Have you got photos, a journal/blog, links to local newspaper articles, etc, to share from our 2011 FreeWheel adventure? Send us your "stuff" or a link to your site
and we'll share it with the whole FreeWheel Family.
Email BrokenSpoke@OKFreeWheel.com with a link to your journal or photo site or for a link to a site where you
can easily upload your digital photos or other digital info.
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 to you!
Here's what we've got so far for 2011 ... enjoy!!!
What better way could there be to remember FreeWheel 2011 than to have an hour-long high definition video to pop into the player. Share the ride with family and friends,
show your spouse how much fun they could have by joining you next year, amaze your co-workers with your strength and determination ... order yours today!
FreeWheel was fortunate again this year to have Tulsa KJRH sportscaster Jason Shackelford along for the ride. Jason rode the last four days of FreeWheel 2011 and compiled the following overview ... enjoy!
FreeWheel has certain expectations for all riders. When you register for the ride, there are certain things you
can expect, as outlined above. Additionally, there are certain expectations we have of you, both for your benefit
and for the benefit of your fellow riders.
The list below outlines the baseline expectations FreeWheel has of you, as a member of the FreeWheel family:
You are expected to ride every mile of the FreeWheel route every day of the ride.
We expect riders to obey all traffic laws.
We expect riders to request a SAG ONLY if they are injured and unable to ride or have mechanical problems.
All riders are expected to be courteous and respectful of others, whether on the road or in camp.
Your bicycle is expected to be in good condition when you begin the ride.
We expect everyone to load their own luggage on the truck each day.
We expect you to have a GREAT TIME!
We expect you to meet the locals and learn about their communities.
We expect you to seek world peace (Okay, so we expect a lot! Enjoy the ride!).
Unable to download and print a registration form? Email or phone us and we'll mail you one. Email us
at OKFreeWheel@sbcglobal.net or phone us at 918-835-1699.
Or visit your local library and they can probably assist you in downloading and printing a copy of the registration form.
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 will again be offered. Riders who can't join us for the entire week may register for
Sunday through Wednesday, June 12th-15th, or Wednesday through Saturday, June 15th-18th. We'll be using wristbands again
to identify riders and help us keep track of folks.
Registration is limited to 1,000 riders - We continue to maintain this limit so that we can better plan the logistics
surrounding such a large event. We had 800+ riders in 2010 and we anticipate a large turnout for 2011. So register now!
Note that early registrants will again receive a substantial discount. So don't procrastinate!
Registration Fee for FreeWheel 2011
Through April 30th, 2011:
Full Week
Adult: $140
Child 6-15: $85
Under 6: Free
Half Week (Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday
Adult: $90
Child 6-15: $70
Under 6: Free
After April 30th, 2011:
Full Week
Adult: $155
Child 6-15: $105
Under 6: Free
Half Week (Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday
Adult: $100
Child 6-15: $80
Under 6: Free
Full Week Non-riders, regardless of registration date
Adult: $40
Child 6-15: $20
Under 6: Free
Half Week Non-riders, regardless of registration date
Adult: $20
Child 6-15: $10
Under 6: Free
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 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 35 pound 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 25th. 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 25th, through Friday, May 27th
Tuesday, May 31st, through Friday, June 3rd
NOTE: Office will NOT be open the week of June 6th!
Registration and packets will also be available in the starting community on Saturday, June 11th, at the FreeWheel
Information Canopy. Additionally, you may elect to receive your registration packet via mail for a small
additional charge.
Half week riders or anyone joining the ride other than Saturday or Sunday morning, June 11th and 12th, may pick up
their packets at the FreeWheel Information Canopy when they arrive to begin their ride.
Refunds - registration fees will be refunded, less a $10 processing fee, for cancellations made in writing and
received by midnight, Monday, June 6th, 2011. There will be no refund for T-shirts or Jersey's you've already picked up or
received via mail.
If you have questions regarding registration that aren't answered here or on the registration form, feel free to
contact us.
The 2011 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 2-4 miles plus or minus of the actual route).
Day 0, 6/11 - 40 miles, Durant to Red River and return
Day 1, 6/12 - 66 miles, Durant to Coalgate
Day 2, 6/13 - 60 miles, Coalgate to Wewoka
Day 3, 6/14 - 75 miles, Wewoka to Checotah
Day 4, 6/15 - 74 miles, Checotah to Bristow
Day 5, 6/16 - 85 miles, Bristow to Pawnee
Day 6, 6/17 - 52 miles, Pawnee to Tonkawa
Day 7, 6/18 - 40 miles, Tonkawa to Caldwell KS
Let's see, that's 452 miles from Durant to Caldwell, or 492 miles including a trip to the Red River and back ... whoopee!!!
PDF FILES OF EACH DAY'S ROUTE Oops ... sorry if you looked earlier when we still had last year's info here ... duh!
Click on the links below for PDF versions of each day's route! Each file is about 2 meg in size.
Route Maps - Map My Ride maps for each day of FreeWheel 2011 are linked below.
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!
Favorite Host City Named FreeWheel Director, Ellen Proctor, has announced that Pawnee received the most votes in this year's favorite
host community polling. She'll be presenting them with a nice plaque at an upcoming Chamber of Commerce meeting!
Links and Info - Host Communities and Beyond This section will soon contain information about our 2011 host cities; there history, local attractions, and more.
Learning a little about the towns and communities we're visiting will make your trip more enjoyable.
Check back soon for more info!
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.
Oklahoma Historical Society's Encyclopedia of History and Culture
Oklahoma became the 46th state in 1907. To commemorate the Centennial of Statehood in 2007, the Oklahoma Historical Society, with funding from the National
Endowment for the Humanities, developed the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History & Culture to inform and educate citizens, students, historians, and the world at
large about the fascinating history of this most unusual state. The Encyclopedia contains articles written by leading scholars in the field and is published
by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The online edition is presented by the Oklahoma State University Library Electronic Publishing Center.
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 Tom's Bicycles.
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.
Schedule - Here's the schedule of dates and topics
Thursday, February 17th - Brief route review and "Get Me Moving" presented by Joy Hancock, Tulsa triathlete extraordinaire.
Tuesday, March 8th - "Dog Savvy" presented by Tulsa Veterinarian, Carolyn Fairless, and "Outdoor Gear for Cyclists" presented by Zach Pfaff from Sun & Ski Sports, and Mike Schooling will
walk you through "A Day on FreeWheel" through photos and annecdotes from his own experiences on the ride.
Thursday, March 17th - "Fitting the Bike to You" presented by Jake Lasley, bike fit expert from T-Town Bicycles, and "Get The Bike Ready" by Tom Brown, a legend (in his own mind) in Tulsa cycling circles.
Tuesday, April 5th - "Tips and Tricks for a Wonderful FreeWheel" and "Enough Already!" question and answer session.
Thursday, February 17th
"Brief Route Review" You already know where we're going. Learn a little about each of the host communities and nearby attractions in this brief and informative session.
Get Me Ready! Joy Hancock is Fitness Ministry Coordinator at Tulsa's First United Methodist Church and a FreeWheel veteran. Joy will be onhand in
this second 2011 seminar to inspire us to do off-the-bike training and exercising this winter to ensure a great start to our 2011 cycling
season and preparations for our June adventure across the state.
Joy is a member of the American Fitness Association of America and a certified Group Exercise instructor and personal trainer.
In her free time, Joy and her husband Tim participate in triathlons, focusing on the Ironman events. They also coached local runners and triathletes.
Tuesday, March 8th
Dog Savvy.
Carolyn Fiarless DVM, local Tulsa veterinarian, will speak about what to do when man's best friend gets a little too close for comfort
on the road. Learn a little about what the dog's thinking so you'll be better prepared to protect yourself and the mutt or mastiff that's
intent on scaring the begeesus out of you! Unless you're the dog whisperer, you're bound to get some valuable insight from this presentation.
Get Your Outdoor Gear Ready Sun & Ski Sports bicycle sales coordinator, Zack Pfaff, is not stranger to cycling and camping. Zach will
share his prescription for worry free camping on a week-long event ride like Freewheel. You'll get an introduction to the lastes equipment and
techniques.
What's A Day On FreeWheel like? Mike Schooling will share "A day in your life on FreeWheel" to give you some idea of just what a typical day on the road might look like.
Mike Schooling, FreeWheel board member and webmaster, will share his perspective in an entertaining and sometimes comical presentation of words
and pictures from his own FreeWheel adventures.
Thursday, March 17th
Get your Bike Fit just right.
Bike fit guru Jake Lasley from T-Town Bikes, will share theory and practical knowledge of getting your
wheeled companion to fit your body. Surprisingly small adjustments can make a huge difference and pay big dividends when you're spending multiple
hours on the bike for each of seven consecutive days, or even for a simple afternoon spin on the River Trails. Bring your notepad and pay attention!
Get Your Bike Ready! Continuing with our "get ready" theme, Tom Brown, owner of Tom's Bicycles,
reveals bicycle tips and techniquies acquired over his many years riding, fixing, breaking, re-fixing, etc., all manner of spoke-wheeled vehicles.
He'll discuss bike selection and fit, riding techniquest to make the rolling more enjoyable and efficient, simple maintenance tips to keep
your "ride" in tip-top riding condition, and how everything works (in language you can understand).
Tuesday, April 5th
A Potpouri of FreeWheel Riding Tips and Tricks FreeWheel veteran, League of American Bicyclists
instructor, past president of the Tulsa Bicycle Club and the Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition, Richard Hall will offer an informative discourse on
a host of FreeWheel related topics. From road riding techniques and etiquette to where to ride on the road, Richard's tips will get
you up to speed and ready for riding in a group and on the open road, whether quiet, back-country lane, moderately busy state
highway, or city street. And you'll see some great photos of FreeWheel to boot.
It's all over but the pedalin'! Questions and Answers So, you've heard a lot about FreeWheel over four sessions. It's time to ask any remaining questions you may have and get on your bike.
FreeWheel veterans will be on hand to field any question you may have following Richard's presentation. Training rides begin in Tulsa on Saturday,
March 19th, so don't hold back. No question is too simple and there are no dumb questions. This entire series of seminars has been about
helping you have the best possible FreeWheel experience you can have. So come prepared to ask those questions that have been keeping you up
at night over the past few weeks.
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.
You can download
a copy of the PARQ at the
American Heart Association's web site. Take a minute and check it out now!
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 5-7 will be helpful for any event you're thinking about
riding, whether that's FreeWheel or some other one-day or multi-day event.
Ride the Rockies Training -
Though the altitude recommendations at this site don't apply to much to us here on the plains, the rest of the
information is very good and is applicable to training for any extended bicycling adventure.
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!
Strada -
Cycle Oregon references this web site that has training programs
that folks can purchase for $15 and download on line. The programs are similar to those from the Boulder Performance Network.
Bus transportation will be provided by Kraft Tours
of Tulsa.
NOTE: As buses fill, don't give up hope! Post a message to the OKFreeWheel forum soliciting ride-sharing and there just might be
someone out there with room to spare for you and your bike!
Bus
Bus transportation will be available for the 2011 event from Tulsa to start community on Saturday, June 11th, and
returning from the the finish to Tulsa, as well as from the finish to the start community, after the finish on Saturday,
June 18th.
Departure and Return Info - The bus(es) will leave from Tulsa for the start community at 7am sharp the morning of
June 11th. The return buses from the finish will leave at 2pm on Saturday, June 18th. 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.
Note that reservations are NOT taken directly by Kraft Tours.
Full details regarding each of the bus transportation legs will be availalbe here by mid-February when registration info is made available.
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 encouraged) and boxes can be carried, collapsed, in the luggage truck during the week):
NOTE: The only ride start bus option available is Tulsa to Durant. There is NO bus from Caldwell to Durant at the beginning
of the week.
Tulsa to Durant - Saturday, June 11, 2011 Cost: $30/person
Departure Date and Time: Saturday, June 11, 2011, 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 - Saturday, June 18th, 2011 Cost: $25/person
Departure Date and Time: Saturday, June 18, 2011, 2pm
Parking in Caldwell, KS: For those parking in Caldwell for the week, park behind the Radio Shack
on Main St. Park between the car wash and the empty building. This is behind the Police Station (not a bad place to be!).
Caldwell, KS, to Durant - Saturday, June 18th, 2011 Cost: $50/person
Departure Date and Time: Saturday, June 18, 2011, 2pm
Parking: A parking location will be available in Durant 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 Durant 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 11th.
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. Though not determined at this time, an
additional charge may be levied for un-boxed bikes in 2011.
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 starting community.
Parking at the start and finish
Parking 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 Bike
Boxing 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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
NOTE: There WILL BE A CHARGE for indoor camping in host communities this year.
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: Indoor campers are NOT
allowed to wear bicycle cleated shoes in the indoor facilities, nor are riders 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 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 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.
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.
Here are the "requirements/restrictions" you have to work with:
No more than 2 bags per registered rider of 35 pounds or less each
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 cart/buggy
Items may not be "tied" on the outside of your luggage
Leave hazardous or flammable materials at home
Avoid fragile or breakable items or pack them well
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!
Each year FreeWheel participants are offered a colorful jersey and t-shirt for purchase. The 33rd ride
is no different!
Jersey
Pre-ordered Jerseys should be available for pick up at the Mapco Plaza Building when walk-in registration begins
in late May or may be picked up when you arrive at the start of the ride in June. For those who don't order ahead,
a limited number of jerseys will be available for sale on the ride. To assure that you get one in the size you prefer,
you should order now.
Sizing - We're using the same jersey manufacturer this year as last and indications were that the jerseys ran
true to size, so the recommendation is that you order the same size jersey as you would a regular T-shirt.
Note that jerseys are NOT included in your registration fee.
The 2011 Jersey design is another creation of Tulsa Bicycle Club's Derek Swift and it's a beauty! Take a look!
Tee Design (will likely be on gray shirt)
The 2011 T-shirt design is completed, but color selection for shirts is still being decided. Once that's
all in place, we'll post the design here for all to see.
Crazy Daze Each year, on one day 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. 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! Safey first!
Club Jersey Day One day of FreeWheel is set aside for 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 - Tuesday, June 14th
This year flag day falls on the third day of our ride, Tuesday, June 14th. 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 and Old Glory!
The 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!
This year you'll be treated to the fabulous MidLife Crisis Band from Tulsa, OK. MidLife Crisis is a live performance band showcasing
Òclassic rockÓ from the 60Õs and 70Õs covering songs from The Beatles, The Eagles, Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner,
The Rolling Stones and many more. During their performances, they'll promote dancing, socializing and having a great time through the music the play.
FreeWheel veterans will remember enjoying MidLife Crisis at the first End of the Trail Celebration in Dewey in 2006. They've only gotten better with age!
This performance will have you out of your seat and rockin' to the beat as we celebrate the End of Trail!!!
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.
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.
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
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 in the past have only glowing remarks about their "country
club" experience!
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!
2011 Speedwheel will be held on Wednesday night, June 15th, in beautiful downtown Bristow!
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!
6/12/2011: Free Wheelers depend on their roadÊangels
6/16/2011: FreeWheelers set for longest leg in cross-state bicycleÊtrek
Ponca City News Articles
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, February 17th
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.
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.
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.
This year flag day falls on the third day of our ride, Tuesday, June 14th. 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 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!
2011 Speedwheel will be held on Wednesday night, June 15th, in beautiful downtown Bristow!
