Oklahoma City Riversports Trails

May 13, 2016;

For some time now, I have been wanting to write a post about how much the bicycling venue in Oklahoma City has improved. Ten years ago, I would have never believed I'd say this. Tulsa has had a wonderful trail system for many years, but it is now my belief that Oklahoma City has not only caught up, but surpassed Tulsa. I can now ride 50-60 miles, or more if I get creative and stay either on the trails, or on bicycle posted roads. What really sets it apart though, is the myriad of things to see or do within easy bicycle range of the trail. There are always a crew out cleaning up and emptying trash containers somewhere along the trail, it's clean, well maintained, and well patrolled by regular Oklahoma City Police officers. ..... and Geese .... 

The Oklahoma Riversports complex has within it's venue, World class rowing competition training and racing facilities, a couple of zip lines, a huge water slide, kayaking, bike rentals, and now, a world class white water rapids that is being used to train our U.S. Olympic kayaking team, as well as a little whitewater rafting fun for us mortals.  These two are stock photos from Riversports, to give you an idea of what is there ...

 Just in case you think this looks a little tame ....

On almost any day, you can find individuals and teams out practicing.

A few of the racing shells indoor storage. You don't realize how long these things are until you stand right next to them.

All of this fun stuff, including the new Ferris Wheel brought in from the Santa Monica California pier will all cost. The Ferris wheel is still under construction, and should be open by mid-summer. The "real" fun stuff though.... the bicycle path ..... is free. 

 Wildflowers abound this time of year. 

 One of the little dams used to control the flow of water and create a wide slow river for many uses. There is a lock for boats over to the right side, out of the picture.  One is never far from water and an abundance of parks and lakes along this trail.

 One of the many views of the river from the trail.

 Yucca in full bloom .... framing my touring bike.

 A typical section of trail, neat, clean, and well maintained.

 The route around Lake Overholser goes by Route 66 Park, as well as riding on a section of old Route 66.

 If one watches, one can always find some cooperative wildlife.

 The bike route goes over the Route 66 bridge.

 A fun day at the Lake Overholser Boathouse.

 I think these must have been a bunch of Girl Scouts on an outing. There was a big group of them kayaking, and zip-lining. This girl was especially vocal coming across on the zipper ...

 The trail on the east side of Lake Overholser.

 There are these little kiosks with table and benches, and some have water spigots by them all along the trail

 Lake and wetlands along the trail

You are never far from downtown Oklahoma City.

 There are new found treasures every time I ride this trail. I probably rode past this field of old cars a dozen times before finally noticing them. 

 More than one

 Another trail side lake lends a scenic photo of my tourer.

 The Oklahoma River and one of the many bridges on the trail. They are in the process of building a new dedicated "bicycle only" bridge across the river at Meridian to connect with the trail on the other side. Right now, there is a coned off lane we can use to cross. It will be nice when done, completely separate from car traffic.

 You may get run over by a train
 

 Because this was a week day, I took the liberty of riding down the Bricktown Canal path. Normally bicycles are discouraged from this, but during the week, not the weekend, and as long as you use a bit of common sense and a bit of consideration for walkers along the trail ... slow and go and stop when you need to in order to let walkers by ... no one will complain. The Bricktown canal is full of quaint shops, expensive places to eat and drink ... Next to Toby Keith's is an absolutely decadent ice cream shop called "The Creamery" .... it's a must do!

But also, there is an abundance of gorgeous scenery along the way.

 While I was there, I took the time to stop and admire the scenery as well as eat a cheap lunch (no Toby Keith's for me) at Sonic's Corporate headquarters, they have a restaurant as well, right on the canal with outside tables, and the day was perfect for it. Sonic drive in's originated in Oklahoma, in fact, in my town, Shawnee.

 The scenery just overwhelms.

 If I wanted, I could have continued a little further to a quirky little sandwich shop that has a huge selection of sodas, and decent sandwich's made to order. You can take your bikes right inside with you.

 All of this in the shadow of the huge downtown buildings surprises me every time I go here.  There is just so much to see and do here, I have only scratched the surface, and it's only 40 miles from my house. I find myself heading that way more and more. As I said before, Tulsa also has a very nice trail system, but it's over 100 miles away, and it becomes an all day outing. This is quick and easy and such a nice riding opportunity, and so close, that I can go in the morning and come back in the early afternoon.