The second annual Cycle 66 event on Sunday in Edmond, Oklahoma, saw a sizable jump in participation.
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who leads the state’s tourism department, told News on 6 that the number of cyclists rose from 500 during Cycle 66’s inaugural event to more than 800 this year.
Cycle 66 offered three planned routes: a 66-mile course, a 33-mile ride or a 10-miler. Each started and ended in downtown Edmond. The 66-miler went on Route 66 through east Edmond, Arcadia and part of Luther.
Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis said in addition to hundreds of Oklahoma bicycle enthusiasts, he met participants from Kansas, Texas and Arkansas.
“This is great for the health of the community to get more people living active lifestyles but also to get to know route 66,” Pinnell said.
Both Pinnell and Davis said they’re hoping Cycle 66 continues to grow both locally and nationally in the coming years.
“Last year we had 500 riders, this year we have 800, so I think it’s the next big race in the state, but I think it’s the next big race regionally,” Pinnell said.
“This is only year two, so no telling where Edmond Cycle 66 will be in ten years.”
Here is the station’s video report:
Here are a few images from the event:
Had a blast at the second annual Cycle 66 race in Edmond. Get ready, this race is growing into a regional can’t miss event! @cycle66ok pic.twitter.com/IDDxJWYcOe
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) November 6, 2022
66 mile group is off at @cycle66ok! Make your way to downtown Edmond for the crit starting at 11am. #TravelOK @VisitEdmond pic.twitter.com/SzkmOOeUCz
— Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (@LtGovPinnell) November 6, 2022
(Image of the Cycle 66 start in Edmond, Oklahoma, by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell via Twitter)