Black Towns of Oklahoma Bike Tour

 The Second Annual Black Towns of Oklahoma Bike Tour! At one time there were 50 Black Towns in Oklahoma before statehood. Currently, 13 Black Towns remain. The goal of this tour is to educate our community about the incredible history of our state, some of it good, some bad, but it is our history. We also hope to raise some funds to support the Black Towns that are part of the course (Tullahassee, Redbird, and Taft).  The South route visits Summit, and Rentieville.  Rentieville is the home of the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame.  Across the street from the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame is the Honey Springs Battle, Museum.  The historic battle for the Texas Road was fought in July 1863. Where the first Black Kansas Regiment held off the Confederates outnumbered 2-1.  This is a must-see site. There will be a hospitality tent where you can relax, and enjoy the food from local vendors. 

Important info:

GPS bike computers are encouraged

The tour will start and end in Muskogee, OK and we will have signage marking the courses.The 25-mile and 40-mile routes are out and shuttle back to the start. The 25-mile route travels to Tullahassee and Red Bird.  You will be picked up at Red Bird and returned to the Start / Finish.  The 45-mile route travels to Tullahassee, Red Bird, and Taft. You will be picked up in Taft and returned to the Start / Finish.The 60-mile route travels to Tullahassee, Red Bird, and Taft with the cyclist riding back to the  Start / Finish.The  25-mile South route travels to Summit and Rentieville.  You will take the Shuttle back to the Start / Finish. The 50-mile South route is the same as the 25-mile South. The riders will return to the Start/Finish on the reverse route you rode in on.

Schedule:

Friday, Sep 1910-5 PM - Packet pick-up at the Three Rivers Museum 420 S 3rd Street. 

Visit Muskogee is hosting a meet-and-greet at the Roxy Theater on Friday, September 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

             The Roxy Theater

              220 W Okmulgee Ave.

The mayors of the towns on the tour will be invited. The Cherokee Riders from Remember the Removal (The Trail of Tears bike ride) are also invited. This event will give us the opportunity to have an amazing discussion about this area's rich history.

Light snacks will be served, and a movie about the Black Towns in Oklahoma will be shown.

 

Update:

Saturday, Sep 20Parking 300 Elgin parking lot across from Oklahoma Music Hall of FameStart/Finish Line 200 Elgin Depot Green Park7:00-8:30 AM - Packet pickup and same-day registration at the Start/Finish Line 200 Elgin Depot Green Park8:45 AM - Line up by mileage group9 AM - Ride start9:15 AM South Route to Summit and Rentieville5K Slow Roll  Starts 9:30

Course maps:

         5K Slow Roll Family/Kids: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45680600

          25-mile route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43369837

          40-mile route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43369794

          60-mile route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/4451869

          25-mile South route Summit/ Rentieville https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47360097

          50-mile South route Summit/ Rentieville https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48341132

 

 

Explore Muskogee and nearby:

Check out the Open Streets Fall Arts Festival at Depot GreenVisit the Three Rivers MuseumPeruse the Oklahoma Music Hall of FameWalk around the Honey Spring Civil War Battle (in Rentiesville, Oklahoma)Did you know? At Honey Spring, the Buffalo Soldiers were outnumbered 3 to 1 and held off the Confederate attack in July of 1863. In Rentiesville, Oklahoma. Come discover some of the unknown history that surrounds us.