Registration is still open for Claremore’s favorite bike ride – Dickens of a Ride – debuting its ninth year on Oct. 1.
The family-friendly ride is perfect for all ages and skill levels with seven distances ranging from a seven-mile Lazy Lake Loop up to a century. All distances begin at 8 a.m. at Gazebo Park, located at Weenonah Avenue and Will Rogers Boulevard.
Along with the always-popular 30-, 50-, 62- and 100-mile routes, riders can choose a shorter 18-mile path or a more aggressive 76-mile ride.
“Dickens of a Ride is a wonderful, fun ride,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “The routes are complete with great rest stops and volunteers, home baked goodies and quirky roadside stops.”
REGISTER NOW!
Registration for all distances is $30. Riders can register online prior to the event or in person during packet pickup/registration. Packet pickup/registration is Thursday night from 5-7 p.m. at Bike-About Bicycles, 300 W. Will Rogers Blvd., or Saturday morning beginning at 6 a.m. at Gazebo Park.
A few long-sleeved T-shirts remain for sale for $20. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at packet pickup/registration.
The ride includes well-supplied rest stops and SAG and mechanical support through 5 p.m. as well as a map with instructions.
More than 30 door prizes will be given out randomly to riders. Once returning, riders should visit the registration table at the finish line to see if they won and to claim their prize.
The riders will receive a goodie bag with discounts to local stores as well as handy information about Claremore and other events.
Included in the packet will be a Visit Claremore Passport. Riders have a month to complete 10 of the passport stops. The first 30 returned will receive a special gift from Claremore Main Street and all returned will be entered to win a grand prize.
“I love the passport idea,” Jackson said. “We’ve worked closely with Visit Claremore to find a fun way to encourage riders to stay in or come back to Claremore to see all the great things we have to offer!”
The finish line, sponsored by RCB Bank, will include food truck Jen’s Java, massages by Rhapsody Boutique & Spa and consultations with Reset Chiropractic.
Boom-a-Rang Diner will provide a $2.99 rider breakfast special before the ride on Oct. 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Claremore and La Quinta are both offering special rates for riders.
The event is made possible thanks to a number of sponsors, especially major sponsor Bike-About Bicycles.
Supporting Sponsors are Kevin Fortna CPA, McDonald’s and Boom-a-Rang Diner. Rest Stop Sponsors include Destiny Life Church, Will Rogers Masonic Lodge, Boy Scouts Troop 88, Meltons Sales and RSU Softball.
Proceeds from the ride benefit Claremore Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown district and reigniting the area as the social core of our community.
For more information or to register, visit downtownclaremore.org. The official ride hashtag is #DickensRide2016.