editor’s picks
Top Biking Trails & Events for Families PHOTO OF WHEELER CRITERIUM BY ANDY CHASTEEN
Father's Day is just around the corner. As dads look for special activities they can do with their kids, biking comes to mind as a classic pastime. Whether you're already an avid rider or you don't even have a bike, we've rounded up some great trails and events to spark your interest in cycling and hopefully start up a hobby dads and their kids can do together for years to come. Schlegel Bicycles Pick #1
Full Moon Bike Ride & Run
Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave. www.myriadgardens.org Why We Love It: This monthly event embraces riders of all ages and skill levels with a fun and leisurely one-hour bike ride through downtown at sunset led by Ultramax Sports Oklahoma. Celebrate the full moon all summer long with a ride along a route specially planned by the biking experts at Schlegel Bicycles. Upcoming rides are scheduled for June 20, July 19 and Aug. 18. A donation of $5 is requested of riders. Those who make a $5 donation for the ride will be entered in a drawing for a prize from Schlegel Bicycles. If you don't have a bike, Spokies are available to rent downtown.
Oklahoma City Boathouse District 725 S. Lincoln Blvd. www.boathousedistrict.org Why We Love It: The Oklahoma River has become one of the most scenic areas of the city over the past few years. With more than 13 miles of paved trails for cycling, the beautiful views can be enjoyed from your bicycle seat. Even if you don't have a bike of
your own, the Boathouse District can provide a daily bike rental for $19, helmet included. If you'd like to explore the area with a group of biking enthusiasts, check out RIVERSPORT Ride, a weekly novice ride that departs from the Chesapeake Boathouse at about 8:45 a.m. every Saturday. Helmets are required for this all-inclusive ride.
Lake Overholser Parking lot for Lake Overholser East Trail is located on the east side of the lake just south of the Lake Overholser Dam www.okc.gov/trails Why We Love It: This 2.5-mile trail follows the east side of the lake for a leisurely ride that connects to Lake Hefner's trail system. Lake Overholser riders can stop to enjoy Overholser Park and Route 66 park, making it an ideal trip for families. Other attractions along the lake include kayaking, fishing, tennis and picnic tables to stop for a snack. If you're up for a longer and more challenging ride, the Hefner-Overholser Trail is a 5.3-mile path that takes riders all the way to Hefner Lake's Bert Cooper Trails. If you don't have your own bike, The RIVERSPORT Adventure Park at Lake Overholser rents bikes daily for $19 including helmet.
METROFAMILY MAGAZINE
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JUNE 2016
Hefner Lake Parking areas are abundant around the lake to start your ride www.okc.gov/trails Why We Love It: No matter where you start your journey along Lake Hefner's Bert Cooper Trails, you're in for a fun ride full of sweeping lake views. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions scattered along this 9.8-mile trail that circles the lake, including Stars & Stripes Park, Lions' Children's Park, fishing docks, picnic areas and several restaurants along the east side of the lake.
Wheeler Criterium Downtown OKC Airpark, 1701 S. Western Ave. www.wheelercriterium.com Why We Love It: This weekly event is a great way to experience cycling in a brand new way and get your kids motivated to take an interest in biking. Hosted every Tuesday night through Aug. 30, Wheeler Criterium features an exciting race of Oklahoma's top cyclists and the public is invited to watch. Food trucks are on-site weekly so plan to enjoy dinner while you're there. Fowler Toyota sponsors a special Kids Club where yard games, hula hoops and chalkboards are set up for young fans to stay entertained.