Tour of the Wichitas -- Lawton/Ft. Sil, OK

May 2, 2009

The ride started out in overcast, windy, cool (50 degrees) and drizzly conditions and deteriorated from there. Flooded areas through sections of the planned course resulted in the organizers having to cut about 10 miles off each of the scheduled ride distances. The ride went out through Fort Sill and on to sections of the Wildlife refuge and Wichita Mountains. Even under the unpleasant conditions I would have to say the mountains were quite striking the way they jump out of the surrounding flat land. Clouds covered the tops of the taller hills and it was like riding around just under the clouds. It made quite an impression on me even in my dampened, chilled condition.
There was chip seal on some sections of the ride, but those ingenious Okies have left a 3 or 4 foot shoulder of nice, smooth asphalt on either side that makes for perfect bicycling. Brilliant! Our Texas county commisioners could learn a thing or two from that.
Like too many of these spring rides, the attendance was light due to the weather. The organizers were pleasant and had adequate supplies at the rest stops. I would have to say that a toilet at each rest stop would not have been asking too much. There were a few testy hills to work on and the headwinds gave me quite a workout. I would like to ride in this area again under somewhat more moderate weather conditions. For this ride, however, I was happy to see it end. Brrrrrrr. Will July ever get here?