpredictable, you’ll want to pack your belongings in plastic bags. 

Still, every year more riders continue to take comfort in the fact that their fellow travelers and volunteer SAG (support and gear) drivers won’t leave them for dead, or dog food. 

The end of each day’s ride parks Freewheelers in a host town where they can set-up camp, relax, eat, and revel in the local entertainment. If you’re thinking about saddling up but aren’t sure you can hack it, consider what Duncan called the “bourgeois” option. This will put you in an air-conditioned trailer for the night.  

OK Freewheel will also host a three-day ride in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, October 20–22. Registration includes camping, shower accommodations, meals, and live music. 

 More information at okfreewheel.com.

For more from Kathryn, read her piece on Shades of Brown owner Melinda Curren’s exhibition of pottery.