Cycling Route 66 sounds like a chance to visit an earlier era. Explore the small towns along the way; enjoy great food; visit the many historical sites.

Route 66, in fact, has become an icon. It plays a major role in Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. It even comes into the entertainment scene.

Thinking of the Steinbeck novel, of course, makes me think of Oklahoma. There’s that famous song; but there are cycling trails, too, for roadies and MTB enthusiasts alike.

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is for you if steep hills with hairpin turns are up your alley. For a multi-purpose trail suited to all levels of ability, try out the Lake Hefner Trail. This one is heavily trafficked; so use caution. Enjoy seeing wildflowers along the way. If you happen to be an angler, perhaps you’d like to bring along the fishing pole.

For urban exploration, there’s the Museum commemorating the tragic 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City. Tulsa offers many cycling routes. The name Tall Chief Cove catches my eye thanks to my interest in ballet; and the ballerina Maria Tallchief.

If I were to go on a bicycle tour in the Sooner State, I’d rather go across open country. I love to see wide-open spaces. I’d better choose my tour time carefully; Oklahoma is part of the notorious Tornado Alley.

I would also need to pay attention to the precise route.  Oklahoma is said to be the windiest state of all. Some parts of the state are mountainous! And, unfortunately, passing through the flat portions might mean plenty of oil wells. PHEW!

But, I might spot a scissor-tailed flycatcher, and there would be other birds as well. Or bison. Or, maybe I could just, well, be a tourist and stick to Route 66.