“Cycle 66” cycling tour and festival planned for Sunday, Nov. 6

Second annual 2022 bike ride highlights historic Route 66 and downtown Edmond

while benefiting charitable causes

The second annual Cycle 66 is set for 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6. Bike riders from across the nation can enjoy an urban and rural bicycling tour and festival along historic Route 66, beginning and ending in downtown Edmond near Edmond Railyard. Riders can register online for $40 at https://www.bikereg.com/cycle-66#. Kids 12 and under are $10.

In 2021, its inaugural year, the event featured three different routes and enjoyed 550 registrations from across eight different states, which shattered expectations.

Twenty-six local passionate and experienced cyclists are currently serving as Cycle 66 Ride Ambassadors. They receive free registration and a custom Cycle 66 jersey in exchange for promoting the event to fellow cyclists. “Ambassadors will tell the Cycle 66 story: We aim to promote healthy, active lifestyles in Edmond, reimagine the tourism potential of Route 66 for a new generation and give back to local charities,” said Cycle 66 Ambassador Brian Fairless.

Cycle 66 Powered by OU Health today announced the addition of a fast-paced, closed-course criterium in downtown Edmond. The “Crit @ Cycle 66”, an amateur cyclocross race sanctioned by USA Cycling, will share a finish line with its three existing distance rides.

OKC Velo – Bike Lab Club, a non-profit led by Tony Steward, has partnered with Cycle 66, Inc., to organize the Crit portion of the event.

“We were so impressed with the first year of Cycle 66 and the support it received from the City of Edmond,” Steward said. “As a cycling non-profit we are thrilled to jump in and create a fun racing experience for local amateur athletes. This will bring the excitement of bicycle racing straight into downtown Edmond as a wonderful addition to Celebration 66 on 1^st and Broadway.”

A criterium, or crit, is a bicycle race of a specified number of laps on a closed course over public roads closed to normal traffic. Crit cyclists often reach speeds more than 25 mph as they race through the circuit, skillfully avoiding other riders.

“We expect thousands of visitors to dine and shop at local downtown Edmond businesses while cheering on racers during the Crit @ Cycle 66,” said Jennifer Seaton, Edmond Tourism Director and Cycle 66 board chair. Last year, bike riders and their supporters enjoyed a free finish line festival called Celebration 66. Now in our second year, Celebration 66 will offer even more excitement throughout the day to applaud cyclists while enjoying ‘streeteries,’ music and a host of pop up vendors, Seaton said.

In addition to the Crit and the 10-, 33- and 66-mile distance routes, Cycle 66 has also introduced a new 1-mile Kids’ Ride for ages 10 and under on bikes, trikes and striders.

“The kids’ ride helps fulfill our mission to promote healthy, active lifestyles in our community,” said Jason Duncan, Cycle 66 ride director. “We know that cycling has all kinds of benefits for kids’ health, from cardiovascular fitness to emotional wellness and stress relief. What better way to build our future?”

Visit cycle66ok.com and follow #cycle66 and @cycle66OK on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

The Routes

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

•  1-Mile Kids’ Route: Kids of all ages are welcome to join Cycle 66 on its inaugural 1-mile Kids’ Route. Training wheels, tricycles and strollers are welcome! We encourage kids to decorate their rides-of-choice and come ready for fun.
• 10-Mile Route: This leisurely group ride, best for families and recreational riders, will be led and trailed by experienced riders who will keep the group together and on the right path. The route 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 is best for intermediate and recreational riders who like a challenge. It 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 is for advanced and intermediate riders looking to push the distance. It travels through five communities including Edmond, Oklahoma City, Jones, Luther and Arcadia, and features the nostalgia and thrill of the Mother Road up close and personal. The route will be in reverse from last year, and will take advantage of beautiful Katy Trail near I-44 and NE Grand Ave.

 Charitable Beneficiaries

Cycle 66 is governed by Cycle 66, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in partnership with the City of Edmond, the State of Oklahoma, Visit Edmond and title sponsor OU Health, and all Route 66 stakeholders.

 A portion of event proceeds will benefit Autumn Life Behavioral Health Center, a dedicated geriatric psychiatry inpatient program at OU Health Edmond Medical Center that addresses the unique needs of mature adults ages 55 and up. Other proceeds will benefit the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and preserving Route 66 statewide.