Is Claremore Becoming a Bike Friendly Town?
May 11, 2008
(More Pictures later in post)
I live in Claremore. I ride my bike around this area quite a bit. I have some pretty good routes figured out after being around here for almost seven years. I rarely have experienced any problems with vehicular traffic. Occasionally some punk kid (always a male) will drive by and yell something that I can’t understand. A few times people have passed me and then turned right in front of me – as if that extra two seconds is worth taking a chance on possibly running over me. Mostly, I have to watch out for dogs. The rural areas around Claremore are just that – rural. A lot of people have dogs that hang out unrestrained in the yard. I am an animal lover, but I don’t like dogs who see men on bikes as prey.
Over the last few years Claremore seems to be making a concerted effort to become more and more bike friendly. There are a few streets with bike signs on them. Just last year we actually got out own bike shop. “Bike About Town” is on Will Rogers Blvd. in the old part of downtown. It is a small shop with a few bikes, clothing, and basic bike components.
Now we even have some cool looking Bike Art decorating the old part of down town. Pretty cool. I don’t know any other Oklahoma towns making a statement about cycling like this.
Dogs are part of the landscape when you’re riding a bicycle in the country, aren’t they Steve? I remember the scene from the film “American Flyers,” where Kevin Costner told his brother that their trainer was a real son of a _____. Turns out he was speaking literally–it was a mean dog that would chase them while riding in the country.
I’m planning on riding in the 60 mile ride leaving from Verdigris this Saturday morning. You want to join me?
Not sure I’m ready for 60 miles yet this year. What time does it kick off? If it goes toward Claremore I may go as far as I’m able and head home when the mood strikes me.
Ride starts at 8am, at the elementary school in Verdigris. You should absolutely come, so the ride won’t seem so long. We will have a good time!
Bike About has put together a weekly ride that begins in front of the store at 5:30 on Tuesdays. It is a really good group. They usually ride routes that are anywhere from 15 to 30 miles.
Thanks Matt,
I’ll try to make it.
Hi! I just found this blog, consider it added to google reader! Sorry I’m responding to an older article, but we’ve just moved to Verdigris and I am thinking about trying a bike commute to work at RSU. I’m debating whether the back roads or hwy 66 is the safer idea–in the case of the country roads the blind curves, hills, and lack of shoulders worry me but I also don’t wanna get mowed down by the maniacs on the highway. Any thoughts from a cyclist who knows the local options? In any case, I’m glad to hear we have a local bike store–I’ll try to check it out this weekend!
Hi Sarah,
There is actually a pretty good route from Verdigris to Claremore on some back roads. Gordon road (the road running east and west next to QuickTrip) is pretty good route to Muskogee (You will know Muskogee because it is the road right after you pass the golf course) it will take you all the way into town. It is a regular bike route that Tulsa Bike Club uses. There is also a route on the West side of 66 that you can follow back road into town. If you go to the Tulsa Bike club web site they have maps that show the route. I think it is under the Verdigris route.
66 isn’t horrible, but people don’t drive very safetly on it during peak driving times. Also once you get into Claremore the emergency lane disappears and you end up having to ride in the road, although you can get over into the side roads once you get there.
The Bike shop has a Wednesday night ride going. They leave from the store about 5:30. Last Tuesday we actually took the route to verdigris and back. It was 20 miles from the Bike shop to Verdigris school and back.
I’ll check that out–I’d mainly been exploring the west side of 66 since both RSU and I are on that same side and I’d rather not fuss with train tracks. I drive enough on 66 that I know how people are, especially while RSU’s in session. Thanks for the tips!