Adventure of a Lifetime

Touring on a bicycle is as much about the adventures found along the way as it is about the actual riding.

Touring on a bicycle is as much about the adventures found along the way as it is about the actual riding. Those adventures may include playing in a creek on a hot day, finding the best apple pie and ice cream in a mom-and-pop diner, or hearing an old-timer relate the history of one of the towns your ride takes you through. Adventure is what the bicycling event committee decided to focus on as they began planning Cycle Fandango, the first-ever organized cycling event planned in the city of Broken Arrow. The two-day ride will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, 2009.  

The event coordinator is Tammy Fate of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, and the committee includes cycling veterans Joel Everett, Tom Mount, Eric Yost, Brenda Senter, Dawn Seing, Corlis Webb, Mike Guillen and Steve Fischer. Steve is sales director of Holiday Inn Express, a major sponsor of the event.

Cycle Fandango will officially kick off the evening of Friday, October 16 at the Stonewood Hills area with a band at the Cigar Box, along with kayaking at Bass Pro Shop and shopping at the Villages.

The Cycle Fandango tour will commence Saturday morning from the Holiday Inn Express (Elm & Broken Arrow Expressway) with the first day’s ride ending at Greenleaf State Park. The two-day ride will cover approximately 140 miles, about 70 miles each day.

You’ll be riding through the Northeastern Oklahoma Arkansas River Valley Region, into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The return ride Sunday will follow a new route. If you’re thinking day two will be all downhill, dream on! Both routes are challenging and fun with lots of rolling hills and culture-oriented rest stops at 10 to 15 mile intervals. Cycle Fandango also offers a shorter one-day ride of approximately 50 miles on Saturday, for those who are unable commit to two days.

When you arrive at the Greenleaf campsite, you’ll be treated to a refreshing shower. Saturday evening festivities will feature an enjoyable cookout on a starry hilltop camp overlooking Greenleaf Lake, and there will be entertainment provided. Greenleaf also has a miniature golf course, sand volleyball, canoeing and hiking on an 18-mile nature trail, just in case the ride doesn’t sufficiently wear you out.

Organizers will provide a trailer to haul your tent, clothing, camping gear and ride necessities. The trailer will be loaded Saturday morning, and your gear will be waiting for you at Greenleaf. On Sunday, your gear will be trucked to the Holiday Inn Express. Riders are allowed to load two bags – one for personal items and one for camping gear.

If you prefer to sleep inside, rental dorm rooms that sleep seven are available Saturday night. Call (918) 251-1518 for more information.

Registration is $65 per person and includes the two-day ride and rest stops, trailer, Saturday evening dinner, breakfast Sunday morning, Cycle Fandango long sleeve T-shirt and campsite. The dinner will offer options that include hamburgers, bratwurst, hot dogs, chips and soft drinks. You’ll also be treated to a carb-filled breakfast of pancakes and sausage Sunday morning prior to returning to Broken Arrow. Rest stops will have snacks and food items both days.

Cycle Fandango promises to be a well-organized, fun and ­scenic ride. Download your ­registration form online and join other cyclists on this adventure of a lifetime.

For more information, contact

Cycle Fandango

(918) 251-1518

www.cyclefandango.com