High gas prices won’t be a major consideration for approximately 1,000 people leaving Marietta June 8 on a 448-mile border to border Oklahoma tour: They’ll all be riding bicycles.
Riders will pedal their way from Marietta to Caldwell, Kan,, in the 30th Anniversary Oklahoma FreeWheel, a seven-day junket passing through a dozen small towns via secondary state and federal highways filled with “delightful home cookin,’” according to the event organizers.
Marietta is host city and starting line for the non-competitive cross-state ride routed from the Oklahoma/Texas border through Sulphur, Seminole, Henryetta, Drumright, Perry and Tonkawa into Caldwell, southwest of Wichita. FreeWheel leaders say the tour will likely bring 1,000 riders, support staff and family members to Marietta during the week prior to the first leg — a 30-mile sprint from Marietta to the state line and back. The official mass start takes place the following day.
Love County Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, Marietta Volunteer Fire Department, city schools and municipal officials are already signed up as local volunteer support. Other local organizations are expected to sign on.
Chamber members will host a dinner for riders on June 7. Firefighters will sell ice cream on the courthouse lawn following a breakfast prepared and served by Boy Scouts on Saturday morning, June 8. Camping space will be provided on the public school campus and city officials will be available to assist FreeWheel riders and officials.
Chamber, school, Murray County and Sulphur city officials will provide the same type services as the first stop location following the 63-mile first day ride.
Oklahoma FreeWheeler leaders said the ‘08 registration is limited to 1,000 riders. Complete information, registration and costs can be obtained on okfreewheel.com. A travel truck will accompany the group, locating at the designated campground each night to provide separate hot shower facilities for male and female riders.
Route security will be provided by Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
