Gov. Nigh Leads 250 Bike Riders Into State |
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June 11, 1979 By ROB KERBY Led by a wise cracking Gov. George Nigh, about 250 bicyclists Sunday pedaled across Denison Dam into Oklahoma, then sped off on the first day of Free Wheel '79. The 431-mile bike ride will cross the state in seven days, stopping in Tishomingo, Ada Seminole, Okmulgee, Sand Springs and Bartlesville. Battling a north wind gusting 15-22mph into their faces, riders soon spread out over five miles - 20 miles later in the afternoon - on their way to Tishomingo, a distance of 58 miles "Battling" that wind puts it rather mildly. That was one terrible headwind. My knee hurts, my shoulder has a cramp in it, my face is sunburned red. Three months ago we chose this route because EVERYONE knows Oklahoma's prevailing winds out of the south. Planning on this easy tailwind, we were all going to "cost to Kansas." Despite the weather's bad joke, two-thirds of us pedaled every inch of the way to the Chickashaw Capitol. Veterans taught us greenhorns racing tricks: -For 10 miles I "drafted" behind Tulsa racer Joe Hines, riding behind him and letting him break the wind for me -Later, five of us rode in single file with Jim Bryant, 56, John Nettles, 14 and myself taking turns at the windy head of the line. All along the way families with young children caught rides on the three wagons and five other support vehicles pressed into "sag" service. Even Bob Meade and Jack Sharpe, in the state highway department's truck bringing up the rear all week, began inviting riders to rest awhile. Many riders, including N.S Jean Kirby, Muskogee, rode 5-20 miles, then re-attacked the course. With the majority being total novices at cross-country riding, breakdowns set in the moment after the ride stared. One man had minor chain problems on the dam itself. Jerry Custer of Fort Smith, Ark., even disabled his bike before the ride, bending a wheel Saturday night on a dark Eisenhower State Park, Texas, road. All were recurred by the ride's CB-radio dispatcher repair truck staffed by Arlie Snow and crew from Fay's Bicycle Shop, Tulsa. "I have never been on a 10-speed in my life," Nigh told the enthusiastic and growing crowd as the 9 a.m. starting time neared. "I usually don't do things like this except in election years," he noted, adding he was making an exception for Free Wheel. "I hope this grows into a great annual event," he said. "I congratulate you all for having the intestinal fortitude to do this. "I hope I make it across the dam." The mood of the ride was demonstrated as the state's chief mounted a $1,000 racing bike provided by Snow - veteran riders helped Nigh put on trouser safety clips and showed him how to use toe clips. Racers stayed beside him explaining how to shift the 15-speed bike. Youngsters agreed with him that the north wind was rough. Saturday night the ride's mood was also apparent as riders without rain gear were invited out of some midnight showers by bicyclers with tents. Almost immediately Sunday morning, Free Wheel picked up local riders as youngsters and adults from Colbert and Achille joined in. Other residents stepped out on porches to watch the spectacle. Pedaling away from the starting line, Bob and Larinda Lochmiller and son Mike, 10 of Durant said they intended to go only to Ada, Monday's overnight stop. Steve Barton, 14, of Tishomingo - saying he had read about the event in the paper - rode into Tishomingo with a group of riders. Several Tulsans planned only to ride to Tishomingo, then rejoin Free Wheel Friday morning at 7 a.m. when it leaves Sand Springs' city golf course, the Thursday night campsite. "I hate to drop out, but I have to go to work tomorrow," said Jim Bryant, general manager of Thomas Cadillac. Tulsan Floyd Allen, whose wife Leora drove anxiously behind with granddaughter Tiffany, was out for his first long haul and also intended to quit Sunday night, then return Friday. Some dropped out quickly, shaking their heads in dismay at the long road ahead. Mrs. Norma Case, Tulsa, boarded a sag wagon at the far end of the dam, ending a grudge match with sister-in-law Elsie Raney, Gainesville, Texas, who pedaled slowly away on a new three-speed. Sunday night members of Tishomingo First Baptist Church served riders dinner at the city park campgrounds. "I have never seen this many bike riders," said Deborah Austin, 13, of the church's Acteen Sunday School class, which served dinner. Breakfast Monday morning will be provided by the Tishmingo Chamber of Commerce. Tired, proud of themselves, and hoping for a south wind Monday most riders hit sleeping bags early.
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