May 9, 1982

By a Staff Writer

RABB's CREEK - Wanted: lemonade stands.

In a matter of weeks, hundreds of bicyclists are going to wander across Oklahoma on the Tulsa World's FreeWheel '82: The Cherokee Trip.

In towns all across the route, they're going to encounter civic groups waiting at roadside with enticing treats and intentions of making a little money.

Already, breakfasts, brunches and snacks are planned is such places as Lake O' the Klein north of Perry, Burbank, Pawhuska, Foyil, Cookson, Ramona and along the Illinois River.

If only 300 bicyclists stop and spend 50 cents for a big cup of Kool-Aid, a Boy Scout troop or sophomore class or women's missionary circle can make $150 on ingredients that cost less than $20.

And riders have been know to pay as much as 75 cents for a baggie of big chocolate chip cookies or a hot dog with chili or a slice of thick, homemade pizza. Or 50 cents for a big chunk of watermelon.

Last year, Adair put out an enthusiastic welcome. Outside of town, the senior citizens had a picnic waiting under shade trees. At the Christian Church, high schoolers and church women gave away free cookies, lemonade and brownies.

Stores had welcoming signs.

Riders were so impressed that Adair is an overnight stop this year.

Bear in mind that some hungry FreeWheel riders - very aware that their families are saving money on such things as plane fares, gasoline, RV rental, motels, tour guides and amusement park admissions - are planning to spend $20-$35 each every day to keep their tummies full as they pedal across Oklahoma.

Some bicyclists last year actually gained weight by stopping at each lemonade stand on the 450-mile route from Durant to Copan.

Where to put a good cookie stop?

Anywhere between Big Chief and Pawhuska on U.S. 60 Monday afternoon. June 7, is going to gather crowds.

The lawn of either the Christian Church or the Baptist Church in Ceres - north of Guthrie - is a natural on Sunday afternoon, June 6.

And riders are going to be taking their time June 9 as they wander 45 miles through Strang, Langley, Disney, Tiajuana and Lakemont Shooores.

The lawn of the Rabb's Creek Baptist Church would be an excellent spot on June 8. Riders' maps note the church location since just a mile beyond, riders have to turn left in order to get to Oologah Dam.

And on the longest day, June 11, when riders trudge 71 miles through the Cookson Hills from Stillwell to Muskogee, and excuse to take a breath will be welcome.

At Cookson, the Lake Tenkiller Association will be waiting with a brunch - and maybe lunch at Tenkiller State Park.

But, riders will be hungry again by the time they reach Gum Springs, Blackgum, Camp Gruber or Braggs.

Can setting up a lemonade stand be worthwhile?

"Dear FreeWheel," reads a recent letter from Mrs. Katherine Ford of Ramona. "I'm asking about the eating services we might be able to render again this year to the bicycles. Our Home Extension Group served around 250 of them last year.

"We are offering to do it again. Please send me the necessary information and an estimate of the time they'll be through here and how many you expect..."

The Ramona ladies will be serving a Main Street breakfast.

It promises to be fun.

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