Bike riders gear up for long trek

Bike riders gear up for long trek
KENDAL KELLY World Staff Writer
06/13/2004
Tulsa World (Final Home Edition), Page A1 of News

DUNCAN -- Asked what he thought his coming week was going to be like, 10-year-old Bryan Lynch had a simple answer.

"Fun and really hot."

Which is a pretty accurate guess, considering Lynch has never experienced an Oklahoma FreeWheel, the annual event that brings people from across the country to bike across Oklahoma in a week's time.

Lynch, who lives in Dickson, will ride with his mother, Jayne, a participant in the 1999 FreeWheel.

"By about the fourth day, you're looking for a bed instead of a tent," Jayne Lynch said Saturday as riders began gathering and setting up camp.

Sleeping on the ground, heat, hills, humidity and cold showers are just a few of the challenges that bikers will face as they make a 400-mile journey through small towns across western Oklahoma.

Approximately 1,000 people are expected to participate in the event, said Libby Stalter, FreeWheel executive director.

The event rolls off from Duncan at 6:30 a.m. Sunday and ends Saturday in Anthony, Kan. Riders will travel anywhere between 51 and 69 miles per day and sleep in tents at night.

So why do so many people choose to take time out of their busy lives to come ride a bicycle across Oklahoma in the heat and frequent storms of June? For many, it is meeting new people or reuniting with others they have met in previous FreeWheels.

"It's kind of like a family reunion," said Mel Norton, a FreeWheel participant from Choctaw. "You only see these people once a year and that's here."

Peace, relaxation and the beauty of Oklahoma have brought Tom Campbell back to FreeWheel every year since the event began 26 years ago, he said.

"For many years it was just an avenue of escape because this was the only time I took time out for myself," said Campbell, a physician from Sand Springs.

Riding in FreeWheel has caused Campbell to realize the beauty of his home state, he said.

"You don't know what Oklahoma is like until you ride," he said. "The beauty in Oklahoma, my gosh! You just can't appreciate it until you're on a bike."

Although each passing year has caused growing apprehension about his ability to meet the physical demands of the tour, Campbell said he still looks forward to the event.

"I'm blessed to still be doing it," he said.

Joanne Estes said she looks forward to FreeWheel all year.

"It's the best beauty treatment there is, getting on your bike and feeling like a kid again," said Estes, a Bartlesville resident.

Estes, who is participating in her 15th year of FreeWheel, had to overcome two hip replacement surgeries in order to return to the saddle.

Although Estes still limps when walking, she feels "normal" when riding a bike, she said.

Finishing FreeWheel makes her feel like she has accomplished something, she said.

"It's a real sense of achievement at the end of the week," Estes said.

This year Estes is especially anticipating the week because she has brought something to give her a little extra comfort: a down pillow.

"I usually just bring a pillowcase and stuff it with dirty clothes," she said. "This time I brought my own pillow."

Kendal Kelly 581-8413
kendal.kelly@tulsaworld.com