The ride is comprised of University of Texas students, and has helped to raise more than $2 million since its establishment in 2004. Oklahoma is one of only eight overnight stops during the ride of more than 4,500 miles, which will take its participants all the way to Alaska, and it’s the last one until they reach Colorado.
After a year of training, Texas 4000 participants tackle one of two routes, with the Rocky route being the one that stops in Oklahoma City. Twenty-three riders are on that route, and will enter Oklahoma City by way of N.E. 23rd Street and make their stop at their host, Oklahoma Christian University, by Friday evening.
A number of activities will take place during their stay, including a bicycle rodeo and safety conference for kids, at 4 p.m. Saturday on the campus’ Lawson Commons.
Although the ride comes through Oklahoma each year, this marks the first time Oklahoma City has hosted a stop. Craig Wallace, event coordinator, hopes to see it become an annual thing, with more local participation.
“Once people find out about it, they want to become involved,” Wallace said.
Although the Texas 4000 focuses on fighting cancer, he believes there is potential for more with such an event.
“We hope that we can bring more awareness to bicycle safety, as well as cancer awareness and research,” Wallace said.
For more information, visit texas4000.org. —Ryan Querbach
