Have you ever heard of Freewheel? It’s a cross-state bicycle ride. Cyclists from around the world gather in southern Oklahoma and spend a week on their bicycles with their friends and family as they cross the Sooner State.
Chamber President Mary Coffin
Cyclists range in age and ability; the average age of a FreeWheeler is 46 to the oldest at 85, with many cyclists being over 60. Approx. 60% of the riders come from Oklahoma – others from as far as Australia! In some towns, riders establish friendships that last long after the ride is over. Towns have showcased their best and FreeWheelers return often to experience the best hamburger in Oklahoma, the amazing art of local talent or the beauty of the area.
FreeWheel officials have won several awards of merit for Outstanding Event at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The event is a part of the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association, dedicated to safe and effective cycling. On Wednesday, June 13th, over 850 bicyclists from FreeWheel along with their entourages will be arriving in Guthrie! They will be spending the day and sleep overnight here in Guthrie then pack up early the next day to ride to Drumright.
We are working with the City of Guthrie to coordinate their arrival. We need town volunteers who are willing to work on various aspects of the ride. We need help with the following things: campsite, food, electrical, welcome committee, signage, security, traffic control, and entertainment, baggage loading / unloading and parking. It’s time to show off Guthrie and we can’t do it without you! Give us a call at 282-1947.
Last week I told you I would unveil something in this week’s article and her it is! We are preparing for our inaugural Guthrie triathlon – The First Capitol Tri! Our website is up and running at www.FirstCapitalTri.com. The Tri will be on Saturday, July 21st from 5a.m. to noon at Guthrie Lake. This race will benefit the Guthrie YMCA and the Guthrie Chamber of commerce as well as bring over 300 people to Guthrie. This will be an officially sanctioned event from USA Triathlon and should be an exciting way to show off our community.
Mayor Chuck Burtcher will sit atop Guthrie Vision Source from noon March 15 to noon March 17th to raise money for the Logan County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross and dropped off at the Mayor’s “bucket”. A community cookout will be held in conjunction with “Raise the Roof” on Friday, March 16th from 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. Orders can be delivered to downtown merchants or takeout orders are available as well. Dessert will be sold by The Territorial Christmas Committee as a part of their fund raising efforts for this year’s Celebration. For more information call 405-282-1194. Thirteen local fire departments will be collecting money on Sat. March 17th from 8a.m. to noon at the corner of Harrison and Division.
This week’s Chamber Coffee is hosted by the YMCA at 114 E. Oklahoma. This week’s Lenten Luncheon, March 14th is hosted by the Guthrie Christian Church located at 1802 W. Logan. Next week’s coffee is hosted by Tapestry Graphics at 117 W. Harrison, Suite 1.
Don’t forget to Shop Guthrie!
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