[tbc] GRRnews: OCTOK2007

[HTT98 at aol.com]

GRRnews: OCTOK2007 
Finally I have over came health issues and have been able to go scouting 
roads and campsites for our four day, three night OCTOK2007 
self-contained/bicycling/camping ride. We will begin this year in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. From Tulsa, 
Sallisaw is only 90 miles … south down the Muskogee Turnpike and then east on 
Interstate 40. It is an easy one and one-half hour drive from my place. We will 
leave our vehicles at very nice KOA Park, which is about three-fourths of a 
mile south on Highway 59 at the exit 308 from Interstate 40. Watch carefully as 
the KOA sign is on the east side, yet the street to turn on is on the west 
side. Those of us who wish to go down on Wednesday, October 17 are most welcome 
to camp there that night. This is a pleasant clean, grassy green park and is 
well managed by a helpful lady named Sandy. 
During the next three nights we will camp twice on Kerr Lake at Corps of 
Engineers parks, both of which have reasonable clean restrooms, hot showers, and 
lots of grass. I have talked with the Kerr Lake ranger and like so many others 
he, Chad, is being helpful to our little group. 
On the middle of these three nights the archeologist at Spiro Mounds, a 
knowledgeable gentleman my the name of Dennis, has agreed to allow us to set up 
camp next to a berm and the two picnic tables out in front of the Museum. And the 
Mounds are within easy walking distance. Might be good night for meditation … 
or ghost stories? I also think you will like and be impressed my Dennis. In 
the few minutes of conversation he and I had, I decided that I could listen to 
him tell stories about the Spiro Native American people for hours. 
For a group meal, on one of the evenings while we are out, I am planning to 
prepare several quarts of my ‘Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup’. And Jack has agreed 
to fix his celery, nuts, and cranberry salad. We will probably do this on 
Friday evening at Spiro Mounds. Others of you may want to supply crackers or 
drinks or desert. 
Mileage the first day is a bit less than 20. The next three days will be 
around 25 or so. I did not find a dirt road for this year; however, I did find 
Wild Horse Mountain Road … and way out in the boonies the several miles of this 
road does have about one block of loose gravel. But this road is worthwhile, 
for it keeps us from pedaling up and over Wild Horse Mountain! 
We will start pedaling on Thursday, October 18 and return to our vehicles on 
Sunday, October 21. Similarly to the past few years, Jack is still planning to 
be driving and acting as our emergency lifeline. There will probably be 
others whose current or past health issues are preventing them from pedaling this 
year. These former OCTOK riders remain most welcome to camp and be with us. The 
main plan is for all to have fun. 

BY CONSENSUS: SOME OCTOK PARTICULARS
an October ride on Oklahoma roads … 
… We did go into Texas for one night a couple of years ago and several years 
ago we pedaled down the Arkansas side of the state line. We may go into Kansas 
sometime in the future. 
a self-contained ride … 
… Participants are expected to pedal his or her complete load on their bike. 
Exceptions may be made for former GRRiders with medical issues. Exceptions may 
also be for firewood, etc. 
includes some non-TBC members … 
… One lady from Kansas often joins us. Most who are already planning to go on 
OCTOK this year are TBC members. Newcomers are welcome. 
no fees … 
… We do however share common campground costs (and sometimes the expense of a 
group meal). 
no sag … 
… The experience of being self-contained is an essential part of our shared 
adventure; but we do stop to help our fellow riders whenever needed. 
emergency vehicle … 
… In an emergency (accident, sever weather, etc.) we may solicit help from 
any source. 
no hotels … 
… However, we have been known make a group decision to hole up in a motel or 
cabin when the weather was really bad. 
fun is required … 
… The camaraderie of friends (old and new) riding and camping together is a 
good thing. 
will start … 
… We plan to start pedaling from Sallisaw on Thursday, October 18, 2007, by 
about ten o’clock and should be back to our cars by mid-afternoon on Sunday, 
October 21. You are welcome to call or email for more details Howard Thornhill 
at 918-665-3862 or _htt98 at aol.com_ (mailto:htt98 at aol.com)  

Hope many of you will choose to RSVP and come ride with us!  
We will even try to supply help (bend some particulars) for newcomers. 

\
Every time I see an adult on a bicycle,
I no longer despair for the future of the human race.
- H. G. Wells, writer (1866-1946)
HTT



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