Oklahoma FreeWheel – Day 7

A short day today – only 35 miles from Miami to Joplin.

We kind of took our time getting there, following the gravel route for awhile, then switching to road.

We did make a few stops along the way to take some photos of Route 66, including at the Tar Creek Superfund site near Picher. Before this week, I’d never been to this area and, even though I’d heard about it, just didn’t realize the scope of the clean-up.

A shameful part of Oklahoma history. That’s all I’ll say about it. I did find a very good article about it, if you care to learn more:  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna89611

We also stopped briefly to harass Wendy and Scott at a water stop. They were working hard.

When we rolled in to the finish at Joplin, quite a few riders had already made it in. From the Texas/Oklahoma state line at Texola, Oklahoma to Joplin, Missouri, they covered 482 miles!

Trevor was congratulating each rider, who were (mostly) all smiles.

The shower trailer was up and running, and lots of folks were on hand to cheer the riders in. It was a festive atmosphere.

Several people asked me if I enjoyed volunteering with FreeWheel this year.

It was hot and dry in western Oklahoma, and it was hot and humid in eastern Oklahoma. I suspect the wind was trying to kill us a couple of times. Everyone was constantly covered in sweat. I didn’t know my feet could even get that dirty. I hammered my hand and a finger. I got bitten by bugs. I got sunburned, or maybe windburned (or both). I dropped the Jetboil on my toe. The Ride with GPS cyber woman jacked with our routes a couple times, causing us to have to correct them. And did I mention the dust?

I saw areas of Oklahoma I’d never seen before. People were generally very friendly and welcoming. The pie sampling we took was superb. I saw lots of pretty wildflowers, and even prettier smiles from old friends, and new ones. I learned how truly divine a shower can feel. I got to peek into the workings of an organization that has been bringing riders together for 40 years. I spoke with people who were interested in our tents, the bikes, and generally why we’d be crazy enough to be out in the summer heat with a mini-city, traveling across the state. I saw beautiful vistas, Main Streets, mom & pop restaurants, Route 66 history and kitsch, a bang-up kick-off party in Elk City, a huge welcome from the tiny town of Luther, thousands of fireflies at our camp in Miami, and the joy of laughing, talking and having a beer with friends.

Yeah, I did enjoy the week. I wonder where we’re going next year?