Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
July 13, 2025
July 11. I departed Eureka Springs, Arkansas at 10:20am and rode down the Ozark mountains into Oklahoma. I arrived in Bartlesville, Oklahoma at 4pm. The distance traveled was 170 miles, so it was a good day. The challenge for the day was the high winds in the flatlands of Oklahoma. Most of the day, I encountered horrific headwinds, tail winds and side winds that pushed my bike and me all over the road.
July 12. This was one of my toughest days on the BTAT. I was up early, hoping to get to Oklahoma City in the early afternoon so I could attend the Oklahoma City Comets minor league baseball game at 7pm. I immediately encountered heavy rain and lightening and had to take shelter in Tulsa. A thunderstorm/flash flood alert was in effect in Tulsa. I used the Tulsa stop as an opportunity to switch out my tires from knobby off-road tires to smooth on-road tires. The on-road tires have much more contact with the pavement, which makes for a much safer and easier ride.
The rain seemed to let up so I left Tulsa, headed for Oklahoma City. This was a big mistake. Immediately after I left Tulsa, the rain returned, only it was much heavier. In addition, I was stuck on Highway 44, an extremely busy interstate with big rigs, trucks and cars constantly bearing down on me. About 60 miles out of Oklahoma City, I called it a day, pulled off into the city of Stroud and booked a room at the Hampton Inn. I was soaked from head to foot. I hope to arrive in Oklahoma City tomorrow in time to attend the 1pm baseball game.
July 13. I enjoyed a most pleasant, rain free, ride to Oklahoma City. Much of the ride was on Historic Route 66. I arrived at 11:30am and checked into a hotel, just around the corner from the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark where the Oklahoma City Comets play. The Comets are the Triple A minor league team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. I purchased a ticket and attended the 1pm game. The Comets lost (6-2) to the Sugerland Space Cowboys from Texas. The ballpark is just beautiful. I had dinner in Bricktown at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
I am regularly posting photos and videos on my Eight Summits Facebook page
Stroud, Oklahoma
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
Do you carry tires with you?
Were any of the Dodger “regulars” playing with the Comets when you were there? Some of them keep being sent back and forth.
Glad you made it through the inclement weather and are spicing up your journey with extracurricular activities! Geez, Oklahoma is just a hop, step and jump away. Looking forward to seeing you soon. k;-)
Doesn’t get any better than that
You are faced with so many challenges but none more formidable than trucks and weather. Thanking God you are making smart decisions to be safe.
Hey Bill
Way to gut it out in the rain – sometimes when Cathy and I have been on long hikes or cycling tours we have hiked in or ridden in the rain all day. That is at a slower pace and not on a highway so I can imagine it was tough on the motorcycle.
One of my daughters lives near Reno and we have loved going to the minor league games. Much more personal than the Big Leagues.
After Oklahoma you might appreciate what we have here in Southern California.
Stay safe and glad to hear about the new tires!
Mark