Cycle 66 cycling tour and festival set for Sunday, Nov. 5

Three charities selected to benefit from registration fees

Cycle 66 riders passing Pops in Arcadia - photo by Richard Stephens, Jr.

EDMOND – Leaders of the 3rd annual Cycle 66 Presented by Mercy announced today they will donate 100 percent of registration dollars to three charitable beneficiaries: Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Bike Club, and Velo Cycling Club. All three non-profit organizations play an important role in Cycle 66.

Rooted in history and tradition, Cycle 66 has supported the Oklahoma Route 66 Association since its inaugural event in 2021.

“Cycle 66’s $5,000 donation last year helped fund Route 66 Roadside Attractions signs to guide visitors to historic sites,” said Rhys Martin, president of Oklahoma Route 66 Association.

Bike Club volunteers lead the 1-mile kids ride and Velo Cycling Club volunteers lead the criterium, or crit race, in downtown Edmond on a closed course.

The cycling tour will depart beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5. Bike riders from across the nation can enjoy an urban and rural bicycling tour and festival along historic Route 66, beginning and ending in downtown Edmond near Frenzy Brewing Co. Riders can register online for $45 at www.cycle66ok.com. Youth 12 and under can participate in the 10-mile route for $10. The 1-mile kids’ route is free, but registration is required.

In 2022, Cycle 66 featured four different routes and a crit race and enjoyed 823 registrations from across eleven different states, up from 550 riders in 2021.

“We expect hundreds of visitors and up to 1,000 riders this year. Cycle 66 is for everyone – supporters can dine and shop at local downtown Edmond businesses while cheering on racers during the fast-paced Crit @ Cycle 66 and applauding the long-distance tour finishers,” said Jennifer Thornton, Edmond Tourism Director and Cycle 66 board chair.

In addition to the Crit and the 10-, 33- and 66-mile distance routes, Cycle 66 has a 1-mile Kids’ Ride for ages 12 and under on bikes, trikes and striders.

“The kids’ ride helps fulfill our mission to promote healthy, active lifestyles in our community,” said Jason Duncan, Cycle 66 ride director. “We know that cycling has all kinds of benefits for kids’ health, from cardiovascular fitness to emotional wellness and stress relief. What better way to build our future?”

Visit www.cycle66ok.com for more information. You can also download this Cycle 66 Info Sheet.