Oklahoma Freewheel Tour

[Tri Girl]

So I had to try it again this year. I quit after 1.5 days last year, so I was determined to make it further this year. I did, and made it 4 days through lots of hills and wind. I really had a great time. I wrote a journal if you're interested in reading it. It's only 7 pages long. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?...c_id=5353&v=15

I think I like touring now, but I think 4 days is my limit. Overnight touring might be even better. I was fooled into thinking that western Oklahoma is flat by the major highway that heads out west. It most definitely is NOT flat. Those little farm roads that we rode on were super hilly. I spent most of my time going from little ring up front to big ring up front. My middle ring was feeling very neglected.

Anyway, I'm so inspired by so many of you touring ladies here, that I thought I'd share my own little adventure.

[Melalvai]

Nice trip!
If my tour had been supported you can bet I would not have suffered nearly as much. Like you--I would have gotten a ride on more than one occasion.

I have some comments on your last crazybike post, I hope it's ok to discuss that here.

1. I need to stop every 10 miles and get off the bike whether or not I think I need to. If nothing else, it breaks the day down into smaller, more manageable parts (ie: today's ride is 60 miles and has 5 stops- one stop down, only 4 more to go, etc...).

This is a good rule. I went even further, I mean even less far, I mean...I stopped every 5 miles whether I needed to or not. And there were times I stopped even more often than that.

2. It's ok to stop and take pictures. Don't pass up an opportunity to get a good shot. It won't take much time out of your day.

And it's another excuse to stop!

3. You can pick up road treasures without looking like a dork. At first I worried that people would think I'm stupid for stopping. Who cares- if you see something cool along the side of the road- stop and get it. It might be a very cool treasure.

I've heard that, but oddly I did not see much of anything on the side of the road on my trip but roadkill and unmistakable trash. Not even "another man's treasure" type of trash. Just trash. And roadkill.

5. Bring comforts that will make your life more cozy. I wish I'd had an umbrella, a warm jacket, and comfy off bike shoes. Take what you'll need to make living in a tent a pleasant experience.

Yeah! I was so worried about weight penalty. Rightly so, since I was unsupported. But I was really glad of the few things that I brought just for comfort, and in retrospect would have indulged in another light item or two (like flip flops).

I'm so glad you did this. I don't actually plan to do another tour again ever. Well, I say that right now, but a few days ago I was sort of "what if". The only thing that would make another tour (supported or otherwise) attractive at all is if my husband would do it with me. Or maybe my daughter, though I'm not sure about that one. Doing one all by myself was great for my ego and all, but I don't want to do it again like that.

[Tuckervill]

Oh yay! Off to read.

Oh, I just saw that this was posted in JUNE! Sheesh. Wonder why I didn't see it?

Karen

[Tuckervill]

I'm proud of you, Tanya!!!

Karen