Big Dippers in Oklahoma

Day 14

Saturday, September 24, 2011
Weatherford, Oklahoma to Purcell, Oklahoma
112 miles
5,000 ft. of climbing

Today was a day of ups and downs . . . in terms of terrain.  Our route to Purcell consisted of many big, deep rollers.  They were actually fun - you get going fast down the downhill part of one and then pedal like heck to see how far the momentum would carry you up the corresponding uphill part.  Most had grades of 5 to 6%, only a few had some steeper sections.  The morning temp was a mild 59 degrees - and then warmed up to the high 80's, with lots of sunshine.  Perfect biking weather.  Although there was a lot of climbing to get up and over those rollers, it was an awesome ride.  Oklahoma has some very beautiful sights, with its rural landscapes and farms.  We saw many windmills and oil wells.  Got chased by a few dogs again today, but all of the dogs that chased us today were really small.  One particular dog that chased me bore a striking resemblance to a dust mop.  In another incident, three chihuahuas came tearing toward us, bloodthirsty and ready to attack.  I acted scared just so they wouldn't feel bad.  Saw a deceased armadillo on the side of the road.  Art & I had a frank discussion about all the reasons why we do not want to ride a tandem.  In all, it was a great day.  Got to ride in small groups for much of the ride, which is always fun.

Nice, quiet roads to ride on in Oklahoma

One of many windmills we saw

Art & I with Allan and Charley - two PAC Tour friends who drove from Kansas to meet our group and visit & ride with us  for a couple of days.