Oklahoma Bicycle Society

2024 OBS Streak photographers are ready to capture your smiles! Whether you’re aiming for personal records (PR) or just catching up with friends, we have you covered from start to the finish!

Register: https://www.bikereg.com/obs-streak

Evgeny Podsezertsev (DJ) Solo Century Ride at Enchanted Circle

This tale of strength, perseverance, and trust serves to account DJ’s amazing feat on August 10, 2024. It also serves as reference for those who may want to attempt such adventure in the future.

DJ’s solo ride happed because organizers of 2024 Enchanted Circle shortened the ride after a landslide occurred (and was cleared) two days before and the area continued to get heavy rains the morning before the ride. DJ actually heard from Frank Hedges that other riders were planning to ride the original route, and he felt compelled to do the same.

The organizers warned him of pilot cars in use at one of the roads under construction, impassable mud, no mechanical support, no police monitoring, and no stops for food and necessities. DJ figured he could hike some mud and his friend Cody Spaulding promised to rescue him if it becomes necessary. He would also draw strength from friends far away who’d given him an “extra pair of legs” to help him overcome any challenges!

NEW for 2024: OBS STREAK GROAD ROUTE (22 miles paved, 31 miles gravel/unpaved) - September 8 at 7:30 AM

You will depart Mitch Park in Edmond OK at about the same time as everyone. After mile 11, you’ll ride past Rest Stop #4 (Al's Bicycles) located at Lockridge Cemetery. The gravel portion starts just west of County Line Rd and you’ll ride 14 miles to Rest Stop #2 located at Chester’s Party Barn (mile 25). Take your time to enjoy the food and drinks at our rest stop and look at the animals at Chester’s Farm.

From there, it’s 17 miles of gravel roads back to Rest Stop #4. Let’s hope you get there in time to enjoy the special goodies prepared by Henry Holasek (Al's Bicycles - Edmond) and trade banters with Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis! After you’ve had your fill, it’s a short 11 miles of smooth pavement back to the finish line. Sign up now. We know you’ll have a blast!

Registration: https://www.bikereg.com/obs-streak

Found following picnic today. Let me know if it belongs to you…

Some photos from todays picnic.

Thelma Parks Bike Club OKC visited the Girl Scouts Camp Trivera and learned about science and a little Oklahoma City history.

A short 3-mile ride from school was not without challenges as the kiddos climbed hills and rode with traffic on NE 36th St. Then they climbed a 5-percent grade hill just to get to the gate of Camp Trivera.

The staff at the camp created a fun project for the kids to introduce them to the concept of “gears and cogs”. They made gears out of paper bowls, stick-on glue, and gum drops. The kids and coaches were then invited to explore Camp Trivera’s wonderful facilities including its vast minerals and fossils collection, one of 4 impressive “tree houses”, dining facility with a rock-climbing wall, swimming pool, and beautiful campgrounds.

For a little bit of Oklahoma City History, some may know that in 1910, the City created Grand Blvd as a parkway around the perimeter of the new city. At each corner of Grand Blvd, they designed a park. The parks still exist today in some form. The Northeast Park became the Lincoln Park Golf Course, OKC Zoo, and Camp Trivera! (By Tony de la Vega)

Yesterday, the Thelma Parks Elementary School Bike Club OKC kids rode to the Oklahoma City Mayor’s office. They rode to downtown OKC past signs celebrating the OKC Thunder who are playing in the NBA playoffs, and rode past displays in the ongoing Arts Festival!

(Reposted from OBS Facebook Group for sharing. Note that videos are not included because page would not allow photos and videos to be combined in a post).

What makes a ride special? From the 2024 Presidents Day Rides.

We had an amazing turnout for the ride this morning. But more than that, this morning, Brigette and Tracy Pruitt brought their 14-year old granddaughter, Megan, for her first group ride. Being new to riding they expected the hills and the distance could be a challenge for her.

Enter coach extraordinaire Homer Dade of Major Taylor Cycling Club of Oklahoma (MTCCOK), who not only volunteered to sweep the short course, but guided Megan on how to shift gears over the hills. He talked her out of cutting her ride short, rode with her at the back, and taught her to sing a song to get over the difficult last climb on 4th St!

𝐅𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐂𝐑.

This is a special FCR and will use a different route from the regular first through fourth Saturday FCR rides. We'll depart far southwest end of the Bass Pro parking lot and ride bike trails and streets through OKC to the Boomerang Diner in Bethany. Distance will be about 34 miles round-trip at a pace of 12-14 mph average. It's probably going to be right at freezing at 9:00, so 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝘁𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗠.

If you want to view or download the route, the title on RWGPS is "Bass Pro to Boomerang in Bethany".

Bike Distribution for Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Corps Angel Tree - BUCKS FOR BIKES Program

December 13-14 were exciting two days when members of OBS joined other volunteers for distribution of bikes and cycling helmets. We thank everyone who took part in the bike assembly, the OBS Streak Ride, and all fund raising efforts for Helmets for Kids. Our appreciation to D'Anna Pulliam and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Corps for allowing us the opportunity to assist in this beloved Christmas tradition!

(Originally posted on OBS FB Group. Reposted on the public OBS Page to allow sharing.)

Bike Club OKC at Thelma Parks Elementary School on Wednesday, 11/29

The kiddos are getting better at riding bikes. Alyssa Cozzens Lutz and the program makes arrangements for them to visit places and people within cycling distance of the school. Today’s visit was with OKC Fire Station 18, to meet the Red Shift - the very best shift of the over 1,000 firefighters in OKC!😀

To volunteer or to donate, visit BikeClub.OKC.org

(By Tony Delavega)

Bike Club OKC - No rain nor gale-force wind can stop these volunteers from fulfilling their rounds!

Bike Club OKC

This week I joined several volunteers on first day of Bike Club 2023/2024 school year at one of the local schools. The kids were instructed on proper way to wear a helmet, how to prepare for a ride by checking the ABC’s (Air, Brakes, Chains), and how to begin to safely ride bikes. Sometimes, kids in the program don’t yet know how to ride a bike. The kids refer to volunteers as “coach”.

If you want to know more, would like to volunteer or donate, click the Facebook link above or go to bikeclubokc.com. (Alyssa Cozzens Lutz, Bike Club OKC President)

Re-post: Originally posted in OBS Facebook Group by Tony Delavega

'53 Mercury Monterey with Continental Kit on the back. This is what I want for Christmas. It is for sale.

The Cycle 66 Training Rides to Guthrie was originally cancelled because of rain. However, over 20 riders showed up at the start and wanted to ride, so off we went. Destination: Rick’s Fine Chocolates and Coffees and Missy’s Donuts.

NOTE: Lissa Wohltmann said that a make-up training ride using the same routes will be offered again on October 14.

Hotter’n Hell Hundred (HHH) - A pilgrimage to the Cycling Mecca of Wichita Falls, TX!

Congratulations to everyone, especially the first time HHH riders! The high for the day was 106°F. The Bike computers were measuring over 120°F off of the asphalt. Photos 8/26/2023

Some photos from todays RIBBON CUTTING for the new OKLAHOMA CITY RIVER GREENWAY TRAIL.

RETIREES AND ‘SKATERS’ RIDE (5/25) - Oakdale to Luther

Beautiful shady morning with cool temperatures, low winds, and no rain for today’s ride. We’re posting todays photos on the OBS Public Page per request so this post can be shared. Bill Wylie led this ride. Many joined us even with the possibility of rain.

Today was Reta Gibbens’ first ride with the Retirees. It was an uneventful ride until after we stopped for coffee at Farmstead Cafe in Luther. A bungee cord came loose and got wrapped around Reta’s rear axle, dislodging the belt drive on her bike. But we worked together to remove the bungee cord and reseat the belt. Even with the delay from this incident, Reta didn’t want to take the shortcut. She tackled all the hills and enjoyed all the views on the longer route!

2023 Santa Fe Century is a Wrap!

Not as big a delegation from Oklahoma as when OBS president Jim Reilly spearheaded the trip last year, but we still had good representation. One of our Half-Century crew, Jennifer White, earned a place on the podium!

Part of our century crew came back for “revenge” after having been defeated by the 13-percent grade Heartbreak Hill last year. This time, all our century riders made it through this tough climb and bested last year’s overall time by over 40 minutes!

Tuesday Casual Ride - Edmond Bike Month 2023 Celebrations (Lissa Wohltmann, Ride Leader)

Beautiful neighborhoods, friendly parks, and a casual ride with friends (and Edmond PD Officer)😀 on a cool early summer evening! There was even a mountain bike wheelie at the end of the ride!

HOUSE BILL 2752 - REMOVES RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR PEDESTRIANS ON CROSSWALK FOR VEHICLES ALREADY ON INTERSECTION

(NOTE: Reposted from OBS Group where active conversation is ongoing.)

So, you are a cyclist concerned about the discrepancies with laws and enforcement of current laws that protect you. You want to hold rallies and voice your displeasure of current policies but worried that such actions may be short term and will not result in meaningful change.

Your most powerful weapon is your VOTE. Next is knowing how the process works and how your representatives are voting on laws affecting your welfare.

Right now, House Bill 2752, is about to become LAW. This BILL changes the existing LAW that gives pedestrians the “Right-of-Way” when crossing a crosswalk with a WALK signal. The change gives the right of way to vehicles that are already in the intersection after the WALK signal comes on.

WHY THE CHANGE? UPDATED (4/15/2023): One legislator said that this bill incorporates rules from American with Disabilities Act (ADA) per request by Department of Transportation (DOT). However, no supporting documents can be found in the legislation. From our point of view, this kind of legislation ERODES the safety for pedestrians.
(http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB2752).

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU CAN DO? As you can see below, the law is far along in the process. Note that the Oklahoma House Transportation Committee, Senate Safety Committee, House of Representatives, and Senate have voted unanimously for this change. You can look to see how your representative voted and you can ask him/her how they will vote on the final version and their reasons for doing so. Go to this website to see how they voted. Keep track of other legislations relating to BIKE-PED safety as they come up to see how they vote. Next election, make them accountable for their votes. At least they know you are monitoring.

With Tammi Bryant and 3 others — Just my second week volunteering with Bike Club OKC at Thelma Parks Elementary School. Today’s cycling and life-learning experience had the kids ride through historic neighborhoods and downtown Oklahoma City to get to Wheeler District. They were introduced to Criterium Racing by the Capitol Coop OK racers and then rode the Ferris wheel. I believe kids criterium racing at Wheeler District will start next week.

For more information on Bike Club OKC, go to www.bikeclubokc.com

2023 THUNDER RIDE (April 2, 2023)
https://www.nba.com/thunder/thunderride

Photos from the ride with OBS volunteers acting as Ride Marshalls.

OBS Spring Training Ride #3 - OAKDALE BAPTIST CHURCH to Everywhere!

First, we’ll start by acknowledging some people who have nothing to do about cycling, but made this day remarkable! The Oakdale Baptist Church opened their beautiful warm church so we could use their bathrooms. Church member and former State Senator, Jim Dunlap, was there to open the doors before we even arrived. And I mustn’t forget church member and former OBS Secretary, Misty Lynch, who facilitated our access as she has done in previous years! Few outside cycling realize that this seemingly benign comfort makes a lot of difference to our cycling experience, especially for cyclists who are commuting from far distances. This made for a great start to a wonderful day!

I’d like to thank Ang Coffman, today’s Ride Leader, assisted by Russell Bryant, Tammi Bryant, Tammy Crawford, and Kennon Garrett. We momentarily lost a few riders, but everyone made it home.😀

Once again, I am elated to see David Wilson and many members of the Southside OKC Cycling. The Edmond Velo group was also with us in force along with members of Bicycle League of Norman. I hope you and everyone who joined us today had an enjoyable ride.

Join us again next week when we start Spring Training Ride #4 in Deer Creek with 35 miles to Cashion with 45-mile option.

Yesterday. The ONLY pota-pottie on the entire Oklahoma River Trails. And NONE on the West River Trail. Thank Heaven for the trees on the WRT!