FreeWheel 2012 |
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GET ME REGISTERED FOR FW 2012! |
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850 riders + dozens of small towns + quiet Oklahoma byways + lots of home cookin'
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On this page
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RegistrationREGISTRATION IS OPEN - 02/2012
Past riders and those who've signed up on our website will receive a postcard reminder directing them here, to our website, to get a copy of the 2012 registration form or to register on-line.
Download 2012 registration form if you'd like to print and send with your payment. MAIL PRINTED REGISTRATIONS TO:
Unable to download and print a registration form? Email or phone us and we'll mail you one. Email us
at Director@OKFreeWheel.com or phone us at 918-344-5987.
Full and half-week registrations will be offered. Riders who can't join us for the entire week may register for Sunday through Wednesday, June 10th-13th, or Wednesday through Saturday, June 13th-16th. We'll be using wristbands again to identify riders and help us keep track of folks. Registration is limited to 850 riders - This limit is necessary to allow us to better plan the logistics surrounding such a large event. We've had 800+ riders for the past few yars, so be sure to register early! Early registrants also receive a substantial discount; don't procrastinate!
Registration Fee for FreeWheel 2012 Through April 30th, 2012:
After April 30th, 2012:
Here's what you get for your registration fee:
Wrist Bands - Wrist bands identify FreeWheel riders and will be provided when you check in at the start community. You'll need your wrist band to get service at provided rest stops and to participate in the End-Of-The-Trail meal and entertainment celebration. Wrist bands will also be available for purchase by guests for the End-of-the-Trail meal and celebration. |
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What You GetFreeWheel continues to be a bargain among cycling vacation options. Your registration fee entitles you to ...
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What's Expected of You?When you register for the ride, there are certain things you can expect, as outlined above. Additionally, there are certain expectations that we have of you, both for your own benefit and for the benefit of your fellow riders.
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Seminars
Where and When? - Seminars will 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.
"Route Announcement - This Is FreeWheel"
Bike Maintenance.
You'll learn all the "basics" to get your bike ready for the 2012 cycling season and a seven-day event ride like FreeWheel.
Get Moing.
Fitting a Bike To YOU.
Tuesday, March 6th Tips for Group Rides.
Measuring your Performance.
Thursday, March 16th A Day on FreeWheel .
Final Q&A Session.
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2012 FreeWheel RouteThe 2012 FreeWheel route has been announced. Here are the host communities for each day and the approximate daily mileages (NOTE that mileages are APPROXIMATE but should be within 3-6 miles, plus or minus, of the actual route).
Let's see, that's ??? miles from Frederick to South Haven, or ??? miles including a trip to the Red River and back ... whoopee!!! Route Maps - Map My Ride maps for each day of FreeWheel 2012 are linked below as well as links to .KMZ files which can be downloaded and opened in GoogleEarth. Map My Ride maps provide a great deal of information, including elevation profiles. You can get satellite or map views and precise elevation changes along the route each day. So find out what's in store for you this June. Explore each day's route, learn more about Map My Ride and enjoy the tools it provides for getting ready to ride! NOTE: Though the Map My Ride maps are accurate for each days basic route, starting and ending locations in host communities have not been finalized, so distances may be slightly more or less once these locations have been determined. In other words, mileages are approximate!
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Host CitiesLinks and Info - Host Communities and Beyond
At the end of this section you'll find additional links to Oklahoma travel and history sites that offer even more information. Saturday Night, June 9, 2012, It Begins!Frederick, OK Sunday Night, June 10, 2012Elgin, OK Monday Night, June 11, 2012Anadarko, OK Tuesday Night, June 12, 2012Watonga, OK Wednesday Night, June 13, 2012Guthrie, OK Thursday Night, June 14, 2012Drumright, OK Friday Night, June 15, 2012Ponca City, OK Saturday Afternoon, June 16, 2012South Haven, KS
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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! Training Rides in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Bartlesville If you live near Tulsa, Oklahoma City or Bartlesville, then you have an opportunity to participate in a full range of training rides, starting at 5 miles and gradually increasing to 60 miles or more. See the calendars for these rides on the Tulsa Bicycle Club , Oklahoma Bicycle Society, and the Bartlesville Pedalers web sites. There will be FreeWheel veterans onhand to assist you with any problems or questions that may arise. FreeWheel Expectations 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. But DO prepare! There is full support on the ride, which means that injured or ill cyclists and those with mechanical problems that can't be resolved on the road can signal one of many volunteer "SAG" vehicles to get a ride. However, we expect all participants to be sufficiently prepared to complete each full day on their bicycle baring injury, illness, or mechanical difficulty. YOU MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE RIDE OR MAKE YOUR OWN ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN HOST COMMUNITIES IF YOU FIND YOURSELF UNABLE TO RIDE THE FULL DISTANCE ON A RECURRING BASIS. So, get on your bike and train. For training opportunities and suggestions, see the sections below. BEFORE YOU BEGIN So, it's been a while since you were on a bike ... heck, maybe it's been a while since you've been off the
couch for any length of time? Before you begin any exercise or training program, you should assess your present
physical state. A tool to help you is the "Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire" or PARQ.
This questionnaire, used widely by exercise professionals, will help you assess your fitness level and
encourage you to visit with your physician before entering into an exercise program if you identify certain
risk factors, including not having exercised regularly in a long while. Be honest in your assessment of yourself
and err on the side of caution. Refer to the previous paragraph on "Expectations." You owe it to yourself to
adequately prepare and not put yourself at risk when preparing for FreeWheel's week-long effort.
Need training help or advice? Local Bike Clubs - Check your local bicycle club's calendar for rides and join them for fun, fitness, social interaction, and for training. Group Rides - 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 that begin in March with two rides each weekend until the end of May, 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! Training guides - There are many training "plans" and suggestions available in print and on the internet. Following are a few internet resources we think are good, but there are a host of others. Take a few minutes to search the internet for training plans that will fit your fitness level, lifestyle, time available, etc. Tour de Cure Cyclist Guide - This is a great resource from the American Diabetes Association, with lots of info. Preparation and training info on pages 5 and 6 will be helpful for any event you're thinking about riding, whether that's FreeWheel or some other one-day or multi-day event. Boulder Performance Network - This site is referenced by the Ride The Rockies web site and has downloadable spreadsheets with training plans for different rides and the time someone has available to train. You can take these guides and adapt them easily to your own training goals and lifestyle. Optimize Endurance Services - This site is also referenced by the Ride The Rockies web site and has downloadable training plans for different rides and the time someone has available to train. You can adapt them easily to your own training goals. No, Oklahoma is not the Rockies, but Oklahoma is NOT flat, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. These training plans will work just as well for you as for those headed to altitude! Training plans from 2009 are available here until the 2012 plans are posted! Strada - Cycle Oregon references this web site that has training programs that folks can purchase for $35 and download on line. The programs are similar to those from the Boulder Performance Network. |
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AccommodationsOutdoor Camping
Indoor CampingThough 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. Most host communities will charge a nominal fee for indoor camping. 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.
Motel/HotelLimited motel/hotel accommodations may be available in some of the towns that host FreeWheelers. You will have to 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 also responsible for getting your luggage to and from your motel. Bags must be on the luggage truck by 8am each morning. Plan accordingly. Shuttle Guy - Tent Services and moreThe 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. |
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Meals
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 $5.00 to $8.00. Lunch - We generally arrange for a community along our route 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 $8.00 range. Note that 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.
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! |
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Transportation
BusBus transportation will be available for the 2012 event from Tulsa to start community on Saturday, June 9th, and returning from the the finish to Tulsa, as well as from the finish to the start community, after the finish on Saturday, June 16th. Departure and Return Info - The bus(es) will leave from Tulsa for the start community at 7am sharp the morning of June 9th. The return buses from the finish will leave at 2pm on Saturday, June 16th. Riders need to plan their final day's ride so that they arrive in time to box and load their bike for the return trip. Bus reservations will be taken at the same time that you register for the ride, whether on-line or by printed form. 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 (strongly recommended - it's not difficult, really!) and boxes can be carried, collapsed, in the luggage truck during the week. Several instructional sites for bike boxing are provided later in this section. NOTE: The only bus option for the start of the ride is from Tulsa to Frederick on Saturday, June 9th. There is NO bus from South Haven to Frederick at the beginning of the week.
Bikes are carried by the luggage truck that leaves with the buses. Most bus riders "box" their bikes and you are STRONGLY ADVISED to box yours!
Boxes protect your bike and make loading them on the truck for transportation much more efficient.
Parking at the start and finishParking will be available for those driving to the start or finish and leaving their car for the week and for those joining the ride mid-week. We will 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, finish, and mid-week towns, cars 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. Boxing Your BikeBoxing your bike is by far the safest way to transport your bicycle for those opting for any of the bus options. That said, about 50% of bus riders have elected not to box their bikes in the past few years. It's up to you. If you've never "boxed" your bike before, you may wish to get assistance from your local bike shop. Or review the articles at the following web sites for instructions on how best to box your bike:
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Luggage
Here are the "requirements/restrictions" you have to work with:
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 items. 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! |
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End-of-the-Trail CelebrationThe final night of FreeWheel will be celebrated with a great meal and equally great entertainment. And it's all included in your registration fee; there's no extra charge for these week's-end events! | ||
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Crazy Daze
Club Jersey Day
Flag Day - Thursday, June 14th
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Communicating With Those At HomeStaying 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. |
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Special ServicesSpecial 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. Shuttle Guy back in 2011
Massage Services
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SpeedWheel2012 Speedwheel will be held on Thursday night, June 14th, in Drumright, OK!
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! |
Seminars will be held again in Tulsa primarily to prepare those new to FreeWheel but also to refresh
the memories of previous participants. The seminars are planned and facilitated by Tom Brown,
cycling enthusiast and owner of Tulsa's 
Thursday, January 19th
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 a shower truck, 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.
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, which is included as part
of the End-of-Trail celebration. But reasonably priced meals are provided for breakfast and dinner in all of the
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.
Evening meal - The host community will have an evening meal for riders that will be in the $6.00 to $9.00
range. Or you're welcome to partake of the local cafes and restaurants if you'd like.
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 leave behind. 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.
You'll want to wear your finest spandex, lycra, and coolmax, in red, white and blue on flag day! Put a flag on your
bike and celebrate the day and Old Glory!
Tym Allison and crew will be back at FreeWheel again for the sixth year in 2011, offering excellent tenting
services for those not inclined to want to carry or set up their own. Check the
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!
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.