Day 1: Durant, OK to Coalgate, OK

The road out of Durant, OK

Milborn, OK Post Office

                Our first breakfast was served  in the student center at the college.  I had eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy.  It was very good.  I travelled 64 miles today.  I had trouble with my shifters all day.  The front derailleur would not stay in gear just as soon as we left Durant.  I the first stop I was able to borrow a screwdriver and fix the shifter.  However, I was afraid to use the shifter again all day.  With that problem solved at about mile 25 the rear derailleur developed the same problem.  I rode to mile 52 in my highest gear for most of the stretch.  In order to hold a lower gear I had to hold the shifters in position by hand.  At mile 52 I was able to flag down a SAG and tightened this shifter as well.  I was also able to top off with water as well.  It’s a good thing, I was just about out of water and we encountered a number of high rolling hills on the way into Coalgate.  I actually ran out of water just as I arrived into Coalgate.  In addition to the mechanical problems I encountered on the route, I completely missed the lunch stop; never saw it.  I was completely out of gas when I arrived into Coalgate.

                I have decided to camp indoors tonight to help with my recovery.  I am looking forward to a good night’s rest.  Today’s route was mostly flat with the exception of the last 12 miles.  A really tough day.

Day 0: Durant, OK to Carpenter's Bluff, TX and back

HC Capshaw's Original Home in Durant, OK

Dad and I arrived in Durant at about 9:30 AM.  On our way into town, we drove by my Great Grandfather’s home.  It appeared vacant and it looks like it is owned by Southeastern State University.  I made a note to ride over to the house after my ride to Texas and take look around.  We set up camp and I bid Dad farewell.  He had made plans to visit several local cemeteries to locate markers for a number of our family members and I did not want to impede that project.

                I started my journey down to the Texas state line at about 11 AM.  Immediately, I was able to feel the effects of a lack of training.  This was not a good sign for the rest of the week.  The temperature when I left was 93°.  The route was smooth with few hazards.  There was a slight headwind going down.

                Carpenter’s Bluff, TX consisted of a bar at the end of the longest one-lane bridge I have ever seen.  The bridge was constructed in the 1910s to allow trains to cross the Red River.  A footpath that served as a horse and wagon crossing was also constructed at the same time.  One could cross the Red River for a fee.  The bridge was about 1/3 mile long and was in such disrepair that portions of the guardrail had rusted away, leaving nothing between the riders and the Red River 75 feet below.  The water looked inviting but the word was that it was hot and dirty.

                I snacked and hydrated, then started back.  The way was gently uphill with a nice tail wind.  It was 97° when I returned to Durant.  Camping in Durant was hot.  We were located on the football field and I had to be creative the find a spot of shade.  I finally lay down on the west side bleachers and was able to cool off just a little bit.

The bike is in great shape.   At least it appears that I will be able to count on the bike.  I have plenty of storage on board and the Camel Bak is a lifesaver.

I met up with Don Keylon after my ride.  Don is close friend of Dan’s (my brother) and had been introduced to the Freewheel last year by Dan.  We actually rode through the home town of Don’s father during last year’s ride.  Don and I are going to try to ride together during the week.  But by looking and Don I don’t know how I will keep up.

The accommodations are very bad.  No showers, no cold water.  I can’t wait to get out of Durant.  I am calling home now and then off to bed.  All in all this was an okay day.

2010 Freewheel Was Great

Summary -- By Hal IV

2010 Freewheel is over for this year and just as last year it was great. Sure we had some hills to climb, hot weather to endure, rough roads and one wasp sting to overcome but Dad and I road every mile from the Red River south of Hugo, OK to Joplin, MO. Dan joined us in Heavener, OK and rode the balance of the Freewheel. Congratulations to the organizers of the event for putting on a great ride and a very reasonable price.

Overall, I put 459 miles on my odometer. I think there is about a 5% error in my measurement so the actual distance was closer to 436 miles. This includes all Freewheel planned miles plus the several trips into town for dinner and other reasons. The course was hilly but not so challenging to discourage another attempt next year. I did have one very serious mishap on day zero but will get to that shortly. The weather cooperated with rain only in Heavener and this was overnight. It was hot, but what's to expect of an Oklahoma June.

June 12, 2010 Hugo, OK to the Red River and back

The 2010 Oklahoma Freewheel proves to be a challenge fror all. My OKFree started off on the wrong foot. Leaving town, not two miles from camp, I took a nasty spill. A man was crossing the road and yelled at me. I turned to acknowledge him and must have move my handlebars. Into the curb I went. I fell hard on my right shoulder and head. It appears that nothing is broken but I am very sore in my shoulder and rib cage.

I decided to get back on the bike and ride on to the Red River; 1) to determine how I felt and 2) to check my bike out. The 9 miles down to the river were uneventful and the 11 back were with the wind. Everything seems to be functioning okay. The bike is fine, I just hurt really bad. I am more comfortable on the bike than in camp. moving around is very difficult. Lesson: Don't talk to pedestrians when your travelling 20 MPH.

I will post more from my journal soon along with some pictures.

On the Eve of the Oklahoma Freewheel

Dad and I took a 51 mile ride yesterday in final preparation for the OKFree. I felt great and could have easily gone another 25. I think I am ready.

Tomorrow we will drive down to Hugo and from there I am going to ride to and from the Texas line. I will keep you posted on our progress when I can get into a library.

Oklahoma Freewheel 2010!

Less than two Weeks to go

Oklahoma Freewheel starts June 13th. I will start this year's ride weighing at least 30 lbs less than last year. Strap a sack of potatoes to your back and ride 420 miles. That's equivalent to what I did last year. I learned my lesson.

We are all looking forward to getting started this year. Stay tuned as Dad, Dan and I will post along the way as time permits.

2010 Team Capshaw - Brought to You by Live-Life-Fit.com

Look for our new team kit this year!

Hal's Summary

Last July before I broke my humorous in two places I had the OKFree in mind. Dad had told me about the great times he had in 1998. After my fall, I did not think I would ever be able to accomplish this goal. In December I decided that I would at least try. I mentioned it to Dad and then Dan. I think Dan actually drove Dad and I to complete the task by recording his training activity. We had to live up to the expectation. Dan, thank you. I could not have made it without your help.

It was a long ride. There were times when I wanted to quit. There were times when I thought I was way out of my place. But, there were more good times than bad. I think my most memorable moment was during one stretch on Day 4 where I was all alone on the road. All I could hear was the wind, birds, my tires and my breathing. It was at this particular moment that I was able to see the beauty that God has placed on our earth, the strength and good health he as bestowed on me and the privilege to live in the most beautiful and blessed country on earth. I grew closer to my family and much closer to God on this trip.

I will do the Oklahoma Freewheel again. I can't wait for my kids to get a little older so they too can experience the event. Thank you again Lynn for letting me do this. This was on my bucket list...now it's off. Thank you Dan and Lori for coming so far and making this a truly memorable week. And thank you Dad for overcoming many things to join us. I thank God that we all arrived in Kansas safely.

If you're interested in 2010 OKFree we are looking for riders now!