Oklahoma FreeWheel 2008 Information

FreeWheel 2008 30th Anniversary Ride!

This page will fill over the course of the months preceding FreeWheel 2008 to provide you with the information you need to prepare for and participate in this great Oklahoma ride. Planning began in late June of 2007 and is ongoing. This will be FreeWheel's 30th ride! Whether this will be your first FreeWheel or just another notch in your saddle, we're looking forward to having you join us. As are the friendly folks in small towns across Oklahoma who are anxious to showcase their communities and make you feel like a member of the family. Read on and check back often for details. 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!

1,000 riders + dozens of small towns + quiet Oklahoma byways + lots of home cookin' It's a recipe for Fun, Adventure, Folks and Fixin's you'll remember for years! Join us June 8-14, 2008, and celebrate 30 Years Rollin', one friendly Oklahoma community at a time!
On this page Photos & Journals -- New Additions! (07/03) In The News & On TV -- Great Tulsa World Slide Show! (06/23) What's New for 2008? Registration Route Info Host Cities -- Tonkawa, favorite of 2008! Crazy Daze, Club Jersey Day, Flag Day Seminars & Road Shows Training Rides FreeWheel-Wear Transportation Meals Accommodations Luggage Handling & What to Bring Communicating With Those At Home Special Services -- 2008 photos from ShuttleGuy! End-of-the-Trail Celebration SpeedWheel

Photos & Journals Have you got photos or a journal/blog to share from your 2008 FreeWheel adventure? Send us your "stuff" or a link to your site and we'll share it with the whole FreeWheel Family. Email items to BrokenSpoke@OKFreeWheel.com or mail to FreeWheel, Attn: Broken Spoke, PO Box 4700069, Tulsa, OK 74147-0069. If you have prints only, trust us with copies and we'll scan and return them to you! Photos Hines, Jerry Jamison, Bob Premeaux, Christina Schooling, Mike Vogt, Keith Whitlach, Cathy Russell (external link) Journals / Blogs Here are a few accounts from 2008 to get you in started ... Moni - Three Friends and a Dinosaur Jason - Out Here in the Middle Pat - Day one, overslept! OkieDoke - Like riding a bicycle? Tracy - I'm Back! Oklahoma FreeWheel Ride Report [Top]

FreeWheel: In The News and On TV Let us know if you see a newspaper, magazine, or other reference to FreeWheel and we'll post info here so that everyone can share the message. Tulsa World Photo and Page Reprints - Note that reprints of Tulsa World photos and page reprints are available at the Tulsa World web site. Tulsa World Photos and Commentary - Slide Show Tulsa World Articles 6/8/2008: FreeWheelers hit the road again 6/9/2008: Biking his way through cancer; One FreeWheel biker is in the ride once again, five years after his third battle with cancer. 6/10/2008: FreeWheelers: Water, water everywhere; Seminole residents rally around riders who faced flooding at their campsite. 6/11/2008: Barking through FreeWheel; Puppy passenger gives bone-tired riders a smile 6/12/2008: Riders flock from afar to traverse Oklahoma; FreeWheel has bicyclists from around the globe. 6/13/2008: FreeWheel beats four wheels; A teenager says his driver's license can wait. 6/14/2008: Garden Variety; FreeWheeler gets his exercise in overalls and flannel. 6/15/2008: FreeWheelers end scenic bike tour of Oklahoma; Participants say new amenities are welcome, but the joy stays the same. Related Articles: Tulsa World 6/12/2008: FreeWheel bicyclists donate 6/12/2008: Fitness guinea pig Ardmoreite 6/11/2008: FreeWheel riders will get a tour of Oklahoma Other Newspaper/Internet Articles 6/26/2008: Ahwatukee Foothills News (Phoenix suburb) Father-daughter tandem bike an entire state 7/3/2008: azCentral.com - Dad, daughter tour Okla. on tandem bike Pre-ride Publicity Discover Oklahoma, Saturday, April 19th - Discover Oklahoma producer, Shel Wagner, is training for this year's FreeWheel and will give a brief promotion of the event and tell about her efforts on April 19th's installment of Discover Oklahoma. Shel has been documenting her preparation for FreeWheel for a longer segment to be aired in the future. Her husband is her cameraman, so they've been able to capture everything from bicycle purchase to training and will be along on FreeWheel in June. We're thrilled to have Shel along and look forward to sharing FreeWheel with Discover Oklahoma's audience. Integris Health's Discover Oklahoma is Oklahoma's favorite weekly travel program. It introduces you to the people, the attractions, the restaurants and the activities that make Oklahoma a fun place to explore. Discover Oklahoma is shown Saturdays at 6:30 pm on KOTV-6 in Tulsa, KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City, and KSWO-7 in Lawton. Oklahoma Today, May, 2008 - Shel Wagner, a producer for Integris Health's Discover Oklahoma (see above), is joining FreeWheel for the first time this June. See the "Outside" section of the May issue for an article about her efforts to date. Tulsa World, Monday, April 21st Edition, Local section - World Staff Writer, Jeff Billington, is preparing an article about FreeWheel's 30th anniversary, Bicyclists Bring a Boost, scheduled to appear in the Monday, April 21st edition of the Tulsa World. And FreeWheelers will enjoy a return of reporting from FreeWheel this June as a World reporter files stories daily along our route. These daily updates were missed by riders and readers alike last year and we're looking forward to the Tulsa World coming along with us for this 30th edition of the ride they helped start back in 1979! [Top]

What's New For 2008? Date-certain Route Announcement - We've created a deadline for ourselves to complete arrangements with host communities so that we can let you know when the route information will be available for sure. That date is January 24th, 2008. The route will be announced first at the Tulsa seminar the evening of the 24th and then will be posted here later that evening. By midnight on the 24th, everyone will be aware of the start, finish, and all points in between for our 30th cross-state adventure. Registration forms will be in the mail to everyone on February 6th (sorry, didn't get'em ready by January 24th as originally planned) and a PDF version of the registration form will be available here at the same time. We're hopeful this will all encourage you to register early to secure your spot on the 2008 ride! Early Registration Benefits - In an effort to encourage you to plan ahead and register early, those registering prior to May 1, 2008, will enjoy a $20 cheaper rate (full week) than those who dally. As you might imagine, the earlier we know about how many riders we'll have on the ride, the better we and our host communities can prepare to serve you. Though we've not had 1,000 riders register for a few years, we will limit registrations to 1,000 and we hope to reach that number of riders in 2008. We had 860+ riders in 2007, up over 200 from the year before, and are anticipating a large turnout for our 30th year. So register early; for your benefit and for ours! Route Maps On Line Prior to Ride - The daily route maps are being made available on line before the ride. You can look at the complete route, download, and print PDF versions. Expanded Last Night Celebration - In 2007 FreeWheel had an End-Of-The-Trail Celebration including dinner and a concert. It was so well received, we're expanding the last night event to include rider recognition and prize drawings that we used to do at the finish town on the last day. Now the folks who are anxious to head for home from the finish town won't have to delay their departure or miss the "so-long" events as many have in the past. Shower Truck - This year we'll have a shower truck following our traveling city to augment the facilities in each host community. Located at the campground each night, riders will find 17 hot showers waiting to cleanse the dust from their tired frames. Separate facilities for men and women including sinks, mirrors, and a spacious dressing area will provide what we hope will be a welcome new amenity for FreeWheel riders. The shower facilities will be provided by ShowerMobile; a photo and diagram of the set up are shown below: Reminders No Bikes or Cleats Indoors - At the urging of most all of our host communities, we'll be returning to the practice of keeping bicycles and cleated shoes outside the indoor accommodations. Bring a lock for your bike so that you can secure it outdoors. And thanks in advance for helping us care for the host community facilities and show them how much we appreciate their providing a place for us to lay our heads. No Gloves at Rest Stops - In our continuing efforts to make your FreeWheel safe and free of health problems, we'll be promoting removal of bike gloves at each rest stop again this year. Several recent event rides have been plagued by outbreaks of viral or bacterial illness. Removing your gloves, using hand sanitizer, and using common sense food and drink handling precautions will assure that we all enjoy a week free of illness! [Top]

Registration OPEN! Registration forms have been sent (2/5) to riders who've been on FreeWheel in recent years. Or you can download a registration form (PDF) here, fill it out, and mail it in. Note: You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the PDF Registration Form. If you don't have the reader installed on your machine, you can download it for free from the Adobe website. Full and half-week registrations are again being offered. Riders who can't join us for the entire week may register for Sunday through Wednesday, June 8th-11th, or Wednesday through Saturday, June 11th-14th. We'll be using wristbands again to identify riders and help us keep track of folks. Registration is limited to 1,000 riders - Though we've not reached 1,000 riders in recent years, we continue to have that as our limit so that we can better plan the logistics surrounding such a large event. We had 860+ riders in 2007, up almost 200 from the previous year, and we anticipate a large turnout for the 30th anniversary of FreeWheel. So be sure to register early! Once again this year we'll be accepting registrations for the full week, June 8-14, or for half the week, either Sunday through Wednesday, June 8-11, or Wednesday through Saturday, June 11-14. The half-week registration was well received last year and is something we plan to continue. Registration fees are listed below. Note that early registrants will receive a substantial discount. So register early! Registration Fee for FreeWheel 2008 Through April 30th, 2008: Full Week Adult: $110 Child 6-15: $70 Under 6: Free Half Week (Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday Adult: $70 Child 6-15: $55 Under 6: Free After April 30th, 2008: Full Week Adult: $130 Child 6-15: $90 Under 6: Free Half Week (Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday Adult: $80 Child 6-15: $65 Under 6: Free So plan to register early. Early registrants will enjoy a fee significantly less than those who wait until after April 30th. Here's what you'll 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 on the route each day Mechanical SAG support on the route each day and in camp each afternoon/evening Luggage transportation for up to two bags between host communities Camping space in each host community Shower truck and portable toilets to supplement provisions in host camp sites Registration packet full of info End-of-ride packet Identifying bike tag, two baggage tags, and wrist band End-of-the-Trail meal and entertainment on Friday evening Wrist Bands - Wrist bands identify FreeWheel riders will be provided when you check in at the start community. You'll need your wrist band to participate in the End-Of-The-Trail meal and entertainment celebration. Bands may also be recognized by host community merchants in offering discounts to FreeWheel participants. Wrist bands will also be available for purchase by non-riders for the End-of-the-Trail meal and celebration. Packet Pickup & Walk-in Registration - 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 21st, through Friday, May 23rd Tuesday, May 27th, through Friday, May 30th NOTE: Office will NOT be open the week of June 2nd! Registration and packets will also be available in Marietta on Saturday, June 7th, 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 27th, 2008. There will be no refund for T-shirts or Jersey's you've already picked up or received. FreeWheel is limited to 1,000 riders and we're hopeing to have a full contingent in 2008. 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. [Top]

2008 FreeWheel Route The 2008 FreeWheel route is ready! NOTE that mileages are APPROXIMATE at this point, but should be within 2-4 miles plus or minus of the actual route. Okay, here's the nitty gritty you've been hungry for ... Daily mileage and ROUTE MAPS! Day 0, 06/07 - 30 miles - Marietta to Red River (round trip), Day 0 PDF Map Day 1, 06/08 - 63 miles - Marietta to Sulphur, Day 1 PDF Map Day 2, 06/09 - 64 miles - Sulphur to Seminole, Day 2 PDF Map Day 3, 06/10 - 53 miles - Seminole to Henryetta, Day 3 PDF Map Day 4, 06/11 - 70 miles - Henryetta to Drumright, Day 4 PDF Map Day 5, 06/12 - 65 miles - Drumright to Perry, Day 5 PDF Map Day 6, 06/13 - 62 miles - Perry to Tonkawa, Day 6 PDF Map Day 7, 06/14 - 41 miles - Tonkawa to Caldwell, KS, Day 7 PDF Map [Top]

Host Cities Favorite Host for 2008 -- Tonkawa! A record number of FreeWheel finishers voted to select 2008's favorite host community. All our hosts were great this year, however, Tonkawa received the most votes and will receive a plaque officially recognizing them as the favorite host community of the 30th FreeWheel. Seminole will receive a special plaque to recognize their efforts to host FreeWheel riders following record rainfalls and flooding in the intended camping area. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of the host and pass-through communities that shared their streets, schools, churches, scenic vistas, courthouse lawns, football fields, parks, swimming pools, etc, etc, with our spandex-clad entourage! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You showed us a wonderful time and we're grateful to have met you and seen your stompin' grounds. 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 with information you can order for free on line; 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 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 The Oklahoma Historical Society has been collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Oklahoma and its people since before statehood. OHS started by collecting newspapers throughout Oklahoma Territory. Now, OHS has grown from a handful of people with this same desire to collect, preserve, and share the history of the area now known as Oklahoma to several departments, museums, and historical sites from across the state and the Southwest. Saturday Night, June 7, 2008, It Begins! Marietta Camping location - High School City of Marietta Love County Chamber of Commerce City Data Marietta is the County Seat of Love County. Before the town developed with the coming of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1887, this was an area of vast cattle spreads. Most of present-day Love County was owned or leased by the brothers Jerry and William "Uncle Billy" Washington, and their ranches were two of the largest in the Chickasaw Nation. Uncle Billy maintained a commissary and issued his own scrip, which was also accepted at local banks. The courthouse at Marietta was the first built after Oklahoma became a state. Nearby attractions include Lake Murray State Resort Park, Love County Courthouse - 405 W. Main (405) 276-3059, Love County Military Museum 408-1/2 W. Chickasaw, (580) 276-9624, Love County Pioneer Museum - 101 S.W. Front (580) 276-2869, Mahota Memorial Presbyterian Church - 104 E. Main, (580) 276-3158 - noted for its stained glass windows. Sunday Night, June 8, 2008 Sulphur Camping location - High School Chamber of Commerce Murray County City Data Sulphur, Murray County Seat. In 1895 a settlement known as Pavilion Springs developed around mineral springs that had long been frequented by prehistoric peoples and later various Indian tribes. When the Chickasaw Nation transferred the site of several major springs to the federal government in 1902, the town moved to its present location. Hotels, rooming houses, and health spas sprang up to accommodate visitors seeking cures for various ailments. Recreation plays an increasingly important role in the town's economy because of the proximity to the Arbuckle Mountains, Turner Falls and Price Falls, and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. The name Sulphur is a shorted version of Sulphur Springs, the medicinal springs that attracted health seekers to the town. Nearby attractions include Chickasaw National Recreation Area and Travertine Nature Center - U.S. 177 at S.H. 7, (580) 622-3165. Monday Night, June 9, 2008 Seminole Camping location - High School Chamber of Commerce City of Seminole City Data Seminole State College Jasmine Moran Children's Museum Seminole is the Seat of the county of the same name. First known as Tidmore, the town got its start about 1890 with the founding of Mekasukey Mission, a school for Seminole boys. It continued to be a small trading hub for surrounding farms and ranches until 1926 when the Fixico No. 1 (oil well) blew in to the east. By 1929 the Greater Seminole field was the prime high-gravity oilfield in the country, with twenty-six separate pools, 5,000 wells, and $1 billion in revenues in its first decade alone. Within a year of the discovery, the town grew from a population of 800 to 35,000. Although the petroleum industry is still important, agriculture and manufacturing also contribute to the economy. Seminole is the Creek word for "runaway." Local attractions include The Gusher Days Festival held each June, the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum - 1714 S.H. 9 west, (405) 382-0950, and Seminole Historical Museum - 1717 S.H. 9 west, (405) 382-1500. Tuesday Night, June 10, 2008 Henryetta Camping location - High School or Football Complex (to be determined) Chamber of Commerce City Data Territorial Museum Henryetta is located in Okmulgee County. The town got its start in 1900 with the arrival of the railroad. With the mining of coal, lead, and zinc, it became an important smelting center. Henryetta is best known as the birthplace of rodeo star Jim Shoulders, winner of five world championship titles, and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman. Nearby attractions include Dripping Springs State Park, Fountainhead State Park, Henryetta Art Association Museum - 621 W. Main, (918) 662-4165, Henryetta Territorial Museum - 410 W. Moore, (918) - 652-7112, and Okmulgee State Park. Wednesday Night, June 11, 2008 Drumright Camping location - High School in downtown Drumright City of Drumright City Data Drumright Historical Society Drumright is located in Creek County. First called Fulkerson, the town sprang up in 1912, when the Wheeler No. 1 (oil well) came in north of here. Drilled by the so-called King of the Wildcatters, Tom B. Slick, the well opened the Cushing field. For several years the town consisted mainly of tents, lean-tos, and about 300 producing wells. At one time, the Cushing field produced nearly one-fifth of all the oil marketed in the United States. Farther north is the site of the headquarters of the Turkey Track Ranch, where drovers stayed over to fatten their cattle during the Texas cattle drives of the 1870s and 1880s. Nearby attractions include a WPA mural (1889 land run by Frank Long, painted in the 1940's) on the wall of the Drumright Post Office, 118 N. Ohio, the Drumright Historical Museum, at Broadway and Harley. It was formerly the 1915 Sante Fe depot, one of the first depots built in the Drumright-Cushing field. Thursday Night, June 12, 2008 Perry Camping location - On the Town Square Chamber of Commerce Main Street of Perry City Data Cherokee Strip Museum Perry Carnegie Library Noble County Seat, Perry was a popular destination during the 1893 land run that marked the opening of the Cherokee Strip. A half dozen claimants often vied for the same lot. Almost overnight Perry, a designated land office, boasted 25,000 residents. The Blue Bell Saloon sold 38,000 glasses of beer in a single day at one dollar each. Other saloons and gambling halls proliferated, and U.S. marshals were brought in to maintain order. The land run is commemorated with the Cherokee Strip Celebration, Perry's major annual event. Perry is home to Cherokee Strip Museum - 2617 W. Fir, (580) 336-2405. Friday Night, June 13, 2008, Let's Celebrate! Tonkawa Camping location - Campus of Northern Oklahoma College. City of Tonkawa Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce City Data Northern Oklahoma College Located in Kay County, Tonkawa was founded in 1894, a year after the Cherokee Outlet was opened for white settlement. The town site was located in the middle of a 91,000-acre reservation where Chief Joseph and his band of Nez Pierce lived for a time. They were brought here as prisoners in 1879 but were allowed to return to their homeland in Washington State in 1885. That same year, the last remnant of the Tonkawa tribe was moved from Texas to the abandoned Nez Pierce reservation. In 1921, oil was discovered in the vicinity, and Tonkawa became a boomtown almost overnight, with an estimated population of 6,000. At its peak, the Three Sands Oil Field, known as the "Billion Dollar Spot," was producing more than 100,000 barrels of oil per day from over 500 wells. During World War II a POW camp was built here to house German prisoners. Northern Oklahoma College is located here and will host FreeWheelers on their last night of FreeWheel. Nearby attractions include A.D. Buck Museum of Science and History - 1220 E. Grand, Northern Oklahoma College campus, (580) 628-3318, Tonkawa Historical Museum - 6th and Grand, (580) 628-2561, Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma Tribal Museum - off U.S. 60 east, (405) 628-2561. Saturday, June 14, 2008, It's All Over! Caldwell, KS Finish location - High School Chamber of Commerce City Data Video - Proud of the Past, Proud of the Future! Caldwell was founded in 1871 astride the then new Chisholm Trail as an economic adventure of a group of Wichita entrepreneurs. The trail, running from Texas to the Intercontinental Railroad in northern Kansas, guided over a million longhorn steers and their guardian cowboys through Caldwell. This vintage cow town --- a place of cowboys, saloons, gambling, and violence --- boasted a longer cow town period (1880 - 1885), a higher murder rate, and loss of more law enforcement officers than other more famous cow towns. Being the first town north of Indian Territory, cowboys went wild in this untamed "Border Queen City" after months on the dusty and treacherous trail. Gunfights, showdowns, hangings and general hell raising were commonplace. From these true stories came the romanticized American cowboy and the love of the Wild West. In 1893, Caldwell was also a starting point for the famous Cherokee Strip Land Run, when Oklahoma Territory was opened for homesteaders to stake land claims. Learn more about Caldwell on the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce web site! [Top]

Crazy Daze, Club Jersey Day, Flag Day Crazy Daze - Tuesday, June 10th Each year on Tuesday of FreeWheel, riders go a little bit ... crazy? As if all the spandex wasn't enough, folks don all manner of helmet ornaments, wild jerseys, tutus (yes, tutus!) and more. Who can forget 2004's Snow White and the Seven Domestiques and the Tutu Boys; or 2005's Drama Queens! So give your appearance some thought and come prepared to make folks set up and say "What the heck was that on that bicycle!" It's all in fun; just be sure not to obscure your vision or wear anything that might get caught in your bike and take you down! Club Jersey Day - Wednesday, June 11th Wednesday of FreeWheel is traditionally a day when riders sport their local bicycle club's or team's jersey. So bring yours along and wear it so all can see your local colors. Flag Day - Saturday, June 14th This year flag day, June 14th, falls on the last day of our journey across the state. As we cross the state line into Kansas, you'll want to be sporting your finest spandex, lycra, and coolmax, in red, white and blue! Put a flag on your bike and celebrate the day, the end of the ride and Old Glory! [Top]

Seminars & Road Shows FreeWheel Road Shows OKC Road Show Scheduled - April 1st! Join us at the April meeting of the Oklahoma Bicycle Society in Oklahoma City on Tuesday evening, April 1st, 2008, at 7pm. The festivities will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, NW 62nd and Tulsa; this is just west of the intersection of NW 63rd and the NW Expressway ( see Google map). We'd love to come give a presentation to your bike club or community showing you just what FreeWheel is all about. For those not in the Tulsa area, where a full schedule of seminars is available, this is a great way to learn more about FreeWheel and be able to ask questions of knowledgeable presenters. Contact us if you'd like to pursue scheduling a FreeWheel Road Show for your club, community, or city. We've got the show; all we need is an audience! First Tulsa Seminar Thursday, January 24th, 2008 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, cycling enthusiast and owner of Tulsa's Tom's Bicycles. 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 (map and directions). Seminars will begin at 7pm and be completed by 9pm. Here's the full schedule of topics and dates as the stand at present: Thursday, January 24th Get Your Body* Ready!* Are you Fit to FreeWheel? Get Your Body Ready" will be the first of several "get ready" presentations included in this year's FreeWheel seminar series. Find out how to build and maintain core strength and put together a training plan for your cycling efforts that will get you ready for seven days in the saddle riding an average of 60 miles each day. Tuesday, February 5th Get Your Bike* Ready!* Continuing with the "get ready" theme, Tom reveals bicycle maintenance secrets previously only whispered about in the inner circles of the bike mechanic world. Learn how to anticipate problems with your bike before that minor problem becomes an expensive, ride-stopping, bone-jarring one. Thursday, February 21st Get Your Brain* Ready!. For the third topic in the "get ready" series, join Brian Potter, local cycling advocate and League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor, to discuss "road and street tactics" and your "attitude" on the road. Brian will talk about the logic of riding on the road/street; how to ride and make yourself visible, predictable, and safe. We will also discuss bringing along the right attitude so that you can get the greatest enjoyment from a week of cycling regardless of temperature, terrain, or wind direction! Tuesday, March 4th* Get Your Map* Ready!* FreeWheel director, Ellen Proctor, will fill us in on what to expect on this the 30th anniversary of Oklahoma FreeWheel. Learn about the communities we'll pass through, new features for 2008, pick up detailed route maps, and lots more. Thursday, March 20th Get Your Skills* Ready!* "Group Riding Tips and Safety - No Man is an Island" is what Richard Hall, President of the Tulsa Bicycle Club and League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor, calls his presentation about how to ride with other people around, many of whom may not be the "alert, well-trained, and skillful cyclist" that you are! Whether you consider yourself an old-hand or a newbie to event cycling, there will be tips and reminders here of benefit to you. Tuesday, April 8th Get Your Bag* Ready!* Nickie's Unpacking Demo and MORE!!! If you've never seen this FreeWheel magician's prolific packing talents, then you just haven't lived. Nickie has some good ideas on all the stuff you might need! Her packing list is an exhaustive compilation of everything you might want to consider(!) throwing in the bag. We'll have some alternative views of packing as well for those inclined to travel a little lighter. And veteran FreeWheelers are invited to bring along one thing they've discovered that makes their FreeWheel experience more enjoyable and share that "thing" with the crowd. If you'd like to share your "thing" with the rest of us ahead of time? Then email your "can't live without it" thoughts to Tom at Tom@TomsBicycles.com. We'll compile a list and post it here for all to see. Thursday, April 24th Get Your Pillow* Ready!* Monica Wright will share information on how to get the best night's sleep while on the road. From selecting the best sleeping spot to, to selecting a comfortable tent, to outfitting your home on the road, Monica shares her experiences in an informative and entertaining presentation. Come learn from Monica the tips and tricks she's learned the hard way so that you won't have to repeat her FreeWheel faux pas! [Top]

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 March 8th, 2008, 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! [Top]

FreeWheel-wear Each year FreeWheel participants are offered a colorful jersey and t-shirt for purchase. And the 30th anniversary ride will be no different! Jersey Pre-ordered Jerseys may be picked up at the Mapco Plaza Building in Tulsa on Thursday and Friday afternoon, May 29th and 30th, from noon until 6pm. Don't despair if you can't or don't wish to pick yours up until FreeWheel begins; they'll be available at the FreeWheel trailer beginning Saturday, June 7th, in Marietta! Sizing Jersey's - Sizing jersey's will be available in Tulsa bike shops, at Tulsa Bicycle Club FreeWheel training rides, and at FreeWheel Seminars in Tulsa on the following dates: Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14 at the Trek Store, Tulsa Saturday, March 15th - After the FW training ride at Mohawk Park Monday, March 17th - Thursday, March 20 at the Trek Store, Tulsa Thursday, March 20th - at the FreeWheel Seminar in Tulsa Friday, March 21st - Sunday, March 30th, at Tom's Bicycles, 68th & Peoria, Tulsa Tuesday, April 8 - Friday, April 18 at Tom's Cherry Street store, 1506 E. 15th St., Tulsa Saturday, April 19 - Thursday, April 30 at Lee's Bikes, 3620 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa The 2008 Jersey design was created by Derek Swift and it's a beauty! Derek created the 2007 design as well, but he's really outdone himself this year. We will be using the same Jersey manufacturer this year as last, VO Max. Sizing jerseys are available at the Tulsa FreeWheel Seminars and will be made available soon at a bike shop in Tulsa and in Oklahoma City. The sizing jerseys may also be available at Tulsa Bicycle Club's FreeWheel training rides. Folks indicated that last year's jerseys were true to size, so those of you who can't try on a sizing jersey should order the size shirt/jersey you normally wear. Jerseys may be ordered when registering for FreeWheel and will be available for purchase on the ride, though size selection may be an issue if you wait until the ride to make your purchase. Note that jerseys must be purchased; their cost is not included in your registration fee. Okay, enough for the details ... here's the eye-catching design ... Tee The 2008 T-shirt design is also a Derek Swift creation! Shirt color and the specific colors for the design haven not been finalized, but the graphic for the front of the shirt is shown at right. The back of the shirt will likely be similar to that from prior years; a stylized map of Oklahoma with the 2008 route shown on the map. T-shirts may be ordered when you register or you may purchase them on the ride. Size selection is less an issue with the Tees than with the Jersey, so those who wait to purchase theirs on the ride will likely find their size available early in the week; but that's not a guarantee. Note that shirts must be purchased if desired; their cost is not included in your registration fee. [Top]

Transportation Bus transportation has been confirmed with Kraft Tours in Tulsa for this year's event from Tulsa to Marietta and also returning from Caldwell Bus Bus transportation will be available for the 2008 event from Tulsa to the starting town on Saturday, June 7th, and returning from the finish town to Tulsa, as well as from finish town to start town, on Saturday, June14th. Departure and Return Info - The bus(es) will leave from Tulsa for Marietta at 7am sharp the morning of June 7th. Departure location, directions, and parking information will be posted here when available. The return buses from Caldwell, KS, to Marietta and to Tulsa will leave Caldwell at 2pm on Saturday, June 14th. Riders need to plan their final ride day so that they arrive in time to box and load their bike for the return trip. Bus reservations are being taken beginning NOW!.. 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! And don't call us until we indicate we're ready! 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 Marietta *Cost:* $45/person *Departure Date and Time:* Saturday, June 7, 2008, 7:00am sharp! *Departure Location:* Buses will leave Tulsa from the northeast parking lot of the Eastwood Baptist Church located at 949 S. 91st E. Ave. This is not an enclosed lot but police will be checking the lot throughout the week. Neither FreeWheel, Inc. nor Eastwood Baptist Church are liable for any theft or damage that may occur. Here's a map of the parking arrangement. Caldwell, KS, to Tulsa *Cost:* $30/person *Departure Date and Time:* Saturday, June 14, 2008, 2pm Caldwell, KS, to Marietta *Cost:* $70/person *Departure Date and Time:* Saturday, June 14, 2008, 2pm *Parking:* A parking location will be available in Marietta for those driving to the start and taking the bus back at the end of the week. This info will be available in your rider packet or in Marietta when you arrive if you do not pick up your packet ahead of time. And we'll post here if the information is available prior to June 7th. 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 the start town from the finish town. Parking in Marietta, OK, and Caldwell, KS Parking will be available in Marietta and in Caldwell for those driving to the start or finish and leaving their car for the week. We'll provide the exact location and directions as soon as they're available. Though we ask local law enforcement to keep an eye on vehicles parked in the start and finish towns for the week, they are not guarded 24x7 nor is the parking location likely to be fenced or otherwise secured. In other words, parking is at your own risk. We've not had any problems with cars being bothered or vandalized in the past, but that's not a guarantee. Caldwell, KS parking - If you're traveling to Caldwell, KS, and wish to park there for the week, you may park behind the Kanokla Tech (Radio Shack) store on the north end of Main Street, on the West side of the street. Go behind the store and park south of the car wash. This is also behind the Police station; good spot for the week! If you'd like additional info, you may call Karen Sturm in Caldwell at (620) 845-2145. Boxing Your Bike If you've never "boxed" your bike before, you may wish to get assistance from your local bike shop. Or review the article at the following web sites: Adventure Cycling Association -- Boxing Your Bicycle Bicycling Magazine -- Bicycling Travel and Bike Packing Tips League of American Bicyclists -- Packing Your Bike Active.com Cycling -- Tips on packing up your bike Finally, the final FreeWheel Seminar in Tulsa on Thursday, April 24th, will include a demonstration on boxing your bike. [Top]

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 13th, which is include as part of the End-of-Trail celebration. But reasonably priced meals are provided for breakfast and dinner in all of host communities. And we generally arrange for a community along the route to provide lunch unless there's a wide selection of eateries a bit beyond the mid-point of a day's ride. 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 most days 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. We may not pre-arrange a lunch stop if there are a number of dining choices available along a particular day's route at the 40-mile mark or so. Evening meal - The host community will have an evening meal for riders that will be in the $5.00 to $8.00 range. Or you're welcome to partake of the local cafes and restaurants if you'd like. Meals provided by communities along the way are most often prepared by some civic, school, or church group 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! [Top]

Accommodations Outdoor Camping 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. For the first time in 2008, FreeWheel will be providing a shower truck for riders, which will be located near campers offering hot showers at the end of each day. Additionally, 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. Riders should be sure to check at the host city's information area to determine where this shelter area is in each camp. Indoor Camping Though host communities are requested to provide indoor camping opportunities as well, indoor facilities are generally 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. IMPORTANT NOTE FOR INDOOR CAMPERS: Though not enforced uniformly in recent years, indoor campers will NOT be allowed to wear bicycle cleated shoes in the indoor facilities, nor will they be allowed to take their bicycles into the indoor camping facilities. We ask all FreeWheel riders to treat the facilities offered in each community as you would your own home by removing cleated shoes or sandals, leaving your bicycle outside, and leaving the facilities clean when you depart. You should come prepared with a lock to secure your bike outside any indoor sleeping facilities. Motel/Hotel Limited motel/hotel accommodations may 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. Plan accordingly. Here are phone numbers for our host community Chambers of Commerce: Marietta, Love County Chamber of Commerce - (580) 276-3102 Sulphur Chamber of Commerce - (580) 622-2824 Seminole Chamber of Commerce - (405) 382-3640 Henryetta Chamber of Commerce - (918) 652-3331 Drumright Chamber of Commerce - (918) 352-2204 Perry Chamber of Commerce - (580) 336-4684 Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce - (580) 628-2220 Caldwell, KS, Chamber of Commerce - (620) 845-6666 Shuttle Guy - Tent Services and more The Shuttle Guy offers a variety of services and can provide, for a fee, tents and more for those who prefer to get into camp with their tent already set up, a relaxing chair available in the shade, their luggage in the tent, cool refreshment at the end of your day's ride, etc. See the section on Special Services below for more information. [Top]

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, plastic bins, or external-frame backpacks, and don't bring a luggage buggy Items may not be "tied" on the outside of your luggage Leave hazardous or flammable 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 per bag. What should I pack? Check Nickie's packing list in the FAQ section of the web site for an exhaustive list of potential items to bring. Remember, we won't be traveling through wilderness. There will be stores in the 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 inflatable 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 than they need 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. 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 during the week. Though a standard army duffle will generally hold all of the clothing and camping gear a single rider will need for the week, many riders elect to have two bags; one with their camping gear and another with their clothing and other items. Regardless of the bag or bags you elect to bring along, it's best to make them easy to identify by selecting brightly colored duffels or painting a unique design on your bags. It can be difficult to find a single olive-drab duffle in a sea of 1,000 or more bags! 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 ... select duffels and pack with this in mind! [Top]

Communicating With Those At Home 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 numbers of local law enforcement agencies near our route (if possible, leave your family a copy of your route maps so they can follow your progress each day). 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. [Top]

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 Shuttle Guy photos for 2008 Photos taken by the ShuttleGuy crew on FreeWheel 2008 are available for viewing and purchase! Shuttle Guy back in 2008 Tym Allison and crew will be back at FreeWheel again for the fourth year in 2008, offering excellent tenting services for those not inclined to want to carry or set up their own. Check the Shuttle Guy 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! 2007 DVD from The Shuttle Guy Tym Allison's crew produced a DVD with highlights from the 2007 FreeWheel. For just $20 you can recapture memories of the trip from Comanche to Coffeyville. There are also still photos available from the 2007 ride. Check it all out at the Shuttleguy Shop. Massage Services Another perennial 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! [Top]

End-of-the-Trail Celebration Again this year, the final night of FreeWheel, Friday night, June 13th, will be celebrated with a great meal and equally great entertainment. When we've firmed up arrangements with the final night's entertainment, we'll let you know who it will be here. And it's all FREE, okay, you paid for it as part of your registration ... but it's still pretty cool! [Top]

SpeedWheel Team Undiscovered will be hosting SpeedWheel again this year. SpeedWheel will be in Drumright on Wednesday evening, June 11th. Team Undiscovered hosted SpeedWheel last year in Hominy and are looking forward to the event this year. Watch their web site if you're interested in competing in this annual event. 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. 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 may change wheels or make other repairs and adjustments. 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. 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 whole lot of cycling! [Top]