Get Your Kicks at Edmond’s Cycle 66

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

Around 800 cyclists will embark this month on Oklahoma’s portion of Route 66, otherwise known as “the most rideable stretch of Mother Road”. This ride and its route represent a major milestone for Oklahoma tourism – cyclotourism to be exact.

A Ride on the Rise

November 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of Route 66, but Oklahoma cyclists and citizens need not wait to celebrate. Recently named an official United States Bike Route, riders can now enjoy a safe, smooth and scenic ride on Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66.

Bonnie Winslow and Kevin Musset, past presidents of Bike Oklahoma, were instrumental in the 10-year process designating the stretch as a U.S. Bike Route. Both emphasize its importance to our state. “Cyclotourism is an economic driver on the rise,” Bonnie said. “The official bike route designation will bring more cyclists to the area and Edmond’s Cycle 66 is a big draw.”

Setting a New Course

Cycle 66 will hold its second annual ride on November 6th. There are courses for riders of all experience levels with a 66, 33, and 10-mile ride. The ride expects 800 cyclists, a significant jump from the 500 cyclists who participated last year.

Race director, Jason Duncan explained changes to this year’s route. “We want to provide a different experience,” he said. “This revised 66-mile route puts the hilliest part of the course at the beginning instead of the end and also allows cyclists to ride on the Route 66 tarmac.”

Though Cycle 66 is not a timed race, many cyclists made impressive time. The fastest riders averaged around 20 miles per hour, the average speed hovers around 14 to 15 miles per hour.

Criterium Comes to Edmond

New additions to this year’s race include a free kid’s one-mile ride and a Criterium race. The Criterium or “Crit” race is a short circuit route judged by time rather than distance. Cyclists will fly through the streets of downtown at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Spectators can expect to see the fastest riders in the area participate in the Criterium, with some participants traveling across the country to attend. “I have been cycling since I was a child,” said Austin Crose. “My dad and brother are traveling from Minneapolis to ride in this race. We all jumped at the opportunity to participate together.”

All Invited to Celebration 66

The best place to catch the action of Cycle 66 is at Celebration 66, held near the start and finish line in Downtown Edmond. Celebration 66 will welcome cyclists to the ride and cheer them in as they approach the finish line. There will be food, drinks, music and kid’s activities. Celebration 66 is free and the public is welcome.

Registration for Cycle 66 will remain open until the rides begin. Broadway will be closed downtown; three lanes will be dedicated to the Crit race and one will be used for Cycle 66.

Routes and registration information can be found on cycle66ok.com.