FreeWheel 2009 Day 1: Duncan to Apache
It was an uneventful day on FreeWheel today. The mass start was kicked off at 6:30am by Lt. Governor Jerri Askins. She is a Duncan native, and a FreeWheel alum. She is running for governor, and there is nothing like a big event with lots of voters to drag out the politicians. I said hello to her and shook her hand. She was very cordial, and looks great, like she has lost a lot of weight. Good for her.
Most of the route today was flat and with a considerable tailwind. As we made our way north, however, we ran into some challenging climbs, even though they were mostly very short. With only ten miles to go, we turned to the west, and met a pretty brutal cross/headwind. It slowed us down, but it was only ten miles, and we made it to town really early.
Lisa gets a gold star for not only finding a camping spot in the shade, but one with electrical hookups as well. By the time I arrived in camp, the RV was up and running, air conditioner on, and chairs set up. We took a nap, grabbed a shower and some lunch, then took ANOTHER nap, before coming to town to find a little wifi.
Tomorrow we make our way to Cordell. There seems to be some confusion as to the length of the ride. The maps say 69 miles, but I've heard 76 thrown around. We are going to the meeting tonight to find out exactly how far. Either way, it will be a long day, and we hope to get an early start.
Here is a link to today's ride. And here are some pics from the road today.
Paul negotiating a little climb north of Duncan.
The youth group of Denton Baptist Church handed out cold drinks and snacks. Thanks guys!
More Denton youth. The youth group mom on the right got me some ice for my water bottles.
Poor little fella didn't know what to make of all the cyclists buzzing past. He got off the road fast.
Meet my friend Barbara Parker. Great rider. We worked together at BOK. She is retired now.
Most of the route today was flat and with a considerable tailwind. As we made our way north, however, we ran into some challenging climbs, even though they were mostly very short. With only ten miles to go, we turned to the west, and met a pretty brutal cross/headwind. It slowed us down, but it was only ten miles, and we made it to town really early.
Lisa gets a gold star for not only finding a camping spot in the shade, but one with electrical hookups as well. By the time I arrived in camp, the RV was up and running, air conditioner on, and chairs set up. We took a nap, grabbed a shower and some lunch, then took ANOTHER nap, before coming to town to find a little wifi.
Tomorrow we make our way to Cordell. There seems to be some confusion as to the length of the ride. The maps say 69 miles, but I've heard 76 thrown around. We are going to the meeting tonight to find out exactly how far. Either way, it will be a long day, and we hope to get an early start.
Here is a link to today's ride. And here are some pics from the road today.
Paul negotiating a little climb north of Duncan.
The youth group of Denton Baptist Church handed out cold drinks and snacks. Thanks guys!
More Denton youth. The youth group mom on the right got me some ice for my water bottles.
Poor little fella didn't know what to make of all the cyclists buzzing past. He got off the road fast.
Meet my friend Barbara Parker. Great rider. We worked together at BOK. She is retired now.
good pics
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Sounds like a good time Jason. I miss doing that kind of stuff these days. Hope you have a great week and the rest of the trip is safe.
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Hi Jason,
Thank you sooo very much for posting and keeping up with this blog.
This is my 14-year-old son's first Free Wheel experience. Prior to this, we celebrated his successful ride to Edmond from Del City and back with his uncle (whom he is with for this Free Wheel experience.) They are probably the only two closely-related family members that are conditioned enough to endure the whole week. I have to work all week but my husband, our 11 year old and I did get to take him and his uncle to the Red River Saturday to begin Day 0 and we stuck around for them to get to camp and listened in on that first meeting.
Storms coming in from Colorado have me a bit concerned, so this blog of yours is now a "favorite" of mine and my mother-in-law's as "our boys" make this first Free Wheel trip across the state. Be safe and if you see Joey Lama or Shelby Ray from Del City, please tell them their moms are keeping an eye on them through your pics and blogs.
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VERY sweet of you to say such nice things. I do these Freewheel updates for folks like you, and I'm glad you enjoy them. We'll keep an eye out for your people.
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