Cycle 66 “routed” in history and community

In 2019, President of Poligram Mike Osburn consulted with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell about a dream. “I envisioned an Edmond motorcycle tour, but Matt quickly changed my dream to a bicycle ride to enhance healthy lifestyles and Edmond’s presence on Route 66,” Osburn said. Hence, Edmond Cycle 66, powered by OU Health, was officially born.

Starting and finishing in downtown Edmond, this first-of-its-kind urban/rural bicycling tour and festival along historic Route 66 will feature diverse cycling routes, showcasing Mother Road’s unique Americana. Edmond Cycle 66 will be a major addition to the ongoing Route 66 renaissance. Oklahoma boasts the nation’s longest drivable stretch of Route 66—more than 400 miles.

Saturday, May 15, is your first chance to ride a portion of the Cycle 66 route. The ride begins at 8 a.m. at Festival Market Place. Later that day, attend the “Get Your Kicks” party at Edmond Railyard beginning at 6 p.m. The official ride is set for Sunday, Nov. 7, because Nov. 11, 1926 is Route 66’s official birthday. Going forward, Edmond Cycle 66 will be near this important anniversary of Mother Road.

Edmond professionals helping

A group of Edmond professionals with a passion for cycling is planning Cycle 66. Every new event needs solid branding. The Edmond-based branding agency Nominee sprinted at the opportunity to create the Cycle 66 website and design an award-winning logo that received a gold Addy from the Oklahoma City American Advertising Federation. “Edmond is my home; it’s where I grew up and where I live currently with my family. I want my daughters to grow up in a thriving city, and events like Edmond Cycle 66 help advance our city’s culture and foster community,” said Matt Stansberry, founder and owner of Nominee.

After branding comes action. RadVine Marketing led the pack by establishing @cycle66ok’s presence on social media. “We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Edmond Cycle 66. It will be an event that encourages health, awareness, activity, and partnerships, and in our books, that’s what community is all about,” said Marla Crowell, vice president of RadVine Marketing.

Edmond’s only bike shop spared no time jumping on board. “Ten percent of American adults have discovered or rediscovered bicycling during the pandemic,” said Henry Holasek, Owner of Al’s Bicycles. “I think the more exposure we have in these rides, the better the chances are they continue to cycle. Also, continuing the efforts of giving them safe places to ride will pay dividends down the road. Edmond Cycle 66 will do all of the above, and the celebration of Route 66 is a tremendous opportunity for us. It gives me great satisfaction to participate in these events, and I will continue to do so to improve cycling in Edmond.”

Cycle 66 is good for business

Elevating Edmond’s presence on Route 66 is good for business by bringing new visitors to our hometown. “We’re hoping that this new cycling event will be a key to celebrating Route 66 and bringing the whole community together. I believe that when people experience an event as a community, it can transcend and change people’s lives,” said Sherry Jordan, president and CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

Your $35 registration fee also benefits Edmond’s Autumn Life Behavioral Health Center and Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Rhys Martin, president of Oklahoma Route 66 Association, said, “We are excited to partner with Edmond on this bike ride, and proceeds will be used to promote Historic Route 66.”

Visit cycle66ok.com and follow #cycle66 and @cycle66OK on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates. Edmond Cycle 66 is governed by Cycle 66, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in partnership with the city of Edmond, the state of Oklahoma, Visit Edmond, title sponsor OU Health, and Route 66 stakeholders. Join the ride by finding the right sponsorship level for your company by contacting sponsorship@cycle66.com.

Dates

Saturday, May 15 from 8-11 AM: Edmond Cycle 66 Kickoff Training Ride at Festival Market Place
Join a casual “no drop” bike ride for 22 miles that begins and ends at Festival Market Place and averages 12-16 mph. At the 9-mile mark (Remington Park parking lot), Al’s Bicycles will provide a water and snack stop. See the route here.

Saturday, May 15 from 6-9 PM: Edmond Cycle 66 Route Reveal and Registration Kickoff Party at Edmond Railyard
Join the party with live music, official route reveal, Cycle 66 merchandise, sample signature Cycle 66 drinks from 1884, and register for the Nov. 7 ride.

Sunday, Nov. 7 at 8 AM: Official Edmond Cycle 66 ride beginning and ending at Festival Market Place
For $35 each, experience the thrill of historic Route 66 like never before. The route is steeped in history, but the ride is brand new. Choose from three distances (10, 33, and 66 miles) for all experience levels.

Routes

A $35 registration fee for Edmond Cycle 66 offers a ride for everyone, from amateurs to competitors. All three routes will be fully supported with plentiful support and gear, relief wagons, signage, rest stops, first aid stations, and critical traffic control.

• 10-Mile Family Route: This leisurely ride, best for families and recreational riders, showcases downtown Edmond, notable public art, the University of Central Oklahoma campus, and the community’s best parks and bike paths.
• 33-Mile Intermediate Route: This moderate ride best for intermediate and recreational riders who like a challenge begins in Edmond then dips south to the state Capitol. Riders will enjoy the “Party at the Turn” powered by OU Health before cycling back to downtown Edmond.
• 66-Mile Advanced Route: This adventurous ride for advanced and intermediate riders looking to push the distance travels through five communities including Edmond, Oklahoma City, Jones, Luther, and Arcadia, featuring the nostalgia and thrill of the road up close and personal.