FreeWheel 2007
Cycle the Centennial |
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This page will fill over the course of the next few months to provide you will all the information
you'll need to prepare for and participate in the 29th Oklahoma FreeWheel.
Planning began in late June of 2006 and is ongoing. The 29th FreeWheel in June of 2007 promises to be
one of the best ever; you won't want to miss it. 2007 is Oklahoma's Centennial year, and folks will
be pulling out all the stops to showcase the Sooner State in all its glory. From historical events to
food-fests, we're hopeful to benefit from many of the state's 100th birthday celebrations.
Read on and check back often for details related to the 2007 event! And, if you
don't find answers to all your questions, browse other sections of the FreeWheel web site,
post a message
on our forum, or contact us via email or phone!
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1,000 riders + dozens of small towns + centennial celebrations + lots of home cookin'
It's a recipe for Fun, Adventure, Folks and Fixin's you'll remember for years!
Join us June 10-16, 2007, and Cycle the Centennial, one friendly Oklahoma community at a time!
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On this page
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Photos / Diaries - still photos from FreeWheel 2007!
Did you get any good shots on FreeWheel 2007? If so, consider sharing them with us so we can post for all
to see. Or, if you post your photos on a site yourself, send us the link and we'll post that here.
If you have a link or just a few photos you'd like to share, email them to
BrokenSpoke@OKFreeWheel.com . If you have a bunch, copy
them to a CD and mail it to Broken Spoke, PO Box 470069, Tulsa, OK 74147-0069.
Photos
- The Journal, Perkins (external)
- Battershell, Brian
- Hudson, Ed
- Munn, Dale & Mike (external)
- Neville, Moni
- Perkins, Alvie
- Schooling, Michael
- Schulte, Dan (external)
- Wurl, Jennifer (external)
- Whitlatch, Cathy
- Yarbrough, Gary
Have a FreeWheel diary you'd like to share? Send us the info or a link and we'll make it available here.
Diaries
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Daily Route Maps in PDF format!
Several folks asked for copies of the route maps and here they are. Below you can select each day's route
map in PDF format. Days 6 and 7 show the original routes. We'll get amended route maps prepared to show the
routes we actually took as soon as we can and post them here. Enjoy!
- Day 0 - (Color, BW) Comanche to State Line and return
- Day 1 - (Color, BW) Comanche to Apache
- Day 2 - (Color, BW) Apache to Hinton
- Day 3 - (Color, BW) Hinton to Kingfisher
- Day 4 - (Color, BW) Kingfisher to Perkins
- Day 5 - (Color, BW) Perkins to Hominy
- Day 6 - (Color, BW) Hominy to Dewey
- Day 7 - (Color, BW) Dewey to Coffeyville, KS
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Perkins Named BEST Host Community for 2007!
The votes have been counted and Perkins
has been selected as the Riders' favorite host community for FreeWheel
2007. Flooding didn't stop this enthusiastic community from making our riders and their support folks feel
welcome and well cared for. Congratulations to Perkins from rising to the occasion as the flood waters receeded.
And thanks for all you did for us!
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Communication
Staying in touch with home can be difficult while on an event ride like FreeWheel; but it's not impossible.
We suggest that you arrange with your family or friends to contact them at pre-arranged times during the
week to keep them posted on your progress, get updates from home, and deal with any other issues that may come up
while you're on the road.
In the event your family should need to reach you while on FreeWheel due to some emergency situation, they
can contact one of the following numbers of local law enforcement agencies as appropriate depending on what
community may be nearest at the time (if possible, leave your family a copy of your route maps so they can
follow your progress each day):
- Comanche - (580) 439-2211
- Apache - (580) 588-3309
- Hinton - (405) 542-3244
- Kingfisher - (405) 375-4674
- Perkins - (405) 547-2855
- Hominy - (918) 885-4545
- Dewey - (918) 534-2223
- Coffeyville - (620) 252-6160
You may also contact the FreeWheel Director in the event of emergency at the following number throughout
the week (this is a cell number and may not be reachable in some areas, but you should be able to leave a
message): (918) 808-6274
There will be a message board at the FreeWheel information canopy each day that riders may wish to check
periodically for non-emergency messages from friends, family, or other riders.
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Registration Information
NOTE: YOU WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER IN COMANCHE!!! All, we're not going to sell out before Saturday,
so feel free to come on down to Comanche and join us ... you CAN register on Saturday in Comanche!
Registration forms have been mailed to most of you who've participated in FreeWheel over the past few
years. But don't worry if you didn't receive one, you can
download a PDF copy of the registration form here.
You may register to ride the entire week or, new this year, you may register to ride either the first
four days or the last four days at a reduced rate. Each participant is required to fill out a registration
form and sign the accompanying waiver of liability. This includes minors.
The fee for the full week is $100 for adults and the two four-day options are only $65. FreeWheel continues
to be one of the best bicycle touring event values in the country.
Here's what you get for your registration fee:
- Route maps for each day
- Well-marked route
- Route security provided by Oklahoma Highway Patrol
- At least two free fruit and drink rest stops each day
- SAG support each day
- Mechanical SAG support each day
- Luggage transportation between host communities
- Camping space in each host community
- Registration packet full of info
- End-of-ride packet
- Identifying bike tag, baggage tags, and wrist band
- End-of-the-Trail meal and entertainment on Friday evening
Wrist Bands - We'll be using wrist bands this year to identify FreeWheel riders. In particular, you'll
need your wrist band to participate in the End-Of-The-Trail meal and entertainment celebration in Dewey.
Bands may also be recognized by host community merchants in offering discounts to FreeWheel participants.
Packet Pickup - Registration packets will be available the week of May 21st. Once again, walk-in registration and packet
pickup will be available in Tulsa at the Mapco Plaza Building, 1717 South Boulder Avenue. The FreeWheel office
at the Mapco Plaza building will be open from noon until 6pm on each of the following dates:
- Wednesday, May 23, through Friday, May 25
- Tuesday, May 29, through Friday, June 1
- Monday, June 4, through Wednesday, June 6
Registration and packets will also be available in Comanche on Saturday, June 9th, at the FreeWheel
Information Canopy. Additionally, you may elect to receive your registration packet via mail for a small
additional charge.
Refunds - registration fees will be refunded, less a $10 processing fee, for cancellations received
by midnight, Tuesday, May 29th, 2007. No refund of any fees paid for T-shirts or Jersey's will be refunded
if the item has already been mailed or picked up.
FreeWheel is limited to 1,000 riders and we're hopeful of having that full number along in 2007. So don't
delay in registering. If you have questions regarding registration that aren't answered here or on the
registration form, feel free to contact us.
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Transportation
Bus transportation has been confirmed with
Kraft Tours
in Tulsa for this year's event from Tulsa to the starting town and also returning from Coffeyville
to Tulsa as well as from Coffeyville back to Comanche.
Reservations may be made by calling the FreeWheel phone number, (918) 835-1699. Be sure to
leave your phone number if you have to leave a message; your phone call WILL BE RETURNED!
Please, DO NOT CALL KRAFT TOURS. Kraft is NOT taking the reservations!
Here are the details (in all three instances, bikes are included in the
transportation plan, though cyclists must provide their own boxes if they wish to box their bike, and
boxes can be carried, collapsed, in the luggage truck during the week):
- Tulsa to Comanche
Cost: $35/person
Departure Date and Time: Saturday, June 9, 2007, 7:00am sharp!
Departure Location: Eastwood Baptist Church parking lot, 11th St at 87th E. Ave in Tulsa.
NOTE CHANGE IN PARKING AREA: We've had a change in parking at the Eastwood Baptist Church.
We will be using the northeast parking lot. Folks need to turn north on South 91 East Avenue from 11th Street,
go straight, take a right on East 9th Street then an immediate left into the parking lot. Park at the far end
of the lot. The lot is not fenced, but there is a security guard and the Tulsa Police will be perusing the
area regularly. The original area the church had designated for us has been leased and is no longer available.
Here's a map of the parking arrangement and an
aerial photo if you'd prefer to see that view.
- Coffeyville to Tulsa
Cost: $15/person
Departure Date and Time: Saturday, June 16, 2007, 2pm
- Coffeyville to Comanche
Cost: $50/person
Departure Date and Time: Saturday, June 16, 2007, 2pm
Parking: A parking location will be available in Comanche for those driving
to the start and taking the bus back to Comanche at the end of the week. This info will be available in your
rider packet or in Comanche when you arrive if you do not pick up your packet ahead of time.
Bikes are carried by the luggage truck that leaves with the buses. Most bus riders "box" their bikes.
FreeWheel, Inc. is not responsible for any loss or damage to bicycles.
After unboxing bikes at the start, boxes are flattened and carried at the front of the luggage truck until
the end of the ride when bus riders re-box their bikes for the return to Tulsa or Comanche from Coffeyville.
If you've never "boxed" your bike before, you may wish to get assistance from your local bike shop.
Or review the article Boxing Your Bicycle
on the Adventure Cycling Association's web site for clear and complete instructions. Also, the final FreeWheel Seminar in Tulsa on Thursday, April
19th, will include a demonstration on boxing your bike.
Refunds - bus reservation fees will be refunded for cancellations received by midnight, Tuesday,
May 29th, 2007.
Shipping Your Bike to Comanche - The City Manager in Comanche, Brant Ball, has offered to receive
shipped bikes at City Hall, store them safely, and deliver them to the FreeWheel Information Canopy (trailer)
on Saturday, June 9th, for folks traveling to Oklahoma from other states. Please call Mr. Ball first, before
shipping your bike, to be sure he knows to expect it and work out any other logistical issues you may have.
Mr. Ball's phone number and the shipping address are:
(580)439-8868
Mr. Brant C. Ball, City Manager
City of Comanche
500 N. Rodeo Dr.
Comanche, OK 73529.
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FreeWheel Wear
GET 2007 JERSEY - ORDER THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2007
You still have a chance to get one of the beautiful 2007 FreeWheel jerseys commemorating our ride during
Oklahoma's centennial year! Just get the following information to us by the end of the day November 15th,
2007, via email, FWOklahoma@sbcglobal.net, or phone,
(918) 835-1699:
Your name(s)
Phone number
Mailing address (and email address if you have one)
Jersey size(s) you would like
DO NOT SEND PAYMENT - Jerseys will be $65 plus $7 for shipping and handling. You'll be contacted
when the jerseys arrive and we'll arrange payment by either check or credit card then.
You'll want to remember your participation in the 29th FreeWheel during Oklahoma's Centennial year
with one of our colorful jerseys and t-shirts. Both sport great graphics with centennial themes.
Below are the graphics that will appear on the front, back, side panels, and sleeves of this year's
FreeWheel jersey:
Order yours when you register to be sure you get one. The jerseys are club cut and appear to be true
to size.
Below are the designs for the front and back of the T-shirt for this year's FreeWheel. The shirts are
a pale yellow with what we think is a distinctive design. You'll probably want several for family and friends!
Front of T-shirt ...
Back of T-shirt ...
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Medical Services - Dr. Pete!
FreeWheel riders will be some of the first to benefit from the new Oklahoma State University Center
for Health Sciences mobile telemedicine clinic. This new rolling clinic is ready to link patients
in rural and under-served Oklahoma with much needed specialty care. Launching in late April, the telemedicine
clinic will accompany FreeWheelers across the state, assisting with their medical needs.
As the distinctly OSU vehicle travels the state, a larger than life Dr. Pete emblazoned on its side
brings a familiar face to health care. "When time and distance are issues in health care, OSU has the
solution," said Michael Young, director of telemedicine at OSU Center for Health Sciences. Read OSU's recent
press release,
"OSU Mobile Telemedicine Clinic ready to roll."
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2007 FreeWheel Route
The 2007 FreeWheel route will begin just north of the Texas border west of Interstate 35 in Comanche.
From there, riders will travel generally north, beyond Oklahoma City, hosted by Apache, Hinton and Kingfisher
before angling east/northeast to be hosted by Perkins, Hominy, and Dewey, before finishing in Coffeyville, KS,
north of Tulsa.
All eight of the communities have hosted FreeWheel riders in the past, and all have
expressed great excitement at the prospect of sharing their communities with us again in 2007, Oklahoma's
centennial year.
Here's a list of the host communities again. Check out their individual web sites to begin acquainting yourself
with what's in store for you this June. And get ready to "saddle up" and Cycle the Centennial!
NOTE: All mileages below are APPROXIMATE ...
Here are maps in PDF format for each day's route:
- Day 0 - (Color, BW) Comanche to State Line and return
- Day 1 - (Color, BW) Comanche to Apache
- Day 2 - (Color, BW) Apache to Hinton
- Day 3 - (Color, BW) Hinton to Kingfisher
- Day 4 - (Color, BW) Kingfisher to Perkins
- Day 5 - (Color, BW) Perkins to Hominy
- Day 6 - (Color, BW) Hominy to Dewey
- Day 7 - (Color, BW) Dewey to Coffeyville, KS
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2007 FreeWheel Host Cities
Links and Info - Host Communities and Beyond
TravelOK - Visit the state's tourism site for lots of
information about our host communities and all points in between! This site is a gold mine of information with
information you can order for free online;
from brochures, to a DVD called Oklahoma Rising produced for Oklahoma's Centennial ... and they're all FREE!
About Oklahoma - General information,
geography, history, fun facts, student guide, Oklahoma Symbols, and the State Song are all presented on these
informative pages from TravelOK.
Oklahoma History Center - Oklahoma's new History
Center just across the street from the state capitol in Oklahoma City, houses a vast array of information, displays,
and activities. The web site is a great source of information and you won't be disappointed if you get a chance
to visit the next time you're in the area.
Oklahoma Historical Society
Comanche
Comanche Chamber of Commerce
City Data
Comanche Nation
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
Comanche is a friendly small city in southwest Oklahoma set in rolling prairie land interspersed with oil
fields, ranches, farms, pecan orchards, and timbered areas. Its easily accessible location is where north-south
US Highway 81 and east-west Highway 53 intersect. It is approximately twenty-five miles north of the Red River
and the Texas border. Comanche is located in what was once the famous Louisiana Purchase, a part of which was
later in 1855 designated Indian Territory, and set aside for the Five Civilized Tribes. Comanche then became
part of the Chickasaw Nation and was identified as Comanche, Indian Territory until statehood in 1907.
 After the Civil War, large herds of
cattle moved up the
Chisholm Trail located about two miles east of
present day Comanche. The cattle were driven from Texas, through Indian Territory to Kansas for shipment east.
Parts of this historic trail can still be clearly seen today.
A western flavor is felt here, and Comanche is often called the "Rodeo Capital of the World". Certainly,
many World Champion Rodeo performers call Comanche home. Race horse, Quarter Horse owners, and farmers add
their influence as do oil companies and oil field workers. Authentic Indian customs and tribal observations
are still practiced. Artists, educators, and others add still more variety and culture.
Apache
Apache Chamber of Commerce
City Data
"Mo" Betta Clothing Company
Apache is a small town but because of it's people it is a big community,
a community that respects the past and also has a vision for the future.
The annual Rattlesnake festival draws more than 20 thousand visitors. The 4th of July picnic at the city
park includes a huge fireworks display. The fair in August is enjoyed by all, as is the Festival of the West
and Rodeo.
The school system is excellent. You know you can count on the teachers and Administration when they are you're
neighbors. Student, academic and sports teams compete well with other schools that have much larger resources.
 The community is served well by 10
churches, 2 banks, 2 variety stores, a grocery store, pharmacy, 4 gas
stations, senior citizens center, a medical clinic, flower shop, gift shop, restaurants, and numerous other
small businesses. There is a library and a museum. Apache also has wonderful farmers with the Farmers Co-Op
and the Cattle Auction Market.
Recently the community came together giving their time, money and labor to build a new playground at the city
park. This is a place where there is always something going on.
Hinton
Hinton, OK
City Data
Hinton is a town located in Caddo County, Oklahoma, about 50 miles west of Oklahoma City along Interstate
40. With Red Rock Canyon so near, Hinton has a lot of great outdoor recreation such as Sugar Creek Golf
Course. There are also rodeos, arts and craft festivals, a community free fair and many more attractions.
The Parker House was built at the turn of the century by Joe & Jane Harris and was located west of hinton.
Bill & Erma Parker bought the house in 1948. Three Generations of Parker's were raised here before it became
the Parker House Museum in 1988. The Parker House contains many artifacts of home life in the early 1900's.
The Hinton Historical Museum is the home of one of Oklahoma's Largest buggy and carriage collections,
(horse drawn & horseless). History buffs will enjoy the vast collections of farm equipment dating back to
the 1800's, also, authentic indian ceremonial items.
Kingfisher
Kingfisher, OK
City Data
Kingfisher County
Chisholm Trail Museum
Kingfisher has always been an exciting place. Located on a natural track between the hills and less
watered lands, it was a trail for nomadic tribes, military supply routes, stagecoaches and the Pony Express.
The site of King Fisher's Stage Station is still within city limits today.
Millions of Texas longhorn cattle traversed through what is now Kingfisher on their way along the fabled
Chisholm Trail. They were headed to Kansas railheads, to feed a hungry post-Civil War nation. Prior to
statehood, Kingfisher's founding fathers did not have to travel far to stake their claims--the site of the
town was located along the starting line of the famous Oklahoma 1889 Land Run. Like many of Oklahoma's towns,
it grew from a bald prairie to a bustling city literally overnight. Today the town's Centennial Brick Wall
near the county courthouse honors those settlers who made the run of 1889.
Often referred to as the "Buckle of the Wheat Belt," Kingfisher remains a primarily agricultural and
oil-based town. It is home to the Chisholm Trail Museum, and ruts of the old Trail can still be seen at
various points on many of the original homesteads. Kingfisher also is home to the mansion of former Oklahoma
Governor A.J. Seay, now a museum open to the public. Antique malls and an 18-hole golf course provide other
entertainment alternatives.
Located at the bend of the Cimarron River, Kingfisher strives to preserve its rural heritage. Yet the
city also prides itself on farsightedness. The state's first rural electric cooperative and the nation's
current largest telephone cooperative were formed and operate here. Coleman lanterns were invented in
Kingfisher, and notables such as Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and TG&Y founder R.A. Young got their start in
business along the town's main street.
Perkins
City of Perkins
City Data
Payne County
Payne County
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Frank Eaton (Pistol Pete) - Wikipedia
OSU's Pistol Pete page
Perkins is located just south of Stillwater, home of Oklahoma State University, and was home to the real
"Pistol Pete," Frank Eaton. Frank was an author, cowboy, scout, Indian fighter, and Deputy U. S. Marshall for Isaac
Parker, the "hanging judge." He homesteaded southwest of Perkins in 1889, and later lived in town until his death in
1958.
Frank Eaton lived the life of a true cowboy and was said to "pack the fastest guns in the Indian Territory." He
usually carried a loaded .45 Colt and often said "I'd rather have a pocket full of rocks than an empty gun." He was
also known to throw a coin in the air, draw and shoot it before it hit the ground.
Frank Eaton wrote two books that exemplify the life of a veteran of the Old West. His first, an autobiography title
Veteran of the Old West: Pistol Pete, tells a tale of his life as a Deputy United States Marshall, a cowboy and an all
around good guy. His second book, which was published 30 years after his death, is titled Campfire Stories:
Remembrances of a Cowboy Legend. Campfire Stories is a collection of yarns and recollections that Frank Eaton would
pass along to the many visitors that came to sit a spell on his front porch in Perkins, Oklahoma.
The Tribal headquarters of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
are located four miles south of Perkins, Oklahoma on US 177. The Iowa ReservationIowa Tribe lies on some 2,465 acres
of non-contiguous land in the Cimarron River Valley of north-central Oklahoma. Reservation and allotted lands are
spread in checkerboard fashion across three Oklahoma counties.
 Hominy
City Data
Osage County
This "city of murals" is home to the Osage Nation, and named after the Osage Chief Ho-Mo-I, which translates to
Walks in the Night. But what is most memorable about the town are the giant murals painted on the sides of city
buildings, featuring the work of local artists including Hominy native, Blackfoot artist Cha' Tullis, who also owns a
gallery in town. Maps about the murals are available at the restored MKT Depot on Main Street, once the daily stopping
point for four passenger grain and nine freight trains in the 1920s. The building now houses the Chamber of Commerce
and Silver Dollar Depot Café.
Other historic attractions include the Drummond Home, a merchant and cattle rancher in the early 1900s, the
Territorial School, a subscription school built in 1904 on the Osage Reservation, and the Marland Service Station, one
of a few surviving examples of the popular triangle design utilized by the old Marland Oil Company (now Conoco).
Visitors can stop in at the station and study some of the bygone road service memorabilia displayed on the wall of
memories. The Osage Round House is also the only surviving community round house in Osage Country, traditionally used
for village activities and traditional events of the Osage Indians.
While visiting, don't miss the "New Territory" sculpture, a series of 20-foot-tall steel images atop a hill on the
west side of town. And just 10 miles away is the White Hair Memorial, the former home of the first woman to be
nominated to the Osage Tribal Council and a descendant of Chief Pawhuska.
For more information about the area, contact the Hominy Chamber of Commerce at (918) 885-4939.
Dewey
City Data
Tom Mix Museum
Dewey, home of the Tom Mix Museum and the Dewey HotelMuseum, built in 1899, is located in Green Country. Several
Lakes with plenty of good fishing and skiing are within a short driving distance. Step back in time as you enter one
of eight distinctive antique stores. One such store sports its own old-fashioned soda fountain offering some favorites of the past. Six other shops, each in their original store fronts, are located within two blocks of each other. In
addition Dewey showcases 11 specialty shops.
The first weekend of May, the Downtown area is revving with excitement as the annual Stray Kat Car Show comes to
town. This show features vintage, customized street rods and a bike build off. The first weekend of June is busy with
the annual Antique Show, the largest one day show in the area. Dealers from five states convene at the Dewey
Fairgrounds Building. The summer festival, Sunfest, and a Fly-In are scheduled for the same weekend in the nearby
community of Bartlesville. Dewey also hoss the annual July 4th celebration which includes music, children's games,
free watermelon and spectacular fireworks beginning at dusk.
In the fall make plans to be a part of the Tom Mix Festival, the last weekend in September. The Prairie Song Pioneer
Village, located just east of Dewey, hosts a Wild West Show as a part of the festival's events. It's truly an event to
remember. The Christmas Parade, usually the second Saturday of December, is a lighted parade at night. Come early as
the streets are packed with onlookers. It is a very large parade with beautifully decorated and well-lit floats.
Dewey is just 55 minutes north of Tulsa and 10 minutes north of Bartlesville on highway 75. Several motels, dining
places and golf courses are easily accessible. Of course the days for the spring and fall city-wide garage sales
produce many bargains. Check out the city web page, Cityofdewey.com, for dates and other Dewey news.
Coffeyville, KS
Coffeyville, KS
City Data
Coffeyville is a city located in Montgomery County, Kansas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total
population of 11,021. Coffeyville is home to online retailer Amazon.com's largest distribution center, leased
in 1999. It was opened in a facility previously operated by Golden Books.
Founded in 1869 as an Indian trading post serving the population across the Oklahoma border in what was then
Indian territory by Colonel James A. Coffey relocated here from Humboldt, Kansas, the town was confirmed and expanded
by the arrival of the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston railroad in 1871. Incorporated in 1872, the charter was
voided, and re-incorporated in March of 1873.
Coffeyville's most famous moment may have been the end of the Dalton Gang: on October 5, 1892, four of the gang
were killed and the fifth wounded and imprisoned. They had been attempting to rob two banks, First National Bank and
Condon Bank, at once when the citizens rose up and fought them.
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End-of-the-Trail Celebration
New this year, the final night of FreeWheel (Friday night, June 15th) will be celebrated with a great
meal and equally great entertainment from Tulsa's
Mid-Life Crisis band. And it's all FREE (okay, you paid for it as part of your registration ... but, since
the registration price didn't go up this year, it's like getting an added benefit for nothin' ... woopee!!!).
The Lion's Club of Dewey will be serving brisket and baked chicken with sides, desert and drink prior
to the Mid-Life Crisis gang entertaining well-fed FreeWheelers in a spaceous, air-conditioned and comfortable
auditorium with music from the Beatles, Van Morrison, the Eagles,
and a host of other artists of the 60's and 70's. Tulsans have been enjoying the Mid-Life Crisis for years
at venues from Mayfest to River West park. To learn more, surf to the
Mid-Life Crisis web site.
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Seminars
First Seminar Thursday, January 18, 2007
Seminars will be held again this year in Tulsa to prepare those new to FreeWheel and to refresh
the memories of previous participants. The seminars are being planned and facilitated by Tom Brown,
local bike shop owner and cycling enthusiast.
Where and When? - Seminars will once again be held at the
OSU Center for Health Sciences at 1111 W. 17th in Tulsa. This is just
off I-244 at 17th and Southwest Boulevard. Seminars will begin at 7pm and be completed by 9pm.
A full schedule of topics and dates will be posted here soon.
Thursday, January 18th
How to Choose A Bicycle - Presenter Tom Brown, Tom's Bicycles
Winter Training Presenter Kevin McFarland DPT
Tuesday, February 6
Bicycle Maintenance - Presenter Tom Brown, Tom's Bicycles.
Thursday, February 15
Introduction to FreeWheel - Presenter Ellen Proctor, FreeWheel Director.
Tuesday, March 6
Effective Cycling, Roadriding Etiquette & Safety - Presenter Richard Hall, President of the Tulsa
Bicycle Club and League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor.
Thursday, March 15
Where To Stay On FreeWheel - Presenter Monica Wright, veteran FreeWheeler. Monica leads an entertaining
discussion on where we can stay on FreeWheel. She'll reveal tricks she's learned along the way that will
help you to wake up each day refreshed and ready to ride..
Tuesday, April 3
TBD.
Thursday, April 19
FreeWheel Q&A, What & How to Pack, & Boxing Your Bike - Presenters Ellen Proctor, FreeWheel Director, and Nickie Hall-Hensley (and
her famous "unpacking" demonstration!) and Tom Brown on Boxing your Bike.
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Training
When was the last time you looked at your bicycle? Sure it's been cold outside, but that's no
excuse. It's time to saddle up and begin training for spring and summer riding, including that
week-long adventure known as FreeWheel!
Need help or advice? Check your local bicycle club's calendar for rides and join them for fun,
fitness, social interaction, and for training. You'll need to be able to ride 50-70 miles a day for
seven days in a row. Don't panic! Yes, it sounds like a lot if you haven't done it before. But
every year, men, women, and children of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels make it into
camp each night and on to the finish line at week's end. You can do it if you prepare.
For group rides around the state, check the ride calendars on the
Oklahoma Bicycle Society's and the
Tulsa Wheelmen's
web sites. And check the
Tulsa Bicycle Club's web site for a complete set of training rides to begin in early March,
with two rides each weekend until the end of May, with gradually increasing mileage each weekend.
Don't know of a bike club near you? Check our growing list of state and
area bike clubs and
let us know if you're aware of others we've not listed (please include contact information). And
if you don't have a club nearby, get out on your own or find a few like-minded neighbors and get
on your bike!
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Accommodations
Oklahoma FreeWheel is primarily a camping tour. The majority of riders bring their own shelter and
become a part of each night's "tent city," generally located on park or school grounds near shower,
toilet, and other facilities. FreeWheel provides clean and convenient port-a-johns to supplement facilities
available in the host communities. Each host community is instructed to have emergency facilities
available and plans prepared to evacuate campers to a safe haven should foul weather threaten.
Though host communities are requested to provide indoor camping opportunities as
well, indoor facilities are sometimes limited. These
facilities are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Some communities get local churches and other organizations to host indoor campers as well, generally
for a small fee. The bottom line is that indoor facilities are not guaranteed to all who might want them.
You should plan accordingly.
Limited motel/hotel accommodations may also be available in some of the towns that host FreeWheelers.
You should contact the local Chambers of Commerce for information on availability and location of such
facilities and make your own arrangements. If you elect and are able to find motel accommodations, you
are responsible for getting your luggage to and from your motel. Bags must be on the luggage
truck by 8am each morning. Again, plan accordingly.
The Shuttle Guy may be offering luggage service to motel accommodations.
Check their web site for details and contact them
if this service is of interest.
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Luggage
Seven days on the road ... what do I need to take? Ah, now there's a question that has as many answers
as there are people to ask. Everyone has their own "needs" and "philosophy" regarding what to bring and
what to put it in. You'll have to develop a list and get a container that's right for you. But here are
some guidelines and requirements that will help you put your "kit" together.
Here are the "requirements/restrictions" you have to work with:
- No more than two bags per registered rider
- You have to load your own bag(s) on the luggage truck
- Do not pack in trash bags, backpacks, and don't bring a luggage buggy
- Items may not be "tied" on the outside of your luggage
- Leave hazardous or flamable materials at home
- Avoid fragile or breakable items
How much? Most folks manage the week with an amount of gear that would fit in a standard army duffle
bag; that's roughly 20" x 36"; a little over 10,000 cubic inches. Some people bring more, many bring less.
Remember that you have to be able to lift your bag and carry it to and from the luggage truck each morning
and evening. And when you load it in the morning, you need to be able to get it over your head and toss it
up on top of the luggage that may already be loaded. 35 pounds is probably a good rule of thumb as a weight
limit for a bag.
What should I pack? Check Nickie's packing list in the FAQ section of this web site for an
exhaustive list of potential items to bring. Remember, we won't be traveling through the wilderness. There
will be stores along our route and in communities we pass through where you can purchase most items you might
need other than cycling or camping specific equipment. So you don't need to bring "everything." Some folks
get by with a single change of clothes and sleeping gear, washing their riding gear each night for use the
next day. Others bring fresh riding clothes for each day and camp clothes, camp chairs, queen size mattresses
and more (just remember you have to carry all of this and load it in the truck!). You'll develop a list that's
right for you. As a rule, riders are more likely to pack more rather than less than they need for the week. So
"when in doubt, leave it out!"
How should I pack? It's best to pack everything in plastic bags, even if your duffle is waterproof.
Bags are unloaded each day and, depending on the weather, may be rained on or may be unloaded in a damp area.
Lining your duffle with a trash bag, or a heavier trash compacter bag, provides added protection. And zip-lock
bags in all sizes were surely developed with the event cyclist in mind. Bring along a few extra bags to replace
those that may be damaged.
DISCLAIMER: You knew this was coming? FreeWheel Inc. nor any of the volunteers are responsible
in any way for items lost, stolen, broken, or otherwise damaged. Bags are "piled" in the truck and are tossed
out of the truck at each campsite ... pack accordingly!
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Meals
So, what do we eat on FreeWheel? A little bit of everything and whatever you'd like. The cost of meals is not
included in your registration fee, with the exception of dinner on Friday night, June 15th, in Dewey as part
of the End-of-Trail celebration. But reasonably priced meals are provided for breakfast and lunch in all of
host communities and we arrange for a community along the route to provide lunch as well.
Breakfast - Each host community is asked to provide a breakfast of some sort starting at 5:00am. This could
be anything from pancakes, to biscuits and gravy, to oatmeal and fruit, to all of the above. Cost for breakfast
generally runs $4.00 to $6.00.
Lunch - We arrange for a community along our route each day to provide a lunch meal. We try to pick a spot
a little beyond half-way for the day, around 40 miles or so. Lunch prices are generally in the $5.00 to $7.00
range.
Evening meal - The host community will have an evening meal for riders that will be in the $5.00 to $8.00
range.
Meals provided by communities along the way are most often prepared by some civic, school, or church
organization as a fund raiser. There are also, in most communities, local cafes and restaurants that welcome
FreeWheel riders whole-heartedly.
One thing is absolutely certain; you will NOT go hungry. And don't plan to lose weight on FreeWheel. It
Just ain't gonna happen!
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Special Services
Special services are available on FreeWheel that provide you the opportunity, for additional cost, to
enjoy rental tent services, chair rental, towel services, and perhaps even a massage.
The Shuttle Guy
Layla's still photos! -
Still photos from 2007's
FreeWheel are now available on the Shuttle Guy's web site. Find your face in the crowd and order a stack
for family and friends!
No word from Tym yet regarding the 2007 FreeWheel DVD,but we'll post availability information here as
soon as we have it!
Shuttle Guy back in 2007
Tym Allison and crew will be back at FreeWheel again for the third year in 2007, offering excellent tenting
services for those not inclined to want to carry or set up their own. Check the
Shuttleguy web site for
a full description of the various service levels you can arrange, and rest assured that those who've
taken advantage of these services for the past two years have only glowing remarks about their "country
club" experience!
Massage Services
Another perinnial service in the FreeWheel campsite each night is massage. Few experiences compare to
a relaxing massage at the end of a long, perhaps hot(?) day on Oklahoma back roads. For a nominal fee you
can have your attitude and your muscles adjusted in preparation for a sound night's sleep and a good start
the next morning. The massage therapists set up shop in the campsite each day shortly after noon and
schedule appointments well into the evening hours. You may want to arrange a standing appointment for each
night of the week ... you deserve it!
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SpeedWheel
SpeedWheel is a cycle racing event that became a part of FreeWheel almost 20 years ago,
and has been a favorite of FreeWheelers ever since. It's fast-paced and very exciting.
SpeedWheel is a "criterium" race. A criterium is a circuit race held on a short course entirely closed to traffic. If you rode FreeWheel in 2006, you'll recall the streets of
downtown Tahlequah being cordoned off for the SpeedWheel races there. The length of the
course can range from half a mile to three miles or so. The race is very similar to a
NASCAR event, only on bicycles; there's a "pit" area, where riders my change wheels or
make other repairs and adjustments, and riders may only advance in the pack while on the course.
Prime Laps (pronounced "Preem") are a frequent addition to criterium races. These are
single-lap "races within a race." During the criterium, a bell is rung and an
announcement is made to make racers aware that the current lap will be a prime lap. The
winner of this single lap will enjoy a cash or merchandise award separate from any prizes
awarded the criterium winner. Prime Laps add another dimension to the interest and
excitement of short-course cycle racing.
Racers can race in age or ability-graded groups, and some participate in both. Age
groups include Juniors (age 10-18), Seniors (age 19-29), and Masters (age 30-80+).
Masters are often further divided into 5- or 10-year age groups. Ability-graded groups
range from 1 to 5; 1 representing the best racers and 5 representing beginners. Previous
race results play a large part in determining a rider's group placement.
SpeedWheel has been moved to Thursday evening in Hominy, June 14th. The races will take place at the Hominy
municipal lake; shuttle service will be provided from the FreeWheel campsite. A Flyer is available on the USA
Cycling website for those interested in competing. The primary contact for SpeedWhjeel is Bryan Ziegler
,email from25@juno.com, phone 316-655-2087, or Jack McNeal, email smilinjack2@prodigy.net, phone 918-272-1258.
FreeWheelers will definitely want to turn out to see riders from Oklahoma
and the surrounding five-state area compete for cash and merchandise. All-in-all, SpeedWheel '07
promises to be fun and exciting and a great way to spend an evening after the ride from Perkins on June 14th.
If you'd like more information related to cycle racing in Oklahoma, contact Jack McNeal
(smilinjack2@prodigy.net) and check out the event calendar on the
Tulsa Wheelmen web site.
And if you still haven't gotten enough of bicycle racing, check out the
USA Cycling web site! USA Cycling is the
umbrella organization for USCF (United States Cycling Federation), NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycle
Association), USPRO (United States Professional Racing Association), and NCCA (National Collegiate Cycling
Association). That's a whol lot of cycling!
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FreeWheel In The News
Let us know if you see a newspaper article, magazine, or other reference to FreeWheel and
we'll post info here so that everyone can share the message.
Bike vets: Taking it to the street - Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, Sunday, April 15, 2007
Follow this link to the article profiling three "mature" cyclists from Bartlesville who
have several FreeWheels between them:
http://tinyurl.com/3bkar5
Veteran Bikers - Part II - Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, Monday, April 16, 2007
Follow this link to "the rest of the story" of the three Bartlesville cyclists mentioned above:
http://tinyurl.com/2qokx4
Local FreeWheelers invite everyone along for the ride - Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise,
Saturday, March 3, 2007.
Follow this link to an article written by JoAnne Estes encouraging everyone to join the fun of
FreeWheel in 1007:
http://tinyurl.com/2ngn2a
Crank Addicts - Daily Oklahoman article published Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Follow this link to see the complete article:
http://tinyurl.com/35aea2
DVD Features FreeWheel 2006 - SPIN - OKC resident Kirk Barnum has ridden FreeWheel many times
and has participated in a number of other "event" rides. He's produced a DVD highlighting some of his
adventures including last summer's FreeWheel. Kirk's DVD footage provides a look into what event rides
are all about; cycling through beautiful country, meeting lots of other interesting people, and building
a great stockpile of memories! The DVD, titled "SPIN," includes footage from Ride the Rockies and RAGBRAI
in addition to scenes from the 2006 Oklahoma FreeWheel. Who knows, you might see yourself! Check out
Kirk's web site, TheBigRing.com, if you're
interested in an entertaining and beautifully filmed cycling DVD.
FreeWheelin' Oklahoma - on YouTube! - Known to us only as "SandStorm88," one 1992 FreeWheel
participant has posted a video on YouTube with his rendition of song he composed after cycling across
the Sooner State. Watch, listen, and enjoy at
http://tinyurl.com/2jqyvt
More Cycling Music - I Like To Ride My Bike
- Some of you may have made a new friend from
Austin on last year's FreeWheel, Bill Corsbie. Bill shared a song with several riders along the way
and then got everyone to join in at the camp meeting the last night. Here's an MP3 of
"I Like To Ride My Bike." Feel free to sing along!!!
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