TAHLEQUAH — The nearly 1,000 cyclists of Oklahoma FreeWheel will cruise into town next Wednesday as part of the 28th year of what is billed as “Oklahoma’s premier bicycle touring event.” The event, which started after a rider rode in the oldest bicycle event in the nation and decided to start one similar in Oklahoma, has evolved into a showcase for Oklahoma’s small towns according to the event’s website.

Cyclists from around the state will begin their bicycle expedition on June 11 in Hugo and will finish six days later in Baxter Springs, Kan. The cyclist will start rolling into Tahlequah between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to set up camp near the Tahlequah High School. The night before, cyclists will stay overnight in Warner; They then will make their way to Tahlequah, via Welling on S.H. 51 and onto S.H. 62. Motorist should be on the look out for riders as they make their way into town.

“A car can do a lot of damage when it hits a bike,” says David Moore Executive Director ot the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce. “We ask that motorist watch out for the riders and be courteous to them.”

Tahlequah has hosted the FreeWheel riders more times than any other community in the 28 year history of the event. The last time was in 2001 when Tahlequah was voted “Favorite Host City” by the riders. FreeWheel Director Libby Stalter says that they keep coming back because of Tahlequah the people and ambiance.

“Tahlequah has so many things to offer. They also make it so easy for us to plan, and when we arrive the people are great,” said Stalter.

Tents will be erected and shower facilities will be available to the riders at the campsite, and according to Moore they will be greated by the open arms of the Tahlequah community. Moore said the riders will be each given a bag, put together by the Chamber of Commerce, containing items for and about Tahlequah. The riders will receive a custom map of the area along with a commemorative button. The bag will also contain coupons for riders to use at local businesses.

The Tahlequah Band Boosters along with the Cherokee County Humane Society will be preparing meals for the riders at the high school. The next morning, the cyclists will be fed by the Kiwanis Club before departing early on their way to Pryor via S.H. 82.

While in Tahlequah, the cyclist will be shuttled around on the KATS buses, thanks to a deal made between the company and the city.

“We have never had a bad stay in Tahlequah. We worked with the Chamber of Commerce and they have been great as always,” said Stalter.

Tahlequah will also host a bike race on Wednesday evening in the downtown area of Tahlequah. “SpeedWheel” will see cyclists from around the region competing in races near the Norris Park area of downtown. According to the Chamber of Commerce website parts of Muskogee, Morgan, Water and Goingsnake Streets will be closed for the races.

Moore says the short term effect of the FreeWheel cyclist coming to town will be that they will be spending money, but the long term is that if Tahlequah makes a good impression on the riders they will return, with their families, for a longer stay.

“Tahlequah is the midpoint so many of the riders will be wanting to do laundry, take a shower and get a good night’s rest. We expect our hotels to be full,” said Moore. “Long term we hope to see these folks return for a longer stay.”