Organizers Reveal 2013 Oklahoma FreeWheel Route

Organizers have announced the 2013 Oklahoma FreeWheel route. The 35th anniversary of the annual ride across Oklahoma will begin in Idabel and end in Joplin, Mo.

Towns on the road map include Antlers, Talihina, Warner, Tahlequah, Pryor and Miami. Cyclists can sign up for half the week or the entire FreeWheel experience of about 500 miles in seven days, June 9 - 15.

Tulsa-area cyclist Doug Thompson started riding six months ago and wants to "take it to the next level" with FreeWheel.

"I've always heard about FreeWheel, so we thought we'd give it a try this year," he said.

Thompson is most looking forward to cycling through scenic Oklahoma and getting to see some of the smaller towns from a two-wheeled perspective.

See the 2013 FreeWheel route

Communities along the way open their arms to bicyclists who range in age from the very young to the more experienced. Meals and showers are provided for those who choose to camp. Trailers haul camping gear from one stop to the next. 

Rides will  begin this spring to help riders work up to the 30-100 mile daily distances. Check with Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Bartlesville bicycling clubs for times and locations.