<b>By Libby Cluett</b><br><a href="mailto:lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com">lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com</a>
In its inaugural voyage this weekend, over 35 cyclists navigated over 245 miles by three forts and through six counties and numerous towns and communities.
Two non-profit groups merged their efforts to plan the three-day trek – the Wichita Falls Streams and Valleys, an organization affiliated with Wichita Falls’ Hotter ‘n Hell 100, and the Texas Forts Trail out of Abilene.
Margaret Hoogstra of the TFT called the bike trip the “idea of Roby Christie, the father of the Hotter ‘n Hell.” She added that for a while, Christie “has been mulling over a multi-day ride, which would be family friendly and leisurely.”
“We’ve been planning this for over a year,” she said of the three-year mutual commitment. “We’ve worked with volunteers in six different counties, contacted county judges and sheriff’s offices.”
The cyclists started Saturday at Fort Richardson in Jacksboro and spent day one riding down through Palo Pinto County to Graford and up by Possum Kingdom Lake on their way to Graham. They visited nearby Fort Belknap and ended the day in Throckmorton.
“Throckmorton rolled out the red carpet for us,” said Dallas cyclist Tim Trout. He said it seemed like “they made a holiday for us.”
Local cyclist Iris Stagner agreed. “Throckmorton was amazing; they went above and beyond,” she said. “They cooked us breakfast and biscuits over a Dutch oven, dinner from a chuck wagon and had campfires.”
Several other cyclists added that Throckmorton residents had all types of activities. These included a 42 tournament, a liar’s contest, a horseshoe tournament and a kid’s bike festival. They also noted that the town cheered them in and cheered them off on Sunday.
On day two, Sunday, cyclists rode to Fort Griffin, north of Albany, rode through Albany and meandered to Breckenridge.
Local cyclist Neal Reddick said Breckenridge had its museums open for the cyclists, which included good, local art and an impressive display of dresses.
“None of us could believe the museums in Breckenridge,” he said.
Monday, the final day, started in Breckenridge and brought them boldly back through Palo Pinto County, stopping in Mineral Wells for lunch before their final leg uphill to Jacksboro.
The front pack rolled into Mineral Wells’ West City Park shortly after 11 a.m. for Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club grilled burgers.
This fastest group, averaging 18 to 19 miles per hour, included the youngest rider 19-year-old Mark from Dalls, and one of the oldest, Terry Spradley, 74, who owns a bike shop in his hometown of Lawton, Okla.
“Terry’s been in the front pack the whole time,” said Stagner, the only female in this group.
The lead pack didn’t waste any time eating and getting back on their bikes, to avoid cooling down too much. Throughout the ride, cyclists kept the many support staff on their toes.
“They are all experienced,” said Hoogstra of the riders. “They would complete the itinerary each day faster than we thought they would.”
In addition to Oklahoma, the Metroplex and Mineral Wells, Hoogstra said cyclists came from the Texas Hill Country area, Abilene, Wichita Falls, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. They were all initiated to the beauty of the route and communities along the way.
“[Riders] were very complimentary of communities and support,” she noted.
Many riders taking their breaks commented on being pleasantly surprised by both features.
“The local people in all the small town have been great. It’s pretty around here, too,” said Steve McMahan of Dallas. “I’ll definitely do it again next year and I’ll bring others with me.”
Not even cold and drizzle could seemingly dampen these riders enthusiasm.
“The Texas hospitality more than offset the weather,” noted McMahan. “When you think of Texas hospitality, this is it.”
