Tag: Cycle 66

Believe it or not, there was a time when highways didn’t exist and people had to use a maze of roads to get to their destination. Then, on November 11, 1926, U.S. Route 66 opened, allowing people to drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.

Route 66 was used until the middle of the 20th century, when it was replaced by the Interstate Highway System, then removed from the United States Highway System altogether in 1985. But Route 66 played a major role in American history as people migrated from west to east and from east to west during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Often referred to as the “Mother Road,” today Route 66 is a National Scenic Byway. And now you can ride the historic highway, thanks to the support of advocates, during an event called Cycle 66.

History and About the Cycle 66 Event

The first Cycle 66 event launched in 2021 when advocates, for the part of Route 66 that runs through Oklahoma, got together to design what they call a “world-class cycling event.” The advocates wanted to give participants the chance to experience a mix of urban and rural scenery.

Or, as the advocates state, the goal of “Cycle 66 connects participants with the heritage of Route 66 through scenic routes, historic towns, and stories that represent the heart of Oklahoma.” The event has only grown over the proceeding years.

Cycle 66 is a charity ride that is both an event ride (Ride 66) open to everyone and a race (Race 66). Monies raised support the preservation of the highway and local charities.

Ride 66 Event

Ride 66 is an event ride that is open to everyone who wants to have a nice day out to celebrate the historic highway. There are several route options to choose from that appeal to not only the dedicated athlete but casual riders as well. There’s even a ride geared toward kids.

Those options are as follows:

• 100 Miles for 100 Years of Route 66
• 75 Miles of Route 66
• 53 Miles of Route 66
• 38 Miles of Route 66
• 20 miles of Route 66
• One Mile Kids Fun Ride

Registration for all the rides is, you guessed it, $66.00, except the kids’ ride, which is free. All rides leave from Edmond, Oklahoma. The event website doesn’t mention any extras included with your registration.

Race 66 Event

The Race 66 Event is a criterium loop around Edmonds, Oklahoma. Or, as the organizers for the event state, “Racers navigate a closed-loop course built for speed, strategy, and precision, creating one of the most thrilling cycling events in Oklahoma.” The race is for men, women, and Juniors (ages 6 to 14). Again, fees to participate in this ride are $66.00, except for the Junior’s ride, which is $15.00.

The men have four categories they can choose from to participate. They are Men’s Master 40+, Men’s Category 4/5, Men’s Category 1/2, and Men’s Category 3. Prize money is awarded to the winner in each category, as well as second and third place in each category.

The women have two categories they can enter. They are Women’s Category 4/5 and Women’s Category 1,2,3. Just as with the men’s race, cash prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place finishers in each category.

Last Thoughts

Cycle 66 takes place on October 4, 2026. This event looks to be well supported and fairly affordable. So, if you’re seeking a unique cycling event that is both an event ride and a race, Cycle 66 seems to fulfill both those desires. And since it isn’t until October, you have a lot of time to prepare for it.

And while everywhere else in the country will be immersed in cooler autumn weather, why not head out west on the old and historic Route 66 and participate in an early fall cycling event? How often do you get to ride an historic highway for a good cause, the preservation of the highway (and local charities) in Edmond, Oklahoma, that so many Americans used for years to make a positive change in their lives?